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 (+148,661)
Positive tests: 261,184 have tested positive – (+ 4,043) on previous data
In hospital: 8,834 people are in hospital in the UK: (-12%)
Loss of life: 37,048 across all settings, (+134 on previous day)
Cases in Stockport: 1,042 (an increase of 2)
Latest Government news and briefing:
- Government signs contract to manufacture 2 billion items of PPE in the UK
- Also signed deals with 100 new global suppliers to replenish stock
- New trial for selected NHS patients using antiviral drug Remdesivir
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences – Press conference slides and datasets used by Professor John Newton, Director of Health Improvement, in the daily coronavirus press conference on 26 May 2020.
Health and Social Care Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 26 May 2020
HEADLINES:
Boris Johnson: The way out of lockdown:
- Outdoor markets in the UK can reopen from 1 June.
- Non-essential retailers to open from 15 June
- Social distancing will still be required in all shops
- People arriving into the UK from abroad to self-isolate for 14 days
- Seasonal workers will instead be allowed to self-isolate on-site while working
- £283 million increasing public transport services to ensure people can travel safely
- Plans later this week to end new applications for the Job Retention Scheme
- Employers will be expected to make contributions to salaries of employees returning part-time.
- The Government might allow people to meet with a limited number of relatives or friends from the end of June. This is the “social bubble” system that is being tried in other countries, where you are allowed to socialise always with the same set of people to reduce the risk of infection and facilitate tracking.
BBC: Local lockdowns will be used to suppress ‘flare-ups’, says Hancock
“Local lockdowns” will be introduced to tackle regional outbreaks of coronavirus in England in the future, the health secretary has said. Matt Hancock suggested restrictions will be introduced in areas with “flare-ups”, but not others, as part of a system being put in place. He did not specify a timeframe, but said the measures will be part of the test, track and trace system.
BBC: Government draws up plan to rescue key firms
The UK government has indicated it is prepared to rescue large British companies severely affected by the coronavirus crisis. The Treasury said “last resort” support could be made available if a firm’s failure would “disproportionately harm the UK economy”. The move follows indications that a number of big firms are seeking government help to survive the crisis.
These include Jaguar Land Rover, which is in talks to secure a £1bn loan.
Selected NHS patients to access coronavirus treatment Remdesivir
The anti-viral drug Remdesivir will be made available to patients meeting certain clinical criteria to support their recovery in hospital. The Government is working in collaboration with manufacturer Gilead Sciences to supply the innovative medicine, that has demonstrated promising results in trials, to the NHS.
As part of the government’s commitment to support businesses and individuals, the coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme is now live on GOV.UK
Find out if you can use the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, by joining the following live webinar. Ask your questions using the on-screen text box. 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 (COVID-19): scientific evidence supporting the UK government response
We have updated the list of evidence provided to SAGE with 2 papers on environmental transmission and dispersion.
PM calls with António Guterres and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: 26 May 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson had calls with the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, and with Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Greater Manchester’s Mayor supports Stockport Covid-19 Business Recovery initiative
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has thanked Stockport for its innovative approach to supporting businesses in the grip of the coronavirus pandemic.
As lockdown put the brakes on the local economy, Stockport accelerated its plans to recovery including forming an economic resilience support group and launching two websites. Stockport-JobsMatch.co.uk provides a free service for employers and candidates and SKBusinessRecovery.co.uk, an online portal providing a one-stop resource of support, an online peer-to-peer forum and free access to local business leaders – the Stockport Recovery Board – to help business owners navigate through the recovery process.
Following the launch of the SK Business Recovery, Andy Burnham commented reiterated his commitment to supporting the town:
“Stockport Council are a brilliant example of a council that forges strong relationships with its business community and we want to support them in any way that we can.
“The launch of the Stockport Business Recovery website is a fantastic resource giving people information, pointers to where they can access support. It’s that kind of practical help that’s going to be needed at this moment in time.
“Well done to everyone at Stockport Council, good luck to everyone in the Stockport business community. We are behind you; you know we believe in the town, it’s why we’ve launched the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation. The town has got a great future and, at Greater Manchester, we’re all right behind you.”
In addition to providing up-to-date information, the Stockport Recovery Board of local business leaders, are hosting webinars to provide guidance and support to fellow business owners and leaders as they begin to rebuild their businesses and the local economy.
Stockport Council: details for Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund.
The Government has announcement that businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant. Read the latest update and link to FAQs HERE
As mentioned in previous guidance, 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 45 grants in the past 24 hours bringing the total amount paid to £56,275,000 across 4,888 qualifying businesses and over 89% 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/
COMMUNITY:
Dame Louise Casey calls on community partners to help with COVID-19 rough sleeping crisis
Businesses, faith groups and local communities are being urged to help new Rough Sleeping Taskforce.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added links to: 6000 new supported homes as part of landmark commitment to end rough sleeping: Re-opening High Streets Safely Fund guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
Updated 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 – information on UK Visa and Citizenship Application Centres (UKVCAS) and UK Visa Application Centres (VACs). Added a link to guidance on how to cancel your visa. Added a link to the latest information on changes at the border.
