As Stockport’s business community prepares for recovery post-coronavirus, a group of business leaders from the town have collaborated with Stockport Council to launch a new website – www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk to support businesses through the phases of recovery.
Latest UK data to Thursday 4th June:
Total tests: 5,005,565 UK tests have been carried out (+ 220,057)
Positive tests: 281,661 have tested positive – (+ 1,805 on previous day)
In hospital: 7,312 are currently in hospital – (-15% from 8,558 last week)
Loss of life: 39,904 across all settings, (+ 176 on previous day)
Cases in Stockport: 1,055 (no new cases in last 24 hours )
Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk level in the UK.
Government daily briefing by Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps:
Speaking at the Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Grant Shapps confirmed the government is asking operators to introduce face coverings as a requirement for travel from 15 June 2020.
Volunteer journey makers will be on hand to remind people to wear masks in England. Devolved nations would provide their own guidance on the wearing of masks. To ease travel on public transport, the Government is boosting alternative ways to travel including: £50 Fix Your Bike voucher, employee tax-free bike scheme. There has been a 100% increase in weekday cycling and 200% increase at weekends.
Transcript of daily briefing by Grant Shapps 4th June
Answers to the most common topics asked about by the public for the coronavirus press conference
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
UK HEADLINES:
Face coverings mandatory on public transport from 15th June
The government will work with operators to make it mandatory for passengers to wear face coverings when using public transport in England, the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced today (4 June 2020). Wherever possible people should continue to avoid public transport and walk, cycle or drive, but for some people this may not be an option. Transport usage has been slowly increasing, including on the tube which has seen around a 20% rise this week compared to last week. When necessary to use public transport people may be more likely to be in enclosed spaces for longer periods of time where we know there is a greater risk of the spread of the virus and social distancing is likely to be difficult to follow consistently. This differs from enclosed spaces like shops, for example, where people can more easily go outside if social distancing is not possible and where shop owners can place limits on the number of customers allowed inside at any one time. The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has set out that using face coverings in this setting can provide some small additional protection to fellow passengers and can help people to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus if they are suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms.
Prime Minister: Global Vaccine Summit closing remarks: 4 June 2020
“Together, we have replenished this alliance, securing a fantastic $8.8bn for Gavi’s vital work over the next five years. I want to say a particular thank you to Bill and Melinda Gates for their generosity, their philanthropy, yet again, and their continued leadership in humanity’s battle against disease. Today, thanks to the ingenuity of Edward Jenner, a British doctor from Gloucestershire who pioneered the world’s first vaccine, the simple act of inoculating our children can save lives many times over. People who are vaccinated protect themselves and the rest of the population by lowering the spread and risk of infection. Gavi’s work on routine immunisation is the strongest shield against outbreaks of infectious diseases, and so it is that our collective efforts at this Summit will now save up to 8 million lives.”
Trade Credit Insurance backed by £10 billion guarantee
Trade Credit Insurance, which provides essential cover to hundreds of thousands of business-to-business transactions, will receive up to £10billion of government guarantees, ministers announced today. The Trade Credit Reinsurance scheme, which has been agreed following extensive discussions with the insurance sector, will see the vast majority of Trade Credit Insurance coverage maintained across the UK. The guarantees will support supply chains and help businesses during the coronavirus pandemic to trade with confidence, safe in the knowledge that they will be protected if a customer defaults or delays on payment.
BBC: NHS contact-tracing app in place by end of month, says minister
A new NHS coronavirus contact-tracing app should be in place by the end of the month, a minister has said. Business minister Nadhim Zahawi said the app – which was trialled in the Isle of Wight – will “be running as soon as we think it is robust”. Last week new test and trace systems were launched in England and Scotland – but without the app due to delays. The Guardian reported an NHS boss said the wider scheme would be imperfect at first but “world-class” by the autumn. The paper said the chief operating officer of the test and trace scheme said the scheme should be fully working by September or October.
Urgent plan and key decisions needed as doctors fear backlog of non-Covid patients
The British Medical Association (BMA) has called on the Government to ‘urgently’ outline a credible plan for addressing the huge backlog of patients awaiting NHS treatment due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This comes as the latest tracker survey from the BMA found that more than half (52%) of doctors surveyed said they were either not very confident or not confident at all in their own department being able to manage patient demand as NHS services are resumed.
Analysis of death registrations not associated with coronavirus (COVID-19), England and Wales: January 2020 to May 2020
This release presents findings from examining death registrations which do not mention coronavirus (COVID-19), to understand the apparent increase in deaths compared to the previous five-year average for deaths in the same weeks. It suggests hypotheses for why a greater number of deaths not related to COVID-19 are observed, and explains how analysis of the death registration data supports or contradicts them.
UK aid-backed drone technology supports Ghana’s coronavirus fight
A partnership between UK aid and Gavi: the Vaccine Alliance, is supporting the Government of Ghana to use Zipline drones to collect coronavirus test samples.
