
DAILY STATISTICS
Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 1,574,562 have tested positive (+ 17,555 new cases)
Loss of life: *57,031 across all settings (+ 498 in last 24 hours)
Hospital admissions: 1,434 new admissions
Cases in Stockport: 600 cases 15 Nov to 21 Nov (-318 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 204 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 165)
Deaths in Stockport: 424 coronavirus-related registered to 13 November
Total cases in Stockport: 10,313 to 26 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 and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 26 November 2020
Slides on coronavirus presented by Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance.
Coronavirus cases in England: 26 November 2020
Epidemiological data and projection models used by the government to brief MPs on local restriction tiers.
Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 26 November 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a statement at the coronavirus press conference.
HEADLINES
National newspaper group presses on as print revenue takes 20% tumble
A national media company has reported that its print revenue has taken a 20 per cent tumble in recent months. Reach plc, the owner of more than 200 national and regional newspaper titles, announced today that it has seen a 19.6 per cent decline in print revenue over the past five months. The lowered demand for print was somewhat offset by a 16.2 per cent digital revenue increase, but the group’s overall revenue remains low with a decrease of 13.9 per cent. This comes as Reach, whose titles include the Daily Mirror, undertakes a strategic transformation programme which has seen more than 500 jobs cut across the group.
“Devastating news for tourism and hospitality”: The UK reacts to post-lockdown restrictions
The government has set out its plans for the UK’s Covid-19 restrictions as the end of the lockdown period approaches. It said that the country is going back to the three tier system that was in place before the second lockdown, which will end on December 2. The Greater Manchester, North East, Yorkshire and parts of the Midlands will be in Tier 3, with most other parts of the country in Tier 2. Leaders from across the country commented on how the restrictions will affect businesses over the Christmas period.
Tougher tier restrictions could wipe out £7.8bn worth of trading in December
UKHospitality has warned that the landscape of the sector will be ‘fundamentally degraded for the foreseeable future’ if the Government fails to provide businesses with further financial support. More than 31,000 hospitality businesses across the UK, including in Stockport and across Greater Manchester, will be forced to remain closed under the Tier 3 system of restrictions.
Returning to a regional tiered approach
A written statement from the Health and Social Care Secretary to the House of Commons on returning to local COVID restriction tiers in England.
Full list of local restriction tiers by area
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Tier 3 for Greater Manchester despite falling infection rates
Stockport and Trafford have recorded the lowest infection rates across Greater Manchester as rates have dropped again across all 10 boroughs in Greater Manchester. Despite the continued downward trend of the figures, the region will again be placed into the Government’s Tier 3 measures from December 2nd next week when lockdown comes to an end. Infection rates are expressed as the number of new cases per 100,000 people. The overall figure for Greater Manchester stands at 267.5 per 100,000 – the lowest since September.

“Greater Manchester’s infection rate is reducing faster than any other part of the country but we have to accept that it is still significantly higher than the England average. That said, if the current rate of improvement continues, we will be asking the Government to move our city-region into Tier 2 in two weeks’ time.
“What we believe is completely wrong is the Government’s decision to provide no additional business support to areas in Tier 3 than those in Tiers 1 and 2.
“The new Tier 3 will hit the hospitality sector extremely hard. While there are grants for businesses forced to close, there is no extra support for business which supply them like security, catering and cleaning. This will cause real hardship for people whose jobs will be affected and risk the loss of many businesses.
“Ministers need to explain how they believe it is fair for Tier 3 areas to get no more support than those in Tiers 1 and 2. They also need to explain why places with high numbers of hospitality businesses – like city centres – get the same population-based grant as more suburban and rural areas with fewer businesses affected.
“The effect of these policy decisions will be to level down the economies of city-regions across the North. It is unfair and the opposite of what the Government has promised to do. Ministers must review this and provide more financial support to Tier 3 areas.”
Greater Manchester vaccine trial participants have shared stories of their experiences
Participants taking part in Greater Manchester’s first Covid-19 vaccine trial have shared their experiences and why they chose to take part. The study is testing the safety and efficacy of a vaccine being developed by US-based Novavax. This is the first in a number of Phase 3 Covid-19 vaccine trials to be carried out in Greater Manchester, in cooperation with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Phase 3 studies will involve many thousands of participants to gain insights into a vaccine’s effects on a large population. Almost 750 volunteers from Stockport, South East Manchester and East Cheshire areas are taking part in the trial, which closed to new participants this week. A total of 15,000 volunteers are taking part nationally.
Stockport businesses encouraged to act ahead of end of Brexit transition
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union (EU), businesses in Stockport are being encouraged to take steps to prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period. New rules for businesses trading with the EU will come into effect from 1st January 2021. While the Government continues to negotiate some of the detail of future trading arrangements with EU, Stockport Council would like businesses in the borough to be aware of actions that should be taken before the new year to help prepare.
