November 2nd: Coronavirus News Updates

HEADLINES:

England to go into new 4-week lockdown from 5^th November to 2^nd December

Boris Johnson will present to the House today. MPs will vote on the proposals on Wednesday. If approved the measures will be introduced at 00:01 GMT on Thursday and remain in place until Wednesday 2 December. Restrictions include the closure of pubs, restaurants, gyms and non-essential shops. People across the country will only be allowed to leave their homes for specific reasons, similarly to the lockdown first imposed in March. These include:

For educational purposes such as attending school
For work purposes if you cannot work from home
To shop for essential items such as groceries
For medical reasons such as appointments
For exercise and recreational purposes outdoors
To provide care for the vulnerable
To attend places of worship for individual prayer

Prime Minister announces new national restrictions

New National Restrictions from 5 November
Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 31 October 2020
Slides to accompany coronavirus press conference: 31 October 2020

Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31^st October, would now be extended until December. In recent months, firms have had to top up furloughed wages by 20%, with the government paying 60%. Now, the state will put in the full 80%, with the employer only covering pension and national insurance contributions. Since July, employers have been able to bring back employees part-time, and furlough them for the rest. This will continue.

To be eligible for this extension, employees must have been on the payroll by 30 October 2020, but they don’t need to have been furloughed before.

While the government updates the system, employers will submit their wage claim to the government, and be refunded afterwards. After that, they will be paid upfront to cover the cost.

The government will also give firms:

Up to £3,000 per month under the Local Restrictions Support Grant if their premises is forced to close
£1,000 for every furloughed employee kept on until at least the end of January
£1,500 for every out-of-work 16-24 year-old given a ”high quality” six-month work placement
£2,000 for every under-25 apprentice taken on until the end of January, or £1,500 for over-25s
A grant available to self-employed people affected by coronavirus has also been doubled to 40% of profits, with a maximum grant of £3,750 over a three-month period.

When the JRS scheme ends, currently planned for 2nd December, regions are likely to be classed into tiers as before, based on their coronavirus risk level, and the Job Support Scheme is likely to then kick in.

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 Support Scheme
Under that scheme, if a businesses has to close due to local restrictions, workers will be paid 67% of their wages – up to a maximum of £2,083.33 a month.
Employers won’t have to pay towards an employee’s salary. Firms that can stay open, but only have enough work for employees to return part-time, will also be eligible for help. Staff will have to be paid by their employer to work a minimum 20% of their hours per month. The employer must pay an extra 4% of total wages to cover some of the hours not worked, and the government will pay 49% of the total salary to cover hours not worked. So, overall the employee would get at least 73% of salary. The maximum contribution the government will make is £1,541.75.

Mortgage payment holidays extended
Mortgage payment holidays are being extended for homeowners financially affected by the pandemic. The scheme had been due to close on Saturday. Borrowers who have not yet had a mortgage holiday can request a pause in repayments for up to 6 months. Those who have already deferred can extend until they reach a 6-month limit. Interest will still accrue on the total borrowings.

International holidays banned until December 2^nd
From Thursday, holidays both inside England and abroad will be banned until 2 December, as the government tries to stop a second wave of coronavirus from spreading. People with second homes are also banned from travelling to them.

BBC: Multiple business leaders have hit out at the looming prospect of a second national lockdown in England, saying the potential damage “is immense”
The government maintains it has struck a balance between protecting jobs, the economy and saving live but Luke Johnson, who formerly ran Pizza Express, Patisserie Valerie and the Giraffe chain says: “The damage to confidence, entrepreneurs, investors, the destruction of jobs, unemployment and the social and welfare costs are immense.” This week, the London Ambulance Service revealed that it is now attending an average of 37 suicides a day, or attempted suicides, up from 22 a day in 2019. “I think that is a direct consequence of lockdown. People are losing their jobs, they are lonely, depressed, the mental health toll on the country is exponential,” says Mr Johnson. “I think it will be much worse this winter because people can’t go out into the sunshine and treat it as an extended sabbatical.

“It’s going to be much grimmer.”

“New COVID-19 reality” leads to €197m loss for Ryanair
Budget airline Ryanair has reported a loss of €197m in the first half of the year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The firm, which reported a profit of €1.15bn for the same period of the previous year, has seen its traffic fall by 80 per cent to 17.1 million passengers. The airline saw 99 per cent of its fleet grounded from mid-March to the end of June as a result of the coronavirus crisis and subsequent travel restrictions.

