October 20th: Coronavirus latest updates

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UK HEADLINES:

Greater Manchester stands firm against tier 3 lockdown without more support
As the Government’s imposed 12 noon deadline to force additional measures on Greater Manchester, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and leaders of the 10 local authorities are standing together along with cross-party MPs in defence of Greater Manchester being put into the Very High tier 3 level without substantial, additional financial support.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast earlier this morning, Andy explained:
“This is about protecting the lower paid. The Government sent an ultimatum last night and we are responding but any agreement needs to support people in the way they need to be supported and not with 2/3rds their normal income. Businesses are at risk of collapse. Greater Manchester has been in restrictions for months prior to today and pushed to the brink which is why we need a fair financial package of support to help businesses survive.”
Mr Burnham also said that the leaders and people of Greater Manchester would abide by the law but that he didn’t think it will help to tackle this matter. The General Medical Officer has said that the plan to stem the spread of infections will only works if more businesses are closed and that the proposed tier 3 level would cause great pain without guarantee of any results. He was asked about the risk to health versus the economic risk: “This is all about health but more than controlling the virus; mental health is at huge risk on top of the pandemic. Those on the lowest income are in those businesses that in tier 3 need to close. I still want to work to get a resolution. Not political, I’m not posturing. I am speaking for those who are too often neglected by Westminster.”
Mr Burnham concluded this morning’s interview saying: “We will ask people to follow the law but I also ask people to hear in mind that I have a duty to protect Greater Manchester from more restrictions and I worry that Government imposing restrictions will lessen the support. All of this needs to be done carefully, it affects people’s lives and I am asking Government to consider this right up to midday today.”

Heathrow opens up on-site testing to open up international travel
Heathrow reported this morning that from today it will be offering one-hour Covid tests to passengers as they check in. The tests, which will cost £80 per passenger, are part of the airport’s plans to ‘open up international travel’. They will be offered at Terminals 2 and 5 for trips to Hong Kong and Italy, and will be available for an initial run of four weeks with the potential for the service to be extended. This comes less than a week after aviation company British Airways announced that it will be moving more of its services to Heathrow from rival airport Gatwick. John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow’s chief executive, commented: “These facilities will make it easier for passengers going to those countries to get a test and have the potential to provide a service for arriving passengers.”
Read more at bdaily

Self-declare as a private sector COVID-19 testing provider
How to declare that you meet the minimum standards for private sector-provided testing and be listed as a private sector coronavirus (COVID-19) testing provider.

Latest UK data:

Positive tests:                        741,212 have tested positive (+ 18,804 new cases)
Loss of life:                            *43,726 across all settings (+80 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Stockport:             781 cases 7 Oct to 13 Oct (-1 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport:             266 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 96)
Deaths in Stockport:            378 coronavirus-related registered to 09 October
Total cases in Stockport:     5,009 to 19 October

*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:

Northern economy fighting back despite coronavirus restrictions
The North West economy is outperforming London and shows signs of growth despite the impact of Covid-19, new figures have shown s reported by the Lancashire Post.
Despite extensive restrictions imposed on large parts of Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire in recent weeks, the NatWest Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) demonstrated continued economic growth in the North West. Companies reported increases in new business for the third month running, and the North West PMI figure of 56.8 being significantly higher than 50; the breakeven point between growth and contraction. The performance has dropped however, from August’s figure at 57.2 after a high in July.

North West companies profit warnings
During the first three quarters of 2020, listed companies across the North West issued 43 profit warnings, nearly three-quarters more than the same period last year (25), while the UK total hit an all-time high, according to the latest EY quarterly analysis of UK profit warnings. Year-on-year the number of profit warnings in the first nine months of 2020 from companies based in the North West increased by 72%. So far, in 2020, the majority of profit warnings from North West listed companies (84%) have been attributed to COVID-19.

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:

Ask a minister a question about coronavirus
Submit a question about coronavirus (COVID-19) to be put to a minister. If your question is chosen, the minister will answer it during an event broadcast to the public.

Private sector COVID-19 testing provider: self-declaration privacy notice
Privacy notice for private sector providers of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing who want to self-declare they meet minimum standards.

