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 Sunday 7th June:
Total tests: 5,214,277 UK tests have been carried out (+ 208,712)
Positive tests: 283,311 have tested positive – (+ 1,650 on previous day)
In hospital: 7,080 are currently in hospital – (-15% from 8,285 last week)
Loss of life: 40,261 across all settings, (+ 357 on previous day)
Cases in Stockport: 1,057 (2 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 update from Friday – Sunday 7th June:
- ONS figures show 2-week fall in infections from 139,000 to 53,000
- SAGE confirmed R rate across the UK is between 0.7 and 0.9
- All hospital visitors and outpatients will need to wear face coverings from 15th June; all hospital staff will be required to wear Type 1 or 2 surgical masks, at all times in all areas
Health and Social Care Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 5 June 2020
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock gave the 5 June 2020 daily press briefing on the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 5 June 2020
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
As part of our ongoing schedule of business recovery seminars we are pleased to announce Dr John Ashcroft will be joining us on Thursday 11th June 2pm- 3pm.
John will be providing insight into the economic impact of Covid-19 and what a recovery may look like. John is a fantastic orator of economics and delivers in an engaging and informative way. Many of you will be familiar with his economic website https://www.thesaturdayeconomist.com/
The event is free and delivered on a Zoom webinar. To gain access please follow this link to confirm your place (places are limited). Once registered you will receive your personal Zoom link on Wednesday 10th June.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-uk-economy-and-coronavirus-with-economist-dr-john-ashcroft-tickets-107838174884
We will endeavour to have questions time towards the end of the session via the Zoom chat function but if you would like to send a question in advance please let us know and we will do our best to have it answered during the session if time allows.
UK HEADLINES:
UK Quarantine rules come into force today
Rules requiring the majority of people arriving in the UK to self-isolate for 14 days are effective as of today. Whether it’s by plane, ferry or train, arrivals – including UK nationals – will have to provide an address where they’ll stay and face fines if they don’t comply. The government says the quarantine is essential to prevent a second wave of coronavirus infections, but the measures are hugely unpopular across the beleaguered travel industry. Home Secretary Priti Patel says the quarantine is essential to prevent a second wave of virus infections, but the measures are hugely unpopular in some quarters, especially the beleaguered travel industry. The sector had been pinning its hopes on summer holiday season to provide some relief, and a number of airlines say they’re prepared to take legal action to force a rethink. There’s currently no end date for the new rules and the idea of so-called “air bridges” with certain other nations is only “under consideration”.
Dental practices can re-open from today under strict guidelines
Dental practices in England are allowed to reopen from today, but the British Dental Association says social distancing measures and a shortage of protective equipment will slow the resumption of services. It estimates that only about a third of the normal number of patients can be treated
Reopening High Streets Safely Fund guidance
Guidance to help local authorities and partners to deliver activities supported through the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) added for the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.
Ban on evictions extended for a further two months
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick has announced that the Government is suspending evictions from social and private rented accommodation by a further two months. Eviction hearings will not be heard in courts until the end of August.
Business Secretary launches working groups to help unleash Britain’s growth potential
Business Secretary Alok Sharma is creating 5 new business-focused groups to unleash Britain’s growth potential and create jobs, as part of the government’s plans to help the economy bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic. Focused on 5 key themes, each group will explore how business can work with government to deliver economic growth and jobs:
- The future of industry: How to accelerate business innovation and leverage private sector investment in research and development
- Green recovery: How to capture economic growth opportunities from the shift to net zero carbon emissions
- Backing new businesses: How to make the UK the best place in the world to start and scale a business
- Increasing opportunity: How to level up economic performance across the UK, including through skills and apprenticeships
- The UK open for business: How to win and retain more high value investment for the UK
This initiative builds on the close engagement between the UK’s business community, the Business Department and across Whitehall as we have responded to the pandemic.
This includes 5 new ministerial-led taskforces to develop further plans for how and when closed sectors can safely reopen, following the publication of the Prime Minister’s roadmap out of lockdown.
