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: 3,918,079 UK tests have been carried out (+ 119,589)
Positive tests: 269,127 have tested positive – (+ 7,943 on previous day)
In hospital: 8,834 people are in hospital in the UK: (-12%)
Loss of life: 37,837 across all settings, (+ 377 on previous day)
Cases in Stockport: 1,042 (down from 1,044)
Latest Government news and briefing by PM Boris Johnson:
- Nurseries, reception, year one and year six classes to open from Monday
- From 15th June, secondary schools will begin to provide face-to-face contact with years 10 and 12
- From Monday, outdoor retail and car showrooms will be able to open
- 15th June, non-essential retail will reopen so long as it is safe and secure to do so
- From Monday, up to six people can meet outside, including in private gardens maintaining social distancing – those who have been asked to shield themselves should continue to do so
- Businesses can now borrow up to a maximum of £200 million through the Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme
PM press conference statement on the five tests: 28 May 2020
Press conference slides used by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Sir Patrick Vallance.
UK HEADLINES:
PM: Six people can meet outside under new measures to ease lockdown
PM Boris Johnson announced groups of up to six people will be able to meet outdoors in England from Monday 1 June, provided strict social distancing guidelines are followed. Groups of up to six people will be able to meet outdoors in England from Monday 1 June, including in gardens and other private outdoor spaces, provided strict social distancing guidelines are followed. The Prime Minister announced the change as he set out a carefully-designed package to ease the burdens of lockdown in a way that is expected to keep the R rate down. “Thanks to the public’s continued patience and I can confirm that the government’s five tests are being met. This means we can now move forward to the next phase of adjusting the lockdown.”
Listen to the BBC podcast – The Joy of Six
International supercomputer pact set to fire up UK COVID-19 research
The UK will be the first country, outside the US, to join the global COVID-19 High Performance Computing (HPC) consortium
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Totally Stockport accelerates support with Back to Work packs
As lockdown eases, the team behind Stockport’s Business Improvement District, Totally Stockport produced a unique Back to Work pack to help business owners bounce back successfully and to reopen their premises safely, adhering to social distancing rules and where their customers can revisit with confidence. The Back to Work packs containing hand sanitisers, window stickers, floor stickers, directional signage, hand wipes, tape and printed Back to Work Guides are available free of charge to all our town centre, bid levy paying businesses, a vital asset to help our business owners reopen safely and with confidence. If you are planning to reopen your business in the town centre and would like a free Back to Work pack, please email info@totallystockport.co.uk and Totally Stockport will deliver a pack to you.
Together – specialist Stockport lender feels pinch of Coronavirus
Cheadle Royal based Together, the financial services lender specialising the property, is preparing to move to what is becoming known as the ‘next normal’ as the impact of Covid-19 becomes apparent across many sectors, including on financial / property markets. Announcing results for the third quarter the specialist mortgage and secured loan providers said it had been impacted by the pandemic and expects trading conditions to be “challenging”. The pre-tax profit fell sharply at £13.9m against £31.4m the previous year.
Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund.
Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant. Read the latest update and link to FAQs HERE In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding the scheme or the process, please email 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 39 grants in the past 24 hours bringing the total amount paid to £56,880,000 across 4,944 qualifying businesses and bringing the total now to over 90% 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:
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 29 May 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 21 May to 24 May 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
COVID-19 funding for domestic abuse and sexual violence support services
These prospectuses provide charities with information about two different Ministry of Justice (MOJ) funds and how the assessment processes will work for each one during the coronavirus pandemic.
CONSTRUCTION:
Union calls for construction workers to wear masks
Construction union Unite is demanding that workers wear masks when they cannot keep to the two metre social distancing guidelines on site.
The union has written to the Construction Leadership Council highlighting its concerns about the current site operating procedures (SOP). The fourth and latest version of the industry-standard SOP was published last week. It states: “If you are not able to work while maintaining a two metre distance, you should consider whether the activity should continue” and adds “that management should minimise the frequency and time workers are within two metres of each other.”
EDUCATION:
Help children aged 2 to 4 to learn at home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated guidance to include information on mental health and wellbeing to advice for parents and carers of early years children who have not yet started school Updated guidance to include information on mental health and wellbeing.
Providing free school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Updated information about providing meals for pupils attending school, the national voucher scheme and providing meals or food parcels through your food provider.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Added details of the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund to what financial support you can get for your business. Added details of the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund.
Furlough costs will mean ‘difficult decisions’ for firms
As businesses return to work the Institute of Directors called on the Government to provide targeted financial assistance for SMEs needing to make health and safety adaptations to their workplaces. Around 1 in 3 business leaders polled said financial support for adjusting workplaces would help get their organisation operating safely under social distancing, second only to better clarity around commuting on public transport. The polling was conducted between 20-27 May, with 697 respondents.
