October 19th: Coronavirus News Updates

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UK HEADLINES:

Sunday 18^th October: Andy Burnham’s letter to Boris Johnson
This afternoon, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has written to the Prime Minister and party leaders urging them to come to an agreement over Greater Manchester’s lockdown measures – with a fair resolution on a finance package for the region should it enter Tier 3.

“Dear Prime Minister and Party Leaders

Support for people and businesses affected by Tier 3 restrictions

You will be aware that Greater Manchester and the Government have so far failed to reach agreement on the introduction of new Tier 3 restrictions and crucially on the financial support to accompany any such restrictions.

We recognise the uncertainty that this is causing and write to ask for your help in breaking the impasse and finding a fair resolution. This could be done by Parliament calling an urgent debate and vote this week to establish a cross-Party consensus on what constitutes a fair financial framework for people in areas under Tier 3 restrictions.

As you will know, Greater Manchester has been under Tier 2-style restrictions for approaching three months. It is important to say that, by agreeing to work with the Government on this back in July, we have shown we will take the difficult decisions needed to protect health and control the virus. However, these restrictions have taken a toll on people and businesses. We have our doubts about whether Tier 3 will succeed in bringing down the number of cases and note similar comments from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor. However, that aside, we are clear that the level of support being offered to areas entering Tier 3 will be insufficient both to prevent people experiencing serious hardship in the run-up to Christmas and businesses from collapsing.

And yet this is not just a Greater Manchester issue. With the challenging winter that lies ahead of the country, it is likely that most places will find themselves in Tier 3 at some point before a vaccine is found. That is why we believe it is right for Parliament to debate and agree what is a fair level of support for people and businesses in those areas. At present, local areas are agreeing individual deals with the Government. It is by no means clear that these will be sufficient to cope with the pressures they will face. Also, the lack of transparency about this process and the risks of differential treatment is potentially divisive.

Establishing clear national entitlements of the kind we had during the first lockdown will create a sense of fairness which in turn would help build public support for, and compliance with, any new restrictions. We believe that sense of fairness will only be achieved by providing similar terms to the financial package afforded to the whole country back in March. Given that it is predominantly low-wage industries that are being required to close in Tier 3, failure to provide equivalent support will appear discriminatory against people who are employed or self-employed within them or within industries that rely on them, such as the taxi trade and security.

Together with the Mayors of the Liverpool City Region and North of Tyne, we set out on Friday what we believe is the minimum level of support that should come with Tier 3 status:

A full and fair furlough scheme for all affected workers, covering 80% of an employee’s regular wage or at least the national minimum wage. We believe that this should be paid to workers in businesses forced to close but also those in the supply chain that can provide evidence of a major loss of trade caused by the closures.
A Self-Employed Income Support Scheme set at 80% of average monthly income. This should be available to those who can provide evidence of a major loss of trade arising from Tier 3 closures, including freelancers.
An improved compensation scheme for businesses directly or indirectly impacted based on the national scheme on rateable values.

If more parts of the country are to move into Tier 3 restrictions in the coming weeks, it is vital that local people and businesses know what financial support they can expect and can plan accordingly.

As Leaders of the main political parties in Westminster, I urge you to work together to help resolve this current dispute and establish a fair financial framework for local lockdowns that the whole country will be able to support.

Yours faithfully,

Andy Burnham

Mayor of Greater Manchester

Edinburgh Woollen Mill planning to close at least 50 stores
Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM) plans to close more than 50 stores, putting around 600 jobs at risk. The Carlisle-based group, which also includes high street brands Peacocks, Bonmarche and Jaeger, filed a notice to appoint administrators on October 9, putting up to 24,000 jobs in jeopardy. Bonmarche is not part of the proposed restructuring. The business said government-enforced national and local lockdowns, due to the coronavirus pandemic, were responsible for lower sales.

Space company takes to the skies alongside the NHS
The UK Space Agency has today backed a healthcare drone start-up founded by NHS staff, to help in the response to COVID-19

Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 16 October 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement at the coronavirus press conference.

