Monday January 31st – Coronavirus News Updates

Stockport Grants Scheme

“Applications for the ARG discretionary grant funding for businesses that continue to be negatively affected by the pandemic, which is being administered on behalf of the government by the Council, continue to be received and are being processed as quickly as possible. The applications are processed in the order in which they have been received.

“Due to the high level of applications received, the ARG funding provided is going to be fully used and the scheme will not be able to support all of the applications made. Please be reminded that applying for an ARG grant will not guarantee that a grant will be paid if the ARG funds have been fully used before an application is processed.” Scroll down for more information

UK NEWS UPDATES:

Mandatory vaccines for NHS staff in England could end
Ministers will meet later to decide whether or not to scrap mandatory Covid vaccinations for NHS staff in England. Front-line NHS workers in England must be fully vaccinated by 1 April, meaning they need a first dose by Thursday.

If they are not jabbed by April, they will be redeployed or dismissed. Around 77,000 NHS staff are unvaccinated. Last week, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the jabs requirement was being “kept under review” but that it was the “duty” of NHS staff to get vaccinated.

Spotify: Streaming giant announces plans to clamp down on Covid misinformation
Spotify says that it is working to add advisory warnings to any podcast on its platform that discusses Covid-19. CEO Daniel Ek said that the new warning will redirect users to a data hub of coronavirus facts. The move follows criticism of its work with Joe Rogan, a US podcast host who has interviewed vaccine-sceptics. The platform also published existing rules which bar the streaming giant’s contributors from sharing false information that could cause harm. In a statement posted to Spotify’s website, Mr Ek wrote that it has “become clear to me that we have an obligation to do more to provide balance and access to widely-accepted information from the medical and scientific communities guiding us through this unprecedented time”.

Anti-viral pill for high-risk Covid patients could save thousands of lives
An antiviral pill for those most at risk of serious Covid-19 will be rolled out on the NHS from next month, the Government has announced. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the UK’s second antiviral, PF-07321332+ritonavir, will be made available to thousands of people with weakened immune systems from February 10, with the aim of saving lives. Clinical studies have suggested the drug, which is made by Pfizer also known as Paxlovid, can cut the risk of hospital admission or death by 88% if given in the first five days of symptoms.

Concerns over food shortages as CO2 deal ends
UK food and drink firms say they remain concerned about supply shortages as a deal which ensured carbon dioxide (CO2) supplies comes to an end.

CO2 is used in fizzy drinks, to keep packaged food fresh and to stun livestock before slaughter. The government stepped in to subsidise a major CO2 producer in October after its shutdown due to high gas prices threatened food supplies.

The arrangement ends on Monday, despite continuing high global demand for gas.

Industry body the Food and Drink Federation is warning supermarkets could suffer shortages of some foods if the deal with US firm CF Industries is not extended.

REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:

PWC sees record breaking demand for deals in the North-West
More than £8.5bn of deals have been completed by PwC’s transaction services team in the North during 2021 – beating the £5.5bn total in 2020.
The business adviser said that technology, transformation and ESG were among the most popular areas for investment. The team revealed that more than half involved supporting corporate clients and private equity-backed portfolio companies with buy and build growth strategies.

Profits plunge 40% for North-West online retailer
Shares in online shopping group Studio Retail plunged by 40% this morning to its lowest level in a decade after it revealed a double whammy of another profits warning and a hole in its working capital. The value retailer now expects its adjusted pre-tax profits to be £28m-£30m for the financial year which ends in March. It is a huge cut that comes less than 10 weeks after it slashed its original forecast of £42-£45m to £35-£40m. Studio is also “exploring a range of options to meet a short-term working capital funding requirement”.

Manchester Airport’s jobs fair to highlight hundreds of roles on offer

Jobs fair will be held on Thursday 10^th February
Hundreds of roles available at Manchester Airport, including 500 in security
Other roles include customer services and hospitality positions
Recruitment drive comes after travel restrictions were eased, with a range of benefits on offer to MAG employees
To book a place visit the Jobs Fair’s Eventbrite page

Rail company launches driver recruitment campaign
Rail company, Avanti West Coast, has launched a new recruitment campaign encouraging women to consider a career as a train driver as it looks to add 40 new drivers to its workforce across the UK this year.The business, which operates long-distance services between London to the North-west, North Wales and Scotland, opened applications in January 2022 for the first 10 roles, but is particularly looking to encourage more women to consider the role. As a part of the that recruitment process an online Train Driver question and answer session was held featuring newly qualified driver Hayley Richardson who talked about her experience.

Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme reinstated to ease Covid impact on business
The Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme (SSPRS) has been temporarily reintroduced to support employers facing heightened levels of sickness absence due to COVID-19.
If you’re a small or medium-sized employer with under 250 employees, you may be eligible to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) costs for up to two weeks per employee for COVID-19 related absences from 21 December 2021. While this is a reintroduction of the scheme which ran until 30 September 2021, it is a new claims period, which means you can claim for eligible employees whether or not you claimed for them under the previous scheme. Make sure you have the latest information by joining our webinar, COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme 2, which includes:
– who can claim for SSPR
– when to start paying SSPR
– what you can claim under SSPR
– making a claim
– connected companies or charities
– keeping records
During this interactive webinar you can ask questions using the on-screen text box and download handouts giving detailed examples and links to more information.
Register here

Where are Britain’s missing million workers?
There could be as many as a million missing workers in the UK job market, experts say. Latest figures suggest that the vast majority of livelihoods survived the end of the furlough scheme, designed to protect the economy from the ravages of Covid.

Fears of a huge spike in unemployment when the support was withdrawn have failed to materialise. On the contrary: with vacancies at a record high of 1.2 million, many employers are struggling to cope with a shortage of skilled workers.

On Thursday, the government announced plans to get 500,000 jobseekers into jobs by the end of June, with those claiming Universal Credit having to look for jobs outside their chosen field more quickly or face sanctions.

New Brexit Freedoms Bill aims to cut £1bn of EU “red tape”
A new ‘Brexit Freedoms’ Bill will be brought forward by the government to mark the two-year anniversary of UK leaving the EU. The Bill will make it easier to amend or remove ‘retained EU law’ – legacy EU law kept on the statute book after Brexit as a bridging measure – and will accompany a cross-government drive to reform, repeal and replace EU law. According to the government, these reforms will cut £1bn of “red tape” for UK businesses, ease regulations and contribute to the government’s levelling up policy.

Working safely during COVID-19: enforcement agents (bailiffs)
COVID-19 secure guidance for enforcement agents (also known as bailiffs) using the Taking Control of Goods process.

COMMUNITY:

Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need – updated the general list of providers.

Access to Work: factsheet for customers
Factsheet about Access to Work and how it can help overcome barriers to starting or keeping a job if you have a disability or long-term health condition.

COVID-19: provision of night shelters
Operating principles for commissioners and providers of night shelters for people experiencing rough sleeping.

COVID-19 surveillance and immunity studies
An overview of national surveillance programmes to understand how COVID-19 is present and affecting the wider population.

Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
For contacts of a person with a positive test result for COVID-19 who do not live with that person.

Driving test centre waiting rooms during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check which driving test centre waiting rooms are open, and find out what the rules are for using them because of coronavirus

HEALTH & WELLBEING:

COVID-19 variants identified in the UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in the UK.

Second ground-breaking antiviral to be deployed to country’s most vulnerable
Thousands of those most at-risk to COVID-19 will soon be able to access the UK’s second ground-breaking antiviral

HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Safer public places – managing public outdoor settings
Guidance for local authorities, owners and operators to support the safe use and management of outdoor public places while the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains – updated to reflect the lifting of Plan B measures.

PROPERTY:

Supply up in every part of the country according to Rightmove
The supply of new properties coming to the market is up on this time last year in every single region of the country according to Rightmove. In the last week, the number of new properties for sale is up eight per cent in Great Britain compared to the same period last year. The East Midlands, South East, South West, Wales and Yorkshire & The Humber all recorded an increase upwards of 10 per cent in new homes for sale in the last week compared to the same period last year.
Rightmove sees this as an early sign of a better-balanced market to come in 2022. This new wave of sellers coming to market is set against a backdrop of continuing high buyer demand into 2022 – total buyer demand is up 35 per cent within the last

TRANSPORT:

Carry out international road haulage
What UK goods vehicle operators need to do to carry out international road haulage – added information about registering journeys within Europe from 2 February 2022.

TRAVEL:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is 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 – amended ‘If you’re in the UK’ section, updating exceptional assurance visa or leave expiry date to 31 March 2022.

