Latest data:
Testing: 1,821,280 people have now been tested for the virus
Positive tests: 219,183 people have tested positive + 3,923 on previous day
Loss of life: 31,855 people have died across all settings, 269 more deaths since the previous day’s figures
In Stockport: There are 928 cases of Covid-19. Sadly, there have been 147 coronavirus-related deaths
Government Daily Briefing
Sunday 10th May, Update from the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson:
- Stay Alert replaces government’s former direction to Stay at Home
- Introduced a first sketch of a road map to recovery
- Details to be set out in 50 page document available from 2pm today
- Plan conditional on meeting 5 test criteria: protect the NHS, sustained fall in death rates, sustained fall in rate of infection, ample supply of PPE and the R rate of the disease must stay below 1 – currently between 0.5 – 0.9
- Establishment of a new Covid Alert System run by a new Joint Biosecurity Centre
- 5 new alert levels – level 1 means disease is no longer in the UK to level 5 where the NHS would likely be overwhelmed
- Lockdown was level 4; now beginning steps to move to level 3
- Testing and tracing remain critical
- Ability to detect local flare-ups as well as giving a national picture
- Those who can’t work from home should be actively encouraged to return to work, avoiding public transport
- From this Wednesday, 13th May, unlimited amount of outdoor exercise
- Sit in parks, drive to other destinations, play sports only with members of the same household
- Obey rules on social distancing – increase in fines if rules broken
- Daily monitoring of the R rate
- 1st June – phased re-opening of shops / some school years returning
- July – possible re-opening of hospitality industry, subject to social distancing
- Imposing quarantine on people arriving in the UK from abroad
PM address to the nation on coronavirus: 10 May 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation on coronavirus
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 7 May 2020
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 8 May 2020
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Big plans could change way we move around Greater Manchester forever
Greater Manchester’s leaders are considering plans that could change the way people move around the city centre and entire region forever. Cycling and walking are to get a £5m boost to help people travel while social-distancing – and avoid a spike in car use. Since all but essential travel was banned in March, traffic has plummeted by 60 per cent, while walking and cycling account for around 33pc of all journeys and cycling alone has grown by 22pc.
Stockport based UK POS develop Covid-19 related products for safety in the workplace
UK Point of Sale, a family owned business based on Bredbury Industrial Estate who do a huge range of point of sale goods for the retail sector, have developed a wide range of Covid related products to promote safety in the workplace
Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports become the first in the UK to implement such measures, which the group says are designed to combat the spread of coronavirus and demonstrate ways air travel can be made safe as passenger demand returns. Passengers are being encouraged to bring their own gloves and face coverings, although in the early stages of the trial, the airport will be able to provide PPE for those unable to supply their own.
MIDAS: Greater Manchester investment sustained
Investment across Greater Manchester was sustained last year, according to MIDAS, despite it being a challenging 12 months. The inward investment agency supported the creation of 3,458 jobs across the city region during the period, generating £231m of GVA.
Andy Burnham: ‘We need to be as safe in the north west as it is in the south east’:
Worry over impact of early lockdown release on Greater Manchester. Andy Burnham said that any significant release from the coronavirus lockdown would be ‘premature’.
Property sourcing – the best method for investors in Manchester?
Manchester remains one of the key hotbeds for property investment, propelled by its well-regarded universities, thriving city centre, and its position as one of Europe’s biggest cultural and sporting hubs.
In a recent webinar, Sourcing Investments (SI), a marketplace for landlords and investors seeking the best-in-class investments in UK properties, provided information on the most lucrative areas in Manchester, which properties had the best yields and which postcodes were considered ‘no-go’ areas.
GC Business Growth Hub launches #hereforbusiness campaign and workshops
Growth Hub has been working on projects to ensure supporting businesses survive through this current time including online workshops to support businesses with practical tools and advice which will be delivered by our advisor teams.
These workshops are available to any Greater Manchester based SMEs designed to help SMEs overcome the difficulties presented by COVID19, whilst offering practical advice and guidance on the steps they can take in their own business. Attendees will benefit from specialist, up to date advice, peer to peer learning and be able to engage with businesses going through the same challenges. There will be a question and answer session at the end so that every attendee has the chance to ask for advice specific to their own circumstances – book here
South Manchester Digital Network webinar – 02nd June – 10am – 11.15am
Manchester Digital are leading on the organisation of a panel discussion that focuses on Digital Futures. Join tech experts and find out how recent changes to our lives have impacted our work. Guest speakers include:Steve Oliver, CEO and co-founder, Music Magpie. Simon Wharton, Director Business Strategy, PushON and Entrepreneur in Residence at We Work Labs. This will be a continuation of themes discussed at the Business Summit earlier in the year. The conversation will align to recent experiences and the role of digital in the recovery phase and building back better. BOOK HERE
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:
Help us to help you and your business
Totally Stockport and Stockport Council want to understand the challenges facing your organisation once you consider resuming your business so that we can provide the right help, support and advice for our businesses and local economy to recover.
Please complete this short survey (7-8 questions) to help us to understand what help is needed – by taking part you will be supporting us all to rebuild our economy together. Please encourage all of your contacts and networks to take part in the survey so that we can get as much information as possible.
Visit www.bidsurvey.com and help them to help you.
Covid-19 Webinars:
15th May: Stakeholder Mapping in a Covid-19 lockdown More info / book here
26th May: Is more devolution key to recovery? More info / book here
HMRC: Recorded webinars on YouTube
HMRC: JobRetention Scheme – general information
HMRC: JobRetention Scheme – how to make a claim
HMRC: Covid-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme
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
These webinars are very popular, so we’ll do our best to answer your questions or signpost you to useful guidance.
