November 9th: Coronavirus News Updates

HEADLINES:

Covid vaccine: First vaccine offers 90% protection
The first coronavirus vaccine can prevent more than 90% of people from getting Covid-19, a preliminary analysis shows.

The developers – Pfizer and BioNTech – described it as a “great day for science and humanity”.

High Street retailer owned by Stockport born entrepreneur collapses
Almost 900 jobs have been lost with the collapse into administration of Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Ponden Home. Carlisle-based group EWM, owned by Stockport born Philip Day, filed a notice to appoint administrators on October 9, putting up to 24,000 jobs at risk, including its other brands Peacocks, Bonmarche and Jaeger.
But today it was confirmed that the Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Ponden businesses have been put into administration with the loss of 750 Edinburgh Woollen Mill staff and 116 at Ponden. Hundreds of jobs had already been lost after 64 stores were shut last month.

What is happening to the furlough scheme?
As part of the announcement of month-long restrictions in England, including the closure of pubs, restaurants, gyms and non-essential shops, furlough was initially extended until December.

But Chancellor Rishi Sunak has now said it will run until the end of March, although the government will review the policy in January.

What help is available for the self-employed?
Following two support payments paid to cover a loss of income over the spring and summer, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has now confirmed a third grant for the self-employed on the same terms.

So, the taxable grant will cover 80% of profits for November, December and January, up to a total limit of £7,500 – paid in a single instalment. Applications will be open from 30 November for those who are eligible and have been affected by coronavirus.

Hundreds of jobs to be created as government invests millions in aviation sector Funding has been awarded to 20 aviation projects across the UK as part of a government initiative to “build back better” from Covid-19 and support new enterprises. The £7m of funding represents the first wave of a £33.5m investment in the sector and is expected to create hundreds of jobs. The investment comes from the Future Flight Challenge, which aims to increase mobility, reduce reliance on road travel and increase UK manufacturing opportunities.

Graphic courtesy of BBC

National Restrictions Poster
Graphical poster displaying information about the national restrictions in England.

Latest UK data:

Positive tests: 1,192,013 have tested positive (+ 20,572 new cases)
Loss of life: *49,044 across all settings (+ 156 in last 24 hours)
Hospital admissions: 1,620 new admissions
Cases in Stockport: 1,207 cases 28 Oct to 3 Nov (-85 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 411 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 167)
Deaths in Stockport: 389 coronavirus-related registered to 23 October
Total cases in Stockport: 8,200 to 6 November
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.

Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

Manchester airport moves all operations into terminal one after England enters second lockdown

With England returning to a national lockdown for a minimum period of four weeks from Thursday 5 November, Manchester Airport is moving all its operations into Terminal One in response to the drop in passenger numbers. The airport is also issuing the latest advice for any passengers who still need to fly on what to expect when using the airport. The northern hub has taken the decision to operate all flights from Terminal One only from Wednesday 11 November, until further notice. From this date, all passengers will depart and arrive from this terminal and should not use Terminals Two and Three. Passengers returning to Manchester after this date whose vehicles are parked in the Terminal Three Multi Storey Car Park will be contacted to advise them of this change.

NatWest PMI survey shows slow rate of North West growth
Business activity rose at the slowest rate for four months in October – despite local manufacturers’ order book volumes continuing to soar.
The latest NatWest PMI survey released today shows Covid-19 concerns weighed heavily on business confidence in the region with inflows of new business increasing at a slower rate. The regional PMI surveys monitor the monthly change in the output of goods and services across the private sector, with any reading below 50 showing contraction and higher numbers showing faster growth. For October, the North West’s index stood at 52.0 – the lowest since June, and down from September’s 56.8, but broadly in line with the UK’s overall reading.

Message from Leader of Stockport Council:

Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the new guidance and what you can and can’t do. You can read the government guidance here: GOV.UK. I understand that this is a challenging time and requires all of us to limit our contact with other people, but this will help stop the spread of the virus. This means you must stay at home, including for work if possible, especially if you are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus.
When you do have to leave the house it is important to keep two metres apart from, other people, wash your hands regularly and wear a face covering when required. This is still the best defence in helping to stem the spread of the virus.
Exercise is really important for both our mental and physical and under the new restrictions you can still continue to exercise outside in public places like parks and playgrounds with your household or social bubble. For usual advice on how to look after your health and wellbeing during these difficult times, visit the Council website. There are also some excellent resources on the Healthy Stockport website.

– Leader of Stockport Council, Elise Wilson.

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:

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. New options available to top up existing loans, extend the loan period, make interest-only repayments, or pause repayments.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from self-isolation or passenger locator form requirements.

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).

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.

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:

Getting support outside of your home
If you need support while outside your home, this guide explains what you and the people helping you should do to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
Guidance for people planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England – updated following national restrictions from 5 November under which wedding and civil partnership receptions and celebrations are not permitted to take place.

COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic
Guidance to provide advice on how places of worship can open, for limited permitted activities, in a manner that is safe and in line with national restrictions.

Making a support bubble with another household
How you can safely expand the group of people you have close contact with during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – amended the definition of ‘what a support bubble is’. Added information about childcare bubbles. Added guidance about forming or maintaining a support bubble if you’re clinically extremely vulnerable.

Making a childcare bubble with another household
How you can get informal childcare for children aged 13 or under from friends and family you do not live with.

Community: Coronavirus helpline Stockport

CONSTRUCTION:

Construction sector massive Meet the Buyer event goes virtual
Constructionline will hold its first virtual Meet the Buyer event next week with work up for grabs from a host of major contractors and clients.

The event will take place across two full-scale interactive virtual exhibition halls, crafted to emulate real-life event spaces. Constructionline LIVE on November 19 will feature big names including Balfour Beatty, Wates, Kier and Seddon.

EDUCATION:

Support for university research and innovation during coronavirus (COVID-19)
The UK’s research work plays a vital role in our economic prosperity but is at risk from a range of income losses as a result of coronavirus.

Use of the NHS COVID-19 app in education and childcare settings
Actions for leaders and staff when using the NHS COVID-19 app in education and childcare settings. The requirements on displaying QR codes have been updated alongside the information classified as necessary or required. Links to wraparound care and early years providers guidance have also been added.

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.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for boarding schools with international students
Guidance for residential educational settings with international students under the age of 18 entering and travelling to the UK.

HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:

Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA. The list also includes manufacturers whose exemption expired or was cancelled. This information will be listed for 2 months after expiry or cancellation.

Evaluating detection of SARS-CoV-2: AntiBodies at Home study
The EDSAB-HOME research study is evaluating the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using home testing kits.

SAGE meetings, October 2020
Minutes and papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) meetings held in October 2020.

SPI-B: Increasing adherence to COVID-19 preventative behaviours among young people, 22 October 2020
Paper prepared by SPI-B on increasing adherence to COVID-19 preventative behaviours among young people.

SPI-B: Positive strategies for sustaining adherence to infection control behaviours, 22 October 2020
Paper prepared by SPI-B on positive strategies for sustaining adherence to infection control behaviours.

National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports
National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
Updated the uptake percentage for pregnant women in the 2020 to 2021 season from 30.7% to 25.3% in week 45 report. This is due to the addition of available data.

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 – weekly ops update for 9 Nov 2020 added.

Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page held a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak – full list of Crown Courts that have resumed jury trials updated.

MILITARY:

Tri-service regulations for expenses and allowances (JSP 752)
JSP 752 is the policy document for expenses and allowances for regular and reserve UK armed forces personnel.

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:

Where homeowners are desperate to sell by 2021
The coronavirus pandemic has altered the lives of many. Every industry has been affected one way or another, including the UK property market, which has been turbulent over the past few months. With England entering its second national lockdown, and a potential no deal Brexit also pending, it’s unsurprising that homeowners across the UK are wary. There is a fear of a huge drop in value of their homes, fear of losing their jobs, and being unable to maintain mortgage payments, and fear of where the pandemic is heading.

Blow to agents – anger over latest eviction ban
The main trade body representing lettings agents has described the government’s latest eviction ban as “a further blow” for the sector. At the end of last week the government formally announced a pause in evictions in England until January 11 at the earliest. The only exceptions to this will be what the government calls “the most egregious cases” including where tenants have demonstrated anti-social behaviour or are the perpetrator of domestic abuse in social housing, and the landlord rightly would like to re-let their property to another tenant. Large scale arrears accumulated before the Coronavirus will also be an appropriate reason for an eviction to go ahead.

TRANSPORT:

Measures to protect England from new COVID-19 strain extended
Freight exemption removed so UK haulage drivers arriving from Denmark are now required to self-isolate on entry to England.

TRAVEL:

Travel ban implemented to protect public health following Denmark COVID-19 mink outbreak
The Home Office has announced that visitors from Denmark arriving in the UK will be denied entry.

Germany and Sweden removed from England’s quarantine-free travel corridor list.

Passengers arriving into the UK from Germany and Sweden will need to self-isolate for two weeks before following domestic lockdown rules.

Covid-19 Webinars:

Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.

Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.

Make your workplace COVID-secure:

You can find recordings of webinars covering other types of workplace here

HMRC:

Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme:
Providing an overview of the scheme, this webinar looks at who can claim, when to start paying SSP, employees you can claim for, making a claim, keeping records, and more. Choose a date and time to view webinar

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time

If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.

Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou

Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/

ACAS

A series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown

Useful information and links:

Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31^st October, would now be extended until December.

Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

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.