UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 7,282,810 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 26,628 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,413 , 210 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 185
Total UK deaths: 134,446
England Cases per 100,000: 292
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 48,458,700 – 89% of UK aged 16+
Total 2nd doses: 44,188,746 – 80%
Daily 1st doses: 19,428
Daily 2nd doses: 60,653
There have been nearly 7.3 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and amore than 134,000 people have died, government figures show. However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus. More than 92m vaccine doses have been received across the UK. 89% of people aged 16 and over have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and over 44 million, 81% aged 16 and over have had their second.
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 36,543 to 14 September
Cases in the latest week: 1,076, 73 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 751 to September 3rd
Cases per 100,000: 366 per 100,000 week ending 10 September
R number in North West: 0.9 – 1.1
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of over 16s to 13 September
2nd dose: 79%
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) – the R range for England is 0.9 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is -2% to +2% per day as of 03 September 2021.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Updated with slides to accompany coronavirus press conferences
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Inflation rate hits biggest increase since records began
The UK inflation rate has hit 3.2 per cent in August, from 2 per cent in July, the biggest increase since records began in 1997, as the economy continued to reopen.
The Office for National Statistics, which published the data, said the surge was “likely to be a temporary change” and said the U.K. government’s “Eat Out to Help Out” program last year may have accentuated the jump. “In August 2020 many prices in restaurants and cafes were discounted because of the government’ (EOHO) scheme, which offered customers half-price food and drink to eat or drink in (up to the value of £10) between Mondays and Wednesdays,” the ONS said in a statement. BBC – Price rises have seen the biggest jump since records began in 1997 as the economy continued to reopen.
Prime Minister sets out Autumn / Winter plan to manage Covid
The Prime Minister has set out the government’s plan to manage Covid throughout autumn and winter sighting the “phenomenal success” of the vaccination programme as the reason that the data showing the link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths has weakened significantly. Over autumn and winter, the government will aim to sustain this progress by
- Building our defences through pharmaceutical interventions
- Identifying and isolating positive cases to limit transmission
- Supporting the NHS and social care
- Advising people on how to protect themselves and others
- Pursuing an international approach
Vaccines will continue to be our first line of defence. All those who were vaccinated during Phase 1 of the vaccine programme (priority groups 1 to 9) will be offered booster jabs from this month – to boost immunity amongst the most vulnerable groups during winter. The Test, Trace and Isolate programme will continue with symptomatic PCR testing continuing throughout the autumn and winter. Lateral flow tests will remain free of charge for now – the government will engage widely on this before any changes are made. The legal obligation to self-isolate for those who have tested positive and their unvaccinated contacts will continue; the financial support payment for those self-isolating on certain benefits will continue in its current format until the end of March. The NHS will have an extra £5.4 billion (recently announced) for the next 6 months alone for the Covid response.
The public will be offered continued guidance on how to protect themselves and each other – including letting fresh air in, wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed place where you come into contact with people you don’t normally meet, getting tested and self-isolating if required. A tough border policy will remain in place and genomic sequencing capability will be increased to help scientists update our vaccines to defeat new variants. There will be a range of ‘Plan B’ measures kept under review to help control transmission of the virus while minimising economic and social damage including:
- Introducing mandatory vaccine-only Covid status certification in certain, riskier settings.
- Legally mandating face coverings in certain settings, such as public transport and shops.
- Communicating clearly and urgently to the public if the risk level increases.
The government could also consider asking people to work from home if necessary, dependent on the latest data. Ministers would only decide to implement these measures if necessary, and if a range of metrics and indicators mean the NHS is at risk of becoming overwhelmed. Plan B recognises the success of our vaccination programme – meaning smaller interventions which are far less disruptive can have a much bigger impact on reducing the spread. The Prime Minister committed to taking whatever action is necessary to protect the NHS, but stressed his belief that the combined efforts of the public and the vaccination programme mean we can avoid plan B and protect our freedoms in the coming months.
Most vulnerable to be offered COVID-19 booster vaccines from next week
Millions of the UK’s most vulnerable are to be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine from next week.
