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 data:
Total tests: 3,532,634 UK tests have been carried out – 73,726 on 24th May
Positive tests: 261,184 have tested positive – + 1,625 on previous 24 hours
In hospital: 8.834 people are in hospital in the UK: -12% on last week’s data
Loss of life: 36,914 across all settings, +121 on previous day’s figures
Cases in Stockport: 1,040 – an increase of 3
Latest Government news and briefing:
- £300million additional funding to support new test & trace service
- Government outline details of 14 day quarantine for travellers arriving in the UK
- Prime Minister sets out timeline for retail to re-open in June
- The R number range for the UK is 0.7-1.0 as of 22 May 2020.
- Up to £15million to support Citizens Advice service in Scotland
- Transport: £283 million to start moving back to a full timetable.
- Journey Makers – volunteers recruited to provide guidance to travellers
- Rail network – 10 schemes announced to reverse Beeching closures
- Plans to provide additional parking on outskirts of towns and cities
- Introduction of a £50 bicycle maintenance voucher
- £50million boost to support recovery of High Streets
- Re-opening of some nursery and early years schools from 1st June
- Some contact for years 10 & 12 pupils with their teachers from 15th June
- Car showrooms and outdoor markets to open from June 1st
- Non-essential retailers to open from 15th June
PM press conference statement: 25 May 2020
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences – added 25th May 2020
PM press conference statement: 24 May 2020
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences – Addition of slides and datasets for 24 May 2020.
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 23 May 2020
Press conference slides and datasets used by Dr Jenny Harries.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus. Addition of slides and datasets for 22 May.
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 22 May 2020 Press conference slides and datasets used by Sir Patrick Vallance.
HEADLINES:
UK Government sets out a timeline for retail to reopen in June
The UK Government announced today, Monday 25 May 2020, a roadmap for reopening a broader range of shops starting from next month. From 1 June 2020, it intends to allow outdoor markets to reopen, subject to all premises being made COVID-secure, as well as car showrooms, which often have significant outdoor space and where it is generally easier to apply social distancing.
From 15 June 2020, UK Government intends to allow all other retailers, ranging from shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, if the Government’s five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines. Updated guidance for the retail sector has been published alongside this announcement, detailing the measures retailers should take to meet the necessary social distancing and hygiene standards. You can find the guidance here.
A novel way to travel:
Bus, plane… and horseback: How the Foreign Office helped a British traveller return home
Nineteen year old traveller from Eastbourne headed for home on horseback after being stranded on a Patagonian ranch.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Deloitte back Greater Manchester Mayor’s Build Back Better campaign
Business advisory firm Deloitte has pledged support for the ‘Build Back Better’ campaign – a collaborative initiative announced by the metro mayors of Greater Manchester and Liverpool earlier this month. Andy Burnham, mayor for Greater Manchester and Steve Rotheram, mayor of Liverpool city region, have called for government not to return to business as usual following the COVID-19 lockdown and to build on some of the more positive impacts, such as the drop in UK air pollution. Run by the Greater Manchester and Liverpool LEPs, the ‘Build Back Better’ programme is designed to rewrite the goals and rules of the new economy post-lockdown, with the aim of integrating key pillars of the Local Industrial Strategy.
Communities in the North West will benefit from more than £46.8m in funding to increase light rail services, regenerate local economies and make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced that the North West has been allocated a share of £225m announced earlier this month, to create new and permanent cycle lanes and reallocate road space to give more room to pedestrians and cyclists. The remaining £25m of emergency funding will be used to help people get their bikes repaired so they can get back to cycling.
Greater Manchester establishes night-time economy task force to protect business Greater Manchester’s Portfolio lead for Economy, Cllr Elise Wilson, and Night-Time Economy Adviser, Sacha Lord, have convened a group of experts from across the city-region’s hospitality, events and cultural sector to start developing a long-term plan for the protection and promotion of Greater Manchester’s restaurants, bars, theatres, clubs, festivals and music venues.
As the Government reportedly begins to be moving towards phased easing of the current lockdown restrictions, it appears likely that businesses and workers in the Night-Time, Cultural and Hospitality sectors will be amongst the most affected and for the greatest amount of time. The Night-Time Economy COVID-19 Taskforce will work together to better understand the full extent of the impact lock-down and social distancing has and will have on our restaurants, bars, theatres, festivals and clubs in the coming months, as well as developing longer-term plans for support and recovery.