Read more
Jobcentre guidance on COVID-19 Local Restriction Tiers
Jobcentres will remain open, as they have throughout the pandemic, to provide essential services to those we cannot help remotely.
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 23/10/20 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
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.
The Council’s Discretionary Grant Schemes for businesses are now open for applications.
There are two schemes available for eligible, qualifying businesses:
- The Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses), and;
- The Additional Restrictions Grant (for the latest period of National Restrictions from 04/11/20 and 02/12/20)
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
It is anticipated that there will be a high volume of applications and contacts to be processed so it will not be possible for members of the team to respond to individual enquiries at this time.”

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:
Find examples to help you calculate your employees’ wages
Check examples to help you calculate your employee’s wages, National Insurance contributions and pension contributions if you’re claiming through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out what steps you need to take before you calculate how much you can claim for furloughed and flexibly furloughed employees. More information about fixed hours employees whose first pay period ends after 30 October 2020 has been added.
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you have to pay your furloughed employees for hours on furlough and how much you can claim back. The information has been updated to give further detail about if your fixed-rate employee’s first pay period ends after 30 October 2020 and if your variable-rate employee’s first wages are payable after they begin furlough.
Business Growth Hub Supporting Self-Employed in Greater Manchester
Over the past months, BGH has seen a massive shift in how we work, play and exercise. These unprecedented times have thrown nearly every business owner a massive curve ball. Our colleagues at EnterprisingYou have put together a few tips on how the self-employed and small business owners can maintain their productivity.
Find out more
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Factories, plants and warehouses – Added information on the new local restriction tiers and the COVID-19 Winter Plan. See the ‘What’s changed’ section for further information.
BEIS in the Spending Review
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will have a key role to play delivering the pledges made in the Spending Review
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 webinar about the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension has been updated.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Vehicles and Other people’s homes, Labs and research facilities, Offices and contact centres, Shops and branches – added information on the new local restriction tiers and the COVID-19 Winter Plan. See the ‘What’s changed’ section for further information.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme statistics: October 2020
The number of individuals claiming the SEISS grant up to 30 September 2020 by age, gender, industry sector and geography – providing the correct age distribution for the ‘potentially eligible population’ and ‘total number of claims’ in tables 1 and 7.
Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This document sets out guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers and assessment organisations in response to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) – added information about managing national and local restrictions. This guidance makes it clear that apprenticeship training and assessment can continue to be delivered under national restrictions and all local restriction tiers.

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.

Privacy Notice for COVID-19 Fraud Hotline
This notice sets out how we will use your personal data, and your rights. It is made under Article 14 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make one
This page explains when to wear a face covering, exemptions from wearing one, and how to make your own face covering – updated to reflect the change from national to regional restrictions in England on 2 December. Added guidance about wearing visors. Updated guidance about ‘reasonable excuses’ and exemption badges and cards.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – added 2 December guidance.
CONSTRUCTION:
North West construction firm sees strong order book for 2021
Preston-based Conlon Construction is the latest firm to report good order levels for the next two years. The private North West building firm said the growth in 2020/21 workload was being aided by project slippages brought about by both Covid and Brexit. The building contractor is also waiting for decisions from clients on several big schemes including a big contract for Lancashire University management school involving major refurbishment and new build works. Conlon is also enjoying wins from places on YORbuild and NorthWest construction Hub frameworks.
EDUCATION:
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated to address changes for the exit from National Restrictions on 2 December. New and updated guidance on managing safety in settings and staffing, 30 hour entitlements and information on business support. A full list of updates is included at the beginning of the guidance document.
Early years foundation stage statutory framework (EYFS)
The standards that school and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 – amended ‘Early years foundation stage: coronavirus disapplications’ to remove reference to the original transition period and the PFA certification extensions, both which ended on 25 November 2020.
Guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term to support the return of children and young people with special education needs and disability (SEND) – guidance updated to address the lifting of the national restrictions from 2 December 2020. Amendments to key policy areas have been made to reflect the local restriction tiers.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Sets out what further education (FE) providers need to know for the autumn term so that students of all ages can benefit from their education and training in full – updated the information for clinically extremely vulnerable staff and students.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Sets out what further education (FE) providers need to know for the autumn term so that students of all ages can benefit from their education and training in full – updated guidance on the appropriate use of face coverings outside of the teaching and learning environment, safe behaviour off-site, residential providers and managing national and local restrictions. Removed the supplier relief guidance as that ended on 31 October.
Data on COVID-19 visits: further education and skills
Data about Ofsted’s visits to further education and skills providers during the interim phase of our return to inspection.
Data on COVID-19 inspections: non-association independent schools
Data about Ofsted’s inspections of non-association independent schools during the interim phase of our return to routine inspection.
Data on COVID-19 visits: registered early years providers
Data about Ofsted’s visits to registered early years providers during the interim phase of our return to inspection.
Data on COVID-19 visits: social care providers
Data about Ofsted’s assurance visits to social care providers during our phased return to inspection.
