DAILY STATISTICS
Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 1,430,341 have tested positive (+ 19,609 new cases)
Loss of life: *53,274 across all settings (+ 529 in last 24 hours)
Hospital admissions: 1,589 new admissions
Cases in Stockport: 956 cases 8 Nov to 14 Nov (-107 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 326 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 223)
Deaths in Stockport: 393 coronavirus-related registered to 30 October
Total cases in Stockport: 9,657 to 18 November
R rate in England: 1.0–1.2
*Daily reported COVID deaths are measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the first laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test
The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R number range for the UK is 1.0-1.2 and the growth rate range is +1% to +3% per day as of 13 November 2020.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
HEADLINES
BBC: Oxford vaccine shows encouraging immune response in older adults
Researchers at Oxford say there are “encouraging” signs their coronavirus vaccine is showing a strong immune response in adults in their 60s and 70s.
Older people’s weaker immune systems mean vaccines do not tend to function as well as they do in younger people. But the trial results, based on 560 healthy adult volunteers, suggest those in the 56-69 and over-70 age groups had a similar response to younger adults. “We hope that this means our vaccine will help to protect some of the most vulnerable people in society, but further research will be needed before we can be sure,” says Dr Maheshi Ramasamy. Results of larger studies looking at the vaccine’s overall efficiency are expected within weeks.
Royal Mail sends 10 per cent revenue growth as parcel deliveries grow by a third
The UK’s postal service has today announced that it has seen “strong” growth in its first half as coronavirus restrictions push parcel postage. Royal Mail has reported that its group revenue increased by 9.8 per cent for the first six months of its financial year, jumping from £5,166m in 2019 to £5,671m. The growth was largely driven by a rise in the amount of packages sent, with parcel revenue up 33.2 per cent. This was offset by a reduction in the amount of letters sent during the period, with revenue in the area declining by 20.5 per cent. The company also reported an adjusted operating loss of £129m compared to last year’s £75m profit, with costs of mix change (£95m), COVID-19 (£85m), voluntary redundancy (£147m) and international conveyance (£32m). This comes as Royal Mail recruits for 33,000 flexible roles over the Christmas period.
£80m government funding to kickstart UK’s “green revolution”
The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today unveiled new plans to kickstart the country’s “green revolution” with £80m funding.
The Prime Minister has revealed his Ten Point Plan as part of his ‘green recovery’, with the Green Recovery Challenge Fund earmarked for investment into the nationwide project. The plan involves the expansion of protected landscapes, increased access to nature, stronger flood resilience, and the creation and retention of thousands of green jobs. It also confirms that new national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) will be created, as well as 10 Landscape Recovery projects. Environment Secretary George Eustice commented: “We are committed to driving forward a green revolution as we build back better and greener from the pandemic, and the Ten Point Plan provides a crucial vehicle to help us shape a cleaner and more resilient society.
Men, younger people, and those with conservative political views are less likely to comply with COVID-19 measures such as social distancing
The findings from BI Norwegian Business School. also confirm that detailed instructions on the virus and health behaviours can help increase adherence to COVID-19 measures. The most important solution to combat COVID-19 so far has been to regulate contact with each other and increase personal hygiene, including handwashing. Therefore, it is important to understand what can be done to improve hygiene and social distancing behaviours. The results show that those with conservative political views, males, younger people, extraverts, and those with low neuroticism, low agreeableness, and low conscientiousness are more likely to disregard government advice on COVID-19 and put others at risk. Those with high externalising personality disorders, including antisocial and narcissistic personalities, are also less likely to be compliant.
MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
Added ‘Pfizer / BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: MHRA statement’ to News Stories
Pfizer / BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: MHRA statement
The safety of the public will always come first.
Airline to launch on-board coronavirus testing
British Airways is launching on-board coronavirus tests on some transatlantic flights as an alternative — if the government agrees — to the quarantining of incoming passengers to the UK. Malaysia’s Air Asia is reconsidering its investment in India while fellow budget airline easyJet recorded its first-ever loss as it called for more UK government support.