Funding major transport and connectivity infrastructure improvements across the north of England can help the region – and the UK – to recover from coronavirus (Covid-19) and level up the country.
These are two of five proposals set out by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership that it believes will help the government to rebalance the economy. The partnership says a YouGov poll of 1,767 people across the North (carried out between 5 and 11 May) shows that the public supports the proposals, as do UK businesses. According to the poll, respondents support greater devolution, around one in two want to see investment in roads, rail and fibre broadband, and eight in 10 wish to see training and education funding boosted. “Central” to economic recovery is improving infrastructure. The High Speed North is expected to outline a way forward for HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail to be delivered, but there are a number of upgrade schemes that could be started straight away. These include improving the Hope Valley Line between Sheffield and Manchester, upgrading the West Cumbrian rail line for freight and commuting, and making Darlington station HS2 and NPR ready. Such shovel-ready schemes would “get the economy moving”.
Transport for Greater Manchester: Future Travel Survey – we need your views!
The coronavirus has affected all our lives, from how we work and shop to how we travel. Getting our future transport network right will be central to getting more and more of Greater Manchester moving again. We want to keep you safe, support our economy and ensure our recovery is sustainable, so we can cut congestion and have cleaner air. To get this right we need to know what you think and need. That is why we are asking you to fill out this survey, which could take about 15 minutes, depending on how much you travel. You can save your progress at any time, so that you can continue the questionnaire later, by clicking the save button and then entering your email address. Your saved questionnaire can then be accessed via the link that will be emailed to you. Your participation in this research is entirely voluntary and you can quit at any time. It doesn’t matter how you plan to travel, whether you walk, cycle, take public transport or drive – all your views are important and will help shape our plans. As a thank you for taking part in this survey you will get a chance to win one of 3 x £50 supermarket shopping vouchers!
Please fill out the survey before 8am Monday 1 June 2020. If you have any queries, please email research@tfgm.com or call the TfGM customer contact centre on 0161 244 1000
Stockport Council: details for Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund.
As mentioned in the guidance published earlier in the week, the Council have now received the software update from the Business Rates software supplier. The business rates team at Stockport Council are working to try to get the application form live as soon as possible. Information will be updated on their website here – https://www.stockport.gov.uk/support-for-businesses-and-employers/discretionary-grant-scheme
In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding the scheme or the process, please contact us on SKLADGRANTS@stockport.gov.uk
The application window will close on Wednesday 3rd June at 5pm. Process of payments will begin on Friday 5th June.
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Stockport Council have administered a further 14 grants in the past 24 hours bringing the total amount paid to £55,735,000 across 4,843 qualifying businesses and nearly 88% 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
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/
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.
COMMUNITY:
Staying safe outside your home
The principles you should follow to ensure that time spent outside your home is as safe as possible includes an up-date to face coverings section to include statement: ‘You should be prepared to remove your face covering if asked to do so by police officers and staff for the purposes of identification.’
Coronavirus – guidance on accessing green spaces safely
Guidance on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others – updated with the latest guidance on ticketed garden venues.
Help with mortgages to continue for homeowners affected by Coronavirus
Homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage due to Coronavirus will be able to extend their mortgage payment holiday for a further three months, or start making reduced payments, in proposals published today.
Further visa extensions for those unable to return home due to coronavirus
The extension will last until 31 July and will apply to anyone whose leave expired after the 24 January and cannot return home.
Financial support for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to respond to coronavirus (COVID-19)
The government has pledged £750 million to ensure VCSE can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with an additional £150 million from dormant bank and building society accounts – updated sources of funding 22/05/2020
Financial assistance abroad
Guidance on what you can do and who you can contact if you need financial help abroad, including during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated to include new emergency living costs loans available to those in need during the coronavirus pandemic
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing home care
Information for those providing personal care to people living in their own home during the coronavirus outbreak.
Up to £15 million to support the Citizens Advice service during COVID-19 pandemic
Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland to receive funding boost of up to £15 million to help them deal with increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial support for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to respond to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updates to available funding where the Government has pledged £750 million to ensure VCSE can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with an additional £150 million from dormant bank and building society accounts.
Stay alert and safe: social distancing guidance for young people
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives.