EDUCATION:
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus outbreak
Added latest data and “22 May 2020 summary: attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak”.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – published updated data (up to end of Sunday 24 May) for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
Tell HMRC about an option to tax land and buildings
Use form VAT1614A to tell HMRC of an option to tax land or buildings. We have extended the time limit from the date the decision to opt was made. This now applies to decisions made between 15 February and 30 June 2020.
European Structural and Investment Funds: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
A series of documents and updates regarding the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programme and the response to COVID-19. ESF Question and Answers have been updated and additional information has been included within the ERDF Q&A regarding the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.
Tri-service regulations for expenses and allowances (JSP 752)
JSP 752 is the policy document for expenses and allowances for regular and reserve UK armed forces personnel. Updated: Directed letter (update 1) – continuity of education allowance (CEA) – regulatory flexibility in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme is now live on GOV?.UK.
If you’re an employer with fewer than 250 employees, you can now claim for coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). If you have a tax agent, they can also make claims on your behalf. To make a claim now, please visit GOV?.UK and search ‘Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)‘.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
Environmental influence on transmission of COVID-19 (28 April 2020)
Research compiled by the Environmental and Modelling Group for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:
COVID-19: guidance for sampling and for diagnostic laboratories
Information for clinical diagnostic laboratories regarding safety, sampling and packaging specimens associated with COVID-19.
Update on sample submission to ‘laboratory investigations and sample requirements for diagnosis’ page.
Selected NHS patients to access coronavirus treatment remdesivir
The anti-viral drug Remdesivir will be made available to patients meeting certain clinical criteria to support their recovery in hospital.
MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
Added link to news story on MHRA supporting the use of Remdesivir as the first medicine to treat COVID-19 in the UK, in the ‘News stories’ section.
Government significantly boosts UK PPE supply with more than 100 new deals
The government has signed deals with more than 100 new suppliers from around the world as well as ramping up domestic production to help meet demand for PPE.
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.
SPI-M-O: Consensus statement on 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), 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).
Influenza vs COVID planning assumptions, 10 February 2020
Paper prepared for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Influenza vs COVID planning assumptions: update, 26 February 2020
Updated paper prepared for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Potential effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on a COVID-19 epidemic in the UK, 26 February 2020
Paper on the effect of behavioural and social interventions on the reasonable worst case scenario prepared for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Potential impact of behavioural and social interventions on an epidemic of COVID-19 in the UK, 4 March 2020
Illustrative impact of behavioural and social interventions on the reasonable worst case scenario prepared for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
HEALTH & SAFETY:
Cleansing and PPE waste at a healthcare waste management facility: RPS C1
When you can store or treat coronavirus (COVID-19) cleansing and used PPE waste without having codes 15 02 02* or 15 02 03 in your permit. We have extended the expiry date to 30 September 2020.
Keeping court and tribunal buildings safe, secure and clean
This page provides details about security, cleaning and social-distancing arrangements in court and tribunal buildings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – custody suites in courts section updated.
IT & TECHNOLOGY:
HMRC: A word about scams
Stay vigilant about scams which may mimic government messages as a way of appearing authentic and unthreatening. Search ‘scams’ on GOV?.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact. You can also forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.
MARKETING / CREATIVE:
Creative Firms get support through the coronavirus pandemic
A programme to help creative businesses in Greater Manchester to scale up and grow could help firms in their recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Creative Scale-Up programme was first launched in January – and its backers say the project is now even more important than ever. Organisations that have already taken part include Engage Hub, the People’s History Museum, Creative Tourist, Buffalo 7, Prospect Games and Beatstream Media. The scheme was launched by the Growth Company and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and fully funded by DCMS.
PROPERTY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): impact on HM Land Registry’s services
Conveyancers must provide evidence to show why an application is urgent when requesting an expedite.
Property investors not deterred by coronavirus chaos, research claims
The latest research from Property Hub has revealed that a huge 98% of property investors still consider property to be a good long-term investment. Property Hub, which cites itself as the UK’s number one property podcast and one of the largest property communities in the UK, surveyed 1,731 of its members and found that sentiment remained incredibly strong.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus: MOT centre and tester guidance
Guidance on providing MOT tests during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including how to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Added information on working safely when carrying out MOT tests during the coronavirus including: A link to government guidance using assistants inside the vehicle checks underside and under-bonnet checks front suspension checks motorcycle tests
Coronavirus: MOTs due from 30 March 2020
Your car, van or motorcycle’s MOT expiry date will be extended by 6 months if it’s due on or after 30 March 2020 – but you must keep your vehicle safe to drive. Added information about what happens if you take your vehicle for its MOT and it fails when the extension has been applied.
Coronavirus: MOT centre and tester guidance
Guidance on providing MOT tests during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including how to limit the spread of coronavirus – added information on working safely when carrying out MOT tests during the coronavirus including: A link to government guidance using assistants inside the vehicle checks underside and under-bonnet checks front suspension checks motorcycle tests
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): immigration and borders
Updated guidance for those affected by changes to UK immigration and borders due to coronavirus to add ‘Entering the UK and Coronavirus (COVID-19): travellers exempt from UK border rules’ guidance pages.
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Covid-19 Webinars:
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.
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