UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 7,465,448 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 36,100 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,487 , 230 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 49
Total UK deaths: 135,252
England Cases per 100,000: 246
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 48,593,019 – 89% of UK aged 16+
Total 2nd doses: 44,466,121 – 81%
Daily 1st doses: 14,586
Daily 2nd doses: 35,131
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. Nearly 93m 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: 37,492 to 20 September
Cases in the latest week: 1,006, 85 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 751 to September 3rd
Cases per 100,000: 342 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:
Government borrowing higher than expected in August
Government borrowing was higher than expected in August as debt interest payments rose due to higher inflation. Borrowing, which is the difference between tax income and spending, was £20.5bn, ONS figures show. While this was £5.5bn lower than in the same month last year, it was still the second-highest figure for August since records began. Borrowing has been at record levels, with billions being spent on support measures such as the furlough scheme. High levels of government coronavirus support, combined with less money coming into the exchequer due to the pandemic and a fall in economic output, have pushed government debt up to more than £2.2 trillion, or about 97.6% of GDP – a level not seen since the early 1960s.
Tech scaleups selected for Net Zero programme to boost climate schemes
A tech scaleups growth platform has announced that 32 UK businesses have been accepted into a government-backed net zero programme. Net Zero 2.0, implemented by Tech Nation, is the first government-backed programme supporting climate technology companies. The selected companies were judged by a panel including climate specialists, investors and senior representatives from companies such as Google, National Grid, Sky Ocean, Bulb and B Corp, including Hayden Wood, CEO and founder at Bulb, Marta Krupinska, head of Google for Startups UK, and Pippa Gawley, founder & director of Zero Carbon Capital. New data from Tech Nation and Dealroom has revealed there are 519 Net Zero startups and scaleups in the UK, more than France – 270 – and Germany – 318. Areas of focus among the companies chosen for the programme are energy and electricity, transport, buildings and cities, and agriculture, as well as space tech for the first time.
US open to Covid vaccinated travellers
The US is easing its coronavirus travel restrictions, reopening to passengers from the UK, EU and other nations. From November, foreign travellers will be allowed to fly into the US if they are fully vaccinated and undergo testing and contact tracing.
The US has had tough restrictions on travel in place since early last year.
The move answers a major demand from European allies and means that families and friends separated by the restrictions can be reunited.
White House Covid-19 co-ordinator Jeff Zients announced the new rules saying: “This is based on individuals rather than a country-based approach, so it’s a stronger system. Most importantly, foreign nationals flying to the US will be required to be fully vaccinated,” he said.
480,000 cubic feet of oil and gas per day discovered in UK
A group of British oil and gas companies have opened a new well in Lincolnshire despite global gas shortages which are expected to affect prices. Following the completion of the coiled tubing operations on August 19 2021, the new well has “exceeded production expectations.” The well has achieved flow rates in excess of 884 barrels of oil per day and in addition, 480k cubic feet of gas per day.
Europa Oil & Gas holds a 30 per cent working interest in the new site, alongside Egdon Resources U.K. Limited (30 per cent and operator), and Union Jack Oil (40 per cent). Simon Oddie, CEO of Europa said: “We are delighted to report this instantaneous rate of over 950 barrels of oil equivalent per day at the Wressle-1 well, a substantial increase to our previous expectations.
‘Agonising’ waits for child mental health care
Children struggling with their mental health since the pandemic hit have been facing “agonisingly” long waits for treatment, with data from half of England’s specialist services showing one in five youngsters waiting longer than 12 weeks. Some under-18s are turning up at A&E for help and one doctor tells us hospitals have no option but to admit them to wards, even though no specialist support is available.
India to resume Covid vaccine exports
In April, India – the world’s largest vaccine producer – halted exports of coronavirus jabs, as distressing footage of desperate Indians trying to source oxygen for sick loved ones was beamed around the world. Five months on, the Delhi government says it will soon be ready to export again. India’s manufacturers “are expected to produce more than 300 million doses” in October for the domestic vaccination drive and surplus supplies will be sent abroad, it says.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
North-West leading UK in construction
The North-West is leading the UK construction industry’s fight back – with the region “bucking the trend completely” in project starts – and experiencing “promising growth”. Glenigan, a construction industry insight and intelligence firm, said on Monday that despite project starts declining consistently across the board, a slowing rate suggests an upward trajectory is due towards the end of the year. It said the one region showing “particular promise” is the North-West, with the highest value of underlying project-starts in the country (less than £100m in value) – up 58% on the same time in 2020 and 13% on 2019.
TfN poll finds the north upbeat about future economy
A new opinion poll commissioned by Transport for the North (TfN) and carried out by Ipsos Mori has found people in the North are broadly optimistic about the economy over the course of the next year. The regional transport body’s poll figures were released to coincide with TfN’s annual conference, which took place on Monday 20th September, streamed live and in full online. TfN and Ipsos Mori have tracked how people across the region have rated their wellbeing since the start of the year. The latest results from September show that the majority, 53%, rank their satisfaction with life as 7 or more out of 10 (where 10 is completely happy) – a significant increase on the 41% in January.