National Careers Service Virtual Jobs Fair starts today, 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.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Phase two of Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund extends qualifying criteria
Following the completion of the first round of applications seeking additional financial support from the Local Authority Discretionary (LAD) Grant Fund announced by the Government on May 1st, Stockport Council are inviting applications to a second phase of grant funding where the qualifying criteria has been extended to include those occupying a property, or part of a property, with a rateable value above £15,000 but no more than £20,000. In order for requests to be considered and to meet the qualifying criteria, applicants will need to provide evidence of fixed property costs, a substantial loss of income as a result of the impact of the coronavirus and that they are defined as either a Small or Micro Business. Full qualifying criteria can be found on Stockport Council’s website. Phase two applications open from today – 9am Monday 8th June until midnight on Wednesday 17th June. Stockport Council anticipate most grant applications to be under £10,000 except in exceptional circumstances; payments will be processed from Friday 19th June onwards. Enquiries about the scheme can be emailed to SKLADGRANTS@stockport.gov.uk
Andy Burnham puts pressure on Government to have regional representation on central decision making as north west ‘R’ number causes concern
In a joint statement, the mayors of Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region asked the government to “widen the membership” of Cobra. The call came after some scientists said coronavirus may be spreading in the North West. The area has the highest infection rate in England, Public Health England said. Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, told BBC Breakfast: “There is no representation for any mayor outside of London on Cobra – the mayor of London is on Cobra, rightly, and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but no other English region. “That can’t carry on. If we’re going to have decisions being taken that affect the regions, surely the voice of the English regions should be represented there.”
Stockport nominated in the Smart City category in the Digital Leaders awards.
Stockport’s approach in helping citizens and businesses navigate the digital opportunities of today and tomorrow has been recognised with a nomination in the Smart City Category of the Digital Leaders Awards. A radical investment in the town centre, connectivity and cultural heritage is helping shape the Borough as a place for people to Live, Work, Play and Connect. The Digital Leaders 100 Awards are back for an 8th year! These awards celebrate the individuals and organisations from the public, private and non-profit sectors who are demonstrating a pioneering and sustainable approach to digital transformation in the UK. The 2020 DL100 list is now open to the Public Vote.
Vote for Stockport HERE. Voting closes at 12 noon on Friday 28th August, with the winners announced on the 15th of October.
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Main Grant Scheme:
Stockport Council have administered a further 9 grants bringing the total amount paid to £57,845,000 across 5,027 qualifying businesses and bringing the total now to 91.8% 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: closed on Wednesday 3rd June
Applications received: 226 – these are currently being processedPhase 2: applications opened Monday 8th June – close Wednesday 17th June
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/
COMMUNITY:
Charities to benefit from support for rough sleepers during pandemic
Over 130 charities are set to benefit from £6m of government funding to allow them to continue their work supporting rough sleepers during the pandemic. Updated showing the successful grants
Places of worship to re-open for individual prayer
From Monday 15 June places of worship will be permitted to open for individual prayer in line with social distancing guidelines.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice on accessing green spaces safely
Advice on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others from coronavirus – clarified guidance for zoos and other businesses that keep animals (not normally domesticated in England) for exhibition to the public.
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 – updated flowcharts with information on self-isolation for cases identified as contacts via the test and trace system.
Over 100 frontline domestic abuse charities given government funding
Over 1,500 bed spaces will be provided to support survivors of domestic abuse at risk during the pandemic backed by £8.1 million government support.
NERVTAG: Face mask use in the community, 13 April 2020
Paper prepared by the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Does the use of face masks in the general population make a difference to spread of infection?
Rapid review prepared by UNCOVER on face masks for the general population.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – updated guidance for young people to reflect that those who are shielding can now leave their homes.
CONSTRUCTION:
Over a third of firms down to under 3 months cash reserves
Around 35% of construction firms are reporting less than three months’ cash reserves after the pandemic lockdown. The big squeeze on cash was revealed in the latest industry survey taken by number crunchers at the ONS. Around one in 20 of these firms (5.2%) reported they were walking a tightrope with less than one month’s cash. The Business Impact of Coronavirus Survey received responses from just over 1,700 construction firms, with around a fifth employing more than 250 staff. It was taken in the first two weeks of May.
EDUCATION:
SPI-M-O: Consensus view on the impact of mass school closures, 17 March 2020
Consensus statement from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Universities Minister sets out support for international students
International Education Champion appointed to support international students and the higher education sector during Covid-19
Funding: ITT coronavirus (COVID-19) course extensions 2019 to 2020
Guidance about funding extensions to initial teacher training (ITT) courses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): initial teacher training (ITT)
Information for providers about managing initial teacher training courses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) – update to confirm arrangements for trainees not recommended for qualified teacher status (QTS) in the 2019 to 2020 academic year.
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added a clarification on the requirement for providers to carry the appropriate insurance (for example, public liability insurance) to cover all premises from which they provide childcare or childminding.
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.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Information updated with how the scheme is changing added to which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: guidance for research organisations
Guidance for those involved in research, including research organisations in receipt of public funding through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).
Closing certain businesses and venues in England
This document provides guidance on the closure of certain businesses and venues as part of further social distancing measures – guidance updated to reflect current regulations.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for accommodation providers
Guidance and advice for those providing hotel and other accommodation in the UK.
HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:
Face masks and coverings to be worn by all NHS hospital staff and visitors
All staff in hospitals in England will be expected to wear surgical masks from 15 June. All visitors and outpatients will be expected to wear face coverings at all times.
PHE: Are asymptomatic people with 2019nCoV infectious?
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
PHE: If there is evidence of a cluster of COVID-19 cases in the UK, what will the PHE proposal be?
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Loss of smell and taste in combination with other symptoms is a strong predictor of COVID-19 infection
Paper prepared by Kings College London (KCL) on the loss of smell and taste with COVID-19.
Coronavirus and loneliness, Great Britain: 3 April 2020 to 3 May 2020
Analysis of loneliness in Great Britain during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey. We explore who is reporting feeling lonely, what their lived experience is and how they are coping. This release uses four waves of survey results covering 3 April 2020 to 3 May 2020.
COVID-19 tests offered to every care home for elderly or those with dementia
Test kits have been offered to every care home for over-65s or those with dementia in England, reaching the testing target for 6 June.
COVID-19: laboratory evaluations of serological assays
PHE has undertaken a number of rapid evaluations of commercial serological assays for their suitability for detecting the production of COVID-19 antibodies. Updated Evaluation of Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
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.
NHS volunteers extend support to frontline health and social care staff
Frontline health and care staff will be able to access support from the hundreds of thousands of NHS volunteer responders, Minister for Care Helen Whately announced today.
New UK deals will bring millions more PPE items to frontline healthcare staff
Millions more visors, aprons and gowns will be delivered to frontline health and social care workers treating coronavirus patients, manufactured in response to the UK government’s call to arms.
How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
The different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers – added Target Product Profiles for Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) Antibody tests to help determine if people have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2
SPI-M-O: Consensus view on the impact of mass school closures, 10 February 2020
Consensus statement from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested. – added information and link to book a courier collection for used testing kits in care homes. Replaced ‘guidance on Randox testing’ and ‘guidance on non-Randox testing’. Removed: ‘This testing is currently only available in England. At the moment, you can only get tests if your care home looks after older people or people with dementia.’
Case fatality in hospitalised patients after 23 March 2020, 11 May 2020
Report for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Use of blood plasma donations to treat COVID-19: recommendations from SaBTO
Recommendations from the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO) on the use of convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19.
MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
We are producing guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added link to the Medical Device Alert (MDA) on results from laboratory-based tests for COVID-19 antibodies using capillary blood sample collection kits may not be reliable.
SPI-M-O: Consensus view on the impact of possible interventions to delay the spread of a UK outbreak of 2019-nCov, 3 February 2020
Consensus statement from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
PHE: Key issues for contact tracing for consideration by NERVTAG, 23 April 2020
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
NERVTAG: Duration of infectiousness following symptoms onset in COVID-19, 13 April 2020
Paper prepared by the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
The R number in the UK
The reproduction number (R) is the average number of secondary infections produced by 1 infected person.
The R number range for the UK is 0.7-0.9 as of 5 June 2020.
OpenSAFELY: Factors associated with COVID-19 related hospital deaths in adult NHS patients, 28 April 2020
Cohort study looking at the factors associated with COVID-19 related hospital deaths.
COVID-19: PHE assessment of laboratory tests and assays
Information, resources and guidance relating to the evaluation of COVID-19 tests.
PPE portal: how to order emergency personal protective equipment
Healthcare providers can order additional personal protective equipment (PPE) through the portal to top up their existing supplies for COVID-19 in an emergency.
PHE: The effectiveness of interventions in Italy, 23 March 2020
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): scientific evidence supporting the UK government response
The national and global response to the spread of COVID-19 continues to develop quickly and our collective knowledge of the virus is growing by the second – updated the list of evidence provided to SAGE with 38 papers on health issues.
NERVTAG: Distance, time, handshakes, 12 March 2020
Paper prepared by the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Coronavirus in pregnancy and delivery: rapid review and expert consensus, 9 March 2020
Rapid review prepared for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
An analysis of SARS-CoV-2 viral load by patient age, 30 April 2020
Paper prepared by academics on an analysis of SARS-CoV-2 viral load by patient age.
PHE: When to stop contact tracing – developing triggers from PHE systems, 20 February 2020
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
PHE: SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV: What do we know about children?,
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE) and the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic. We will aim to update this every Friday at 5pm.
PROPERTY:
Business Desk: Commercial Property staging recovery as lockdown eases
Both office and industrial teams at Knight Frank in Manchester have reported a marked increase in online inquiries since the announcement of COVID-19 lock down rules easing. The regional spike tallies with analysis released by real estate search portal Rightmove which reported activity was six per cent higher in May this year than it was in May 2019. The industry sectors performing most strongly are industrial and logistics, land and development, retail and offices.