If you’ve missed any of our live webinars, you can catch up with our series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
We will bring you the most up-to-date information to keep you fully informed of changes as they develop.
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/
CHARITIES:
Domestic abuse charities can apply for vital funds
Charities can bid for a share of £10 million funding to support victims of domestic abuse.
CONSTRUCTION:
Prime Minister urges construction industry to get back to work
Boris Johnson said construction workers should be “actively encouraged” to return to sites this week as he outlined plans to ease the lockdown. The Prime Minister highlighted construction as he announced plans to restart the economy while containing the spread of covid-19: “We now need to stress that anyone who can’t work from home, for instance those in construction or manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work.”
EDUCATION:
Conducting a SEND risk assessment during the coronavirus outbreak
Guidance for special schools, specialist colleges, local authorities and any other settings managing children and young people with complex special educational needs and disability (SEND) – updated to reflect the SEND regulations changes. Also added information about how the guidance affects children/young people with an EHC plan and a social worker and new information on how to keep staff and pupils safe and reduce the risk of infection in educational settings.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Guidance for further education (FE) providers on maintaining education and skills training, changes to funding arrangements, data collections and assessment – updated to include new sections on high needs funding for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and traineeship flexibilities. It also includes updates on functional skills flexibility in apprenticeships and acceptance of confirmation emails for qualification achievement from awarding organisations.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS FINANCE:
Lenders provide £5.5billion to SMEs through CBIL scheme
UK Finance has revealed £5.5bn has now been lent to SMEs through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). Of this, £1.4bn was lent in the week from 29 April to 6 May, with the number of approved loans growing by 8,550 to 33,812 over this period. Of the 62,674 applications made to the scheme, 33,812 have now been approved.
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.
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Stockport Council have administered a further 15 grants in the past 24 hours bringing the total amount paid to £52,675,000 across 4,561 qualifying businesses and 83.3% of those identified as eligible as at 11/03/2020. If your business qualifies for a grant, please complete the online application form.
If you have any queries please email business.rates@stockport.gov.uk
Webinars and videos from HMRC are now available, advising businesses on how to deal with the economic impacts of coronavirus, and how to access support.
ACAS runs a series of webinars on employment law and employment relations
The HMRC Job Retention Scheme – Tuesday 12th May Book here
The HMRC Job Retention Scheme – Thursday 14th May Book here
Covid-19 Business Grant Funding Documentation
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Millions more items of PPE for frontline staff from new business partnerships
NHS and social care staff in the UK are set to receive millions of items of personal protective equipment (PPE) over the coming months thanks to new collaborations with a number of organisations. Corrections: Ineos is delivering around 174,000 bottles of hand sanitiser a week. Survitec is a life-saving product technology company.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for people receiving direct payments
The guidance attachment and the Q&A attachment have been updated to make sure they’re consistent with the latest PPE guidance from Public Health England, in particular what PPE should be worn during a time of sustained COVID-19 transmission. Also, questions have been added to the Q&A attachment on footwear, the use papers towels and responsibility for paying for PPE – updated for advice for people who buy care and support through a direct payment, as well as local authorities, clinical commissioning groups and those who provide care and support.
Domestic abuse safe accommodation: COVID-19 emergency support fund
This prospectus provides prospective bidders with information on how to apply for funding and how the assessment process will work. Applications open to 21st May
PHE publishes a weekly COVID-19 epidemiology surveillance summary.
The report includes data from a variety of different sources: community, primary care, secondary care, virology and mortality surveillance data. Combined these sources show a wider community picture including a breakdown by age, gender, ethnicity and geography, which will help plan the national response to the pandemic and assist regional stakeholders in local planning. The surveillance summary is available and each week’s report is accompanied by an infographic.
IT:
Countering online child sexual exploitation and abuse during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
The Minister of State for Security writes to industry partners on countering online child sexual exploitation and abuse during the coronavirus pandemic.
MANUFACTURING:
Manufacturing: Our road to recovery – the 3 point plan
Make UK has published a three-point plan, calling on Government to allow manufacturers the time to scale up operations and recover by extending the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in a more flexible form – utilising part time or short time working patterns – during the critical rebuilding phase.
RETAIL:
BRC: Government should let retailers decide when they are ready to re-open
The BRC has called on the Government to reconsider any plans for phasing the reopening of retail stores. The Times has today published a letter by the BRC which argues that safety and a risk-based approach should be the key basis for making decisions on reopening rather than size of stores. This call comes ahead of the expected publication of plans to ease lockdown restrictions over the coming days.
TRAVEL:
UK announces more flights to bring stranded Brits home from India
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has announced five further flights to bring stranded British travellers home from India.
£2 billion package to create new era for cycling and walking
Alternative ways to travel, such as walking and cycling across the UK, could relieve the pressure on public transport.
Reallocating road space in response to COVID-19: statutory guidance for local authorities
Guidance for local authorities on managing their road networks in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
British Gurkhas and UK Government rescue mission to help stranded Brits in Nepal
British Gurkhas in Nepal have helped to rescue 109 Brits stranded in remote areas across the country so they could return home on Government charter flights.
Useful links:
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
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
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
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Shielding the most vulnerable
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:
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Last chance to get the winter Covid-19 booster 
Stockport hosts further pop-up Covid-19 vaccination clinics ahead of Christmas