Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 368,504 have tested positive (+ 3,330 new cases)
Loss of life: *41,628 across all settings (+ 5 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Stockport: 107 cases 2nd Sept – 8th Sept (+71 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 36 per 100,000 (England area average is 18)
Deaths in Stockport: 365 registered to 28th August (+2 from last week)
Total cases in Stockport: 2,114 to 11th September
*Daily reported COVID deaths are now 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 R number range for the UK is 1.0-1.2 and the growth rate range is -1% to +3% per day as of 11 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.
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems.
UK HEADLINES:
Social gatherings of more than six people have become illegal in England
As the government attempts to halt a rise in coronavirus cases, versions of the “rule of six” – explained in detail – are now in place right across the UK and were designed to provide clarity on what is and isn’t allowed. However, there are significant differences between nations. It applies indoors and out in England and Scotland, but not in Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland and Wales, children under 11 and 12, respectively, are exempt. Police have the power to enforce the rules with fines, but West Yorkshire Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, warned forces are so stretched it’s unrealistic to rely on them alone. The government says Covid marshals will be introduced in city centres, but councils argue they need help to pay for them. The new rules come as the UK’s R number has risen to between 1 and 1.2 for the first time since March. That means the epidemic is growing. Globally, a daily record of infections has been set. The World Health Organization has reported more than 307,000 new cases over 24 hours – with the biggest rises in India, the US and Brazil.
Largest testing programme for coronavirus reinforces need for vigilance
The third report from the country’s largest study on coronavirus rates of infection has been published today showing that cases are increasing steadily across the country.
England and Wales’ contact-tracing app gets launch date
A new Covid-19 contact-tracing app will be launched across England and Wales on 24 September, the government has announced.
Apply for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme
If you are an employer looking to create jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
There is now a facility available on the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
There is also a section on the website around guidance for employees, employers and businesses which we hope will be helpful.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
Have your say on plans for ‘One Stockport Hub’ in town centre
Stopfordians are being asked to have their say on plans to create a new ‘One Stockport Hub’ in the town centre. The centre of Stockport is undergoing a £1 billion programme of investment and with the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic, Stockport Council wants to continue the improvements and make a visit to the town centre a safe and enjoyable experience. As part of these plans, the council is proposing to create the ‘One Stockport Hub’. Located in Mersey Square, in a unit formerly occupied by Argos, the Hub would provide a cultural and social experience, including a library service, in the heart of the town centre for both Stockport residents and visitors.
Local lives lost to the Covid-19 pandemic are to be remembered and honoured in an online book of remembrance, set up by Stockport Council.
People bereaved by the virus will be able to submit the name of the person they have lost and messages about them as well as view other entries in the book of remembrance. The memorial will offer the opportunity to pay particular tribute to loved ones who died from Covid-19 many who were working on the frontline in the NHS and social care in Stockport. More than 2,800 people have died of Covid-19 in Greater Manchester and 384 in Stockport.
Aer Lingus Regional’s new service to Belfast City takes off
Stobart Air, operator of Aer Lingus Regional, to service Manchester route from new base at Belfast City Airport from today. The airline will operate four daily return flights from Manchester. Commenting on the announcement, Julian Carr, Aviation Director at Manchester Airport, said: “It’s great to see flights to Belfast City take off from Manchester Airport today, giving our passengers greater choice and flexibility when accessing the capital of Northern Ireland.”
Blackburn with Darwen, Oldham, Pendle: local restrictions
Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in areas of the north of England – updated with information on the restrictions that come into force on 14 September.
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.
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 5,382 grants of 5,394 identified as eligible bringing the total amount paid to £62,352,500 and bringing the total to 99.7% of those identified as eligible as at 11/09/2020.
Local Authority Discretionary Grant funding scheme
Status of LAD Payments to date:
Applications: 793 Payments: £2,103,000
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
Stockport – is your business open for business?
Is your business in Stockport? Are you ‘open for business’? Whatever your business, we want to support you. And it’s free! Follow the link, fill in the form and we will add you to our directory:
AGRICULTURE & RURAL AFFAIRS:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Vehicles – added priority actions to take to protect staff and customers.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Performing arts – Added priority actions to take to protect staff and customers.