Latest UK data:

Positive tests: 722,409 have tested positive (+ 16,982 new cases)
Loss of life: *43,646 across all settings (+67 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Stockport: 777 cases 7 Oct to 13 Oct (+11 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 265 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 95)
Deaths in Stockport: 374 coronavirus-related registered to 02 October
Total cases in Stockport: 4,573 to 16 October (+95 on previous week)

*Daily reported COVID deaths are measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the first laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test

The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R number range for the UK is 1.3-1.5 and the growth rate range is +4% to +7% per day as of 16 October 2020.

Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK. The way deaths are reported is based on a 28-day limit between the date of a positive lab-confirmed test and date of death.

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

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 / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

Statement from the Director of Public Health in Stockport:
“We have now been placed on high alert by the Government after another week of rising cases. We’ve jumped from 203 cases per 100,000, 2 weeks ago, to 280 per 100,000 this week*. We must all acknowledge that this situation is serious and requires action by all of us to limit the damage of the virus. As our rates increase across all age groups, we are seeing an increase in hospital admissions. If you have any of these coronavirus symptoms – temperature, cough, loss or change to smell or taste – you must stay at home and book a test. If you are positive you must stay at home, not going out for any reason (other than getting your test) for 10 days. This one of the most important steps in breaking the chain and protecting each other. The virus wants to spread to others, so do your bit and don’t let it out. Stay at home, isolate, along with anyone who lives in your house. They must isolate for 14 days, as they too could become infectious in this time.
We are asking people to be even more vigilant about the basic steps – to distance (keep 2 metres from people you do not live with, even in shops), wear face masks, wash hands and reduce your social circle. These measures stop us from unknowingly spreading the virus. Decreasing the number of times you come into contact with others outside your household or bubble – in a shop, at the school gates or in the gym – will also lessen your exposure and help reduce the rising rate of transmission.
As a reminder, the high alert levels mean you must not meet indoors or host people you do not live with at your house unless they are in your support bubble, this should be just one adult from another household. You can, however, meet in the garden if there are no more than six of you and keep 2 metres from those you don’t live with. The police are able to take action against those who break these rules and are issuing fines. Our cases are occurring across Stockport, with cases in all wards – https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk. We know there are multiple factors linked to the spread, the virus will spread wherever it can, the risk of that increases when we’re close to others, indoors, or with lots of people, so avoid the three Cs – close contact, crowds, closed spaces. For information about what you can and cannot do visit GOV.UK.

Remember to avoid the 3 C’s:

close contact such as hugs
closed spaces
crowds

Please regularly wash (or sanitise) your hands and keep at least two meters away from others and wear a face covering when needed to. Follow the safety guidance at your place of work and within your school or college. This will help to keep you and others safe.

*This is the latest validated figure for Stockport as of 15.10.20

Manchester has pulled out of next year’s MIPIM property conference.
Last week the international real estate conference announced it had rearranged its 2021 event, shifting it back to June in the hope of being able to attract exhibitors and attendees in the usual numbers. The 2020 event, scheduled for March, was one of the first business events to be postponed because of COVID-19 that hit UK companies.

Greater Manchester – ‘High Potential Investment Opportunity for Healthy Ageing’ Greater Manchester along with Cheshire and Warrington has been successful in its bid to promote the city region as a High Potential Opportunity (HPO) for ‘health innovation in healthy ageing’ which will help raise the profile of the city region in this key area of Greater Manchester’s Local Industrial Strategy, with the ultimate aim to boost the local economy during the ‘recovery’ phase and Build Back Better at this crucial time. Announced by the Department for International Trade (DIT) this is the third HPO to be awarded to Greater Manchester (others include Advanced Materials and Sustainable Packaging) and is one of 19 new investment opportunities announced in key sectors and regions to drive millions of pounds of foreign investment into the UK. Greater Manchester will benefit from DIT’s global network who will set out to showcase the region’s healthy ageing opportunity on the international stage and contact specific international investors to promote the project. The development of Greater Manchester’s application was led by MIDAS, Manchester’s Inward Investment Agency.