India joins UK’s global vaccine mission
The UK organised the Global Vaccine Summit 2020 on 4 June, helping secure US$7.4 billion (approximately £6 billion) in funding to support global vaccine supply and immunisation.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Over 5,000 Stockport businesses benefited from grant fund scheme
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Main Grant Scheme:
Stockport Council have administered a further 15 grants bringing the total amount paid to £57,755,000 across 5,018 qualifying businesses and bringing the total now to 91.6% of those identified as eligible as at 11/03/2020.
If your business qualifies for a grant, please complete the online application form. Total grant allocation is £66.574m. If you have any queries please email business.rates@stockport.gov.uk
Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund
Phase 1 of the scheme is now closed.
Process of payments begins today, 5th June
Phase 1 Applications received to 3rd June: total 212
Bed & Breakfast: 2
Small Charity: 5
Market Trader: 10
Shared Building: 159
Other: 36
Stockport – is your business open for business?
Is your business in Stockport? Are you ‘open for business’?
Many businesses have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak and are currently unable to trade due to Government restrictions but Stockport is still open for business. Are you still providing legal / financial services? Perhaps you have an online business? Or you have a food store. Are you offering a delivery service? Or perhaps you have a restaurant and are now offering take-aways? Whatever your business, we want to support you. And it’s free!
Follow the link, fill in the form and we will add you to our directory:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/stockport-open-for-business/
AGRICULTURE & RURAL AFFAIRS:
Coming to the UK for seasonal agricultural work on English farms
Advice for seasonal agricultural workers coming to England to work on farms and their employers has been published. The rules on self-isolation for seasonal workers are different from those for other international travellers to the UK because of the importance of the work for food supply. If you’re coming to England to work on a farm, you and your employer must follow this guidance. Find out more here.
Rural Payments Agency have rural payments, grants and services available including: Countryside Stewardship, Environmental Stewardship and the Basic Payment Scheme with a closing date of 15 June. Details on how to submit applications, claims and supporting documents during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, can be found here.
English Dairy Farmers able to apply for up to £10,000
With some dairy farmers facing financial difficulties and excess milk due to the coronavirus outbreak, the new fund will provide up to £10,000 each to help those dairy farmers most in need of support to sustain their business. Recognising that dairy farmers have fixed costs of production which some may have struggled to meet during the coronavirus outbreak, from 18 June farmers in England who have experienced 25% price losses in April and May will be able to apply for a single payment from the fund.
COMMUNITY:
Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives. Updated to reflect the change in government policy from 1 June.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak updated to reflect the change in government policy from 1 June.
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 5 June 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 28 May to 31 May 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
CONSTRUCTION:
Willmott Dixon Group Chief Executive Rick Willmott has hailed the “phenomenal team effort” from staff and suppliers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The contractor only shut three sites during lockdown but is now braced for rising costs and project delays due to new working procedures. Willmott was speaking after the firm unveiled its latest results for 2019 showing pre-tax profit down to £31.3m from £37.5m last time on turnover of £1.246bn compared to £1.32bn in 2018. Pre-tax margins dipped slightly to 2.5% from 2.8% and the company ended the year with £93m cash in the bank.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Added ‘Higher education: reopening buildings and campuses’ to guidance and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) in educational settings for staff, parents and carers, pupils and students.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): initial teacher training (ITT)
Information for providers about managing initial teacher training courses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) updated to help initial teacher training (ITT) providers reduce the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on their ITT provision.
£7 million for vulnerable pupils leaving Alternative Provision
Teenagers in Alternative Provision at risk of falling out of education after their GCSEs will benefit from mentoring, pastoral support and careers guidance under plans to level up their opportunities after they leave school at 16. Children and Families Minister Vicky Ford has today announced a one-off funding package worth £7 million to boost the support offered to 11,300 Year 11 pupils making the transition from secondary school into post-16 education, work, or training, amid concerns that many may become unemployed after completing their GCSEs.
Drivers granted 7 month photocard licence extension
The extension applies to drivers with a photocard driving licence due to expire between 1 February and 31 August 2020.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Final date for the furlough scheme: Update
The final date by which an employer can furlough an employee for the first time will be 10 June 2020, in order for the current three-week furlough period to be completed by 30 June 2020. Employers will have until 31 July to make any claims in respect of the period to 30 June. Further details can be found here.
Get a payment deferral or deregister from money laundering supervision due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check if you can get a payment deferral or deregister if you are a business with an annual fee due between 1 May and 30 September 2020 – updated to explain that you do not need to contact HMRC if you choose to defer payment.
Revenue and Customs Brief 7 (2020): domestic reverse charge VAT for construction services – delay in implementation
This brief explains that the introduction of the domestic reverse charge for construction services will be delayed from 1 October 2020 until 1 March 2021 due to the impact of the coronavirus on the construction sector.