Latest UK data:

Positive tests: 1,034,914 have tested positive (+ 23,254 new cases)
Loss of life: *46,717 across all settings (+ 162 in last 24 hours)
Hospital admissions: 1,442 new admissions
Cases in Stockport: 1,292 cases 20 Oct to 26 Oct (+380 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 440 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 149)
Deaths in Stockport: 380 coronavirus-related registered to 16 October
Total cases in Stockport: 7,047 to 30 October
R rate in England: 1.1–1.3

*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.

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 – updated with new restricted areas

COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.

Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data, 30 October 2020
Weekly watchlist giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

Business confidence in the North West rose 11 points during October, according to the latest figures, but remains in the red.
Companies reported higher confidence in their own prospects, up month-on-month by 7 points. When taken alongside their views of the economy overall, this gives a headline confidence reading of -2 per cent –the highest of any region in the UK. When it comes to hiring intentions, a net balance of 25 per cent expect to reduce staff levels over the next year, up five points on last month. Read more at Insider

MAG airport boss says airports and airlines will need to act quickly to secure their future if urgent support is not provided

The Chief Executive of the UK’s largest airport group has warned of tough decisions for parts of the UK airport industry, who may be forced to “act quickly to secure their future” after the Government announced an almost complete ban on international travel. In an article written after the ban was confirmed on Saturday, MAG CEO Charlie Cornish said urgent Government support was needed to prevent further large-scale job losses across an industry already impacted by “chaotic changes in policy” throughout the pandemic. Mr Cornish said the Prime Minister should offer an “urgent package of support” to aviation, pointing to dedicated support given to sectors like retail, hospitality and the rail industry, while aviation has been left to fend for itself. He also bemoaned the fact that the industry learned of the new travel ban on social media. He wrote: “Twitter is not the place where you want to find out that the Government is effectively shutting down the business you run.”

Statement from Stockport Council:

“We understand that our local businesses want and need more information about both the financial support measures announced by the Government on Saturday 31/10 and the Tier 2 and 3 financial support that was announced by the Government before this.
Local Authorities are waiting for detailed guidance from the Government on all of the above schemes. We will share more information once we are provided with this.
We understand that this information is vitally important for local businesses. Rest assured that as soon as the Government issues the detailed guidance for these schemes we will be hard at work to get you the information and support you need, as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, we kindly ask that you do not contact the council to enquire about these schemes. Until we are provided with the detailed guidance, we are unable to give any further advice or information to you.
As soon as we are able to provide any further details about the financial support available, eligibility criteria and application/payment processes we will publish the information on the Council’s Support for Businesses and Employers web pages – https://www.stockport.gov.uk/support-for-businesses-and-employers
The Government’s current guidance on the new National Restrictions is available at this link – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november
Please be assured that we will be working as quickly as possible to provide updated information and details as soon as the Government provides us with this. All updates will be published on the Business and Employers web pages given above.”

SAVE THE DATE!
In response to the news that we’re all entering a second national lockdown, EnterprisingYou will be hosting a webinar this coming Friday 6^th November (Time tbc).

EnterprisingYou – We’re Here to Help

The webinar will be aimed at self-employed and gig workers in GM and is not limited to sector, product or service – Everyone is welcome!The webinar will be hosted by our EnterprisingYou team and give people a chance to ask questions relating to the lockdown and the find out about what support is available.

Local COVID alert level: very high
Find out what restrictions are in place if you live in an area where the local COVID alert level is very high.

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:

Business Secretary at the CBI 2020 Annual Conference
Business Secretary Alok Sharma’s speech for the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) 2020 Annual Conference.

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 – updated the page to tell you the online service for the next grant will be available from 14 December 2020

Apply for a coronavirus Bounce Back Loan
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) enables smaller businesses to access finance more quickly during the coronavirus outbreak. The Bounce Back Loan scheme is open to applications until 30 November 2020.

Apply for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme
The Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) provides financial support to larger businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) is open to applications until 30 November 2020.

Changes to notifying an option to tax land and buildings during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check temporary changes to the time limit and rules for notifying an option to tax land and buildings. The date the extended time limit for notifying an option to tax land and buildings applies to has been extended to decisions made between 15 February 2020 and 31 March 2021.

Stockport Business Support coronavirus recovery

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:

Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 30 October 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 21 to 25 October 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.

CONSTRUCTION:

Construction sites will continue to operate during the latest lockdown which comes into force from Thursday.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that new Covid-19 curbing measures will last from November 5 until December 2. People are being told to work from home wherever possible. But Johnson said: “Workplaces should stay open where people can’t work from home – for example in the construction or manufacturing sectors.” The furlough scheme has also been extended until December with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500.

