UK STATISTICS
There have been more than eight million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 137,000 people have died, government figures show.
Total UK Cases: 8,006,660 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 39,851 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 6,836, 68 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 143
Total UK deaths: 137,295
England Cases per 100,000: 338
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 49,035,877 – 90% of UK aged 16+
Total 2nd doses: 45,049,953 – 82%
Daily 1st doses: 41,347
Daily 2nd doses: 28,572
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 40,739 to 5 October
Cases in the latest week: 1,533, 61 more than previous week
Total deaths: 757 to September 24th
Cases per 100,000: 521 per 100,000 week ending 1 October
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 reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) – the R range for England is 0.8 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is -3% to +1% per day as of 1 October 2021.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Updated with slides to accompany coronavirus press conferences
UK NEWS UPDATES:
No mass unemplyment as businesses welcome back furloughed workers
The wave of job cuts many expected at the end of the furlough scheme has not happened, early data suggests. The number of redundancies proposed by employers in September was close to record lows. Many businesses with large numbers of furloughed workers say they have taken everyone back, and unions had not heard of major redundancy processes. Around one million workers were thought to be on furlough when the scheme ended.
In an upbeat address peppered with jokes, but light on new policy, the prime minister claimed a high-wage, high-skilled economy was being created in the wake of Brexit and the pandemic. He also defended tax rises to pay for the NHS and vowed to fix social care. The 45-minute speech was his first to a conference since the pandemic began. In it, the prime minister said the overwhelming Conservative general election victory in 2019 placed an onus on his government to deliver change demanded by voters. The main theme of his speech was “levelling up”, with the PM saying that reducing gaps between regions would ease pressure on south-eastern England, while boosting places that felt left behind. Read more
Tesco announces net zero acceleration after outperforming profits
The supermarket chain Tesco has announced its half year profits and plans to become more sustainable. In the first half of 20/21 Tesco announced an adjusted profit of £1.37bn which has since jumped by 41 per cent to £1.46bn in the first half of 21/22. According to Tesco, its subsidiary Booker has seen a “sharp recovery” throughout this period too. The firm’s climate goals have also been accelerated to 2035 as soft plastic recycling is now available in all UK large stores.
PM puts home ownership at centre of levelling-up agenda
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given a ringing endorsement to home ownership as a central part of the government’s levelling up agenda. Giving his keynote speech at the Conservative Party conference, he said housing was part of a £640 billion infrastructure investment programme. “There is no happiness like taking a set of keys and knowing the place is yours, and that you can paint the front door whatever colour you like” he said, having described it as a “scandal” that home ownership had been dropping in recent years. The part of Johnson’s speech dedicated to homes was short on detail but he urged delegates to the conference in Manchester to look at Google Maps to see the amount of Britain that was not built upon.
Foreign Office lifts Covid advice to over 30 countries
The FCDO said it will no longer advise against travel to non-red list countries on Covid-19 grounds, except “in exceptional circumstances”, such as if the local healthcare system is overwhelmed. But it will continue to advise against all but essential travel for all red list countries and territories where the risk to UK travellers is judged to be “unacceptably high”. Read the full list of countries to have non-essential advice lifted against travel on Covid-19 grounds
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Stockport businesses urged to pledge employment support for young workers
Businesses in Stockport are invited to pledge their support for creating workplace opportunities for young people, as part of Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) Young Person’s Guarantee. The economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic has been worse for young people in Greater Manchester than other areas. Young people aged 16-24 are significantly more likely to be unemployed than other age groups, and more at risk of economic shocks and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham made a manifesto commitment to work with business and generate opportunities for young people in response to Covid-19.
Key North-west based employers pledge to switch to hydrogen fuel
24 key employers in North-west England and North Wales, including Kelloggs, Jaguar Land Rover, PepsiCo, Kraft-Heinz and Pilkington have formally agreed to work with the HyNet low carbon cluster to decarbonise their industries by switching to hydrogen fuel. HyNet is a UK leading decarbonisation project, which will supply low carbon hydrogen to fuel businesses and heat homes across the region. The switch to hydrogen will enabling a move away from fossil fuels starting in 2025.
Financial support scheme for HGVs ahead of Clean Air Zone in May 2022
A financial support scheme to upgrade or retrofit Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to comply with the GM-wide Clean Air Zone will open to applications this November. Subject to approval by the GM Air Quality Administration Committee, HGVs registered in Greater Manchester will be able to apply for funding support from 30th November. The Clean Air Zone, launching on 30 May 2022, is a key component of Greater Manchester’s green revolution, helping to tackle the problem of air pollution, which contributes towards at least 1,200 deaths per year in the city-region. Confidence returns to Revolution Bars
Trading at Revolution Bars Group has been “excellent” as the company capitalises on pent up demand. The listed outfit is now looking ahead with confidence. Restrictions were relaxed in England from 19 July 2021, which was two weeks into Revolution’s financial year to 2 July 2022. In the period to 2 October 2021, Revolution’s sites have experienced strong demand including same site sales growth of 17 per cent when compared to the same period two years ago. The company’s 56 English operations, which had no restrictions, traded at 21 per cent higher when compared to the same period. The performance was “well ahead” of the company’s expectations, while costs have also continued to be well controlled, resulting in good profit generation.
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
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
HMRC: Latest information about the closure of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate scheme. Now that the schemes have closed, you may want information on other support that could be available for you and your business, including the Kickstart and Help to Grow schemes. Search ‘Plan for Jobs’ on GOV???.UK for more details.
1. Submit your CJRS claims for September
The CJRS closed on 30 September. Thank you if you’ve submitted your September furlough claims already. If you haven’t submitted them yet, you must do so by the final deadline of Thursday??? ?14??? ?October.