EMPLOYMENT:
National Careers Service Virtual Jobs Fair returns on June 8
Following the success of its first Virtual Jobs Fair in May, with over 1000 job, apprenticeship and volunteering opportunities advertised, the National Careers Service is holding a second fair from Monday 8 to Friday 12 June. Noteworthy additions to the second fair are the inclusion of more localised hashtags to help people to identify opportunities relevant to them and Wednesday’s live Facebook ‘Employment Workshop’ which will give people tips on writing CVs and preparing for interviews. ’Jobs Hour’ will run at 11am-12pm and 1pm-2pm
HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:
BBC: ONS survey – virus cases down to 5,600 a day
The number of people infected with coronavirus in homes in England has fallen to 5,600 a day, from 8,000 last week, statisticians suggest. The estimate is based on swab tests of 19,000 people in 9,000 households by the Office for National Statistics. Some scientists have said reaching a low level of cases was key to easing the lockdown further. Test and trace programmes were introduced in England and Scotland last week to track contacts of new cases.
COVID-19: number of outbreaks in care homes – management information
Weekly number and percentage of care homes reporting a suspected or confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 to PHE by local authorities, regions and PHE centres.
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems.
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Guidance on the management of staff, patients and residents who have been exposed to COVID-19 – added new section on NHS test and trace.
Help the government increase coronavirus (COVID-19) testing capacity
The government wants help from businesses to increase testing capacity in the UK as part of its strategy to protect the NHS and save lives.
Next steps for work on COVID-19 disparities announced
Following the release of the Public Health England review into disparities in the risks and outcomes of COVID-19, the Government’s Equality Hub is today (4th June 2020) setting out how this work will be taken forward.
MHRA regulatory flexibilities resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for industry on flexible approaches to regulation we are taking during the COVID-19 outbreak – added information on audits of Notified Bodies and manufacturers in the ‘Medical Devices’ section
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey pilot: England, 5 June 2020
This release provides initial data from the COVID-19 Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester and Public Health England.
MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
Added a link to new guidance on the regulatory status of software (including apps) used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with coronavirus (COVID-19), in the ‘Medical Devices’ section to information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
IT & TECHNOLOGY:
Regulatory status of software (including apps) used in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with coronavirus (COVID-19)
Advice for manufacturers, members of the public and professional users of software or apps being used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
JUDICIARY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and prisons
This page provides guidance for families and friends of those in prison in England and Wales during the coronavirus pandemic – updated information on secure video calling.
MANUFACTURING:
New package of innovative help for manufacturing needed to supercharge technological comeback
Make UK is calling on the Government to support the manufacturing sector’s recovery from COVID-19 by putting in place a scrappage scheme for old IT, plant and machinery equipment. It says that this would give firms an incentive to invest in automation and digitisation, boosting output and exports. It suggests that the Government should also run a scrappage scheme for cars, encouraging consumers to buy new, environmentally friendly vehicles.
PROPERTY:
Light at the end of the tunnel for short-term lets as bookings sky-rocket
New analysis from rental data firm AirDNA shows that activity is starting to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels, with bookings on Airbnb and Vrbo climbing by 127%. Worldwide, new bookings (for any date in the future) increased from 916,000 in the week beginning April 5 to 2.08 million in the week beginning May 18 2020. During March, it was reported by the UK Short Term Accommodation Association that 70% of short-term rental bookings in the UK were cancelled following the outbreak of coronavirus, rising to as high as 90% for some companies. AirDNA says that after hitting ‘rock bottom’ in early April, the sector is recovering globally as rentals in locations with beaches, ski resorts and mountains start to get booked up.
TRANSPORT:
Transport Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 4 June 2020
Face coverings will be required on public transport during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from 15th June
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): recreational general aviation
Guidance on recreational general aviation (GA) flying during the coronavirus outbreak.
Covid-19 Webinars:
5th June: How to keep your team motivated More info / book here
11th June: Employment – CV and interview tips More info / book here
18th June: Thriving through disruption More info / book here
Business Growth Hub:
Find out more details and how to book below or on the website.
Make your workplace COVID-secure:
You can find recordings of webinars covering other types of workplace settings here.
HMRC:
Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme:
Providing an overview of the scheme, this webinar looks at who can claim, when to start paying SSP, employees you can claim for, making a claim, keeping records, and more. Choose a date and time
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time
If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou
Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/
Join an HR virtual community HRD: A Virtual Experience.
Join 2,500+ senior HR Leaders from across the globe including The Clorox Company, Diageo, DHL, Siemens, Nestle, Vodafone, Tiffany & Co, ING and more.
Date and time: Thursday June 18th from 10am CET/9am BST
Summit theme: The Resilient Organisation
Sign up here – it’s completely free!
Useful links:
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
Stockport Council publishes details for Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund.
Stockport Council has confirmed its criteria in consideration of awarding the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund, announced as the grants Top-up fund by the Government on 1st May.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information.
www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help. You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees.