NEW SURVEY
Latest UK Data:
Positive tests: 460,178 have tested positive (+ 6,914 new cases)
Loss of life: *42,202 across all settings (+ 59 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Stockport: 266 cases 22 Sept – 28 Sept (+57 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 91 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 29)
Deaths in Stockport: 368 coronavirus-related registered to 18 September
Total cases in Stockport: 2802 to 1 October (+59 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 1.2-1.5 and the growth rate range is +4% to +8% per day as of 25 September 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.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus
UK HEADLINES:
Turkey and Poland removed from travel corridor list
Turkey and Poland have been removed from England’s quarantine-free travel corridor list, while Italy and Greece have retained their places. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed on Thursday afternoon (1 October), in a string of tweets, that Turkey, Poland and the Dutch Caribbean islands of Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba would lose their quarantine-free travel corridor status. UK arrivals from any of these destinations will have to self-isolate for two weeks from 4am on Saturday (3 October). The government has also increased potential fines up to £10,000 for people who breach self-isolation following their return from countries or regions without travel corridors.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
£650k allocated to independent cinemas as government urges public to visit
The government has today announced that it has allocated the first lot of funding to support independent cinemas across the country. The Culture Recovery Fund has made its first lot of investments, with £650k to be split between 42 independent cinemas. Overall, there will be £30m contributed to indie cinemas, with the funding being allocated by the British Film Institute (BFI).
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems plus ‘Contain framework local authority watchlist: 1 October 2020’.
Coronavirus Act report: September 2020
The third two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey pilot: England, Wales and Northern Ireland, 2 October 2020
Estimates for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This survey is being delivered in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England and Wellcome
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester added to Covid watchlist
Areas across the North West have been added to the Governments watchlist as the number of cases has increased in parts of Cheshire East, Chester West and Chester. Yesterday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced tighter restrictions for North West residents in Liverpool, Sefton, Wirral, St Helens, Knowsley and Halton, as well as Warrington who are no longer allowed to mix with people outside of their own household. The watchlist is produced by first considering the lower tier local authorities with the highest weekly incidence rate and its trend, combined with a range of other indicators including the test positivity rate, an assessment of the local response and plans, and the trend of other metrics such as healthcare activity and mortality. The classification decision is therefore a blended assessment drawing on professional judgement. Other local authorities added to the watchlist as a result of the weekly Local Action Committee meeting: Barrow-in-Furness, Luton, Rotherham and Wakefield.
Further restrictions confirmed in parts of the North East and North West in response to rising infection rates
Hundreds of North West jobs to be created as Globus wins big NHS PPE contract
A leading PPE manufacturer will create hundreds of jobs for the North West and Scotland after winning multi-million pound contracts to make high-performance face masks for frontline NHS staff. Globus Group will create jobs both at a new Alpha Solway manufacturing facility in Warrington, set to open by the end of the month, as well as at its headquarters in Trafford, Manchester. “This equipment will be produced through our Alpha Solway division at the new Warrington manufacturing facility which, in addition to our growing facilities in South West Scotland, will create several hundred new jobs. Our HQ is in Trafford and we are delighted to be deepening our commitment to the North West, creating new jobs and making our contribution to the vibrant regional economy.”
Stockport Council is urging smokers in the borough to participate in the nation’s biggest quit attempt, Stoptober.
Stoptober started on 1st October, encouraging smokers to quit the habit for 28 days. Research shows that after 28 days, smokers are five times more likely to overcome their addiction and quite for good. Smoking attacks our lungs over time and makes it harder to breathe. This year, smokers in Greater Manchester can download a free mobile app and order a free Stoptober quit kit, packed with everything they need to take part. In 2019, the local Stop Smoking Service saw a near-doubling of people quitting during the stop smoking challenge.Bolton businesses to receive grants of up to £1,500 from government
Certain businesses in Bolton that have been closed for 3 weeks will be eligible for the support.
North West of England: local restrictions
Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in areas of the North West of England.
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.
Stockport Council accepting applications from businesses for Kickstart Jobs Scheme
Earlier this month, further details were announced about the Government’s Kickstart Jobs Scheme. The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create 6-month job placements for 16 to 24 year olds. 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.
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Main Grant Scheme:
Applications are now closed; applications received up to the closing date on August 28th will be considered in the period leading up to the 30th September. Stockport Council have now administered a total of 5,412 grants bringing the total amount paid to £62,657,500 and bringing the total to 99.9% of those identified as eligible as at 11/09/2020
Local Authority Discretionary Grant funding scheme
Status of LAD Payments to date:
Applications: 795
Payments: £3,240,500 to 504 businesses
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:
Exemption from National Insurance contributions for COVID-19 Test and Trace Support Payments
This tax information and impact note is about the measure to remove the need for employers or local authorities to report and deduct National Insurance contributions for COVID-19 Test and Trace Support Payments.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure.
Coronavirus Act two-monthly reports
Two-monthly reports on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
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:
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
Guidance for those managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities on safely re-opening multi-purpose buildings – updated to reflect changes in legislation to track and trace.
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 2 October 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 23 to 27 September 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
CONSTRUCTION:
VolkerWessels UK Covid-19 revenue impact under 10%
The firm said it was in good shape for challenges ahead ending the year with a strong cash position at £122m. Alan Robertson CEO of VolkerWessels UK said that Covid-19 had had a limited impact on the business which continued to deliver key infrastructure projects. He said: “Operations have not been significantly impacted due to our ability to manage our diverse customer and supplier base. “Overall we estimate that the impact of Covid-19 has led to a decrease in our revenue of slightly less than 10% and a similar impact on our gross margin in absolute terms.” According to latest published results, revenue last year jumped a fifth to £1.18bn despite challenging market conditions, with VolkerFitzpatrick putting in a strong performance.
CREATIVE, MEDIA & SPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation
Guidance for the public, providers of outdoor sport facilities, elite athletes, personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation. Additions to Elite sport – return to cross border competition guidance, including FAQs (Annex B).
Daily Visitors to DCMS Sponsored Museums and Galleries
These experimental statistics show the number of daily visits to DCMS sponsored museums and galleries. For final visitor figures, refer to the monthly report.
EDUCATION:
Get help with remote education
Information, guidance and support for teachers and leaders on educating children during the coronavirus outbreak – updated information about remote learning support, schools’ duty and expectations.
Get laptops and tablets for children who cannot attend school due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
How schools, colleges, academy trusts and local authorities can access digital devices for children who are learning remotely – updated to include further information on device allocation, when and when not to order devices and help on ordering.
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term – updated section on remote education expectations and support.
Remote education good practice
Good practice to support school leaders in developing their remote education contingency plans
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
Loss of smell may be clearest symptom of cornavirus
While people have been alert to coughs or fevers signalling they might have coronavirus since it emerged, the loss of smell – only added to the official list of symptoms in May – could be a more reliable indicator of Covid-19, according to research. A University College London study of 590 people who lost their sense of smell or taste earlier in the year found four in every five had coronavirus antibodies. Of those with antibodies, 40% had no other symptoms. Its findings emphasise the importance of people self-isolating if they can’t smell “everyday” items like perfume, bleach, toothpaste, or coffee, says lead author Prof Rachel Batterham. The thing to look out for is a loss of smell without having a blocked or runny nose, she adds. The study was, however, constrained by the fact participants all had mild symptoms, so they may not be representative of all Covid patients.
Adult Social Care Infection Control Fund: round 2
Sets out the infection control measures that the new infection control fund will support, including information on the distribution of funds and reporting requirements.
PHE data series on deaths in people with COVID-19: technical summary
A summary of the PHE data series on deaths in people with COVID-19, outlining what the changes mean and how the data compare to other COVID-19 death data series.
NHS Test and Trace (England) and coronavirus testing (UK) statistics: 17 September to 23 September 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 17 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England and coronavirus testing (UK).
Survey: reasons for getting a coronavirus (COVID-19) test
Survey conducted at several regional and local testing sites in England between 1 and 4 September 2020.
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.
Monthly results for REACT-1 studies
Monthly results for the REACT-1 study of coronavirus transmission.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Close contact services – Updated guidance on regulation changes (section 1), saunas and steam rooms (section 2.1) and reminding clients to wear face coverings (section 6.2).
LOCAL AUTHORITIES:
Laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers provided during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for local authorities, academy trusts and schools on managing Department for Education (DfE) devices provided for children, families and young adults most in need.
PROPERTY:
Sales boom continues and agents see no end in sight!
Agents have universally welcomed new Nationwide data showing annual price growth picked up to 5.0 per cent last month – the highest rate since autumn 2016. According to the figures, prices rose 0.9 per cent month-on-month after taking account of seasonal factors. Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist, comments: “Housing market activity has recovered strongly in recent months. Mortgage approvals for house purchase rose from around 66,000 in July to almost 85,000 in August – the highest since 2007, well above the monthly average of 66,000 prevailing in 2019. The rebound reflects a number of factors. Pent-up demand is coming through, with decisions taken to move before lockdown now progressing. The stamp duty holiday is adding to the momentum by bringing purchases forward. Behavioural shifts may also be boosting activity as people reassess their housing needs and preferences as a result of life in lockdown.”
Covid employment advice service set up by Propertymark
Propertymark has teamed up with an employment and health and safety specialist to establish a service for member agents with Coronavirus-related job queries. The tie up with the Ellis Whittam human resources company means Propertymark’s nationwide membership now has access to a 24/7 on-call legal advisory service, as well as online tools and templates to help them tackle issues created by the virus.
A statement from Propertymark says that as part of its aim to provide support, deliver information, and offer value-added services to its members, Ellis Whittam will help agents maintain legal compliance and uphold best practice in their duty of care as employers. A library of guidance documents will be available via the Propertymark website and members can contact a dedicated legal advisory team via telephone or email to seek advice around Employment Law, HR, and Health & Safety matters.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): countries and territories exempt from advice against ‘all but essential’ international travel
The FCDO has a global advisory against ‘all but essential’ travel, but exempts destinations that do not pose an unacceptably high risk for British travellers. Poland, Turkey, St Maarten and St Martin are no longer on the travel advice exemptions list, following the latest assessment of COVID-19 risks. The FCDO advises against all non-essential travel to these countries?and territories. The British Virgin Islands and Seychelles have been added to the travel advice exemptions list. Read our guidance before planning any travel.
Turkey, Poland, Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba removed from England travel corridor exempt list
People arriving in the UK from these destinations from 4am Saturday 3 October 2020 will need to self-isolate for 2 weeks.
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.
Become a Green Homes Grant Supplier II – Trustmark and PAS 2030
The new Green Homes Grant will give over 600,000 homeowners in England up to £10,000 to install insulation, heat pumps, draft proofing and more to help households cut energy bills. 100% of tradespeople taking part in the scheme must be registered with Trustmark, the only government-endorsed quality scheme for improvement works in and around a home. October 7th 2020
Host and Speakers
- Amy House, Low Carbon and Resource Efficiency Lead, GC Business Growth
- David Pierpoint, Chief Executive, The Retrofit Academy
- Nigel Donohue, Chief Executive Officer, Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency
Booking Link: https://app.livestorm.co/the-growth-company/get-ready-to-become-a-green-homes-grant-supplier-ii-trustmark-and-pas-2030
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
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:
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 24th September
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.
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 – 11th 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.
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