CONSTRUCTION:
Highways firm trials social distancing tags on sites
Lightweight social distancing tags which can be clipped to a belt, lanyard or hard hat are being used on site by a leading highways firm. The tags sound an audible warning when workers get too close and also vibrate and set off a flashing light. They are part of a complete package of covid-19 safety solutions offered by start-up business www.keep2m.co.uk. Maintenance specialist Highway Care is one of the first firms to use the social distance tags on site.
EDUCATION:
Awarding qualifications in summer 2020
Information for schools, students and parents on how GCSE, AS, A level, vocational and technical qualifications will be graded and awarded in summer 2020. Changed to include updated guidance documents for centres and for teachers, students, parents and carers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
This guidance aims to answer common questions in relation to the cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in 2020.
This page has been updated to reflect the publication of Ofqual consultation documents.
Responsibility for autumn GCSE, AS and A level exam series
Expectations for centres on who should be responsible for entering candidates for autumn exams.
Consultation on an additional GCSE, AS and A level exam series in autumn 2020
Proposals for an additional exam series in autumn 2020 in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Exceptional arrangements for assessment and grading in 2020
Consultation on the assessment and grading of vocational, technical and other general qualifications – updated to include consultation outcomes and response documents.
The Independent Sage Group has released a report on the possible reopening of schools, which identified two major requirements for re-opening.
Evidence of low rates of infection in the local community and the ability to identify new cases through a test, track and isolate strategy. It concluded that as these two conditions have not been met, schools should not be reopened.
Online education resources for home learning
Updated list of online resources with additional resources organised by key stage added to online educational resources for schools and parents to help children to learn at home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Department for Education explanatory note on SAGE modelling
An explanatory note for SAGE’s paper assessing the potential impact of more children returning to school on the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Preparing for the wider opening of early years and childcare settings from 1 June
A planning guide for early years providers, in England, to help prepare them to open their settings for all children from 1 June 2020.
PM confirms schools, colleges and nurseries on track to begin phased reopening
From 1 June schools, colleges and nurseries are set to open to more children.
Preparing for the wider opening of schools from 1 June
Added ‘Guidance for secondary school provision from 15 June 2020’ to planning guides for school leaders to help them prepare to open their schools for more pupils during the coronavirus outbreak.
Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Updated 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) to include new information on the recommended approaches that local authorities, educational settings and parents should follow for the return of children and young people with EHC plans, or those with complex needs but who do not have an EHC plan, to educational settings from 1 June 2020.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Businesses and Employers Bulletin – 25 May 2020
This bulletin is issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and provides the latest information for employers and businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19). All coronavirus business support information can be found at gov.uk/business-support
Plans announced for London’s Covid-19 recovery
A new London Transition Board will co-ordinate London’s response as it emerges from the lockdown and begins to reopen its economy while controlling the virus.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): business support grant funding – guidance for local authorities
Version 2 of Local Authority Discretionary Fund guidance published – businesses who are eligible for the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) are now eligible to apply for the scheme. Added to guidance for local authorities setting out details of the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF).
HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:
Early access to medicines scheme (EAMS) scientific opinion: Remdesivir in the treatment of patients hospitalised with suspected or laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who meet the clinical criteria
EAMS scientific opinion issued to Gilead Sciences Ltd for Remdesivir in the treatment of patients hospitalised with suspected or laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who meet the clinical criteria
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 – 25th May
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 a batch of reports on children and schools.
£300 million additional funding for local authorities to support new test and trace service
Local authorities will be central to supporting the new test and trace service in England, with the government providing a new funding package of £300 million.
The R number in the UK
The reproduction number (R) is the average number of secondary infections produced by 1 infected person.
Government publishes latest R number
The Government Office for Science is publishing the latest R number range for the UK. The R number range for the UK is 0.7-1.0 as of 22 May 2020.
Home Secretary announces new public health measures for all UK arrivals
New measures at the UK border to guard against a second wave of coronavirus infections have been announced by the Home Secretary today.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): support for care homes
Sets out the support package to keep care homes safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Information has been added to the care home support package attachment: a template for local authorities has been added under the heading ‘Publishing your rate uplifts and other extra funding for care providers on your website’.
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. Added updated Abbott and Roche evaluation reports.
MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
Added early access to medicines scheme (EAMS) scientific opinion on Remdesivir in the treatment of patients hospitalised with suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 to the ‘Medicines and COVID-19’ section in guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
HEALTH & SAFETY:
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 – updated to include details of amended legislation to speed up making Traffic Orders.
