UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 7,429,746 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 29,612 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,068 , 295 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 56
Total UK deaths: 135,203
England Cases per 100,000: 256
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 48,573,881 – 89% of UK aged 16+
Total 2nd doses: 44,428,209 – 81%
Daily 1st doses: 25,375
Daily 2nd doses: 71,101
There have been over 7.4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 135,000 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, 82% aged 16 and over have had their second.
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 36,961 to 17 September
Cases in the latest week: 1,077, 91 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 751 to September 3rd
Cases per 100,000: 366 per 100,000 week ending 13 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 17 September 2021.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Updated with slides to accompany coronavirus press conferences
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Rules on international travel are changing
The rules on foreign travel to and from England are being simplified.
The traffic light system is being scrapped, and fully vaccinated people will need fewer tests after travelling to most countries. From 0400 BST on Monday 4 October, the amber and green lists will be merged into one list.
Anyone who’s fully vaccinated will no longer have to take a PCR test before travelling back to England from one of these countries. That includes all of Europe and many other popular destinations. They will still have to take a PCR test two days after arrival, but this will be replaced by a cheaper and simpler lateral flow test later in October. The government hopes this change will be in place “for when people return from half-term breaks”.
Statement from MAG CEO, Charlie Cornish:
“The simplification of the UK’s international travel system, including doing away with pre-departure tests and switching to lateral flow on arrival, will make it easier and cheaper for people to travel abroad. For too long, the recovery of UK aviation has lagged behind the rest of Europe. The changes announced today will help to close that gap by encouraging more people to book foreign travel. But for as long as vaccinated travellers have to pay for tests, the recovery of one of the UK’s major industries will be held back. Government must now find a way to give people back the freedom to travel without the barrier of testing.”
Red, amber, green lists: check the rules for travel to England from abroad
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has changed its name to reflect the government’s levelling up agenda.
The department’s name is still a mouthful and a nightmare for journalists trying to keep to tight word counts, though. It will now be called the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities or LUHC. The change comes as former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane was appointed as the new head of the levelling up taskforce and just days after Michael Gove replaced Robert Jenrick as Housing Secretary.
Gas firms seek help from government as gas prices soar
Energy firms are battling for their futures as high global demand for gas has caused wholesale prices to surge – and the government is considering stepping in to help with emergency loans. Supply problems stem from economies around the world waking up after coronavirus lockdowns, according to Prime Minster Boris Johnson, who says it’s “like everybody going back to put the kettle on at the end of the TV programme”. Customers need energy and energy firms need customers, but the situation is making price promises unachievable for smaller suppliers, leaving them facing ruin. Several of them are already trying to stay afloat, with the UK’s sixth largest energy company Bulb seeking a bailout.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Marketing Stockport and One+All partner to host Planet Mark’s Zero Carbon Tour Join the region’s business leaders to tackle the climate crisis at Stockport’s first Sustainability In Action Summit. Business leaders and key decision makers from across Stockport and South Manchester will gather in October to attend the borough’s first Sustainability In Action Summit, ahead of COP26 and at a critical time in the global mission to avert the climate emergency. One+All, a Certified B Corporation and a leading supplier of schoolwear, has teamed up with Marketing Stockport to deliver the region’s first Sustainability In Action Summit (6 October 2021, The Light Cinema, Stockport). This inaugural event is part of the Planet Mark’s Zero Carbon Tour, an eight-month national tour in the UK’s first “Carbon Battle Bus”. The tour aims to spread the word about environmental strategies adopted by local businesses, and the net zero carbon message. The packed half-day Summit is a rallying cry to the region’s business leaders to join the Race To Zero, through powerful real-life case studies that showcase best practice and highlight the commercial and social benefits of sustainable business practices. The summit is free to attend and runs from 8.30am until 1.30pm on 6 October 2021, including lunch and refreshments. Places are limited and can be reserved through Eventbrite
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.
Stockport Credit Union launches enhanced salary scheme
The credit union can enhance the important work of employers and their payroll departments by providing their workforces with a range of services and products which are intended to support financial wellbeing. Employees can have access to a salary deduction FSCS protected savings scheme as well as fair and ethical consumer loans with preferential rates, all at no cost to the business. They also have access to online money saving and navigation tools.
Images of ‘Stockroom’, the proposed new Learning and Discovery space in Merseyway have been released by Stockport Council as part of the ongoing consultation into plans for the site.
The Council are keen for residents to understand the size, scale and interior design standards of the new development and to give reassurances that any move of library services from the current building into Stockroom would not lead to a diminished or reduced library offer. The CGIs have been developed following an engagement process earlier this summer in which local residents shared their views on potential uses and additional suggestions to help shape the offer within the new space which has a working title of Stockroom.
CAMRA award for Robinsons Brewery
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has awarded Robinsons Brewery in Stockport with a Golden Award, marking 50 years of the organisation’s campaigns. As part of its anniversary celebrations throughout 2021, CAMRA is recognising people, groups of people or businesses that have made a significant contribution to the organisation’s aims.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace.
HMRC: UK Government’s Plan for Jobs
Information to help businesses prepare for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) scheme closing on 30?? ?September and a reminder of the 14?? ?October deadline for submitting final claims. To find out what other financial support may be available for you and your business, search ‘find coronavirus financial support’ on GOV??.UK.