Graphic courtesy of BBC
Slides to accompany coronavirus data briefing: 18 November 2020
Slides on coronavirus presented by Professor Dame Angela McLean, Dr Susan Hopkins and Professor Stephen Powis.
National Restrictions Poster
Graphical poster displaying information about the national restrictions in England.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Greater Manchester has released a new plan for supporting businesses in the city-region’s night-time economy to recover from the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions on trading.
Released by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Mayor Andy Burnham and the city-region’s night-time economy adviser, Sacha Lord, the blueprint details for priorities for local government support for the sector. Focuses will include lobbying of central government on the industry’s behalf, support for businesses to adapt and diversify in new trading conditions, and mental health support for workers in the sector. The night-time economy supports 33% of Greater Manchester’s workforce, and over the last 20 years growth in the sector has outpaced the wider economy in the city-region, however, workers are disproportionately low-paid compared to the wider economy. The sector has also been disproportionately hit by Covid-19 restrictions, with 90% of night-time businesses closed during lockdown, and a larger proportion of jobs in Greater Manchester are in ‘shut-down’ sectors compared to other UK regions.
A £7 million support scheme for SMEs in Greater Manchester has launched as part of Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) Skills for Growth investment. The scheme will be delivered by the Business Growth Hub in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and will help small businesses in the city-region to develop both businesses and its employees. Health and wellbeing will also form a key element of the programme. The Skills for Growth scheme will comprise three key stages of support, helping Greater Manchester businesses to:
- Access a consultation service to assess current skills and productivity
- Develop a Productivity & Skills Plan
- Implement Productivity & Skills development (including access to skills providers)
The programme’s SME support is fully funded and is tailored for businesses to upskill employees and drive productivity improvements.
EY: Region to benefit from Foreign Direct Investment manufacturing shift
A shift in foreign investor priorities has seen the attractiveness of the UK as a location for investment into manufacturing – a major sector for the North West – rise against a backdrop of COVID-19 uncertainty, according to a new report.
EY’s latest UK Attractiveness Survey shows that as well as 32 per cent of manufacturers looking to re-shore activity to the country, another 32 per cent from the sector say they intend to invest in the UK over the next 12 months. The investment is being driven by major changes in supply chain strategies, which have “become more pressing” as a result of the pandemic. Sixty-six percent of all respondents – and 98 per cent of manufacturing respondents – say they plan to remodel their supply chains in the future.
Read more at Insider
Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership unveils ‘vision’ for post-pandemic city region
The organisation, which brings together the private and public sectors with the aim to support business growth, said its ‘vision’ – called ‘building a greater Manchester, making a greater Britain’ – provides a ‘blueprint’ for remodelling the city region’s economy to become more effective, greener and more resilient.
Leader of Stockport Council Elise Wilson, GMCA portfolio lead for economy and business, said: “We’re at a pivotal moment, with the pandemic providing an opportunity to build back better by setting a new course for Greater Manchester’s economy. Our plan sets out the first steps towards achieving an economic recovery that puts people first. We must build on our world-class strengths, become a digitally-enabled city-region and ensure the benefits of economic growth are felt by all.”
CDL puts mental health & wellbeing high on its coronavirus agenda
Stockport-based insurance technology firm CDL has made mental health the focus of a new welfare initiative to give people the tools to combat the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their well-being, particularly surrounding changes to their working life.
The ‘TALKS2020’ programme is inspired by five ways to promote positive mental and physical well-being identified by the New Economics Foundation, which are integral to CDL’s well-being strategy. They are: Take notice, Be active, Learn, Keep connecting and Share kindness. As part of this, colleagues have been invited to participate in a series of tailored webinars, facilitated by an external provider, on topics including coping with change, managing anxiety and building resilience. There is a particular emphasis on handling the pressure that working from home can have on mental health, such as teaching the importance of maintaining connection with other people and the role of activity in psychological well-being. Men’s mental health is also a focus, including addressing the stigma surrounding men talking about mental health and how identity plays a role in this.
