DAILY STATISTICS
Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 1,512,045 have tested positive (+ 18,662 new cases)
Loss of life: *55,024 across all settings (+ 398 in last 24 hours)
Hospital admissions: 1,746 new admissions
Cases in Stockport: 864 cases 10 Nov to 16 Nov (-124 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 279.1 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 251.1)
Deaths in Stockport: 393 coronavirus-related registered to 30 October
Total cases in Stockport: 9,874 to 20 November
R rate in England: 1.0–1.1
*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 1.0-1.1 and the growth rate range is 0% to +2% per day as of 20 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
Lockdown in England is due to end next week but tier system could be tougher
This afternoon, the Prime Minister will announce plans for a return to the tier system as Gyms and shops are expected to be able to reopen in all areas. It is reported pubs in tier three will stay shut except for takeaway. In tier two, only those serving meals can open. Last orders in all pubs will remain at 22:00 GMT, but customers will have an extra hour to drink up. The ban on adult and children’s grassroots sport is to be lifted. According to the BBC, these relaxations will, however, go hand-in-hand with a toughening of the tier system. Boris Johnson will explain more later, but we know the rules in all three tiers will be stricter and more areas will be placed in the higher levels. Pubs and restaurants could be restricted to takeaway only in areas with the worst infection rates. Rapid mass testing – delivered with military support – will be rolled out in all tier three areas after a trial in Liverpool. A new system of repeat testing is also on the way, which could mean the close contacts of confirmed cases no longer having to self-isolate. On Thursday, areas will be told which tier applies to them.
The PM had hoped to announce arrangements for the Christmas period on Monday, but that’s been delayed until at least Tuesday to allow the Scottish and Welsh cabinets to agree the plans. BBC deputy political editor Vicki Young says that could see three households allowed to get together for up to five days.
The coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford is highly effective at stopping people developing Covid-19 symptoms, a large trial shows.
Interim data suggests 70% protection, but the researchers say the figure may be as high as 90% by tweaking the dose.
The results will be seen as a triumph, but come after Pfizer and Moderna vaccines showed 95% protection. However, the Oxford jab is far cheaper, and is easier to store and get to every corner of the world than the other two. So the vaccine will play a significant role in tackling the pandemic, if it is approved for use by regulators.
Cineworld has announced that it expects to survive without lender support if cinemas reopen by May 2021.
Cineworld, headquartered in London, reported today that it has secured $750m in additional liquidity, which it says means that it can survive another six months without cinemas opening. The company has secured a new debt facility of $450m and issue of equity warrants, and has agreed bank covenant waivers until June 2022. The company has said that this will provide it with “financial and operational flexibility” until business returns to normal. However, it added that this assumes a reopening of cinemas “no later” than May 2021 – and that if there is a further delay, it is likely to require lender support.
Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: MHRA statement confirming data received
Safety is our watchword! As further news of the vaccine is released, MHRA Chief Executive Dr June Raine said she is pleased to have received further data for the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine candidate: “ It is our job now to rigorously assess these data and the evidence submitted on the vaccine’s safety, quality and effectiveness. As we have received this data through a rolling review, we have already started our analysis and will aim to make a decision in the shortest time possible, without compromising the thoroughness of our review.
We will seek advice from the Government’s independent advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines. The Commission will critically assess the data too before advising the UK government on the safety, quality and effectiveness of any potential vaccine. The safety of the public will always come first. Our job is to work to the highest standards and safety is our watchword.”
Homecare workers to be tested weekly for COVID-19
Care workers looking after people in their own homes will be offered weekly coronavirus tests from Monday, the government has announced.
The R number and growth rate in the UK
The R number range for the UK is 1.0-1.1 and the growth rate range is 0% to +2% per day as of 20 November 2020.
Graphic courtesy of BBC
National Restrictions Poster
Graphical poster displaying information about the national restrictions in England.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Keep the momentum going’ urges Stockport Director of Public Health
Stockport Council’s Director of Public Health, Jennifer Connolly, has asked residents to ‘keep the momentum going’ and continue to reduce Covid-19 transmission rates in the borough. In a statement on the state of the virus in Stockport, she praised residents for their efforts in adhering to the nationwide lockdown restrictions that have seen new case numbers fall in recent weeks. However, she also reminded that case numbers in Stockport still remain high and that residents should continue to stick to social distancing and other rules and guidance after the 2nd December when measures are eased in order to keep the disease under control.
Read Jennifer Connolly’s full statement
Greater Manchester Police issue over 80 fines for breaches of Covid-19
Over 80 fines have been issued after officers were called to a number of reports of Covid-19 regulation breaches over this weekend. Officers discovered a large gathering with over 100 people in attendance just before 10pm last night.
We received a report of 10 people in the yard of an industrial unit before arriving at the scene and hearing a large number of people inside a unit on Mary Street in Manchester. When entry was gained, a large number of people were found inside after officers opened numerous locked doors. A total of 17 people were all handed Fixed Penalty Notices at the gathering and officers are working alongside partners in licensing to close the premises.
Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “These parties are a blatant disregard of the rules and pose a significant health risk to all those involved and the rest of the communities in Greater Manchester.
“But I would also remind the public who choose to so obviously breach these rules, this is adding to the pressure on policing when we would much rather be responding to other calls from the public.
“This is a challenging time for everyone but we all need to make sure we work together to reduce the risk posed by the spread of Covid-19.”
More here: https://crowd.in/0l201a
Greater Manchester is preparing to hold a further consultation on its proposals to reform the bus market following work to understand the potential impact of Covid-19.
At a meeting on Friday 27 November, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) will be asked to give the go-ahead to a consultation on the potential impacts of Covid-19 on both Greater Manchester’s bus market and its proposed franchising scheme. This follows an earlier consultation, held between October 2019 and January 2020, on the introduction of the proposed franchising scheme. A final decision on the scheme was planned for spring 2020, but this was delayed due to the impact of Covid-19. Reform of the bus market is a key part of ‘Our Network’, Greater Manchester’s ten-year plan for a world-class, integrated public transport network, that makes getting around the city-region easy, accessible and affordable. Our Network is part of the Transport Strategy 2040, the city-region’s long-term plan for transport with the right connections in the right places, simple ticketing across different types of transport and the potential to transform Greater Manchester, by enabling people to move around quickly and easily. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic buses have become even more essential. 75% of public transport journeys made in Greater Manchester, both before and during the pandemic, are by bus and they continue to be a critical link to jobs and essential services. Currently in Greater Manchester the bus companies decide the routes, frequencies, fares and standards. There is no coordination and limited oversight. Where bus companies decide not to run services, where necessary the public sector pays to fill in the gaps. Under franchising, bus services would be brought under local control. GMCA would coordinate the bus network based on the services passengers need and would also coordinate investment in the bus market. The bus operators would be contracted by GMCA to run the services.
Northern leaders have agreed an initial plan for a new railway network that will transform the region’s economy.
Following a Transport for the North meeting, elected mayors, council and business leaders have recommended the Government commits to Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) – a network of new and significantly upgraded rail lines for the North of England. It could create thousands of jobs and includes calls for a new rail link between Liverpool and Manchester, through Warrington town centre, as well as a line from Manchester to Leeds, via Bradford.
Cheadle construction company Goodwin’s construction falls into administration
The Cheadle building contractor, which was established six years ago, worked on schemes across the North West of up to £15m. At the start of the year after building a good advanced order book, the company hired a dozen ex-Bardsley staff just weeks after the building contractor collapsed. But the expanding business then suffered several project delays due to coronavirus, leaving it with mounting cashflow difficulties in recent months.
Joint administrator John Lowe said: “Goodwin’s Construction Services was a strong business, but unfortunately the challenges facing the?business?left the company with no option other than to appoint administrators?as it was unable to generate the cashflow to remain solvent.”
Insider: Cheadle-based taxi technology company Autocab has increased its headcount by a quarter following a significant investment.
The business has brought 30 new starters on board since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in March and aims to recruit further over the coming months. Its expansion is designed to help the taxi and private hire industry recover from the Covid-19 pandemic alongside the £500,000 Operator Relief Fund it established earlier this year. Chief executive Safa Alkateb said: “Many of our customers have been hugely effected by the pandemic, so we’ve looked at several ways we can support them. A delivery service is not something many local operators will have considered before but times have changed. We’re now seeing our customers building partnerships with dozens of local businesses and they have significantly increased the number of daily trips their drivers are making as a result.”
UK Government and Devolved Administrations Meeting: 21 November 2020
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster held a discussion with devolved administrations on 21 November 2020 on shared arrangements for the festive period.
Businesses can have their say on Clean Air Plan
Businesses in Stockport are being asked to have their say on two major consultations to help Greater Manchester build back greener.
Both businesses and people across Stockport still have several weeks to have their say in the Clean Air and Minimum Licensing Standards for taxis and private hire consultations, which run until 11:59pm on Thursday 3 December 2020.
People can find out more and give their views at cleanairgm.com and gmtaxistandards.com, or request further support, including copies of consultation documents, on 0161 244 1100.
For businesses and taxi operators, the Clean Air team is hosting a series of webinars, which offer a more detailed presentation and an opportunity to ask questions about the plans and funding packages being proposed.
Find out more
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
Grant payments to 18/11/2020: 15 issued / £12,073.29 - 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
Grant payments to 18/11/2020: 419 issued / value to date: £623,554.00
Payments made to those venues that were require to close in March 2020 and have remained closed since, e.g.: Nightclubs.
Payment will be made for the period 1st to 4th November. Eligible businesses will be entitled to receive a National Lockdown grant from 5th November 2020.
Grant payments to 18/11/2020: 1 issued / £285.71
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:
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020. You can pay now or get ready to opt in to the VAT deferral new payment scheme. New payment scheme will be available in 2021.Guide updated with information on how to opt in to the scheme.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from self-isolation or passenger locator form requirements. Specialist technical workers – subsea telecommunications infrastructure added to list.
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.
Consensus statement emphasises importance of COVID-19-secure workplaces
A consensus statement on the best approach to reduce risk for workers, including those of ethnic minority groups, has been issued by PHE, HSE and FOM.