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term – updated to reflect the local restriction tiers.
Student-level equalities analyses for GCSE and A level
Report into the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on awarding of GCSE and A level qualifications in 2020.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
NHS Test and Trace continues to improve
Test turnaround times are improving, more contacts are being reached than ever before, while 200 local tracing partnerships have been launched with local authorities.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK: 27 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.
COVID-19: vaccinator training recommendations
Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination training to support healthcare workers involved in delivering the programme
Community testing – explainer
Community asymptomatic testing helps identify and isolate individuals who have COVID-19 but do not have symptoms.
Weekly national flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published
National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme.
Test and Trace Support Payment scheme: claiming financial support
Who can claim the support and how to apply – added a bullet point to the eligibility criteria: ‘you’ve responded to messages received from NHS Test and Trace (via email, text, letter or phone call) in which you provided your contact details and where you’ve tested positive, and the details of your contacts’. Added 2 links to advice on NHS.UK.
MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
We are producing guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: MHRA statement confirming letter received’ to the ‘Vaccines and vaccine safety’ collection
COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a
Provisional guidance subject to Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approval of vaccine supply.
COVID-19: vaccination programme guidance for healthcare practitioners
Guidance for healthcare practitioners about the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
COVID-19: vaccinator competency assessment tool
Knowledge and skills competence assessment tool.
Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: MHRA statement confirming letter received
The safety of the public will always come first.
Government asks regulator to approve supply of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine
The government has formally asked the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to evaluate whether supply of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine can be authorised.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): admission and care of people in care homes
How to protect care home residents and staff during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to include relevant links to the guidance on the local restriction tier system that will be in place in England from 2 December.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Piccolino and The Restaurant Bar & Grill brands bought in £40m deal
Individual Restaurants’ brands – including Piccolino, Restaurant Bar & Grill, Opera Grill and Bank high street restaurant brands, has been acquired by the directors of Iceland supermarket in a deal worth £40m.
Read more at BigHospitality
JUDICIARY:
HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 statistics monthly
Monthly statistics providing data of COVID-19 in HM Prison and Probation Service in England and Wales.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Contain Outbreak Management Fund: payments to local authorities
The Contain Outbreak Management Fund provides funding to local authorities in England to help reduce the spread of coronavirus and support local public health.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services
Advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) for local authorities and their partners to help support and protect vulnerable children – updated sections on support for foster families, access to respite care, short break services, restrictions on visitors in residential settings and mental health of looked-after children and care leavers. This is to reflect the new local restriction tiers which will come into force on 2 December 2020.
PROPERTY:
Valuations and transactions cooling as tougher Tiers arrive
The housing market in England and Wales is stabilising, according to analysis of web traffic from a property advice site. Valuation requests on Property Price Advice are now roughly in line with the four-year average, having fallen back from their early summer level of almost 70 per cent above the four year norm. It expects average house prices in November and December to be 3.3 per cent ahead of the same months in 2019, whilst transaction levels are predicted to be 6.4 per cent below 2019 levels. However, that 6.4 per cent figure masks significant regional variations- transactions are set to be 11.6 per cent in the north of England and 5.8 per cent in Wales; meanwhile in south east England transactions are expected to be o.2 per cent up on last year.
Sector Opinion: Arrears set to worse as result of Chancellor’s LHA freeze
There’s widespread concern that a freeze on the Local Housing Allowance will worsen rental arrears. Although Chancellor Rishi Sunak failed to mention it in his speech to MPs yesterday, it was discovered afterwards that he had frozen the LHA from next year. The current rate was set in April to help tenants whose incomes had been affected by the pandemic to meet the cost of their rents. At least one trade body – the National Residential Landlords Association – says freezing the LHA will directly worsen arrears.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): General Aviation
Guidance on General Aviation (GA) flying during the coronavirus outbreak. Local restriction tier information added.
Payments to passenger rail operators under emergency measures agreements (EMAs), March to September 2020
Summary of franchise payments made by the Department for Transport (DfT) to train operating companies (TOCs) from March to September under emergency measures agreements (EMAs).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations.
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 – local restriction tiers information added.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Test to Release for international travel
Pay for a COVID-19 test to find out if you can reduce your self-isolation period after international travel.
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. Aruba, Bhutan, Mongolia, the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste will be added to exempt lists 4am 28 November. Estonia and Latvia will be removed from the list 4am 28 November.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – local restriction tiers information added.
Estonia and Latvia removed from travel corridor list of exempt countries
Aruba, Bhutan, Mongolia, the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste added to list of travel corridors for the UK.
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:
COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.
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 you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed)) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December 2020.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Eligibility criteria has been made clearer for employees who are made redundant on or after 23 September 2020 and you have re-employed and employees that have a fixed term contract that expired after 23 September. The dates relating to TUPE eligibility have also been corrected.
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.