EnterprisingYou hosts support event for Greater Manchester Self Employed
EnterprisingYou are hosting a unique event next Friday aimed at bringing as many of GM’s influential networking & support groups together to tell them about partnership opportunities with EnterprisingYou. They will also be joined by EY clients, and have a rundown of what support is available to GM self-employed residents. EnterprisingYou was launched in 2020 and is a joint partnership between GMCA and the Dept for Education. This ground breaking programme has so far helped 600 businesses to survive, sustain and grow through the pandemic and we aim to support around 2500 over the coming year. The unique webinar takes place on the 27th November at 1pm – BOOK HERE
Please feel free to bring as many guests as you like from your group. If this invite is not relevant to you, please share with anyone who you think would like to attend. Find out more about https://enterprising-you.co.uk/
Business grant schemes designed to provide support in and out of lockdown
There are a number of business grant schemes available that cover different periods of time and different situations, such as being under national lockdown.
Updated with info for businesses to check on eligibility etc. to the new grants: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19#support-for-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-restrictions
The Council currently has two live business grant schemes – both for businesses that have a business rates liability, and they are for the following circumstances:
- For the period of being in Tier 3 from 24/10/20 to 04/11/20 – link to guidance and applications is here – https://www.stockport.gov.uk/support-for-businesses-and-employers
- For the period of new national restrictions (lockdown) from 05/11/20 – link to guidance and applications is here – https://www.stockport.gov.uk/support-for-businesses-and-employers/local-restrictions-support-grant-5th-november
Stockport Council will also be offering business grants under a discretionary scheme. Details of these schemes are currently being finalised and will be published and open for applications shortly. More information on these will be provided as soon as it is available.
By working in collaboration, Stockport can become united and encouraged to build a better future for everyone by supporting the local economy, connecting communities and promoting health & wellbeing. Find out more at www.onestockport.co.uk
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme – added updated version of the ‘Tips for making a successful Kickstart Scheme application’ document.
Statement on government procurement following this week’s NAO report
Statement following Wednesday’s report on procurement from the National Audit Office.
HM Treasury coronavirus (COVID-19) business loan scheme statistics
HMT management information about the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and Future Fund Scheme.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 19 November 2020
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
Business insights and impacts on the UK: 19 November 2020
New experimental data on the UK economy detailing the impact on businesses from the coronavirus (COVID-19).Data is from the Business Impact of Coronavirus Survey; a 2-weekly survey designed to estimate the impact over the previous 2 weeks and the expectations for the following 2 weeks.
Income Tax and National Insurance contributions exemption for employer-provided coronavirus antigen tests
This tax information and impact note is about a temporary exemption from Income Tax benefit in kind charge for employees who get a coronavirus antigen test from their employer.
Help the government increase coronavirus (COVID-19) testing capacity
The government wants help from businesses to increase testing capacity in the UK as part of its strategy to protect the NHS and save lives.
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 – skbusinessrecovery.co.uk to support businesses through the phases of recovery.
COMMUNITY:
CULTURE, MEDIA & SPORT:
Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
Designated venues in certain sectors must have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff to help break the chains of transmission of coronavirus including cinemas, concert venues and theatres. Added clarification that indoor sports and leisure centres includes gyms.
EDUCATION:
Dame Glenys Stacey: speech to AOC’s FE Summit, 18 November 2020
Dame Glenys Stacey’s speech to the Association of Colleges’ Further Education Summit, 18 November 2020.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact-tracing data in its weekly reports – updated to include information on lateral flow device tests.
NHS Test and Trace (England) and coronavirus testing (UK) statistics: 5 November to 11 November
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 24 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England and coronavirus testing (UK).
MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – created a new ‘Vaccines and vaccine safety’ document collection section for existing and future documents regarding COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine candidates
PPE portal: how to order COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)
Eligible health and social care providers can order PPE through the portal to meet the increased need that has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Expanded study tests immune response of care home staff and residents
An expansion of the current Vivaldi study will test thousands more care home staff and residents for their immune response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Evaluating detection of SARS-CoV-2: Antibodies at Home study
The EDSAB-HOME research study is evaluating the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using home testing kits.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): reducing risk in adult social care
A framework for how adult social care employers should assess and reduce risk to their workforce during the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE): Coronavirus (COVID-19) response – participants
List of participants of SAGE and related sub-groups – changed the name of the Environmental Working Group to the Environmental Modelling Group.
JUDICIARY:
HM Courts and Tribunals Service engagement groups
Professional and public user groups working with HMCTS on aspects of the reform programme, including collaboration on new development proposals.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals planning and preparation
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be updated when new advice is available.
MOD:
Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces 2020
A summary statistics on the number of defence personnel who have had a COVID-19 test; and for the UK Armed Forces, the number of positive cases of COVID-19. Addition of: number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces as of 19 November 2020.
PROPERTY:
Is this the perfect time to invest in PropTech?
The founder of OneDome says a likely housing market slowdown is the perfect time for agents to optimise revenue by investing in PropTech. Babek Ismayil believes agencies should offset lower activity throughout the festive period and as the stamp duty holiday ends by maximising the revenue per property sold via complementary homebuying services such as mortgages and conveyancing. The property market shows signs of slowing after a record-breaking summer, impacted by the second lockdown and fast-approaching end of the SDLT holiday. All these issues raise questions about the first half of 2021 and the steps to taken by estate agents, he says.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): taxis and PHVs
Actions that drivers, operators and owners of taxis or private hire vehicles (PHVs) can take to protect against coronavirus.
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode. Latest data table update added and methodology note updated to include information regarding statistics on ship arrivals.
Changes to DfT statistics publications due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Department for Transport statistics – information on the statistical publications due to the coronavirus pandemic has been updated – reported road casualties in Great Britain provisional estimates.
Transport measures to protect the UK from variant strains of COVID-19
For lorry drivers and maritime and aviation transport crew moving freight between the UK and places with outbreaks of variant strain COVID-19.
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 – updated UK VAC concession to 31 March 2021.
Norwegian air seeks bankruptcy protection
Budget airline Norwegian has sought bankruptcy protection (examinership) in Ireland, where its aircraft assets are held. The carrier said: “The purpose of the process is to reduce debt, rightsize the fleet and secure new capital. This reorganisation process protects the assets of the Norwegian group while allowing the company to focus on the rightsizing of the group. The process is estimated to take up to five months.”
Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill: overarching documents
These documents relate to the Immigration Bill 2020. The Bill received Royal Assent and is now an Act. Added the Consequential SI impact assessment.
Covid-19 Webinars:
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
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. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.
Make your workplace COVID-secure:
You can find recordings of webinars covering other types of workplace here
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 to view webinar
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/
ACAS
A series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Useful information and links:
Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31st October, would now be extended until December.
Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31??? ?January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15??? ?February and 31??? ?March.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – closes on 31??? ?October
Please note that this scheme closes on 31??? ?October and employers will need to make any final claims on or before 30??? ?November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30??? ?November.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.
Job Support Scheme expanded to help businesses forced to close
The Government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) has been expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions.
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.
Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.
Local COVID Alert level: Very High (Liverpool City Region)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Liverpool City Region.
Local COVID Alert Level Posters
A series of graphical posters displaying information about the Local COVID Alert Level.
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.
Find someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf
Find a Kickstart gateway in England, Scotland or Wales who have expressed interest in helping employers get a Kickstart Scheme grant.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
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.
Coronavirus Act report: September 2020
The third two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24th September
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
The SMBC website and produce a form for completion online if anyone wants to report an outbreak. The links are now live and are below:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
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.
New 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.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
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.
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.
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 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.