UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 7,900,680 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 30,439 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 6,733, 143 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 43
Total UK deaths: 136,953
England Cases per 100,000: 339
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 48,928,952 – 90% of UK aged 16+
Total 2nd doses: 44,969,396 – 82%
Daily 1st doses: 27,675
Daily 2nd doses: 33,926
There have been more than 7.9 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and, as a result, nearly 137,000 people have lost their lives. 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: 39,902 to 30 September
Cases in the latest week: 1,562, 355 more than previous week
Total deaths: 755 to September 17th
Cases per 100,000: 531 per 100,000 week ending 27September
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:
Chancellor to announce £500m extension to job support schemes
The chancellor will commit £500m to renew job support programmes during his speech at the Conservative Party conference on Monday. The £2bn Kickstart Scheme – subsidising eligible jobs for young people on universal credit – will be extended to March. Programmes to help long-term unemployed people on universal credit and to pay employers £3,000 per apprentice taken on will also be extended.
Rishi Sunak will promise to “double down” on help for the jobs market after Covid, as he extends several schemes set up during the pandemic. He will also promise to reshape the economy around technology and scientific innovation.
The speech comes amid pressure on the government over living standards.
Rising food and energy prices, alongside cuts to universal credit benefits, have sparked warnings of a squeeze on incomes this autumn.
Amber travel list scrapped as travel rules simplified
New simplified travel rules have come into force in the UK, with the traffic light system replaced by a single red list. Most fully vaccinated travellers arriving from non-red list countries will no longer have to take a test before setting off for the UK.
Airlines UK said it would make travelling abroad easier and cheaper.
But those coming from red list destinations must still pay to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days. Under the changes, which came into force at 04:00 BST, the green and amber lists have been scrapped. Testing rules are also being eased for people travelling from non-red list destinations who have been vaccinated in the UK, the EU, the US, or 18 other recognised countries. Anyone under 18 who is resident in these countries can also travel to the UK without testing.
Countries with approved COVID-19 vaccination programmes and proof of vaccination
Approved vaccines and the list of countries and territories with approved COVID-19 vaccination programmes for travel to England.
GM Mayor’s £1bn transport bid ahead of Conservative’s conference in Manchester
Andy Burnham wants a London-style transport service as part of the government’s ‘levelling-up’ strategy to reduce regional disparity. The government said it welcomed the “ambitious” bid for a share of the available £4.2bn in funding. Burnham has meetings scheduled with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Michael Gove, who became the minister for levelling-up in last month’s reshuffle, among his discussions with Government this week.
Unvaccinated care staff set to lose jobs in Greater Manchester
Fewer than 90 pc of care home staff have been vaccinated in some boroughs of Greater Manchester meaning they could lose their jobs by next month.
Overall, 92.54 pc of workers in care homes across Greater Manchester have received their first dose of the Covid vaccine as of Thursday (September 30). However, more than 1,500 members of staff are still completely unvaccinated leaving hundreds at risk of losing their jobs when new rules come into force.
Stockport Business Awards celebrate 10 years and business success
The 10th anniversary event of the Stockport Business Awards, organised by Clarke Nicklin Chartered Accountants, took place on Thursday 30th September to recognise the achievements of the borough’s business in 2021. Now in their 10th year, the awards were held at the newly refurbished Edgeley Park for the first, and over 380 people were in attendance for the black-tie dinner to celebrate the success and achievements of the regions finest. After the awards were postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TV presenter, Jenny Powell, was back for another year after 23 months to host the awards for the fourth year and did a fantastic job of keeping the excited crowd engaged for those all-important moments. The two charity partners this year, Smart Works and NHS Stockport Charity raised over £3000 on the evening.
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
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
Coronavirus rates in Stockport still highest in Greater Manchester
Currently at 510.9 cases per 100,000 and 214.1 new cases each day (as of 1st October). We have the highest rates in Greater Manchester and 12th highest nationally, particularly in the 10-19 age cohort, with cases four times higher than the next highest cohort. With this in mind the statement focuses this week on the importance of keeping up basic infection control methods to stop the transmission, the 12-15 vaccination offer and the opening of the national booking line to those aged 16 and over. Unfortunately, there has also been an increase in criminal scams around the NHS Covid Pass to try to steal money and sensitive information from people.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Saturday Economist: UK growth faster than forecast
Last week we explained how the surge in world trade is causing problems at the docks. This week we explain how the surge in UK growth is much faster than expected and much faster than currently forecast.
Growth in the second quarter was up by 24% compared to prior year. For the year as a whole we expect growth of between 7.5% and 8.5%. Growth could well be over 15% over the two-year period. No wonder the economy is showing signs of overheating. We map the trend rate of growth over the ten years prior to the shut down at 2% per annum. Read more
Rules that have been relaxed to help businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
A list of the rules that have been temporarily relaxed to make it easier for businesses to continue working through the disruption caused by COVID-19 – list of measures updated. Relaxation expiry dates added.
Bespoke testing for jobs with travel exemptions
Find out about bespoke testing legally required for certain types of work – updated content to reflect changes to international travel rules on 4 October 2021 (the red, amber, green traffic light system was replaced by a single red list of countries and simplified travel measures for arrivals from the rest of the world).
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020 – the change reflects previous decisions to expire 13 provisions and suspend 3 provisions with the Act. The changes also highlight the government’s intention to expire a further 7 provisions following the third 6-monthly review of the Act.
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.
Assessment and procurement of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests
How the government assesses offers of COVID-19 tests from developers for procurement and use in the UK – updated the appeals process within ‘National standardised test performance process for manufacturers of SARS-CoV-2 virus antibody tests’.
How to quarantine at home if you’re not fully vaccinated
What to do when you need to quarantine at home or in the place you’re staying after you arrive in England from abroad.
EDUCATION:
Reported coronavirus (COVID-19) notifications by registered early years and childcare settings
This data is published fortnightly. It gives the number of registered early years and childcare providers reporting one or more confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) by week – added data for weeks beginning 6 and 13 September.
PROPERTY:
HMRC figures trigger fear of housing market slump
A leading market commentator is warning that transactions and prices will fall without the stimulus of the stamp duty holiday. Karen Noye, mortgage expert at Quilter, says: “With the stamp duty holiday now completely off the table there is likely to be a deflation in house prices.” She adds: “You can see how effective the holiday has been in attracting buyers to market at an economically turbulent time.
“While the massive changes to our working lives will have played a role in people’s decision to up sticks, the stamp duty holiday really gave people the impetus to make the move. Without the holiday many might have adopted a wait and see approach. However, the consequence of so many people choosing to take advantage of the holiday is that house prices have skyrocketed.”
Understanding the possession action process: guidance for landlords and tenants
Guidance for landlords and tenants in the private and social rented sectors to explain the possession action process in the county courts in England and Wales – guidance updated to reflect changes to required notice periods in England and Wales, the end of the furlough scheme and changes to international travel rules.
TRANSPORT:
Get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test if you’re an HGV or van driver
COVID-19 testing for hauliers arriving in England and travelling from the UK – update to international travel rules.
TRAVEL:
Red list of countries and territories
Check the COVID-19 testing and quarantine rules for countries and territories on the red list for international travel to England.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing before you travel to England
Check if you need proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to England from abroad – people who qualify as fully vaccinated under travel to England rules no longer need to take a COVID-19 test before travel to England.
Day 2 and day 8 testing for international arrivals: minimum standards for providers
Sets out the minimum standards that private sector providers must meet for the COVID-19 tests for people arriving in England – updated content to reflect changes to international travel rules on 4 October 2021.
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.