Closing certain businesses and venues in England
Guidance on the closure of certain businesses and venues as part of further social distancing measures, and on the further easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in July and August 2020.
Guidance updated to reflect changes in rules about social contact, and requirements for certain businesses and venues to collect data for test and trace.
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you have to pay your furloughed employees for hours on furlough, how much you can claim for employer NICs and pension contributions and how much you can claim back. New subsection ‘Work out your employee’s usual hours and furloughed hours’ to tell employers how to calculate the number of working and furloughed hours for an employee that comes off furlough or flexible furlough partway through a claim period. Employers using this calculation do not need to amend previous claims
Find examples to help you calculate your employees’ wages
Check examples to help you calculate your employee’s wages, National Insurance contributions and pension contributions if you’re claiming through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. A sentence added to example 3.3 to clarify that employers should calculate the amount they are claiming for each employee based only on days the employee was on furlough – even if they have to claim through the service for a longer period align their claims. Employers using this calculation do not need to amend any previous claims.
Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
New subsection ‘Work out your employee’s usual hours and furloughed hours’ to tell employers how to calculate the number of working and furloughed hours for an employee that comes off furlough or flexible furlough partway through a claim period. Employers using this calculation do not need to amend previous claims.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: reducing transmission – what you can do to help
Advice on how you can help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19: guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing
Advice and information on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated guidance on number of people allowed to meet.
COVID-19: guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing
Advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated guidance on number of people allowed to meet.
COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
Guidance for people planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England – updated guidance on maintaining social distancing between different households and mandatory test and trace requirements.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for people receiving direct payments
The document ‘Guidance for commissioners, people receiving direct payments and care providers’ has been changed to ‘Guidance for local authorities and clinical commissioning groups in the delivery of direct payments and personal health budgets.’ This guidance is no longer aimed at people receiving direct payments (as separate guidance has been issued on this), and now is aimed at commissioners and local government only. The easy read version of ‘Guidance for commissioners, people receiving direct payments and care providers’ has also been removed.
CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY:
Most agents positive about sector but worried about virus
A survey of 350 lettings agents suggests the large majority feel positive about the rental market despite the challenges of new laws, increased regulation and the pandemic. Just over half of respondents to the Goodlord survey also say they feel “very positive” about the future of their own agency. Meanwhile 84 per cent of respondents say they are confident their own businesses have the financial resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future, with only three per cent of respondents saying they are either un-confident or didn’t know.
EDUCATION:
Package of support for students who have to defer their studies
Details on a range of opportunities to gain new skills, undertake work placements, additional learning and career development support.
Education plans from September 2020
Guidance for education providers about Ofsted’s phased return to inspection – Ofsted’s inspection of providers on the Childcare Register will resume from 16 September.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
UK Government invests in Covid research at St Andrews University
UK Government funded project at St Andrews University to test different surfaces and coatings for their effectiveness in killing the Covid-19 virus.
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 – updated related deaths time series spreadsheet with latest figures.
NHS Test and Trace (England) and coronavirus testing (UK) statistics: 27 August to 2 September 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 14 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England and coronavirus testing (UK).
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
COVID-19 infection rises: letter to care providers from Director of Adult Social Care Delivery
Stuart Miller has written to care providers to highlight rising infection rates and request action on testing and PPE in all care settings.
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems – added week 37 report, infographic, contain framework and data tables.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact-tracing data in its weekly reports – updated how testing capacity is defined and calculated.
HOSPITALITY / LEISURE:
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.
JUDICIARY:
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page held a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak includes a full list of Crown Courts that have resumed jury trials updated
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 – update for week commencing 14 September 2020 published.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Evidence considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) – added 10 new papers and 24 short-term forecast reports.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate. French Polynesia, Hungary, Portugal and Réunion removed from the travel corridors list at 4am Saturday 12 September 2020. Sweden added to the list at 4am Saturday 12 September.
Jet2 suspends Portugal travel programme
All holidays departing up to and including 26 September have been cancelled, following the move announced by transport secretary Grant Shapps on Thursday (10 September). Jet2’s package holidays programme to Madeira will continue as planned.
Covid-19 webinars:
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:
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.