Covid jab rollout for 12 to 15 olds to start in schools in England
Invitations for the jab will begin next week with parental consent sought for the schools-based vaccination programme. It follows advice from the UK’s chief medical officers, who say the jab will help reduce disruption to education.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Heaton Chapel to host this week’s pop-up vaccine
South Manchester Muslim Community Association hosts this week’s vaccination pop-up on Friday, 17 September between 10am and 3pm from the mosque’s car park in Heaton Chapel.The pop-up van, which is open to everyone aged 16 and over, will be in the mosque’s car park in 2 Weybrook Rd, off Wellington Road North, M19 2QD. The pop up will offer the Pfizer jab for 16-17 year olds while first and second timers aged 18 or over can receive Pfizer and Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccinations. Second doses can be given if eight weeks (56 days) have passed since receiving the first dose, subject to eligibility.
Stockport businesses encouraged to attend diversity and inclusion online summit Businesses in Stockport and from across the UK are being encouraged to attend an online summit, organised by BFI, to discuss managing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. There is still a pressing need for employers to revisit and reanalyse their Diversity and Inclusion strategies in order to quickly adapt to the new challenges facing the workplace. Looking strategically at the post-COVID challenges, this online summit will address pay gap, remote working, and practical inclusion strategies; afternoon workshops will drill down into specific topics around women, race, neurodiversity, disability, LGBTQ+, and social mobility.
PROGRESS21 event to drive region’s economic recovery for jobs and business
On Thursday 23rd of September 2021 PROGRESS21 will focus on careers – a jobs fair plus; business – specialist insights and practical support to aid recovery and business growth and ways to promote the city-region on the global stage.
A new weekly Covid-19 vaccination clinic offers Stockport residents additional walk-in and booked appointments four days a week.
The Stockport pharmacy will run the vaccination clinic at Trinity Church on Bramhall Lane (SK3 8TP) 8am to 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays; 8am to 6pm on Saturdays; and 8am to 4pm on Sundays.
Kickstart Jobs Fair at Stockport Central Library
Stockport’s Central Library is to host a jobs fair, giving local employers the
opportunity to meet young jobseekers looking to Kickstart their career prospects.
The event takes place on Wednesday 22nd September from 12pm until 3pm, at Stockport’s Central Library on Wellington Road South in the town centre.
Stockport Employers and Exhibitors invited to attend virtual careers fair
Employers from across Stockport are invited to showcase their opportunities at an online Virtual Careers Fair & Exhibition for the borough’s young people.
The Virtual Careers Fair & Exhibition will be delivered between 11th and 15th October alongside a range of activities and resources in schools and colleges across Stockport.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you’re an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees’ coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
August return to growth for Trainline as European rail travel demand resumes
Rail platform Trainline has announced a return to profitability in line with the easing of COVID restrictions. The firm’s UK business recovered to 95 per cent in Q2 compared with the same period two years ago and returned to growth in August. In addition, the firm has reported an accelerated shift to digital ticketing, with UK eticket penetration increasing to 40 per cent in Q2.
COVID-19: ventilation of indoor spaces to stop the spread of coronavirus
Guidance on the ventilation of indoor spaces to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Kickstart Scheme for employers
Employers can apply for funding to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit.
Apply online for a Kickstart Scheme grant
If you’re an employer looking to create jobs for young people, you can apply online or funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus – updated guidance following Prime Minister’s statement on the autumn and winter plan.
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.
MHRA statement on COVID-19 booster vaccines
Regulatory updates by the MHRA today on the COVID-19 booster vaccine programme for winter 2021 to 2022
CONSTRUCTION:
Job vacancies soar to all-time high
Latest Government figures from the ONS show the battle to find workers to deliver projects is intensifying as firms gear up for expansion. In the rolling three months from June to August, one of the busiest times for construction, unfilled jobs rose to 37,000, just over 15% higher than the spring March to May period and more than double the same period a year ago. This equates to around 2.4 vacancies for every 100 jobs in the industry.
Building to COP26 – built environment unites like never before
The built environment will play a key role at the upcoming UN climate change conference, COP26, which is being held across two weeks in Glasgow from late October. Following the sobering message from the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, which found that climate change is now widespread, rapid and intensifying, a coalition of companies from the built environment are trying to do their bit to reverse this worrying trend. Led by C40, the Global Alliance for Building and Construction (GlobalABC), The Resilience Shift, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) have announced #BuildingToCOP26 — a partnership designed to promote radical collaboration for climate action ahead of the Cities, Regions and Built Environment Day at COP26.
