HELP US TO HELP YOU SUPPPORT YOUR BUSINESS
Over the next few weeks we would like to hear from businesses in Stockport on a range of issues around the impact of coronavirus and how we can support you, your team and your business. Please answer this short survey of just four questions to help us get started – click here
Latest UK Data:
Positive tests: 378,219 have tested positive (+ 3,991 new cases)
Loss of life: *41,684 across all settings (+ 20 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Stockport: 132 cases 7th Sept – 13th Sept (+51 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: 2,235 to 16th 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 lunchtime news headlines:
Government extending adult social care fund
This will be extended for six months, with the government providing a further £540m of funding. The health secretary says the government will also soon bring forward its adult social care winter plan.
Hancock announces new social restrictions in NE England
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced new social restrictions for parts of north-east England. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Hancock said from Friday restrictions would apply in Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham. In these areas residents should not socialise with people outside of their household or support bubble, he said. Hospitality will be restricted for food and drink to table service only. And late-night restrictions on operating hours will be introduced, so leisure and entertainment venues must close between 22:00 and 05:00.
Government extends moratorium on business evictions
Businesses will be protected from the threat of eviction until the end of 2020, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced, extending the moratorium first introduced in March. The support for struggling businesses had been due to end at the end of September, having been previously extended in June for a further three months. The move aims to support businesses most affected by the pandemic to remain in their premises without the threat of eviction, in particular allowing retailers to focus on rebuilding business during the busy run-up to Christmas. Government extends support to stop business evictions this year. Commercial tenants will be protected from the risk of eviction until the end of 2020 helping businesses to protect jobs.
More than £500 million for social care to reduce coronavirus transmission over winter
Care providers will be given an extra £546 million to bolster infection control and help protect residents and staff throughout winter.
New measures to improve patient care ahead of winter
A&Es in 25 hospitals will receive a share of £150 million in funding to upgrade, reduce overcrowding and improve infection control ahead of winter.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Stockport Council Director of Public Health addresses Stockport businesses
Jen Connolly joined Marketing Stockport’s monthly member meeting to update businesses on the coronavirus situation in Stockport and answered questions on how businesses can best be prepared to act in the event of an outbreak.
Watch the video on the SK Business Recovery website HERE
GM Chamber tracker shows dampening of demand
Continued concerns about rising Covid-19 infections and the prospect for more local lockdowns in Greater Manchester have contributed to a further dampening of demand, according to the fifth GM COVID-19 Recovery Tracker survey conducted by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. The last three Recovery Tracker surveys covering August and the first half of September reveal that customer demand has decreased and caused a worsening in cash positions for many businesses.
Lockdown court delays negatively affecting child welfare in the North West
The firm is calling for changes to be made to court proceedings to reduce the negative impact on families across the region. Following the announcement of lockdown measures due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the work of courts and tribunals was consolidated into a network of priority courts across the UK. As a result, just 157 priority court and tribunal buildings were open for essential face-to-face hearings, representing 42% of the 370 crown, magistrates, county and family courts and tribunals across England and Wales. With such a diminished capacity, SAS Daniels has seen a negative impact on families with many proceedings severely delayed. The firm is calling for changes to be made to court proceedings to reduce the negative impact on families across the region.
New facility for Stockport businesses to report Covid-19 outbreaks
Stockport Council has launched a new facility for businesses in the borough to report Covid-19 outbreaks, and access information on how to control the spread of the virus in the workplace.
An outbreak is defined as two or more cases of Covid-19, with illness onset dates within 14 days, associated with a specific non-residential setting, such as a workplace or hospitality venue where there has been direct exposure between cases, or an absence of an alternative source of infection. Businesses in the borough can now use a new online form to report outbreaks directly to Stockport Council to access further support to curb the virus’ spread. The form will collect the following information:
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 5,398 grants bringing the total amount paid to £62,517,500 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: 795 Payments: £2,129,000
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:
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 17 September 2020
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
Free business school workshop series to help businesses survive COVID-19
Trinity Business School has partnered with Ibec, Ireland’s top business confederation in launching a free series of workshops and seminars for businesses to rebuild in the Covid economy. The Reboot & Reignite series brings together top academics, business leaders and industry experts over a series of eight online workshops. The seminars are open to business leaders and owners to participate.
The series teases out important questions and challenges that are being faced by business organisations today. Participants will engage with the panel in exploring these issues with the aim of taking away solutions and fresh innovative perspectives for their own organisations. The Reboot and Reignite business campaign also will challenge business leaders around securing a pathway to recovery which is financially viable, and strategically competitive but also sustainable in terms of the environment and diversity.
Join with Trinity Business School, Ibec and leaders such as Jamie Heaslip, Dr Rhona Mahony, Bobby Healy, Dr Kara McGann. The series will launch on 22nd September with its first seminar: How your business can thrive in a recessionary environment.