EDUCATION:

Poorest pupils can join catch-up scheme for learners affected by Covid-19
From today, schools in England can begin enrolling pupils in a national scheme designed to provide catch-up tuition for those whose learning suffered most during the spring lockdown. Research suggests the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their more privileged counterparts has widened significantly.
More than 15,000 tutors have been recruited – some qualified teachers, others students and volunteers – to provide small group or one-to-one support. Lessons will be 75% subsidised by the government. Education unions, though, say provision could and should have come from schools themselves, rather than external agencies. The government is insisting it will keep schools open during England’s second lockdown. That’s despite calls from unions and the mayors of some of the areas hardest hit by Covid-19.

What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Information for parents and carers about going back to schools, nurseries and colleges in the autumn term – updated to include changes to information on self-isolation and shielding, who needs to get a test for coronavirus (COVID-19), face coverings, assessment and exams.

Higher education restructuring regime (HERR)
A scheme for higher education providers in England facing financial difficulties as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19).

HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:

Temporary approval to suspend the need for signatures on prescriptions, dental and ophthalmic forms
Temporary approval to suspend the need for patients to sign prescription, dental and ophthalmic forms for a period of 5 months to 31 March 2021.

COVID-19: how to work safely in care homes
Guidance for those working in care homes providing information on how to work safely during this period of sustained transmission of COVID-19 – updated guidance on use of gloves.

COVID-19: how to work safely in domiciliary care in England
A resource for those working in domiciliary care providing information on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

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.

Circuit breakers – implementing (partial) lockdown for 2 weeks over half-term, 24 September 2020
Paper prepared by University of Warwick COVID Modelling Team on circuit breakers.

COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features.

SAGE 61 minutes: Coronavirus (COVID-19) response, 8 October 2020.
Record of the discussion that took place at SAGE’s sixty-first meeting.

HOSPITALITY:

Eat Out to Help Out Scheme: receiving payments you were not entitled to
Find out information about repaying Eat Out to Help Out Scheme payments.

Repay Eat Out to Help Out Scheme payments
Find out how to pay back all or some of the payments your business claimed when taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.

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. National restrictions in England announcements added.

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 – updated for week commencing Monday 2 November 2020 published.

Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page held a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak.

LOCAL AUTHORITY:

Local authority preparations for Remembrance Sunday
Information for councils in England on how to ensure those hosting local Remembrance events can do so safely – added link to guidance on new national restrictions from 5 November.

MILITARY:

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.

PROPERTY:

New lockdown means evictions effectively off-limits for months
It is thought likely that the new four week lockdown in England coming into effect on Thursday will mean evictions will be extremely difficult to enforce for some months. Although the eviction ban actually ended several weeks ago, it was agreed last week that tenants living in areas under the old Tier 2 and Tier 3 Covid-19 restrictions in England and Wales were temporarily protected from eviction. The government asked bailiffs not to enforce court possession orders in areas with the highest Coronavirus restrictions. So although evictions could still proceed through the courts, bailiffs will not enforce court orders in Tier 2 and 3 areas.

Does being Covid-safe at home artificially lift house prices?
A leading market analyst says the widespread belief that we are ‘safe’ in our homes may indirectly lead to the recent surge in house prices, which appears to show no sign of abating. Anthony Codling – the analyst who shot to fame for his searing critique of the sales performance of Purplebricks – has in recent weeks gone on the record querying why the housing market appears to be bucking the pessimistic mood of the country over the economy and Coronavirus. “It is not clear why house prices should rise as the economy weakens and lockdown II looms large” he says in a statement released over the weekend. He then goes on to give a possible answer to his query: “Perhaps being told we are safer at home gives us false confidence in the value of our homes?” he asks.

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 – Cyprus and Lithuania removed from travel corridors exempt list 4am 1 November 2020.

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 information for if you’re in the UK and your visa or leave expires between 1 November and 30 November 2020. Updated ‘If you’re applying to enter the UK or remain on the basis of family or private life’ section to include information about the job support scheme and family emergency cases.

Covid-19 Webinars:

November 4^th:
How creative & digital businesses grow through post-Covid uncertainty
Growth Hub & Business Desk host The Covid-19 crisis has put huge pressure on businesses in all sectors, but the disruption has also accelerated change and created opportunities. Even those that have grown, have often done so reactively.
This webinar on November 4^th at 9.30am by TheBusinessDesk.com and GC Business Growth Hub will look at how digital, creative and tech businesses can start to take control of growth proactively again, even during ongoing uncertainty in the post-Covid economy.

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:

Job Support Scheme to open on November 1^st
The Job Support Scheme (JSS) will open on 1 November and run for six months, until 30 April 2021. The government has said it will review the terms of the scheme in January 2021. There are two variations to JSS – JSS Open and JSS Closed.

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 24^th September

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 – 11^th 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.