Latest data:
Testing: 901,905 people have now been tested for the virus
UK Cases: 165,221 have tested positive, + 6,032 on previous day
Loss of life: 26,711 people have died in hospital, care homes and community, 674 more deaths since the previous day’s figures
In Stockport: there are 808 cases of Covid-19 + 12 on previous day
Government Daily Briefing on Thursday 30th April
Prime Minister Boris Johnson hosted today’s Government briefing:
- Mr Johnson thanked those who had done a ‘good job’ in his absence and the NHS
- The PM expressed frustrations in expanding the number of tests available
- Indications that we are ‘past the peak’ of the disease, we’re on the downward slope
- Next week the Government will work on easing lockdown
- Acknowledgement of the current crisis in mental health
Press conference slides and datasets used by Sir Patrick Vallance.
Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 30 April 2020
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Help us to help you and your business
We are really concerned about the impact Covid-19 is having on you, your business and your people and realise the unprecedented situation that you are experiencing at the moment. 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.
Greater Manchester Mayor’s weekly COVID-19 Emergency Committee
Every Wednesday the Mayor of Greater Manchester chairs the Greater Manchester COVID19 Emergency Committee – a multi-agency meeting to help co-ordinate Greater Manchester’s efforts to combat the COVID19 outbreak.
After chairing that meeting the Mayor holds a press conference to update the public and answer questions from the press. This week’s guest speaker was Leader of Stockport Council, Elise Wilson – watch here on YouTube
Manchester biotech start-up launch Covid-19
Manchester biotech start-up NEPeSMO has launched a free online platform that allows people in the UK to self-monitor for symptoms and signs of Covid-19. RemoteCovid enables people to monitor their wellbeing from home during self-isolation and share progress reports with their doctor or carer.
The RemoteCovid website which is accessible via any desktop or mobile-based internet browser, also gives concerned individuals access to the latest covid-19 information from the NHS and the World Health Organisiation.
Stockport GP fight coronavirus on three fronts
A Stockport GP who’s been fighting Covid-19 on two fronts has now added a third battle after becoming one of the first people in the country to donate her plasma to combat the virus.
Dr Cath Briggs was part of the clinical team that planned the set-up of Manchester’s Nightingale Hospital as well as working at her practice in Heavily, Stockport.
But when she got a call from the NHS Blood and Transplant service to donate her plasma for a clinical trial, she jumped at the chance to help out.
The NHS service is leading a major new programme to collect convalescent plasma from people who have recovered from COVID-19 to support a national clinical trial.
Convalescent plasma is plasma from people who have recovered from the infection and contains antibodies that their immune systems have produced in fighting the virus.
The trial will investigate whether plasma transfusions could improve a COVID-19 patient’s speed of recovery and chances of survival.
Stockport’s Together Trust Pupils create art for the NHS
Children and young people in the Together Trusts schools and care settings, have been busy creating art to brighten the Manchester Nightingale Hospital, built in response to the Covid-19 emergency, following a call from the Greater Manchester Health & Social Care Partnership. Children in the charity’s care in many cases have learning disabilities, complex needs and autism.
Rapid Response Cohort (RRC) Mentoring Programme in response to Covid-19.
The Growth Comapny have been working in partnership with Be the Business to deliver the Mentoring for Growth Programme. This is a 12-week mentoring programme where SME leaders/key decision makers can access one of 200 a mentor from leading firms to work with them for 12 weeks on the immediate challenges and priorities they are facing during this pandemic.
The focus of the support is around business continuity, pivoting of the business plan, advice on next steps and how to rebuild. The mentor is not responsible for providing legal or financial advice in a professional advisory capacity.
The eligibility for RRC has been lowered to £1m+ turnover and 6 FTE and any business/any sector to enable more SMEs to access this fantastic opportunity.
For any business interested in taking up this opportunity email btbmentoring@growthco.uk
Webinars:
1st May: Liverpool and Greater Manchester Metro Mayors
talk about the impact on Covid-19 and what the
cities are doing both independently and collectively
to support businesses and tackle the challenge. More info / book here
5th May: Financial support for small businesses hosted by
Dept Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Register to join
6th May: How to influence a hybrid parliament More info / book here
7th May: Property management tips on coronavirus More info / book here
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
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/
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 in an attempt to stem the spread of the virus, to keep us safe and to protect the NHS.
But there are businesses in Stockport who are allowed to continue to trade and are operating safely in compliance with the Government’s rules and guidance on social distancing measures. We want to ensure that support is provided to those businesses too and to let everyone know that, in part, Stockport is still open for business. 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:
COMMUNITIES:
COVID-19: mitigating impacts on Gypsy and Traveller communities
Lord Greenhalgh, Communities Minister, has written to local authority chief executives to highlight the support needed by some members of Gypsy and Traveller communities.
CONSTRUCTION:
Barratt to restart work on 180 sites in May
Barratt shut its 360 active sites last month and has furloughed 85% of its 6,000-strong workforce. But it has been testing safe ways of working on a pilot site and will restart the first phase of half its jobs this month.
EDUCATION:
Induction for newly qualified teachers during the coronavirus outbreak
Guidance about changes to newly qualified teacher (NQT) induction during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak updated to reflect the new regulations. Absences related to the coronavirus outbreak will not trigger an automatic extension of the induction.