Stockport launches first ever Equality Week
Stockport will mark its first ever equality month in October to celebrate diversity and champion community cohesion in the borough. Stockport Equity Network and Sector3 have launched Stockport’s first ever Equality Month following the borough’s Community & Faith based, Social Enterprise (VCSE) and Charity sector’s work in supporting communities and marginalised groups worst hit by the the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Robinsons support pubs with 50,000 free pints!
Family-run Robinsons Brewery, situated in the heart of Stockport, is coinciding its 500 Pint Giveaway Campaign with Cask Ale Week, which will run from 23rd September – 3rd October and giving away almost 50,000 pints in a selection of their pubs. The brewer’s biggest promotion yet will be funded by Robinsons and supported by key suppliers. From 23rd September, customers can visit the 100 participating Robinsons’ pubs, and using their collector cards, get their 5th pint (of any choice) for free with 500 free pints per pub to be given away.
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. One+All, a Certified B Corporation and a leading supplier of schoolwear, has teamed up with Marketing Stockport to summit, part of the Planet Mark’s Zero Carbon Tour, spreading the word about environmental strategies adopted by local businesses, and the net zero carbon message. 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.
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 vaccination: consent form for children and young people or parents
COVID-19 vaccination consent form for children and young people or parents and carers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions and household emissions
Looks at emissions by Standard Industrial Classification at the Section level, to show the impact of the measures to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the long-term story of emissions levels in the UK.
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services.
The lived experience of disabled people during the COVID-19 pandemic
Findings from research into the experiences of disabled people during the COVID-19 pandemic – added the following formats: British Sign Language (BSL), Easy Read, large print, and Welsh translation.
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.
COVID-19: provision of night shelters
Operating principles for commissioners and providers of night shelters for people experiencing rough sleeping – revised in line with the Prime Minister’s announcement of the COVID-19 response: Autumn and Winter plan.
Moving home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for those working within the home buying and selling process and those moving home – revised in line with the Prime Minister’s announcement of the COVID-19 response: Autumn and Winter plan.
CONSTRUCTION:
Slower rate of decline for project-starts suggesting end to market slow-down
- Work on-site for private housing climbs 29% on 2020 figures but falls by a third on three months previous
- Value of residential work starting on-site increases by over a quarter on previous year but drops 24% against past three months
- Hotel and leisure increase projects-starts by over a half compared to last year (52%)
- Health best performing non-residential sector, increasing 9% on three months prior and nearly 90% on 2019.
- Infrastructure project-starts see downturn, dropping nearly a half (48%)
EDUCATION:
National Reference Test 2022 – information for schools
Information provided by NFER to schools taking part in the 2022 National Reference Test.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March 2020 and early years settings since Thursday 16 April 2020.
Ofqual: rolling update
Information on qualifications which have been disrupted by coronavirus (COVID-19).
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: guidance on protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added COVID-19 vaccination: consent form for children and young people or parents.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Safer public places – managing public outdoor settings
Guidance for local authorities, owners and operators to support the safe use and management of outdoor public places while the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains – revised in line with the Prime Minister’s announcement of the COVID-19 response: Autumn and Winter plan.
PROPERTY:
Rent arrears rise by £88m during pandemic waves, lettings agency claims
An estate and lettings agent has analysed how the level of rental arrears has grown between each wave of the pandemic. The research by Barrows and Forrester found that, during wave one of the pandemic restrictions, figures from the ONS estimated that 7% of the 4.8 million private rented households in England were at least one month behind on their rent payments. This equated to some 335,860 homes. The average rent in England in July 2020 – just as the country was emerging from the first wave of the pandemic – was £826 per month, meaning total rent arrears during wave one were at least £277.3 million. However, given that a number of households were more than one month in arrears, Barrows and Forrester says this is a relatively conservative figure.
RETAIL:
Kingfisher sales smash £7bn thanks to “product availability”
Kingfisher has reported a 61.6 per cent increase in its first-half profits after a DIY boom during the pandemic. The group, which owns B&Q and Screwfix, raised its sales expectations for the second half. Kingfisher made an adjusted pretax profit of £669 million for the six months ended July 31. This beat guidance of £645 million to £660 million and was up from £415 million a year earlier. Kingfisher’s sales rose 22.2 per cent on a constant currency basis to £7.1 billion, with like-for-like sales up 22.8 per cent and up 21.3 per cent on a two-year basis.
TRAVEL:
Uber to create 500 new jobs as demand post-lockdown soars
The global giant said it was part of a national recruitment drive that will see it sign up a further 20,000 drivers as demand for rides continues to increase. All Uber drivers are now entitled to at least the National Living Wage – after changes in the law were introduced – although many do earn more.
New travel rules ‘an enormous leap’ for UK says travel boss
Tui Chief Executive Fritz Joussen has described the UK and the US government’s revised travel rules as “an enormous leap forward in returning to normality”.
Joussen described the UK as an “important” market for TUI and said the recent update will eliminate “past uncertainty and boosts confidence and reassurance for overseas travel” in the coming months.
Final Global Travel Taskforce: checkpoint and red list changes
The rules for international travel to England will change on 4 October 2021 in light of the success of the UK’s domestic vaccine rollout.
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.