Additional Restrictions Grant Discretionary grant scheme – Applications are now closed: Funds for the Additional Restrictions Grant Discretionary grant scheme have been allocated and applications for the scheme are now closed
UK NEWS UPDATES:
12.40: UPDATDE: PM Covid statement to MPs confirmed for this afternoon
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will give a statement on his “living with Covid” plan to MPs on Monday afternoon, the House of Commons has now confirmed. It comes after the cabinet meeting where the plan was due to be signed off by ministers was delayed – although we’re expecting it to start relatively soon now.
Plan to lift all remaining Covid restrictions in England
Boris Johnson is due to set out his plans to scrap all remaining Covid legal restrictions in England, including the requirement to isolate.
The prime minister is to meet the Cabinet this morning before updating MPs in the Commons. Mr Johnson said the end to restrictions will return people’s freedom and “mark a moment of pride as we begin to learn to live with Covid”.
Some experts urged caution and Labour questioned plans to reduce testing.
Speaking before Monday’s announcement, Mr Johnson said his plan for moving out of the pandemic would bring society “towards a return to normality” after “one of the most difficult periods in our country’s history”. No 10 said the success of the Covid vaccination programme had put England in a “strong position to consider lifting the remaining legal restrictions”.
More than 1,900 stores disappeared from the regions High Street in Covid
The pandemic has continued to batter the retail sector as more than 1,900 shops shutdown, new figures have revealed. According to PwC research compiled by the Local Data Company (LDC), shop closures in the region decreased year on year by 7% in 2021. 1,916 shops closed their doors in the northwest last year, but when compared to Greater London and the South-East which had 2,812 and 2,459 store closures respectively, the region appears to have weathered the storm of the pandemic slightly better. However, Stockport has bucked the trend with the number of venues increasing as new bars have opened in the town centre.
International comparisons of the measurement of non-market output during the COVID-19 pandemic
A joint Office for National Statistics – Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development exploration of international differences in the methodologies used to measure non-market output and analysis of the implications for international comparisons of gross domestic product during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and non-market services
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the measures taken to control its spread have had severe impacts on economies across the world. Restrictions on contact and travel reduced the accessibility of many goods and services, and in some cases spurred transformation in how goods and services were delivered. The coronavirus pandemic has also significantly affected the provision of non-market services, such as healthcare and education. The non-market sector is characterised by providing goods and services without economically significant prices, a feature that poses challenges to measuring its economic output. Various approaches are available to meet these challenges, the use of which varies between countries and between components of non-market output. The coronavirus pandemic has presented further measurement challenges, which may have particularly affected the comparability of non-market output measures across countries, and thus the comparability of gross domestic product (GDP) measures.
Australia reopens its borders to international travellers
Australia’s international border has reopened to foreign visitors for the first time in nearly two years, with emotional scenes as families finally reunite in person. Tourism’s also getting a boost following the end of the travel ban – one of the world’s strictest, imposed in March 2020 due to Covid.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Stockport businesses invited to showcase vacancies and meet job seekers
Stockport businesses are invited to showcase their live vacancies and meet with active jobseekers at sector-specific jobs fairs hosted by Stockport Jobs Match during National Careers Week (7th to 12th March). The free service, which matches job opportunities with people looking for working in the borough, is looking for local businesses to take part in the events, taking place at 10am to 12pm, from 7th to 11th March at Kingsgate House on the A6 is Stockport. The jobs fairs are specifically aimed at those not currently in employment who are actively seeking work to start straight away. Stockport Jobs Match will be joined by employers big and small, eager to meet active jobseekers with the skills needed to join their growing teams here in Stockport.
Stockport Council receives Silver Award from MoD
Stockport Council has been recognised with a Silver Award under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Employer Recognition Award for its work supporting the defence personnel community. The MoD Employer Recognition Award allows organisations to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring fair recruitment processes for those in or previously in the armed forces, as well as ensuring that the workforce is aware of their positive policies towards defence people.