New jobs created as TransPennine Expres cleans up its act
TransPennine Express (TPE) is set to invest £1.7m in its cleaning programme, creating almost 60 jobs across the North. The investment will lead to more than 9,400 extra cleaning hours, allowing a dedicated team of train presentation operatives at every TPE station and on each train when it reaches its destination. This will represent a 70 per cent increase on pre-Covid-19 cleaning. As a result, 57 new positions are being created across the North in Cleethorpes, Grimsby, Huddersfield, Hull, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Preston, Scunthorpe, Selby, Stalybridge, Sheffield and York. Along with the recruitment of extra staff, the enhanced programme will include an increase in overnight cleaning plus extended cleaning hours at all TPE stations. Toilet attendants will also be introduced at larger stations including Huddersfield, Hull and Manchester Airport.

Package of measures to support North West businesses with Export Growth
A package of measures, including additional funding, has been unveiled to support business in the North with international growth and their recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. The government’s new Export Growth Plan includes 30 new International Trade Advisors (ITAs), who will provide direct support to small businesses in the Northern Powerhouse region, supplementing the existing support provided to businesses across the UK. A pilot Export Academy scheme has been introduced to support smaller businesses in the North to begin their exporting journey. The academy will undertake a series of activities designed to build the capabilities of smaller businesses, and create a new cohort of businesses ready to trade. In addition, a £16.5m Northern Powerhouse Internationalisation Fund will be made available to SMEs, with the aim of helping 3,300 small businesses in the Northern Powerhouse region grow their overseas trading and maximise their profits from 2020-2023.
Read more at Insider

Test and Trace Support Payments in Stockport
The Government has set up the Test and Trace support payment scheme to help residents whose earnings are affected by staying at home and isolating for 14 days. If you have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace on or after 28 September 2020 you may be eligible for a test and trace support payment of £500. You can apply for the payment if you live in Stockport and meet all of the following criteria:

you’ve been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, either because you’ve tested positive for coronavirus or you’ve recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive
you’re employed or self-employed
you cannot work from home and will lose income as a result
you’re claiming at least one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credits
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit

More information on the scheme and how to make an application can be found on the Council website.

Greater Manchester: local restrictions
Find out what you ‘currently’ can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in the affected areas – a new system called ‘local COVID alert levels’ will be introduced in England on 14 October.

Stockport Council accepting applications from businesses for Kickstart Jobs Scheme
Earlier this month, further details were announced about the Government’s Kickstart Jobs Scheme.

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.

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

AGRICULTURE & RURAL AFFAIRS:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): surveying and mitigation works affecting wildlife
Guidance for ecologists or environmental professionals carrying out field survey or mitigation works in England during the coronavirus pandemic.

BUSINESS & FINANCE:

Get Online Week in Stockport
It’s national Get Online Week and there are dozens of events planned across Stockport. One in particular is aimed at SMEs to help them use Track and Trace. Tuesday 20th October – from 7 pm to 8 pm
‘Using Track and Trace and ways to manage data easily and free’
Via Zoom with Nicola Wallace Dean from Startpoint Coffee Shop & Starting Point Community Learning Partnership. If anyone wants to book on they can click here.to find this event and many more.

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. From 6 April 2020, this tax relief is based on £6 per week or £26 per month (£4 per week, or £18 per month before 6 April 2020). Making a claim is easy, tell your employees to go to GOV.UK and search ‘claim tax relief for your job expenses’. It’s quick and secure, and those who are eligible will receive their full entitlement by an adjustment to their tax code.

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. The Government will pay two thirds of employees’ salaries (or 67%), up to a maximum of £2,100 a month. In addition, the Government is increasing the cash grants to businesses in England shut in local lockdowns to support with fixed costs. These grants will be linked to rateable values, with up to £3,000 per month payable every two weeks, compared to the up to £1,500 every three weeks which was available previously. Metro mayors of Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield attacked the new extension for not being generous enough and not being widely available enough.

World Bank Development Committee: UK Governor’s statement 2020
The Foreign Secretary gave the UK Governor’s Statement to the World Bank’s annual Development Committee meeting.

