UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 7,312,683 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 30,597 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,340 , 86 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 201
Total UK deaths: 134,647
England Cases per 100,000: 277
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 48,480,178 – 89% of UK aged 16+
Total 2nd doses: 44,188,746 – 80%
Daily 1st doses: 21,478
Daily 2nd doses: 61,627
There have been nearly 7.3 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more 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: 36,675 to 15 September
Cases in the latest week: 1,077, 77 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 751 to September 3rd
Cases per 100,000: 366 per 100,000 week ending 11 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
Slides to accompany coronavirus press conference: 14 September 2021
Slides on coronavirus presented by Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Ryanair announces 5000 new jobs and 200 new planes as part of Covid recovery Despite fears around the future of aviation and international travel Ryaniar announces big plans and investments over the next five years. Subject to no adverse Covid developments, and vaccinations remaining at above 90 per cent across Europe, Ryanair will take delivery of 210 B737 Gamechanger aircraft over the next five years. According to Ryanair, these new planes deliver industry lowest costs, reduced emissions, and will enable Ryanair accelerate its post-Covid growth, as opportunities open up at primary and secondary airports all over Europe, particularly where legacy carriers have failed or reduced fleet sizes as a result of Covid and State Aid.
Survey: Most workers will never return to the office full-time
A total of 70% of 1,684 people polled predicted that workers would “never return to offices at the same rate”. The majority of workers said that they would prefer to work from home either full-time or at least some of the time. But managers raised concerns that creativity in the workplace would be affected. Half of 530 senior leaders also surveyed by polling organisation YouGov for the BBC said that workers staying at home would adversely affect both creativity and collaboration – against just 38% of ordinary people. Managers and members of the public surveyed for the BBC agreed, however, that neither productivity nor the economy would be harmed by continuing work-from-home policies. According to the research, more than three-quarters of people believe their boss will allow them to continue.
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.
Business and industry challenges in filling vacancies
Analysis of UK businesses’ ability to fill job vacancies across different industries, and reasons for any recruitment challenges. The data cover summer 2021, primarily after coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions were eased.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
North-west businesses received £94million from Start Up Loans scheme
Businesses in the North-West have now secured a total of £94 million in Start Up Loans from the British Business Bank, the highest of any UK region outside London. The government investment bank has surpassed a total of £600 million worth of loans given to new businesses across the UK since the Start Up Loans scheme launched in 2012. Over 10,000 North West businesses have benefited from the scheme, receiving on average over £8,600. The £94 million provided to the region’s businesses since 2012 represents over 12% of the total lent in the Start Up Loans programme, provides mentoring, support and funding to aspiring business owners in addition to finance. 39% of the total provided in the North-West went to female entrepreneurs and their businesses.
Andy Burnham raises concerns over October circuit breaker and opposes return of regional lockdowns
During a virtual press conference, the Labour mayor said he sees significant practical difficulties with the potential move by the Government and that it might not even work if it was introduced. He also told journalists that how effective a circuit breaker would be is an “open question”. He instead said that a better alternative is a return to more consistent messaging from Westminster and that people should not have the choice whether to wear a mask on public transport. However, he said it is “hard to put the genie back in the bottle” in that regard. Mr Burnham added that instead of talking about the Government’s plan B, which was outlined earlier this week, there are some things that ‘should be done now in order to return to discipline’, such as face masks. The mayor also said that employers should be looking at the potential for working from home as the country goes through the autumn.
MAG CEO urges Governement to restore traveller confidence
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has called for the UK’s rules on international travel to fall in line with the rest of Europe following the publication of the Prime Minister’s Winter Plan for Covid-19. In a statement, MAG CEO Charlie Cornish welcomed the structural review proposed in the Winter Plan but called for concerted action from government to restore consumer confidence in booking foreign holidays and spark recovery in the aviation sector. The statement comes following ONS statistics that have shown the aviation sector to be the hardest hit by economic and travel restrictions during the pandemic, and is recovering slower than other industries.
Heaton Chapel to host this week’s pop-up vaccine
Friday, 17 September: 10am to 3pm
The mosque’s car park: 2 Weybrook Rd, off Wellington Road North, M19 2QD.
Pfizer jab for 16 to17-year olds; 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.