Providing free school meals during the coronavirus outbreak
Aldi and McColl’s added to the list of supermarkets taking part in the national voucher scheme – guidance for schools and local authorities on free school meals arrangements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
New FREE online learning platform ‘The Skills Toolkit’ to boost workplace skills during the coronavirus outbreak and beyond
- High quality, flexible courses in digital and numeracy skills to support learning
- Courses on offer will help people gain skills that employers demand and help kick start the country’s economic recovery
The new platform gives people access to free, high-quality digital and numeracy courses to help build up their skills, progress in work and boost their job prospects.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESSES / FINANCE:
Treasury cut taxes to reduce PPE costs
From today, 1st May, PPE purchased by care homes, businesses, charities and individuals to protect against Covid-19 will be free from VAT for a three-month period.
Commission for Economic Renewal launched by Institute of Economic Development
The Institute of Economic Development (IED) has today launched the Commission for Economic Renewal, which will bring together some of the UK’s foremost economic development practitioners and academics to formulate the policies and interventions it believes will be needed to rebuild economies in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
So far it estimates the cost so far will be £103.7bn. This is made up of £99.3bn in extra spending, and £4.4bn of tax cuts.
In addition to its impact on public health and families’ wellbeing, the spread of the coronavirus and the public health restrictions put in place to limit it will raise the budget deficit and public debt significantly, reflecting both the associated economic disruption and the Government’s economic policy response designed to support incomes and minimise business failures to prevent greater economic damage.
Lenders provide over £4 Billion to SMEs through Covid-19 loan scheme
The banking and finance sector has provided over £4.1 billion to SMEs so far through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan (CBIL) scheme, UK Finance reveals today1, as part of a broad package of support to help businesses through these tough times.
Over £1.33 billion of loans have been approved in the week from 21 April to 28 April 2020. The number of loans provided through the scheme has increased by 8,638 over the same period to a total of 25,262, an increase of over 50 per cent.
The banking and finance sector is providing a range of support to SMEs to ensure they can receive the help most appropriate to their needs, including capital repayment holidays, overdrafts, working capital extensions and asset-based finance.
Lenders have received 52,807 completed applications under the CBIL scheme so far2. 25,262 of these applications have been approved to date, while more applications are still being processed and are expected to be approved over the coming days.
Cash Grant for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure and Small Business Grant Funding The grants are of £10,000 or £25,000 and do not need to be paid back. Please note, this scheme applies to England only. To ensure all eligible businesses can access these funds, we have two main calls to action:
- Check whether you are entitled to the grant, using the GOV UK checker tool.
For more information on the schemes, please click here.
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Stockport Council have administered a further 50 grants in the past 24 hours bringing the total amount paid to £49,710,000 across 4,297 qualifying businesses and 77.4% 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
Covid-19 Business Grant Funding Documentation
UKHospitality: survey of businesses in its sector shows that they are expecting a slow recovery.
Worst-case scenario of a 61% reduction in December compared to the previous year, and a best-case scenario of a 31% decline. Kate Nicholls, the organisation’s CEO said that the sector needed a long-term commitment from the Government and that ‘a continuation of business support is the only way to avoid carnage in hospitality, one of the UK economy’s jewels in the crown’.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
NHS must not take eye off fight against COVID-19, says BMA
“Doctors are acutely aware of the impact that prioritisation of COVID has had on non-COVID patients whose care has been consequently delayed and health needs not met. As the NHS begins to resume some normal services, it remains imperative that doctors and all health and care staff are given proper protection against infection from COVID-19 both for their own safety and crucially to prevent spread to other non-COVID patients as they increasingly access services.”
Briefing note published on supporting student mental health during coronavirus crisis
Practical and innovative ways that universities and colleges have been changing their work to support student mental health have been highlighted in a new OfS briefing note
COVID-19: testing for council workers
Letter thanking councils in England for their support during the pandemic and outlining how staff can get tested.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Changes made to frequently asked questions FAQs on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – reflect the updated regulations that were signed into law on 22nd April and to reflect the latest PHE guidance – all have been cleared by No10 and the Health Secretary.
RETAIL:
Oasis and Warehouse to close permanently with loss of 1,800 jobs
The two brands have been sold to the restructuring firm Hilco, the owner of the Homebase DIY chain, in a deal which includes their stock but not their 92 standalone stores or about 400 concessions across outlets including Debenhams, House of Fraser and Sainsbury’s.
Sainsbury’s boss says disruption will last until mid-September
Mike Coupe, the chief executive of the UK’s second-largest supermarket chain, said the retailer would take a £500m profit hit from the costs of keeping staff and customers safe from the virus, such as by providing protective kit and covering absences for up to a quarter of its staff who had been off sick or self-isolating in the early days of the pandemic. Coupe said about 15% of staff were still absent.
TRAVEL:
Government to safeguard vital Great Britain-Northern Ireland air links
Investment will protect air passenger flights for important routes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Prime Minister: “We’ve got to get tourism going again”
“We’ve got to get tourism going again” – that was the defiant message from prime minister Boris Johnson in response to a question from a holiday let owner during Thursday’s government coronavirus briefing (30 April).
Fifth round of charter flights from India announced
The UK has announced seven further charter flights to bring over 2,000 stranded British travellers home from India.
Ryanair to slash 3,000 jobs in mass restructure
Budget airline has announced its intention to cut thousands of jobs in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic
Panama City hotels during coronavirus (COVID-19)
This page provides details of hotels in Panama City, to help British people find accommodation so that they are ready to take their flight to the UK.
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UTILITIES:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): letter to the energy sector
Letter from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma, to the UK’s energy sector. The letter thanks all those who are working tirelessly within the energy industry during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Useful links:
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 – 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:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Shielding the most vulnerablehttps://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).
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 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
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.
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
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