HMRC issue latest Employer Bulletin
HMRC’s Employer Bulletin (October 2020, Issue 86) includes all of the latest COVID-19 updates to help you continue to meet your payroll obligations to HMRC, including recent government announcements of additional support for businesses and employees. We’ve included the latest update on both the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Job Retention Bonus, the new Job Support Scheme, support for home working, updates on the UK Transition, and changes to Off-Payroll Working rules. To avoid delay, we recommend use of our online services should you need to contact or send us information.

Return to your claim for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
Use the online service to check the status of your payment, if you think the grant amount is too low or HMRC have asked you to update your details for your claim.

How different circumstances affect the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or member of a partnership find out how your circumstances can affect your eligibility for the scheme. The service is now closed for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. You can no longer make a claim for the second grant.

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’ – to book click here for this event and many more.

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:

EDUCATION:

Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March to 15 October 2020
A summary of attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April 2020.

Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April – added ‘Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March to 15 October 2020’.

HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:

MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘NIBSC selected by CEPI to test coronavirus vaccines globally’ to the News Stories collection

PPE portal: how to order COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)
Eligible health and social care providers can order PPE through the portal to meet the increased need that has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – added information on order limits for gowns for dentists and orthodontists.

PPE deliveries (England): 12 October to 18 October 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.

Expert partnership to explore and establish Human Challenge studies of COVID-19 in the UK
£33.6 million government investment will back the studies in partnership with Imperial College London, hVIVO and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

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.

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.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals planning and preparation
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – guidance on giving evidence as a witness updated.

Courts and tribunals additional capacity during coronavirus outbreak: Nightingale courts
This page holds a list of additional facilities opening to support the courts and tribunals estate during the coronavirus outbreak. Bristol Law Society and Chester

PROPERTY:

Over 700 agency branches fail to reopen after spring lockdown
Some 713 estate agency branches have failed to reopen following the spring lockdown according to a business consultancy. TwentyCi says that is the equivalent of a 3.5 per cent drop in the total number of High Street branches: it has no finer detail on the closures, so cannot be clear as to whether they are agencies closing completely or simply not operating – even in a restricted way – from branches. In the same report, the consultancy shows that online and hybrid agents are still failing to get above eight per cent market share, despite a recent spurt in customers.

Sales surge in properties £1m+ post lockdown
Sales of £1m-plus homes have surged since lockdown as affluent buyers seek more space and lifestyle changes. An average of 868 £1m-plus sales have been agreed each week since the beginning of June, which is some 66 per cent higher than the weekly average of 522 over the same period in 2019. The figures come in new research from Savills and property consultancy TwentyCi. Despite many spring market weeks being lost to the lockdown, when sales fell to just 69 in one week in mid-April, a total of 23,000 £1m-plus sales were agreed in the first three quarters of 2020 – that’s 16 per cent higher than in 2019.

Call for Government to initiate mortgage guarantee scheme and extension to stamp duty holiday
The National Association of Estate Agents wants the government to initiate a mortgage guarantee scheme to encourage more 95 per cent loans, as well as an extension to the current stamp duty holiday. In its submission to the government ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review 2020, NAEA Propertymark makes a series of demands, based on recognising that more people now want larger homes and to take advantage of low interest rates, as they pursue moves in the light of the pandemic. Propertymark is calling for:
– A government-backed mortgage guarantee scheme which provides loans to borrowers of up to 95 per cent loan to value
– An extension to the stamp duty holiday, for at least another six months beyond its current March 2021 deadline.
– Empty Homes Community Grants reintroduced via a £200m Empty Homes Fund.

RETAIL:

Gaming and “geek” retailer to create 600 jobs with 100 new UK high street stores
A UK entertainment retailer has today announced plans to create 600 jobs and open 100 new stores across the country in the next two years. Geek Retreat, which is a comic bookstore, gaming cafe and events hub chain, will open 100 high street stores across the UK before the end of 2022. The company, which currently owns 14 venues, said that the expansion comes following the popularity of franchises such as Marvel and Stranger Things, and that the industry is predicted to grow by 3.1 per cent annually going forward.

TRAVEL:

Different restrictions may be coming for business and leisure travellers
Addressing delegates on Monday (19 October), Government Transport Minister Grant Shapps outlined plans for the UK’s “domestic test and release” strategy to shorten 14-day quarantine times with a Covid test carried out after a period of isolation. Asked about cutting the isolation period for business travellers, the transport secretary said it was dependent on an international agreement being reached to “harmonise” different approaches in different countries – revealing he was in discussions with the US Department for Homeland Security about trialling a transatlantic system.

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:

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.