UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 7,807,036 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 36,480 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 6,853, 139 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 137
Total UK deaths: 136,662
England Cases per 100,000: 324
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 48,829,118 – 90% of UK aged 16+
Total 2nd doses: 44,867,373 – 82%
Daily 1st doses: 31,539
Daily 2nd doses: 34,093
There have been more than 7.8 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and over 136,000 people have died, government figures show. Over 93m vaccine doses have been received across the UK. 90% of people aged 16 and over have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and over 44 million, 82% aged 16 and over have had their second.
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 39,704 to 30 September
Cases in the latest week: 1,505, 355 more than previous week
Total deaths: 755 to September 17th
Cases per 100,000: 512 per 100,000 week ending 26 September
R number in North West: 0.8 – 1.0
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of over 16s to 23 September
2nd dose: 80%
The R value and growth rate
The latest R number estimate for England is 0.8 to 1.0, while for Scotland it is 0.8 to 1.1, for Wales it is 0.8 to 1.0 and for Northern Ireland it is 0.7 to 0.9.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Updated with slides to accompany coronavirus press conferences
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Revenues tumble at Wetherspoons amid recruitment challenges
One of the UK’s largest pub chains has announced a loss in revenue and its difficulty to obtain staff in certain regions. J D Wetherspoons published its preliminary financial results for the year ending July 2021. Revenue dropped from around £1.26bn in 2020 to £772.6m in 2021, a decline of 38 per cent. Like-for-like sales were also reported to be -38.4 per cent. Chairman of Wetherspoons, Tim Martin said: “Like-for-like sales in the first nine weeks of the current financial year were 8.7 per cent lower than the same weeks in August and September 2019, before the pandemic started. In the last four weeks of the period, like-for-like sales were minus 6.4 per cent. Excluding airport pubs, where like-for-like sales declined by 47.3 per cent, like-for-like sales declined by 7.1 per cent in the first nine weeks, and by 4.9 per cent in the last four. Total employee numbers averaged 39,025 in the financial year, which increased to 42,003 for the week ending 20 September 2021. “On average, Wetherspoon has received a reasonable number of applications for vacancies, as indicated by the increase in employee numbers, but some areas of the country, especially “staycation” areas in the West Country and elsewhere, have found it hard to attract staff.”
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Weir Mill development gets green light from Stockport Council
Developer Capital & Centric has been given the green light for its £60m vision to create a “vibrant” town centre community at a historic mill site in Stockport.
Stockport Council’s planning and highways regulatory committee approved the plans at its meeting on Thursday 30 September. The decision paves the way for Manchester-headquartered Capital & Centric to restore the derelict Victorian mill into design-led apartments, making it the centre of buzzing new neighbourhood. The site, backed by £7m of Housing Infrastructure Fund from Homes England, is one of the cornerstone regeneration projects of the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC). Capital & Centric’s project seeks to build 253 one, two and three-bed apartments across the existing mill and two new design-led buildings. This is alongside 24,000 sq.ft of commercial space that will establish a new leisure and culture destination in the heart of Stockport.
Norwegian airlines returns to Manchester Airport
The return of Norway’s flag carrier to the Northern hub further increases the number of destinations accessible from Manchester Airport as the aviation and travel industry looks to recover following the coronavirus pandemic, which saw thousands of flights worldwide grounded at its peak. Norwegian will initially operate a twice weekly service on Mondays and Fridays to Norway’s capital, Oslo. The airline is one of more than a dozen carriers that will now operate from Manchester Airport’s new-look Terminal Two, which opened its doors to passengers in July after a £1 billion transformation.
North West businesses respond as Furlough ends
The £70bn scheme first announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak last March will end today – despite it still providing income for almost 1m workers, according to estimates from the Office for National Statistics. It was announced earlier this week that around 12,000 people in Greater Manchester alone are still on furlough, and that they could lose their jobs after it is withdrawn. Jamie Thompson, of Manchester-based Jamie Thompson Mortgages, was unequivocal in his views about whether the scheme should be prolonged. He said: “With a record number of vacancies, any decision to extend furlough would be nonsensical at this point.
“Yes, there are still many people on furlough but if their employers have carried on for 18 months without them, perhaps their job isn’t going to be around for the long haul anyway, as sad as that may be.”
Arc is Bringing Stockport Together Again through the arts
Arts and health charity Arc working with Stockport MBC has launched a large-scale exhibition titled ‘Stockport Together Again’ showcasing the resilience and creativity of Stockport residents during the pandemic. It will run until November 14th 2021 at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery on Wellington Road South and features artwork by individual artists, studios, collectives and community groups from across the borough.
Virtual careers week explains post-16 options for Stockport’s young people
Young people in Stockport will have the opportunity to learn about post-16 further education, training and career opportunities with the region’s top employers during a week of careers events. Stockport Jobs Match’s Post-16 Careers Week is a virtual exhibition taking place from 11th to 15th October for young people aged 14-19+ in the borough. www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Marketing Stockport and One+All partner to host Planet Mark’s Zero Carbon Tour Join the region’s business leaders to tackle the climate crisis at Stockport’s first Sustainability In Action Summit. One+All, a Certified B Corporation and a leading supplier of schoolwear, has teamed up with Marketing Stockport to summit, part of the Planet Mark’s Zero Carbon Tour, spreading the word about environmental strategies adopted by local businesses, and the net zero carbon message. The summit is free to attend and runs from 8.30am until 1.30pm on 6 October 2021, including lunch and refreshments. Places are limited and can be reserved through Eventbrite
A new training programme has launched in Greater Manchester to support low-carbon construction and retrofit in the region.