First TRIBE hotel in UK underway at Manchester Airport City
Manchester has commenced work on the construction of a brand new 412-bedroom TRIBE hotel, which is the first of its kind in the UK. Set in the heart of Airport City Manchester’s hotel district, TRIBE will be the third new hotel to be built at the development, following the 280-bed Holiday Inn and a 262-bed Ibis Budget which are due to open in Summer 2022. Once complete, the nine-storey, 12,300m2 TRIBE hotel will feature 412 rooms and suites, restaurant and bar, a gym, and a crew lounge for airline staff. The 24-month build programme is being undertaken by MY Construction who were awarded the £42m contract in 2021, with the hotel expected to be fully operational in Q1 2024.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
EY: Ecosystem business models are enhancing performance
Ecosystem business models are enhancing performance, accelerating innovation and driving transformational growth. All CEOs are being challenged to transform their organisations to adapt to a much changed – and continually changing – business context. In response, a growing number of CEOs are embracing ecosystem business models – and with good reason. A study of more than 800 business leaders leveraging at least one ecosystem business model has revealed that ecosystems make up on average 13.7% of their total annual revenues, drive 12.9% in cost reduction and generate 13.3% in incremental earnings.
CARE:
COMMUNITY:
EDUCATION:
Tell Ofsted if you have a COVID-19 incident at your childcare business
As of 21 February 2022, you do not need to tell Ofsted if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 at your nursery, childminder business or other day care.
PROPERTY:
Asking prices show largest monthly jump for 20 years
Rightmove says the asking price of property coming to market has rises by 2.3 per cent this month – that average rise of £7,785 to a record £348,804 is the biggest monthly jump in pounds recorded by Rightmove in more than 20 years.
Prices are now 9.5 per cent higher than a year ago, the highest annual rate of growth since September 2014. Meanwhile it says there’s been an increase in potential buyers sending enquiries to agents, with the number 16 per cent higher than this time last year.
RETAIL:
Three drivers behind H&M’s post-Covid recovery as profits soar sevenfold
Covid-19 has hit the fashion industry hard over the past two years but one of the world’s largest clothing retailers, H&M, heralded a “strong recovery” last week as full-year profits increased nearly sevenfold in the year to November 30, 2021.
H&M is now focused on growth and chief executive Helena Helmersson has set out ambitious plans to double group sales by 2030 while halving its carbon emissions. Retail Gazette looks at ways in which the fashion retailer has managed to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic – investing heavily online; attracting Gen Z shoppers and building an agile supply chain.
SPORT:
Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) measures for elite sport
This guidance sets out information for elite sport organisations on how to reduce the risk from COVID-19. This includes guidance on domestic and cross-border competitions – updated to reflect changed rules on international travel from 11 February 2022.
TRAVEL:
GOV & BBC UK daily coronavirus data:
There have been 18.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and 160,000 people have died, government figures show. Over 52.5 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 91% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. More than 48 million, 85% have had their second and more than 37 million, 66% have had a booster.
*Government case figures now include people in England and Northern Ireland who have tested positive for a second time – after at least a 90-day gap – rather than just first infections.
Total UK Cases: 18,546,205 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 47,685 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 11,555 (181 less than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 158
Total UK deaths: 160,379
England Cases per 100,000: 506
R number in UK: 0.8-1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 52,551,460 – 91% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 85%
Daily 1st doses: 9,254
Daily 2nd doses: 21,378
Daily Booster doses: 34,578
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The R range for England is 0.8 to 1.0; the growth rate for England is -3% to +0% per day as of 11 February
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 90,092 to 18 February
Cases in the latest week: 1,006 (641 less compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 848 to February 4th
Cases per 100,000: 342 per 100,000 (8 to 14 Feb)
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 86% of over 12s to 16 February
2nd dose: 82%
3rd / booster dose: 65%
Covid-19 Webinars:
Brexit Webinars:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
LATEST LINKS:
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map
Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
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
Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps 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
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
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.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
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
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
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 Scheme
From 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.
Health updates:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
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.
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.
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