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure – performing arts updated guidance on thinking about risk (section 1) and managing performances (section 3).

The JRS scheme closes on 31?????? October and you 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.

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:

Watchdog warns charities and the public to protect themselves against fraudsters amid pandemic
The Charity Commission is warning trustees and donors to strengthen defences as it fears the pandemic has created environments that are enabling charity fraud.

COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic
Guidance to enable the safe reopening of places of worship for a broader range of activities and includes a checklist for special religious services and gatherings – updated special religious services and gatherings checklist, to incorporate changes in regulations announced by the Prime Minister on 12 October 2020.

COVID-19: cleaning of non-healthcare settings outside the home
This guidance covers the cleaning of environments outside the home.

COVID-19: guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing
Advice and information on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

COVID-19: guidance for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs or alcohol
COVID-19 guidance for commissioners and service providers for those dependent on drugs or alcohol – updated to include information on local COVID alert levels and virus transmission.

Community: Coronavirus helpline Stockport

COVID-19: guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing
Advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – 5emoved reference to how many people are allowed to meet.

COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – added search by postcode link.

COVID-19 surveillance
An overview of national surveillance programmes to understand how COVID-19 is present and affecting the wider population. – links added to the document: press releases to REACT-1 and related content links at the end of the document.

CONSTRUCTION:

John Lewis’ new strategy to enter Build to Rent sector

John Lewis Partnership is aiming to dabble in the build to rent market as part of fresh plans to expand the business beyond retail to buttress weakening high street profits.

The new strategy unveiled by chair Sharon White aims to generate 40% of future profits from areas such as financial services and private and affordable housing by 2030. First planning applications will be submitted in the new year for sites in London where John Lewis would become the landlord once housing is built. John Lewis is looking at building flats above or around stores. White said: “We’ve identified 20 sites we own that could be used to benefit local communities by providing quality and sustainable housing while providing a stable income for the Partnership. We’ll make planning applications for two of these in the new year in greater London. Entering the ‘build to rent’ market also allows us to furnish properties using John Lewis Home products and deliver Waitrose food. We’re a landlord already at three of our properties so this is an obvious extension for us. And we’re now talking to developers and investors who can help us achieve our ambitions.” Read more

EDUCATION:

Face coverings in education
Guidance on the use of face coverings for schools and other education institutions that teach people in years 7 and above in England – updated to align with the local COVID alert level framework.

Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – amended information on local COVID alert levels and tiers of restriction (section 3), staff who are clinically extremely vulnerable (section 3), and children who are shielding (section 4).

Guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term to support the return of children and young people with special education needs and disability (SEND) – update: Replaced references to “local lockdowns” with references to the local COVID alert levels.

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.

HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:

New study finds 1 in 170 people contracted coronavirus over 3 week period
The Department of Health and Social Care has revealed the latest findings from the largest testing study for coronavirus. The study finds that 1 in 170 people had the virus in England between the 18th September and the 5th October with 45,000 new infections . The department has also announced those who are extremely vulnerable to coronavirus will receive new guidance to help them reduce their risk.
– there was an 8-fold increase in infections of those aged over 65 compared with the previous full report
– infections were increasing across all age groups and regions in England, with the highest rates seen in young people aged 18 to 24 years
– 1 in 80 every 18 to 24 year old in England was infected, with 1 in 170 infected across all ages
– 1 in 100 people in the North West had the virus, the highest regional prevalence, followed by the North East (0.9%)
– prevalence was highest among Asian and black participants at 0.90% and 0.73% compared with 0.45% in white participants

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.

New measures to support roll-out of vaccines in the UK
New laws will allow more healthcare workers to administer flu and potential COVID-19 vaccines safely to the public.

COVID-19: guidance for health professionals
Information on COVID-19, including guidance on the assessment and management of suspected UK cases – added ‘COVID-19: epidemiological definitions of outbreaks and clusters’.

COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC)
Guidance on infection prevention and control for COVID-19. Sustained community transmission is occurring across the UK.