Final CJRS claims for September can now be submitted and must be made by Thursday?? ?14?? ?October. You can claim 60% of furloughed employees’ usual wages for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £1,875 per month per employee. You’ll need to contribute 20% from your own funds so that your furloughed employees continue to be paid at least 80% of their usual wages in total, for the hours they do not work (up to a cap of £2,500 a month).
Preparing for the end of the CJRS – frequently asked questions
As the CJRS closes on?? 30?? ?September, you’ll be thinking about next steps for your employees and your business. You can find everything you need to know about the CJRS on GOV??.UK including What should I do when the scheme closes? Can I claim CJRS for employees on notice periods? What support is available for my employees if I’m unable to bring them back to work? What support is available to help my business grow after the CJRS has closed? What if I’ve claimed too much in error? What if I haven’t claimed enough?
The Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme closes on 30?? ?September?? ?2021. You have until 31?? ?December?? ?2021 to submit any final claims, or to amend claims you have already submitted. If you’re an employer with fewer than 250 employees and if you’ve paid Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) to employees for sickness absence or self-isolation that was coronavirus-related until 30?? ?September, you could be eligible for support. You can make claims yourself or speak to your tax agent about making claims on your behalf. The repayment can cover up to two weeks of the applicable rate of SSP. For more information on eligibility and how to make your final claims, search ‘check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay’ on GOV??.UK.
We are urging customers to be careful if they are contacted out of the blue by someone asking for money or personal information. We continue to see high numbers of fraudsters calling, emailing or texting customers claiming to be from HMRC. If in doubt, we advise you not to reply directly to anything suspicious, but to contact HMRC straight away and search GOV??.UK for ‘HMRC scams’. The National Cyber Security Centre has a helpful guide on how to stay secure online and protect yourself or your business against cyber crime, which you can find by searching ‘Cyber Aware’.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 infection rates by socio-demographic characteristics, England: 1 September 2020 to 25 July 2021
Analysis of weekly age-standardised infection rates for coronavirus (COVID-19) in England by various socio-demographic characteristics between 1 September 2020 and 25 July 2021. Includes estimates of positivity rates by ethnic group, religion, country of birth, socio-economic status, disability, and area deprivation.
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:
Unaccompanied higher and further education students under 18 arriving from a red list country
Where you can quarantine if you are an unaccompanied student under the age of 18 arriving in England from a red list country.
Reported coronavirus (COVID-19) notifications by registered early years and childcare settings
This data is published fortnightly. It gives the number of registered early years and childcare providers reporting one or more confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) by week.
Ofqual: rolling update
Information on qualifications which have been disrupted by coronavirus (COVID-19).
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – updated COVID-19 vaccination training slide set.
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.
LEGAL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Office of the Public Guardian response
This page provides guidance on how OPG is responding to the coronavirus pandemic. It will be updated when new information is available.
Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can as long as you follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolating – updates to English page to reflect guideline changes on 14 September, and to Welsh page to link to new English plan.
Being a deputy or attorney during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out how you can continue to act in the best interests of the client or donor, during the pandemic.
MANUFACTURING:
North-West manufacturers are seeing strong growth prospects as economies continue to open up and the economic recovery strengthens.
According to a major survey published today by Make UK and business advisory firm BDO, both UK orders and total orders were very strong for regional companies in the last quarter, while the output balance of +63 was the strongest of any UK region. The employment balance of +53% was also the highest of any UK region for the second quarter in succession, showing job prospects in the area’s manufacturers are improving dramatically as firms seek to meet demand.
PROPERTY:
Record numbers of properties sold above asking price in August, agents claim.
Data from NAEA Propertymark shows that despite the summer lull, agents reported that 37 per cent of properties sold for more than the original asking price.
This is up from 31 per cent in July and the highest figure for August on record.
Just 13 per cent of properties were sold above asking price by NAEA Propertymark members in August 2020. Sales agreed were down from 10 in July to nine per branch in August though and the number of properties available dropped from 28 to 23 per branch over the same period. This means there is an average of 19 buyers for every available property on the market.
Tell HMRC about an option to tax land and buildings
Use form VAT1614A to tell HMRC of an option to tax land or buildings.
SPORT:
Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) measures for elite sport
This guidance sets out information for elite sport organisations on how to reduce the risk from COVID-19. This includes guidance on domestic and cross-border competitions – minor changes to advice on face coverings, in line with the government’s autumn and winter plan. Removed reference to guidance for people who were previously identified as clinically extremely vulnerable, as the shielding programme has now ended.
TRAVEL:
New system for international travel
Eight countries will move from the red list on 22 September and the rules for international travel to England will change on 4 October 2021.
Booking and staying in a quarantine hotel if you’ve been in a red list country
How to book a quarantine hotel and coronavirus (COVID-19) tests if you’ve been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England – new rules for international travel to England – explained there will be no change to rules for red list arrivals, and added a link to find more information.Updated content on unaccompanied minors. Explained that if an appropriate adult cannot enter managed quarantine with the child, they must apply for an exemption from managed quarantine. Added information on applying for permission for a child to travel alone, where it is not possible for the appropriate adult to travel with the child. Added information on expectations for quarantining at home. Added definitions for ‘unaccompanied minor’ and ‘appropriate adult’.
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