Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 374,228 have tested positive (+ 3,105 new cases)
Loss of life: *41,664 across all settings (+ 27 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Stockport: 133 cases 6th Sept – 12th Sept (+56 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 45 per 100,000 (England area average is 18)
Deaths in Stockport: 367 registered to 4th September (+2 from previous week)
Total cases in Stockport: 2,210 to 15th 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.
UK HEADLINES:
BBC: Eat Out to Help Out scheme drives UK inflation to 5 year low
Cheaper restaurant meals due to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme saw prices rise at their slowest rate in five years. The UK’s inflation rate, which tracks the prices of goods and services, fell to 0.2% in August, from 1% in July. Low inflation – the rate at which prices of everyday goods and services rise – is good for consumers and borrowers, but can be bad for savers. That is because while it makes things cheaper, it also affects the interest rates set by banks and other firms.
Funding boost to help healthcare suppliers improve cyber security
Hundreds of the country’s vital healthcare firms are set to benefit from government funding to boost their cyber security, the Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman announces today, as part of London Tech Week. The move comes after the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) identified a heightened cyber threat to the UK health sector in relation to the pandemic, with cyber-crime groups attempting to steal sensitive intelligence, intellectual property and personal information from pharmaceutical companies and medical research organisations. Small and medium-sized businesses, such as medical suppliers and primary care providers, are being invited to apply for a slice of the £500,000 funding for the initiative which will see all consultancy and certification costs covered by the government. Participants can receive guidance and support to get accreditation from the government’s Cyber Essentials certification. This includes training to make sure all phones, tablets, laptops or computers are kept up-to-date, proper firewall usage to secure devices’ internet connections, and user access controls to manage employee access to services.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Petition launched as Sainsburys Stockport set to close in January
Sainsburys in Stockport town centre is one of 9 stores closing its doors in the new year. An online petition has been launched, calling on the brand to rethink its decision and keep the supermarket open. The petition reads: “Workers at Stockport’s town centre Sainsbury’s store are facing redundancy at the turn of the New Year 2021 because of Sainsbury PLC’s decision to close the store. The workers at this store were amongst those key workers who risked their health and their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic by working throughout in order to ensure that all of us continued to be able to obtain our food and other essential supplies.” The store that employs over 70 people, is set to close on 30th January
Stockport Council named in final three Digital Leaders Award
Stockport Council have reached the final three in the Digital Leaders 100 Awards ‘Smart City’ category, following a public vote to determine the finalists. The overall winner will be the council that demonstrates it has advanced its Smart Agenda fastest and furthest in the past year and will be announced at the DL100 virtual awards ceremony on 15th October. The final winners will be chosen by a panel of 19 Cross-sector judges. Read more HERE
Commuters ‘love to ride’ as people return to work
The number of people cycling their commute has increased as workplaces have begun to reopen across Greater Manchester, TfGM has revealed as Cycle September gets underway. Cycle September is a global competition to help more people realise the benefits of riding a bike. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is supporting the Love To Ride campaign, and encouraging businesses in the city-region to support employees to cycle all or part of their commute. Through the Love To Ride Cycle September competition, cyclists can earn points for their journeys by bike over 10 minutes, as well as for encouraging others to sign up, with prizes available for the highest scores. On Tues 22nd September, TfGM will host a Love to Ride webinar so businesses can find out more about the future of cycling in Grater Manchester and its role in helping the city region Build Back Better. This GM Green Summit webinar looks at the role cycling can play in reaching carbon neutrality, as well as the many other benefits that increased cycling can bring to the region. Read more HERE
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 5,397 grants bringing the total amount paid to £62,507,500 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: 794 Payments: £2,120,000
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:
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Insolvencies fall ahead of anticipated autumn avalanche
The number of business insolvencies remained low in August after reaching a post-lockdown peak in July, according to government figures released yesterday (September 15). They show that there were 961 business insolvencies in August in England and Wales, down by 19% on the previous month, and 43% on the same month last year. R3, the trade body for the insolvency and restructuring profession, says the decrease is likely to be due to the Government support for businesses and reduced enforcement activity by HMRC.
Pay Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants back
Find out how to pay all or some of your grant back if you’ve overclaimed, or if you do not need the grant and want to make a voluntary repayment. This guide has also been updated with links to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme repayment service.
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). From 26 August 2020 you can claim for employees who have been notified by the NHS to self-isolate before surgery.
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
COMMUNITY:
More domestic abuse charities to benefit from government funding boost
A further 25 charities will receive a share of £1 million boost as part of the government’s £10 million emergency fund.
Domestic abuse safe accommodation: COVID-19 emergency support fund
This prospectus provides prospective bidders with information on how to apply for funding and how the assessment process will work – added list of successful bidders for the final stage.
CONSTRUCTION:
Galliford Try forecasts return to profit
is forecasting a return to profit this year after being hit by a pre-exceptional loss of £60m. As a result of the Covid-19 shutdown revenue slid by over a fifth to £1.1bn in the year to June. But with a strong forward order book, chief executive Bill Hocking said he expected Galliford Try to return to profit this year. He forecast margins would be back in the 1.4%-1.6% range before central costs of £10m.
Redrow optimistic despite ‘profound impact’ of coronavirus pandemic
Listed housebuilding giant Redrow Homes has shed light on the “profound impact” the Covid-19 pandemic has had on its performance. For the 52 weeks to 28 June 2020, the group reported revenues of £1.34bn compared to £2.11bn for the 52 weeks to 30 June 2019. Pre-tax profits also plummeted from £406m to £140m, while legal completions fell from 6,443 to 4,032. However, executive chairman John Tutte remained upbeat with the company sitting on a record order book.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
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.
HOSPITALITY / LEISURE:
Taking Part 2019/20: statistical release
The Taking Part Survey has run since 2005 and is the key evidence source for DCMS.
Taking Part Web Panel Data: Engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic
Estimates of cultural, digital and sporting engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic – added a report – which summarises the three waves of findings from May to July.
MILITARY:
Extra funding for service charities as veterans’ support is stepped up
Today the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) and the MOD have announced that 100 UK Armed Forces charities will benefit from nearly £6-million of extra funding to support serving personnel, veterans and their families during the coronavirus pandemic.
PROPERTY:
Covid-19 will force change in PRS – Private Rental Sector
Lockdown measures have left the UK’s residential rental sector struggling to deal with a period of unpaid rents, occupancy voids, and considerable operational difficulties. And with the pandemic far from over, such issues will continue to persist. Moreover, given that up to 90% of the UK’s private rented sector (PRS) is made up of single-property landlords, the sector will need to mature, adapt, and strengthen in order to overcome the pandemic. Yet, rather than dwell on the negatives, we must consider how the market can change for the better, and fast-track changes in PRS that benefit investors, landlords, and tenants in the wake of the virus. Property Investor Today
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, published daily for the return to school period.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): how to self-isolate when you travel to the UK
Sets out how to self-isolate when you arrive in the UK. You will not be allowed to leave the place you’re staying for the first 14 days you’re in the UK – added example of exceptional circumstance which may permit you to leave your place of self-isolation: if you have a health condition or a disability that would be seriously exacerbated if you were not able to leave your accommodation (and its outdoor areas) where you are self-isolating to take exercise.
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.