EDUCATION:
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children and young people
Information for eligible children and young people on COVID-19 vaccination – updated consent form for children, young people or parents and carers.
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for schools
COVID-19 vaccination guidance and resources for schools.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus England briefing, 13 September 2021
Latest epidemiological data used by the government to brief MPs on the roadmap out of lockdown and to inform decision-making in response to COVID-19 outbreaks.
Health Profile for England: 2021
The fourth annual profile combining data and knowledge with information from other sources to give a broad picture of the health of people in England in 2021.
COVID-19: guidance on protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from coronavirus (COVID-19).
PHE monitoring of the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination
Data on the real-world efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines – added link to ‘vaccine effectiveness and duration of protection study’.
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read resources for children and young people.
COVID-19: impact on vaccination programmes
Reports assessing the impact of COVID-19-related physical distancing measures on delivery of childhood vaccination programmes in England.
HOSPITALITY:
Wagamama owner serves up success as profits climb by £30m
The group behind restaurant chain Wagamama has announced that its profits in the first half of the year have increased by nearly £30m. The Restaurant Group (TRG) reported today that it has seen EBITDA profits climb to £11.2m in the first six months of the year, up by £29.5m from losses of £18.3m in 2020. TRG, which also owns Frankie & Benny’s, said that the upswing was largely due to the reopening of restaurants in the UK.
PROPERTY:
Insider: Redrow well placed for future growth?
Housebuilder Redrow has said it is well-positioned for future growth after making a strong recovery in 2021 and posting better than expected results. The business delivered 5,620 legal completions in the year to 27 June 2021, up from 4,032 in 2020. These completions generated revenue of £1.94bn, rising from £1.34bn and only 8 per cent below 2019, and profit before tax of £314m, increasing from £140m. Earnings per share climbed by 124 per cent to 73.7 pence. House price inflation had more than offset build cost increases during the year, Redrow said.
Opinion: Why investors should wake up to the BTR revolution
The events of the past year have had huge repercussions on the housing market. A main change, is that many people are now more flexible about where they live and work – a shift which has seen many look on rental properties more favourably. Traditionally, the rental sector has a poor reputation. More often than not, private rental properties are poorly maintained, low quality and with rents which are unjustifiably expensive, but now, there is a new rental sector which is giving developers the opportunity to change the image of the rental sector for good.
Mortgage lending hit record high before Stamp Duty holiday ended
The value of mortgage lending hit a record high in the final months of the stamp duty holiday. Figures from the Bank of England show £89bn of mortgage lending was approved between April and June 2021, the highest figure since 2007. Most were for house purchases by people who planned to live in the property – at 66.4 per cent.
Of this group, 24.7 per cent were first time buyers, up 6.5 percentage points from a year earlier and 2.8 points higher than the start of the year.
RETAIL:
John Lewis Partnership to recruit 7,000 temporary staff for Christmas
John Lewis and Waitrose is set to recruit 7000 people in temporary roles this Christmas, as it prepares for high customer demand for goods.
At Waitrose the jobs will be across approximately 331 stores, with roles on offer including supermarket assistants and night shift workers while delivery drivers will also be sought. More people will also be needed to work in John Lewis’ 34 shops and on top of that the partnership, chaired by Sharon White, will also be recruiting 550 permanent full-time driver and warehouse roles across its distribution centres.
TRANSPORT:
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.
Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests.
TRAVEL:
Government confirms October 1st travel update
The travel industry looks set to face another fortnight’s wait for long sought-after changes to the UK’s Covid travel rules, although the health secretary has again hinted at less expensive travel testing regime. Addressing the Commons on Tuesday (14 September), Sajid Javid said the government would publish a “new framework for international travel” on 1st October but gave no further details. It followed speculation he would use a statement in parliament to lift the UK’s current Day 2 PCR test requirements and make changes to the traffic light system.
However, he said only that transport secretary Grant Shapps would address travel rules on 1 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.