2. Reporting coronavirus grants on your tax return
Don’t forget that grants to support businesses and self-employed people during the pandemic are taxable. If you’ve claimed CJRS grants, you need to include these as income on your tax return as well as some other COVID-19 grants you might have received. Depending on your business type you’ll need to report this as income on your corporation tax return, your partnership return or the self-employment pages of your individual tax return. To find out how to include a grant or payment on your tax return, search ‘reporting coronavirus grants and support’ on GOV???.UK.
3. The end of the CJRS – frequently asked questions
You can find everything you need to know about the CJRS on GOV???.UK by searching ‘Job Retention Scheme’.
4. Final claims for the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme
The Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme closed on 30 September 2021 and you have until?? ?31 December?? ?2021 to submit any final claims, or to amend claims you have already submitted.
5. Closure of extended appeal window due to coronavirus
In February 2020, HMRC introduced a three-month extended window to appeal against tax decisions and penalties if the delay in making the appeal was due to coronavirus. This ended on 30 September. For tax decisions and penalties dated up to and including 30 September 2021, the extended window to appeal is still available. You should follow the normal process and times for appealing decisions dated from 1 October onwards.
Background Quality Report: Self Employment Income Support Scheme Statistics
A report helping users to understand the strengths and limitations of the published statistics.
Apply for a Discretionary Grant (DG2)
How to apply for a discretionary grant where the dissolved company can be restored. (Company has been dissolved for less than six years) – update to the DG2 Application and undertaking form.
Kickstart Scheme closure
Information about how the Kickstart Scheme closure will affect employers and Kickstart gateways.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit – added information about Kickstart Scheme applications closing on 17 December 2021 and that job start dates have been extended to 31 March 2022.
Kickstart Scheme for employers
Employers can apply until 17 December 2021 for funding to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit – added information about Kickstart Scheme applications closing on 17 December 2021 and that job start dates have been extended to 31 March 2022.
Manage your Kickstart Scheme funding
How employers will get the Kickstart Scheme funding and changes you need to tell us about – added information about Kickstart Scheme applications closing on 17 December 2021.
Containing and managing local coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks
Guidance for local authorities and local decision-makers on containing and managing COVID-19 outbreaks at a local level – updated text for autumn and winter (2021 to 2022).
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: 7 October 2021
Time series and statistics as at 31 August 2021 on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, with analysis by scheme size, sector, geography, age, gender, estimated annual pay and flexible furlough.
Background Quality Report: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Statistics
A report helping users to understand the strengths and limitations of the published statistics.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children and young people
Information for eligible children and young people on COVID-19 vaccination – updated COVID-19 vaccination: a guide for eligible children and young people aged 12 to 17.
COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read leaflets
Easy-read guides providing information on coronavirus (COVID-19) and vaccination – updated information on COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read guide 7th October
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.
CONSTRUCTION:
Nervous clients put brakes on as subcontractor rates soar
Construction buyers reported output volumes rising by the smallest extent for eight months as the industry continued to grapple with transport issues, a severe lack of materials and staff shortages. The bellwether IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI Total Activity Index posted 52.6 in September, down from 55.2 in August. A rapid drop in subcontractor availability in September sparked the steepest rise in subcontractor charges since the survey began in April 1997. Some buyers warned that the unpredictable pricing environment had slowed clients’ decision-making on new orders and led to delays with contract awards.
EDUCATION:
Initial teacher training (ITT): criteria and supporting advice
Mandatory guidance on the criteria that organisations must meet to provide initial teacher training (ITT) – updated section ‘C2.3 Training in schools’ of the guidance about the requirement for training to take place wholly or mainly in England.
Higher education restructuring regime guidance for applicants
Details of the restructuring regime for higher education providers in England facing financial difficulties as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to give notice that the regime will close to new applications on 31 December 2021, with applications to be processed to a conclusion by the end of the financial year 2021 to 2022.
Recovery premium funding
Additional funding in the 2021 to 2022 academic year to support schools with education recovery following COVID-19 – added a link to the recovery premium allocations guidance.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Mortality Insights
The latest edition of Mortality insights focuses on COVID-19. It also looks at a recent report which considers life expectancy differences between ethnic groups.
How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
The different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers – added note – regarding new criteria for manufacturers introduced by DHSC
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19, UK: 6 October 2021
Provides data about the characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 from the COVID-19 Infection Survey. This analysis has been produced in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England, and Wellcome Trust. This study is jointly led by the ONS and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) working with the University of Oxford and Lighthouse Laboratories to collect and test samples.
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added links to social media resources aimed at pregnant women.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Jet2 orders 15 new Airbus A321 aircraft
Jet2 has entered into an agreement with Airbus to purchase a further 15 new Airbus A321 NEO aircraft. This order is in addition to the 36 firm aircraft orders, together with the flexibility to extend up to 60 aircraft, that the Company announced on 31 August 2021. These additional 15 aircraft will be delivered between 2026 and 2029 and the terms of the agreement are substantially the same as those approved by the Board for the initial 36 firm aircraft orders. At current list prices these additional 15 aircraft represent a total value of approximately $2.0 billion with a total transaction value, for up to 75 aircraft, of approximately $10.1billion, though the Company has negotiated significant discounts from the list price. The Company will retain flexibility in determining the most favourable method of financing the aircraft, which will be through a combination of internal resources and debt.
TRANSPORT:
Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests – latest data table added.
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – International travel rules updated.
Approved COVID-19 vaccines and countries with approved COVID-19 proof of vaccination
Approved vaccines and the list of countries and territories with approved COVID-19 proof of vaccination for travel to England – added information about how many doses you need to count as fully vaccinated.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus – updated page due to the simplified travel system which came into force on 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