HEADLINES

BEIS Issue comprehensive details of business support packages
The Prime Minister has announced new national restrictions that will prevent further spread of the virus. We know how worried people are – about their health, the health of their loved ones, their jobs, their businesses, and their financial security. And that’s why the Government’s economic priority remains the same: protect jobs.

To support this, the Government has announced:

An extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until 2 December
More generous support to the self-employed and paying that support more quickly
Cash grants of up to £3,000 per month for businesses which are closed
£1.1billion for councils to enable them to support businesses more broadly over the coming months, as a key part of the local economy
Plans to extend existing Loan Schemes and Future Fund to the end of January and an ability to top-up Bounce Back Loans
An extension to the mortgage payment holiday for homeowners
Providing councils with up to £500m of funding to support the local healthcare response

These announcements will give businesses, whether they are open or required to close, the flexibility to adjust and plan over the coming months – and comes on top of the £200 billion package of support we have committed since the beginning of the crisis. PM Commons statement on coronavirus: 2 November

The self-employed will be able to claim state aid of up to 80% of profits during the month-long lockdown, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced.
Under the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS), eligible workers can currently claim support covering 40% of their average earnings from last year to cover a period of three months, capped at £3,750.

The new enhanced scheme will open for applications from the end of November, and cover 80% of trading profits for that month. Including the new higher November grant, it means the November-January payment will be at 55% of profits, up to a maximum of £5,160.

However, as eligibility criteria will be the same as for previous grants, critics said it still meant as many as 2.9 million freelancers, contractors and newly self-employed people would remain excluded.

Liverpool is the first location in England to trial city-wide COVID-19 testing.
Up to 2,000 military personnel will help plan the logistics and deliver tests. People in the city, either living there or working, will be offered tests, whether or not they have symptoms, with follow-up tests every two weeks or so. The Government said some will get new tests which offer results within an hour.
If successful, these could be rolled out to “millions” by Christmas.
Liverpool to be regularly tested for coronavirus in first whole city testing pilot

Business Secretary Alok Sharma pledges support for businesses post Covid
The new growth plan is due to be published next year and is set to focus on a more strategic approach to building UK strengths in key growth technologies, supported by smarter business regulation. The plan will set out how the government will work with local leaders to rebalance the economy by backing our major cities as engines of economic growth and unleashing regional growth clusters in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, cyber security technology, and the life sciences.

Payment holidays on credit cards, car finance, personal loans and pawned goods have been extended ahead of tougher coronavirus restrictions in England.
The Financial Conduct Authority said customers who had not yet deferred a payment could now request one for up to six months.

England to go into new 4-week lockdown from 5^th November to 2^nd December
MPs will vote on the proposals on Wednesday. People across the country will only be allowed to leave their homes for specific reasons, similarly to the lockdown first imposed in March.

New National Restrictions from 5 November

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.

Latest UK data:

Positive tests: 1,053,864 have tested positive (+ 18,950 new cases)
Loss of life: *46,853 across all settings (+ 136 in last 24 hours)
Hospital admissions: 1,505 new admissions
Cases in Stockport: 1,323 cases 24 Oct to 30 Oct (+207 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 451 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 153)
Deaths in Stockport: 380 coronavirus-related registered to 16 October
Total cases in Stockport: 7,570 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:

Letter to Stockport’s Businesses from Stockport Council:

“Further to our letter to you of last week the Government have announced that from the 5^th November new national restrictions will replace the local Tier 3 restrictions.
The new measures will apply nationally for four weeks up to Wednesday 2 December. At the end of the period, the Government will review the latest data and consider whether to return to a regional approach.
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. We will also write to you and let you know when these have been updated
Yours Faithfully, Ian Walmsley
Head of Neighbourhoods Place Management

Business Growth Hub launch Lockdown 2.0 packs for business
Following the announcement this weekend that England will be entering a national lockdown on Thursday 5 November, the GC Business Growth Hub has updated the Coronavirus microsite to ensure that businesses can access the latest, accurate information about what this entails. Given the impact that this is likely to have across our business networks, BGH have developed a communication pack to signpost this guidance for businesses preparing for Thursday, providing detail on which businesses are impacted, what the furlough scheme extension looks like, and reminding businesses to access fully-funded support from the Hub. TFGM have also included some messaging relating to travelling safely. Updates relating to the new financial measures and self-employment support will be added to the website and pack.

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:

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
Government increases support for self-employed across the UK

Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
This scheme will issue convertible loans between £125,000 to £5 million to innovative companies which are facing financing difficulties due to the coronavirus outbreak. The application deadline has been extended to January 31 2021.

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 application deadline has been extended to January 31 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) – application deadline has been extended to January 31 2021.

Apply for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) provides financial support to smaller businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) – application deadline has been extended to January 31 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: driving theory tests
Theory tests are affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) – suspension of theory tests in England from 5 November 2020. They’ll start again on 2 December 2020.

Coronavirus: driving tests
Driving tests are affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) – suspension of driving tests in England from 5 November to 2 December 2020.

Guidance for DCMS sectors in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information for DCMS sectors in response to coronavirus – added ‘national restrictions’ callout box to page.

Community: Coronavirus helpline Stockport

EDUCATION:

Package of support for students who have to defer their studies
Details on a range of opportunities to gain new skills, undertake work placements, additional learning and career development support. ‘Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)’ section of document updated.

Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update
Ofsted guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children’s social care and further education and skills providers – added new details of how we will carry out our work during the national restrictions starting on 5 November.

Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April – added ‘Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – 23 March to 29 October 2020 (early years data only)’.

Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – 23 March to 29 October 2020 (early years data only)
A summary of attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April 2020.

HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:

PPE deliveries (England): 26 October to 1 November 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.

500,000 daily testing capacity reached in ongoing drive to boost test and trace
The UK’s daily coronavirus testing capacity passed the 500,000 mark on Saturday 31 October.

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

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. Guidance updated to reflect new national restrictions in England from 5 November.

PROPERTY:

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.

Knight Frank is in talks with HM Revenue and Customs to return furlough money as a result of relatively strong trading, notwithstanding the Coronavirus crisis.
“In the spring, with a great deal of uncertainty as to what the next few months of trading would offer, our group executive board decided it would be prudent to furlough staff in the UK and claim the appropriate grants” says group chairman Alistair Elliott. “But as we closed last financial year and began the new one, new budgets were formulated and plans developed. With markets stalled and our offices closed, it was the right decision for the time. Now as we pass the half-year point, income year to date is better than expected and, consequently, we have engaged with HMRC to establish the mechanisms upon which we will return these sums.”

New lockdowns means evictions off-limit
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.

RETAIL:

Basket half full for Primark owner as revenues drop by a quarter
The owner of high street fashion chain Primark has reported that the brand saw its revenue drop by nearly a quarter this year.

Associated British Foods, which also owns companies including Twinings, George Weston Foods and British Sugar, said that Primark’s overall revenue in the year took a 24 per cent tumble, going from £7,792m in 2019 to £5,895m. The group said that the decline was mainly driven by the closure of Primark stores during the UK’s lockdown, which it estimates caused the company to lose £2bn in sales and £650m of profit.

SPORT & LEISURE:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation
Guidance for the public, providers of outdoor sport facilities, elite athletes, personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation – updated

TRAVEL:

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.

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.