Retrofitting of existing buildings, in a addition to low-carbon technologies in new-builds, is a key part of the UK’s challenge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050; in Greater Manchester, the city-region is aiming to achieve this by 2038. The built environment contributes around 47% towards the UK’s total carbon footprint. Fabric CIC are offering a number of free certified workshop places for organisations in Greater Manchester to learn more about low-carbon construction, retrofit and carbon literacy.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Claim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Claim for some of your employee’s wages if you have put them on furlough or flexible furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19) – information updated because the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ended on 30 September 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what to do if you’re employed and cannot work
Guidance for people who are employed and cannot work due to coronavirus (COVID-19) – removed references to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (‘furlough’) which ended on 30 September 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what to do if you’re self-employed and getting less work or no work
Guidance for people who are self-employed and getting less work or no work because of coronavirus (COVID-19) – removed references to the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme which ended on 30 September 2021.
The UK’s trade agreements
Find out which trade agreements the UK is negotiating and which trade agreements the UK has already signed.
CARE:
Additional funding to help adult social care this winter
More than £388 million to prevent infections and provide testing in the care sector
Extending free PPE to the health and care sector
DHSC is seeking views on whether it should extend the provision of free personal protective equipment (PPE) to the health and care sector after 31 March 2022.
COMMUNITY:
Private providers of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing
Lists of and information about private providers who have self-declared that they meet the government’s minimum standards for the type of commercial COVID-19 testing service they offer.
EDUCATION:
How to complete the educational setting status form
This data will help the government monitor the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on settings, focus support more effectively and keep children safe – updated instructions to confirm that the form will continue with daily reporting.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
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.
Coronavirus and depression in adults, Great Britain: July to August 2021
Analysis of the proportion of the adult population of Great Britain experiencing some form of depression in summer 2021, based on the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey. Includes analysis by age, sex and other characteristics and comparisons with early 2021, 2020 and pre-pandemic estimates.
COVID-19 medical exemptions: proving you are unable to get vaccinated and/or tested
How to apply for official proof that, for medical reasons, you’re unable to be vaccinated and/or tested for COVID-19 for medical reasons.
JUDICIARY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals guidance
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be updated when new advice is available
PROPERTY:
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to reflect the return to pre-COVID notice period lengths on 1 October 2021.
Industry tribute after Stamp Duty holiday frenzy
The stamp duty holiday concluded at midnight, marking the end of the busiest period for the industry – all parts of the industry – in living memory. We need hardly remind you but the holiday was introduced in July 2020, then extended until the end of June this year – before a phased ending. The government introduced the holiday in the hope that people would feel more confident about buying, selling and renovating, in turn supporting jobs and driving economic growth.
TRAVEL:
Australia reopens borders to vaccinated travellers
From November, vaccinated travellers will be allowed into the country, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says. States with vaccination rates above 80% will get the travel freedoms, he says, telling reporters: “It’s time to give Australians their lives back.” But with some states threatening to keep borders shut until vaccine rates are even higher, it could end up being easier for a Sydneysider to travel to London than Perth.
Shapps: We’re determined to get people travelling again
“We are determined to get people travelling abroad as freely and safely as possible and the progress made today between all G7 nations is testament to this vision,” said Shapps. “By sharing information, working together on common standards and solutions for vaccine certification, and keeping a focus on a sustainable recovery for our travel sector, we will build a resilient and long-lasting recovery now and for generations to come.”
The seven principles are:
- Futureproofing the transportation sector against future health threats;
- Ensuring the fair treatment and safety of essential transport personnel;
- Respecting privacy and data protection in implementing vaccination certification solutions;
- Reaffirming the pre-eminence of scientific evidence in planning international travel policy;
- Ensuring fairness and equity in respective national responses;
- Maintaining regular international and multilateral engagement;
- Delivering a safe, sustainable and resilient recovery.
The UK government said the principles would drive global standards on international travel and build on progress made towards towards restarting travel. The group also agreed to focus on improving data protection in vaccine certification, as well as decarbonising transport.
Transport Secretary agrees high-level principles with G7 leaders to support international and transatlantic travel
Seven principles agreed between G7 leaders to build a long-lasting recovery for the international travel sector.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing public health information to passengers travelling to or from England
Information that transport operators must ensure is provided to passengers and how to provide it – update to international travel to England rules from 4 October.
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.
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.
Brexit Webinars:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
LATEST LINKS:
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten years
Businesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020.
Report an outbreak of Coronavirus in Stockport:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
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.
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.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.
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.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
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.
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.
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
Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps 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
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
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.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
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
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
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. Health updates:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
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.
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.
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market 
Government sets out ‘Living with COVID’ next steps from 1st April