Housing market set for long-term recovery despite short-term dips
That’s the message from the latest house price index from the Halifax, which reveals a 0.2 per cent month-on-month decline in property values in May. “This is the third successive monthly fall, though more modest than in April, and reflects a continued loss of momentum following what was a strong start to the year” according to Russell Galley, managing director at Halifax. “Though it should still be noted that with a limited number of transactions available, calculating average house prices remains challenging and increased volatility is to be expected.”
Ban on evictions extended by 2 months to further protect renters
Renters across England and Wales will receive greater protection after the government extended the suspension of new evictions until 23 August.
RETAIL:
Administrators appointed to Victoria’s Secret UK division
Victoria’s Secret UK, which employs hundreds of staff, has entered administration. The company – which is part of the iconic lingerie and loungewear brand – owns and operates stores across the country, having 25 leasehold sites. Rob Harding and Dan Butters, restructuring partners at Deloitte, have been appointed as part of a ‘light touch’ administration. It is currently envisaged that for the business to exit the administration process, it will be necessary to either restructure the lease terms across the portfolio and/or achieve a sale of the company’s assets to a third party. Employing approximately 800 staff, a total of 785 were on furlough at the time of the appointment.
Insider Business Matters: The future of the high street
Simon Bedford, partner at Deloitte in the North West, says following the government’s announcement that non-essential retailers may be allowed to resume trading on the 15th June, it’s possible that we are merely a few weeks away from town centre reopening to the public again. However, it is clear that in the nearly three months of disruption, Greater Manchester’s retail sector has suffered a significant blow. Analysis from Deloitte, in partnership with Google, revealed that retail and recreation activity fell by 68 per cent in April, with time spent at home up by nearly a quarter as lockdown took full effect. While government continues to provide significant support to towns across Greater Manchester – over £600m has been earmarked for up to 50,000 eligible businesses from across the regions – it is crucial that we have a clear plan in place to come out of this lockdown period. If we do not, we may see a number of empty shops remain once city centres reopen.
Coronavirus: Latest retailer announcements:
Debenhams will reopen its first stores in NI on Monday, followed by 50 shops in England on 15 June.
Primark is working to re-open all of its 153 stores in England on 15 June following the recent announcement by the UK Government. They will implement a strict social distancing protocol, provide personal protection for employees and customers and increase in-store cleaning. More information can be found here.
M&S has reopened five of their Bank branches: Leeds, Gateshead Metro Centre, Handforth Dean, Cribbs Causeway and Culverhouse Cross. Each brand is open 09:30 – 14:30 Monday – Friday.
DFS has re-opened 88 more showrooms in England in the next stage of phased re-opening plan following a successful test and learn period in three stores. All reopened showrooms will be operating with extensive new processes and safety measures in place in line with Government and British Retail Consortium guidance.
Pret has announced it will open 204 more shops on 1 June for takeaway and delivery, including locations in Newcastle, Liverpool, Exeter, Bournemouth and Bath.
Morrisons has launched a £20 next-day delivery flowers service so customers can send their family and friends a bouquet direct to their door during the lockdown.
BRC: How to thrive in the new retail landscape
In the third session of our FREE interactive webinar series we will be exploring The Impact of COVID-19 on ‘This Sector’ with Neil Gibb, Consultant, Speaker, Mentor, Coach and Social Innovator. We caught up with Neil ahead of the webinar to get a preview of what he’ll be sharing:
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): requirements to provide public health information to passengers travelling to England
Information that transport operators must ensure is provided to passengers and how to provide it.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) essential international travel guidance
The guidance on travel during the COVID-19 pandemic has been updated as the new rules for entering the UK (providing contact details and self-isolating) come into force. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against all but essential travel.
Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic updated as the new rules for entering the UK (providing contact details and self-isolating) come into force
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travellers exempt from border rules in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland
This guidance explains who will be exempt from new border rules in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland introduced due to coronavirus. The rules will apply to travellers to the UK from 8 June 2020. Exemptions to border rules have been extended to Scotland. Some rules in Scotland are different to those England and Northern Ireland.
Booking special charter flights during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
This page has been updated as the new rules for entering the UK (providing contact details and self-isolating) come into force and explains who is eligible to register for special charter flights, and how the booking process works to return to the UK during the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus – updated information if you are outside the UK, getting your documents and for British nationals abroad who need to apply for a passport.
Home Office: Scientific advice on restricting flights from specific countries, 22 March 2020
Paper prepared by the Home Office for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
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Covid-19 Webinars:
10th June: Retailers: how to thrive in the new landscape 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 webinars:
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 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.
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market 
Government sets out ‘Living with COVID’ next steps from 1st April