25,000 jobs to build new Suffolk nuclear power station a boost for post-pandemic economy, says Unite
In a letter to the business, energy and industrial strategy (BEIS) secretary Alok Sharma, Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said the go-ahead would be part of a balanced energy policy with the target of reducing carbon emissions. Unite said that the construction of the new nuclear power station could generate up to 25,000 jobs during construction and 1,000 apprenticeships. An estimated 2,500 businesses in the supply chain would also benefit. It would provide 900 operational jobs during the 60 years it is expected to be in service.
OPSS coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for business and local authorities
Guidance for manufacturers and makers of face coverings added on complying with the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 to guidance on how Office for Product Safety and Standards – OPSS – is supporting businesses and local authorities and protecting consumers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Apply for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme
Businesses can now borrow up to a maximum of £200 million. The Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) provides financial support to larger businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
The YouTube video about the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has been updated – watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus.
Apprenticeships and traineeships: May 2020
Apprenticeship service data as at April 2020, and apprenticeship starts to March 2020, with separate April 2020 starts covering the coronavirus outbreak.
Apply for the coronavirus Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund
The Discretionary Grant Fund supports small and micro businesses that are not eligible for other grant schemes.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice to local authorities on prioritising waste collections
Added guidance that employees should arrange a test if they have symptoms of coronavirus to guide to help waste collectors prioritise their collection services during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes managing household waste recycling centres.
Regulating the waste industry during the coronavirus pandemic
The Environment Agency is continuing to protect people and the environment during coronavirus (COVID-19).
HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:
Percentage of Stockport population shielded one of lowest in North West
Across England there is a four-fold variation in the proportion of ‘shielded’ patients in a local population, from 2.4% in Oxford to 9.5% in Liverpool. In Stockport only 3.86% of the population are shielded compared to 5.4% in Bolton, 5.17% in Bury and 4.1% in Oldham. Shielded patients are identified as those being at a higher risk of Covid-19 due to underlying health conditions, including some cancers, immune system and severe chronic illnesses as well as those over 70 years of age.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Added that children under 5 years old in England and Wales who have symptoms of coronavirus and live with an essential worker can now be tested to Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested updated to reflect that essential worker testing is available in Wales, and that testing for 5-year-olds with symptoms of coronavirus and living with an essential worker is available in England only.
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems –
Added week 22 report and infographic.
COVID-19: number of outbreaks in care homes – management information
Added latest weekly data to weekly number and percentage of care homes reporting a suspected or confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 to PHE by local authorities, regions and PHE centres.
Dynamic CO-CIN Report to SAGE and NERVTAG, 1 April 2020
Clinical information provided to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG).
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.
Heatwave Plan for England
The Heatwave Plan for England remains unchanged for summer 2020. Additional actions may be needed due to COVID-19: Leaflet, flyer, posters and hyperlinks in Heatwave Plan updated. Additional hot weather and COVID-19 specific resources added.
How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
Updated ‘For patients, the public and professional users’ and ‘For industry and manufacturers’ with new information on temporarily stopping the sale of COVID-19 antibody tests for members of the public until the regulatory and safety concerns are resolved.
COVID-19: advice for smokers and vapers
Advice for people who smoke or vape during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
HEALTH & SAFETY:
Exporting personal protective equipment during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Goods exported from the European Union after midnight on Monday 25 May 2020 will no longer require an export authorisation. The export authorisation requirement for personal protective equipment expired on 25 May 2020 and will not be extended.
JUDICIARY:
More inquiries and hearings to be held virtually in June
With the UK government now refining plans to move the country out of lockdown, we are continuing to scale up our capacity to progress a greater number of cases.
MANUFACTURING:
The power of collaboration post-COVID-19
Collaboration in the manufacturing sector has never been so important. Manufacturing advisor Geoff Crossley explains the benefits that can be gained from co-operating with peers, neighbours and other experts, and outlines how to go about getting started.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations – added details of how people with coronavirus symptoms can arrange to have a test to see if they have COVID-19.
Furloughed drivers and recording mobile working time
For operators and furloughed drivers on EU mobile working time rules and EU and AETR drivers’ hours and tachograph rules.
TRAVEL:
Spain travel during coronavirus: commercial flights between Spain and the UK
Summary of flights to the UK from Spain and Gibraltar currently available due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Health Secretary ‘not ruling out’ foreign holidays this summer
Health secretary Matt Hancock has told ITV’s This Morning he “absolutely would not rule out” people taking foreign holidays this summer.
Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Added link for how to get a test in the ‘when you return to the UK’ section Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – added details of how people with coronavirus symptoms can arrange to have a test to see if they have COVID-19.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
Response times updated to 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.
Covid-19 Webinars:
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:
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:
Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
Stockport Council publishes details for Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund.
Stockport Council has confirmed its criteria in consideration of awarding the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund, announced as the grants Top-up fund by the Government on 1st May.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information.
www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help. You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate 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.
July 1st – Coronavirus News Updates: 
Andy Burnham calls on Government: ‘don’t leave the North behind’