GOV & BBC UK daily coronavirus data:

There have been 16 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 155,000 people have died, government figures show. Over 52 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 91% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 84% have had their second and 65% have had a booster.

Total UK Cases: 16,468,522 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 62,399 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 16,149 (365 less than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 85
Total UK deaths: 155,698
England Cases per 100,000: 999
R number in UK: 0.8-1.1

Vaccine data:

Total 1^st doses given: 52,331,601 – 91% of UK aged 12+
Total 2^nd doses: 84%
Daily 1^st doses: 17,652
Daily 2nd doses: 37,477
Daily Booster doses: 52,295

The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
ThThe R range for England is 0.7 to 0.9; the growth rate for England is -6 to -2 as of 28^th January

COVID-19: estimated administrative vaccine uptake for people aged 18 and over
Daily percentage of the UK population aged 18 and over who have received a first dose, second dose, or third or booster dose to date.

Latest Stockport coronavirus data:

Despite a drop in Covid rates over the past fortnight, the fall has begun to level off and we are still seeing very high rates in Stockport, which are currently at 797.5* per 100,000 or around 334.3 per day. See the latest published data online.

Total Stockport cases: 81,019 to 28 January
Cases in the latest week: 2,319 (16 less compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 825 to January 14th
Cases per 100,000: 788 per 100,000 (18 to 24 Jan)

Stockport vaccine data:

1^st dose: 86% of over 12s to 20 January
2^nd dose: 80%
3^rd / booster dose: 64%

Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grant:

NOTE: The closing date for applications is at midnight on 18 February 2022. We will not accept any applications after this date.

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant is a one-off grant to support businesses that offer in-person services in a fixed rate-paying premises.
Businesses that were trading on 30 December 2021 may be eligible to apply for the grant.
Businesses that offer more than one service may only be eligible if 50% or more of their overall income comes from hospitality, leisure or accommodation.

How much will businesses receive?

Businesses that have a rateable value:

of £15,000 or less on 30 December 2021 will receive a payment of £2,667
between £15,001 and £50,999 on 30 December 2021 will receive a payment of £4,000
of £51,000 or more on 30 December 2021 will receive a payment of £6,000

What are the Tax implications?

Grant income received by a business is taxable. The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant will need to be included as income in the tax return of the business.
Only businesses that make an overall profit once the grant income is included will be subject to tax.
Payments made to businesses before 5 April 2022 will fall into the 2021/22 tax year. Unincorporated businesses will be taxed when they receive the grant income.

Business Grant Subsidy Allowance:

Businesses will be subject to the financial limits set out in the Business Grant Subsidy Allowance.
Businesses will be entitled to receive a grant for each eligible premises.

Applications are now open. Visit Stockport Council website for full information and application – Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grant – Stockport Council

COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF):

The fund will be available to support those businesses affected by the pandemic but that are ineligible for existing support linked to business rates.

The Stockport scheme is currently being developed.
Further details will be on the Council website when available – check this link regularly for updates – Financial support for businesses and employers – Stockport Council

Additional Restrictions Grant:

ARG is a Discretionary Grant Scheme that has been operating over a series of funding allocations from Government.

Round 2 Top Up:

The latest scheme with round 2 top up funding opened in November 2021. Information and application is on Stockport Council web page at this link – https://www.stockport.gov.uk/additional-restrictions-grant

Round 3 Top Up:

Round 3 top up funding allocation has now been received and must be used by 31/03/22. Most businesses are eligible to apply if still experiencing negative impact from Covid pandemic.

Applying for an ARG:

Businesses can apply for a grant from both top up 2 and 3 allocations but separate need to be submitted from businesses for each round of funding (Government requirement).
If businesses have applied for ARG before 21/12/21, then they can submit a further application now.
If businesses applied after 21/12/21 then no need to do anything further – if not applied at all yet then apply ASAP.
Applications will be processed on first come first served basis until funds are exhausted so applying does not guarantee success in getting a grant if funds have been exhausted at that time

Current status on payments:

Total discretionary grant funding of £2.35m total to be used by 31/03/2022 (includes latest £550k top up)

767 applications received by 18th January 2022
49% of applications fully processed
£1.1m grant funding released by 18th January 2022
Average grant payment of £3,271
399 further applications to process

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.

Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.

Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.

Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.

Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.

Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.

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.