Reopening High Streets Safely Fund guidance
Guidance to help local authorities and partners to deliver activities supported through the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.
HOSPITALITY:
Bar operators eye ‘meanwhile’ sites
Restaurant and bar operators are on the hunt for large, open-air ‘meanwhile’ sites as the government considers allowing hospitality operators to turn public spaces into al fresco drinking and dining establishments.
HOUSING:
6000 new supported homes as part of landmark commitment to end rough sleeping
Radical plans to provide thousands of?long-term,?safe?homes?for vulnerable rough sleepers taken off the streets during the pandemic.
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. Information will be updated every Friday at 5pm.
RETAIL:
Prime Minister sets out timeline for retail to re-open in June
Thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres across England are set to reopen next month once they are COVID-19 secure and can show customers will be kept safe, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed today. The Prime Minister has set out:
- Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June, as soon as they are able to meet the COVID-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers. As with garden centres, the risk of transmission of the virus is lower in these outdoor and more open spaces. Car showrooms often have significant outdoor space and it is generally easier to apply social distancing.
- All other non-essential retail including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, will be expected to be able to reopen from 15 June if the Government’s five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines, giving them three weeks to prepare.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
Shops and branches – updated to reflect industry feedback and to expand coverage of non-essential retail categories ahead of planned opening.
SPORT & RECREATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation
Added Elite sport return to training guidance: Step Two to guidance for the public, providers of outdoor sport facilities, elite athletes, personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation.
TRANSPORT:
Transport Secretary announces new measures to “keep passengers safe now and level up for the future”
Funding to protect and increase transport services, level up infrastructure and regenerate local economies after the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Transport Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 23 May 2020
Further funding to protect and increase transport services, level up infrastructure and regenerate local economies after the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
TRAVEL:
Government outlines details of 14-day quarantine regime from 8th June
The measures, widely anticipated after first being announced by prime minister Boris Johnson on 10 May, will take effect on 8 June. Arrivals by air, sea or rail will be asked to fill in a form with their contact details, and indicate where they intend to serve their 14-day self-isolation requirement. The measures will be enforced via spot checks; anyone flouting the rules could face fines of up to £1,000 if they do not comply.
Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Added information on new rules on entering or returning to the UK that will start on 8 June to guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Booking special charter flights during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Added link to new guidance on entering the UK from 8 June to the page explaining 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): travellers exempt from UK border rules
This guidance explains who will be exempt from new UK border rules introduced due to coronavirus. The rules will apply to travellers to the UK from 8 June 2020.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) essential international travel guidance
Added link to new guidance on entering the UK from 8 June to page providing guidance on travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against all but essential travel.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak. Addition of text ‘You should be prepared to remove your face covering if asked to do so by police officers and police staff for the purposes of identification.’
Financial support for when you are waiting to return to the UK during coronavirus (COVID-19)
New emergency living costs loans information added to guidance on the financial support from the government available for British people who are unable to return home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Charter flights from Caribbean Islands for British travellers to return to the UK
The UK has announced a further three charter flights to bring British travellers home from across the Caribbean.
UK Government announces three more charter flights for British travellers
Further special charter flights from Nigeria will return British travellers to the UK.
Spain to stop quarantining arrivals from 1 July
Foreign visitors to Spain will no longer have to undergo a two-week quarantine from 1 July. Travel firms and other industry bodies say the UK should relax the measure for visitors arriving from countries where people are at a lower risk of contracting the coronavirus. Spain normally attracts 80 million tourists a year, with the sector providing more than 12% of the country’s GDP. Opening up the holiday market again before the summer season is over is seen as crucial to the Spanish economy.
Covid-19 Webinars:
26th May: Is more devolution key to recovery? More info / book here
28th May: Marketing in a crisis More info / book here
2nd June: Digital Futures – join tech experts More info / book here
2nd June: Shall I apply for Universal Credit More info / book here
2nd June: Digital Leaders: making transformation happen More info / book here
11th June: Employment – CV and interview tips More info / book here
Make your workplace COVID-secure:
27th May: Factories, plants and warehouses
27th May: Restaurants offering takeaway or delivery
28th May: Shops and branches
28th May: Vehicles – Guidance for people who work in or from vehicles
1st June: Construction and other outdoor work
1st June: Labs and research facilities
2nd June: Offices and contact centres
3rd June: Homes – for people working in, visiting, delivering to homes
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:
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 SchemeFrom 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.