COMMUNITY:
Financial support for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to respond to coronavirus (COVID-19)
The government has pledged £750 million to ensure VCSE can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with an additional £150 million from dormant bank and building society accounts. Summary: Updated all sections to reflect: passed application deadlines; details of grants awarded; changes to HM Treasury financial support – £310 million Coronavirus Community Support Fund has closed. £85 million invested in the Community Match Challenge, £4.8 million distributed to the Voluntary and Community Sector Engagement Partnership. Funds distributed by central government departments’ added to provide updates on the £360 million funding package allocations. ‘Treasury financial support’ section updated to reflect changes to the furlough scheme from 1st September. Treasury financial support’ section updated to reflect changes to the self-employment income support scheme – applications for the final grant are now open. ‘Treasury financial support’ section updated – HMT Future Fund is open until the end of September
COVID-19: guidance for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs or alcohol
COVID-19 guidance for commissioners and service providers for those dependent on drugs or alcohol – added statement on hands, face, space; updated guidance on return to school; added links to social distancing and what you can and can’t do; amended to reflect change to 6 people meeting.
Vulnerable children and young people survey
A summary of local authority survey in England to help understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on children’s social care – replaced ‘waves 1 to 4’ file with waves ‘1 to 8’.
Guidance on searching for archaeological finds in England during COVID-19
Guidance for members of the public (including metal-detectorists) searching for archaeological finds in England during the COVID-19 pandemic.
EDUCATION:
Guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term to support the return of children and young people with special education needs and disability (SEND) – updated the section on managing confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term – updated the section on managing confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) and what to do if a pupil is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated the section on managing confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) and what to do if a child is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Sets out what further education (FE) providers need to know for the autumn term so that students of all ages can benefit from their education and training in full – updated the section on managing confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) and what to do if a student is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term to support the return of children and young people with special education needs and disability (SEND) – amended the information on risk assessments for those with an education, health and care plan.
Early years providers, schools and colleges in the autumn term: translations for parents and carers
Translations of the information for parents and carers about going back to schools, nurseries and colleges in the autumn term.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
Distance travelled for a coronavirus test in England: 1 September to 14 September 2020
Information on the distance travelled for a coronavirus (COVID-19) test in England from 1 September to 14 September 2020.
Hospital discharge service: policy and operating model
Sets out how health and care systems should support the safe and timely discharge of people who no longer need to stay in hospital.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): antibody testing
Information about the government’s coronavirus antibody testing programme. Antibody tests are to check whether a person has had the virus – added that DHSC is working directly with organisations in the adult social care sector in order to offer tests.
PPE portal: how to order emergency personal protective equipment
Domiciliary care providers with 50 or more clients and residential care home with over 50 or more beds can now order one box of visors (usually 200 per box) per week.
Coronavirus tests booked or ordered by or for people under 20: 1 August to 10 September 2020
Information about the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests booked or ordered by or for people aged under 20 from 1 August to 10 September.
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 to reflect the new breakdown between regional and local test sites.
NHS Test and Trace (England) and coronavirus testing (UK) statistics: 3 September to 9 September 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 15 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England and coronavirus testing (UK).
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.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
274 councils set to receive housing support for vulnerable people
In the North West, 35 councils will have a share of £7,609,240. The funding will provide interim accommodation and support as part of the government’s commitment to end rough sleeping.
Public health funerals: good practice guidance
Non-statutory guidance for local authorities in England and Wales on public health funerals.
PROPERTY:
House price growth could be halted by oversupply of property
The strong house price growth experienced in recent months could soon be ‘marred’ by oversupply, according to Home.co.uk. The property website says the problem could be worse in London, the East and the South East of England – the regions where there have been the most new instructions. After a phenomenally busy August for estate agents, Home says that a glut of new stock can be digested by a bounce back of mortgage approvals.
RETAIL:
Co-op creates 7,000 jobs during Covid-19 crisis
The Co-operative Group (Co-op) has revealed it created thousands of roles during the coronavirus pandemic alongside ‘exceptional’ performance. In a trading update covering the 26 weeks up to July 4, the firm announced it had created 7,000 temporary roles during the crisis in order to meet growing demand. Co-op saw its total revenues across the group rise by 7.6 per cent to £5.8bn, compared with £5.4bn over the same period in 2019 – an increase which according to the firm was driven by its food and wholesale businesses.
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 – latest table update added. Methodology note updated.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus – updated guidance on applying for a visa if your VAC is closed, for those who have already applied online and now wish to submit their application at a different VAC than the one they selected. Updated ‘If you’re in the UK’ to note that if conditions allowed you to work, study or rent accommodation you may continue to do so during the period of your exceptional assurance.
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.
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