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.
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
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:
BBC: Five ways the office could change
The majority of people think that the world of office work has changed quite radically due to covid, surveys for the BBC suggest. At the start of the coronavirus pandemic many office-based workers worked from home during lockdowns. As pandemic restrictions eased, workers in England were urged to gradually return to the office.
But bosses (79%) and the general public (70%) think future work will not be as office-based as before the pandemic. 60% of workers said post-pandemic their preference would be to work from home either all of the time (22%) or at least some of the time (38%) – source: YouGov for BBC Read the full data
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace – shops, branches, and close contact services – Minor updates to sections on face coverings and working from home, in line with the government’s autumn and winter plan.
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.
CARE:
Temporary medical exemptions for COVID-19 vaccination of people working or deployed in care homes
A letter from the Director of Adult Social Care Delivery to local authorities, directors of adult social services, care home providers, care home managers and agencies.
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.
EDUCATION:
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.
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:
Technical article: Updated estimates of the prevalence of post-acute symptoms among people with coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK, 26 April 2020 to 1 August 2021
A range of estimates of the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) who experience ongoing symptoms, broken down by demographic and viral characteristics, using UK Coronavirus Infection Survey data.
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added COVID-19 vaccination: booster dose resources.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK: antibody and vaccination data, 16 September 2021
Antibody and vaccination data by UK country and regions in England from the Coronavirus (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 UK Biocentre to collect and test samples.
COVID-19 vaccination: booster dose resources
Information on the booster dose for eligible individuals.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – added an extra annex to Tested for coronavirus: privacy information about Direct LAMP testing within the Test and Trace Programme.
Shielding programme ends for most vulnerable
The government has agreed to end the requirement for shielding guidance for people previously considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable.
Wider impacts of COVID-19 on health monitoring tool
National monitoring tool that brings together metrics to assess the wider impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on health.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England): 2 September to 8 September 2021
Experimental statistics on NHS Test and Trace since its launch on 28 May 2020. Includes reports on NHS Test and Trace (people tested and contact tracing) and rapid (lateral flow device) testing for people without symptoms.
COVID-19 surveillance and immunity studies
An overview of national surveillance programmes to understand how COVID-19 is present and affecting the wider population.
MINISTRY of DEFENCE:
Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces 2021
Summary statistics on the number of defence personnel who have had a COVID-19 test; and for the UK Armed Forces, the number of positive cases of COVID-19.
PROPERTY:
Redrow happy for staff to keep working from home
Redrow is happy for its 2,300 staff to continue working “where they are most efficient.” The house building giant confirmed an extension of flexible working practices in its latest annual results. Group Chief Executive Matthew Pratt said: “We have also introduced flexible working and many colleagues have been working from home during the pandemic. “This has proved to be very effective and, going forward; colleagues will be able to work from where they are most efficient, whether that be at home, site or within divisional offices.”
Temporary measures to support customers
How we are delivering our services and how long we take to process applications – we’ve updated application processing times for updates to the register.
RETAIL:
First half food sales at the Co-op increase on pre-pandemic levels
Half-year food sales at the Co-op have increased on pre-pandemic levels, but says it remains cautious with its future outlook. Food sales at the Manchester-headquartered retailer excluding fuel saw a significant 6.5 per cent increase on pre-pandemic levels in its interim results for the 26 weeks to 3 July 2021. Food sales were at £3.6bn compared to £3.4bn in the first half of 2019, although they were down 2.8 per cent on the same period in 2020. Total group revenue was up £200m at £5.6bn against pre-pandemic levels of £5.4bn, with growth across its food, legal services and newly launched insurance business, however it was down from 3.2 per cent from last year’s £5.8bn. Its underlying operating loss before tax was £15m, down £71m on 2020, but generally consistent with 2019 which had an underlying operating loss of £11m.
TRAVEL:
Quarantine and testing if you’ve been in an amber list country
What to do before and after you arrive in England if you’ve been in an amber list country in the 10 days before you arrive – added content to make it clear that you cannot use NHS COVID-19 tests for your day 2 or day 8 travel tests. Added a new paragraph explaining that advice not to take PCR tests if you’ve had a positive test result in the last 90 days does not apply to travel tests.
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