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:
COVID Winter Grant Scheme
Information on COVID Winter Grant Scheme funding to support vulnerable households.
Stopping movement of staff between care settings
We want your views on plans to minimise the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) infections by making residential and nursing care home providers restrict the movement of care staff.
CULTURE, MEDIA & SPORT:
COVID-19: suggested principles of safer singing
Outlining the available evidence on virus transmission associated with singing and suggested actions to reduce the risk of transmission while singing.
ENVIRONMENT:
EMG: Potential application of air cleaning devices and personal decontamination to manage transmission of COVID-19, 4 November 2020
Paper prepared by the Environmental and Modelling Group (EMG).
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
Adult social care: coronavirus (COVID-19) winter plan 2020 to 2021
The government’s ambitions for the sector and the challenges facing adult social care this winter.
Incinerating specified healthcare wastes at a municipal waste incinerator: RPS C23
When you can incinerate coronavirus (COVID-19) infectious waste at a municipal waste incinerator without varying your permit. This RPS has been amended by removing the word ‘infectious’ where appropriate, removing the reference to ‘yellow bagged’, and setting out the waste types correctly.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) weekly insights: latest health indicators in England
This article brings together data about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in England. Exploring how these measures interact with each other can improve understanding of the severity and spread of the pandemic. Prepared by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in collaboration with our research partners at the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) and Public Health England (PHE).
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK: 20 November 2020
Estimates for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. This survey is being delivered in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England and Wellcome Trust.
NHS Test and Trace: how we test your samples
An overview of the largest diagnostic network in British history, including what happens after you submit your sample and how laboratories process your test – updated to reflect the latest information on the NHS Test and Trace programme, including additional detail on the operational structure of the lab network, and to reflect growth in the number of tests processed weekly.
How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
The different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers.
UK Government-supported mass Covid-19 testing begins in Merthyr
UK Military provides logistical support for county-wide programme of testing.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for homecare workers
Sets out how homecare agencies in England can order regular tests for their homecare staff.
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic – update for week commencing 23 November 2020 published.
MOD:
COVID Support Force: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response
Military personnel are supporting public services across the UK to assist with the response to COVID-19. This page has the latest information on the MOD’s activities – Updated: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response page as of 20 November 2020.
PROPERTY:
Market boom continues according to strong mortgage search figures
A mortgage technology platform has released figures suggesting the housing market remains strong, with high numbers of searches by buyers for the best loans. Twenty7Tec’s latest figures show the state of the mortgage market after the second week of the latest England lockdown. Weekly mortgage online search volumes are currently at 87.33 per cent of the year’s highest figure, down just 0.5 per cent on the previous week. Specifically, owner occupation mortgage search volumes are at 85.94% of the year’s high, down 1.9 per cent on the week before, while buy to let mortgage search volumes are at 94.18 per cent of the year’s high, up 2.3 per cent on the previous week.
Tougher Corona restrictions: agents to be told how market will work
Agents should know in the next 36 hours how new Coronavirus restrictions will affect how they work. The Prime Minister is announcing tougher Tier restrictions to operate from the end of the England lockdown on December 2. Under the current England-wide lockdown agents have been able to work in branches but without widespread visits from members of the public; sales and house moves have gone ahead, under existing social distancing and safety guidelines.
10 Downing Street has already confirmed ahead of Boris Johnson’s announcement that after December 2 more areas of England are set to be placed into higher tiers than before to keep the virus under control, with specific tier rules strengthened to safeguard progress on reducing the infection R rate achieved during the lockdown.
Investors scramble for property in the face of recession
The majority of UK investors are worried the government’s handling of Covid-19 and Brexit will have a negative impact on the economy, new research from FJP Investment has found. Its survey of more than 1,000 UK-based investors – all of whom have investments and savings in excess of £10,000 – has revealed their thoughts on the UK economy and the country’s position as an investment hub.
It found that over three-fifths (63%) are concerned about the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic resulting in a long-term recession, while 41% are worried about the impact Brexit will have on their finances. This figure rises to 53% for those with an investment portfolio valued over £250,000. With Brexit negotiations stalling, over half (53%) are expecting a no deal outcome by December 31 2020.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak.
TRAVEL:
Airlines need further £60billion to survive Covid-19
Speaking at the Paris Air Forum on Friday (20 November), de Juniac thanked governments around the world for provision, to date, of around £120 billion in support, Reuters reports. However, he said also stressed that in the coming months, the industry’s additional funding needs would amount to around another £60 billion in aid “otherwise some airlines will not survive”.
De Juniac also offered an update on the financial outlook for the sector, admitting losses for the year could run to £75 billion, up from a previous Iata estimate of £65.5 billion.
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 to include visa extension for healthcare workers whose visa expires between 1 October 2020 and 31 March 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate. Updated – Bonaire / St Eustatius / Saba, Israel, Jerusalem, Namibia, Northern Mariana Islands, Rwanda, Sri Lanka and Uruguay and the US Virgin Islands added to exempt list.
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.
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