Wider impacts of COVID-19 on health monitoring tool
National monitoring tool that brings together metrics to assess the wider impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on health.

How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
The different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers.

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

GenOMICC: Briefing on progress with human genomics in COVID-19?, 25 September 2020
Paper prepared by GenOMICC for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

COVID-19: epidemiological definitions of outbreaks and clusters
Description of the criteria used to define the beginning and end of an outbreak or a cluster in particular settings.

COG-UK: Summary report of COVID-19 reinfection, 3 September 2020
Paper prepared by COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium (COG-UK).

SPI-M-O: Statement on population segmentation, 15 July 2020
Paper prepared by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O).

SPI-M-O: COVID-19 reasonable worst-case planning scenario, 21 May 2020
Paper prepared by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

Dynamic CO-CIN report to SAGE and NERVTAG (recent cases), 29 September 2020
Clinical information provided to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG).

JUDICIARY:

Video enabled criminal hearings: guidance for defence practitioners
Guidance for defence practitioners when participating in video enabled criminal hearings – change of contact details to say contact the court on Saturdays and bank holidays.

How to join telephone and video hearings during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Use this guide if you’ve been asked to join a hearing by telephone or video using BT MeetMe, Skype for Business or Cloud Video Platform (CVP) during the coronavirus outbreak

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

HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
A weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic. Update for week commencing 19 October 2020 published.

PROPERTY:

Property Week: Closing time for the hospitality sector
Property industry figures have reacted angrily to the latest Covid-19 restrictions, which threaten to push many hospitality businesses over the edge just as the sector was starting to recover. Rent collection data from Remit Consulting found that on average, just over 38.1% of rent from leisure occupiers, including bar and restaurant operators, had been collected seven days after September’s quarter day, up from the 27% collected on the day itself. While leisure remains the worst-performing commercial property sector, the figures are an improvement on June’s quarter rent figures, when 28.5% had been collected a week after the due date, up from 17.7% on the day itself. However, on Wednesday, pubs and bars in Liverpool were forced to close under new three-tier restrictions, which categorised the area as tier three, the highest risk level. Experts warned that coupled with the 10pm nationwide curfew, the restrictions could signal the death knell for many operators already teetering on the brink of collapse.

We Need Public Cash – short lets sector appeals directly to Sunak
The fledgling trade association representing short lets companies wants public cash and other forms of aid to help the sector through winter. Merilee Karr, chair of the UK Short Term Accommodation Association, has written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak requesting “additional government support” because of the impact of travel and hospitality restrictions on short lets. Karr says: “We are pleased the government will expand the Job Support Scheme to cover businesses forced to close due to government restrictions. It’s also critical the Chancellor recognises that many visitor accommodation businesses will be negatively affected if other sectors of the hospitality industry, such as pubs and restaurants, are forced to close to comply with government restrictions and should, therefore, be included amongst those companies that can access the scheme.”

RETAIL:

John Lewis to invest £1bn in online expansion and diversification
A British retail chain has announced that it is investing £1bn in expanding its online business and diversifying its offering. John Lewis Partnership, which is headquartered in London, revealed today its five year plan to target profits of £400m. The plan will see John Lewis and Waitrose working more closely together and cross-selling products.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill planning to close at least 50 stores
Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM) plans to close more than 50 stores, putting around 600 jobs at risk.

TRAVEL:

More than 30 agents join the Holiday to Help Out scheme
The initiative by TTG – to offer a week’s worth of exclusive deals to help boost industry bookings – launched on Thursday and has already captured the imagination of the trade. All agents are able to participate in the scheme – just download the specially created assets to use on your social media sites or use the window posters to tell customers you’re taking part in the initiative. A number of agents have taken to social media to promote Holiday To Help Out Week (2-8 November) and are planning how they can market the scheme to their customers.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
Crete added to list of countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate. Italy, San Merino and Vatican City State removed from list 4am, Sunday 18 October 2020.

Healthcare support for when you are waiting to return to the UK during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance on the medical and health support available for British people who are unable to return home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated ‘Local healthcare services’ section to include the most relevant guidance links

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:

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.