UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 7,496,543 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 31,564 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,731, 36 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 251
Total UK deaths: 135,455
England Cases per 100,000: 297.2
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 48,617,703 – 89% of UK aged 16+
Total 2nd doses: 44,512,572 – 81%
Daily 1st doses: 24,684
Daily 2nd doses: 46,451
There have been about 7.5 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, nearly 82% aged 16 and over have had their second.
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 37,671 to 21 September
Cases in the latest week: 1,030, 45 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 751 to September 3rd
Cases per 100,000: 350 per 100,000 week ending 17 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:
Gas price crisis: Government to pay millions to restrat CO2 supplies
The government is set to pay out tens of millions of pounds to restart production of carbon dioxide at a key plant in the UK amid fears over food supplies and the nuclear industry. The government will meet the full operating costs to run CF Industries’ Teesside plant for three weeks. US-owned CF Industries recently shut two sites that produce 60% of the UK’s commercial carbon dioxide supplies.
The plant in Billingham will need up to three days to start producing new CO2.
UK recognises Covisheild amid confusion over Indian travel
Covishiled has ben added to the UK’s list of recognised vaccines. Recipients are able to enter the UK without isolating from next month. Travellers from India may still need to isolate even if they have had two doses.
BBC: Pret A Manger to hire 3,000 new staff as city workers return
Pret A Manger says it is seeing a return of workers to the office in busy city centres. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays were now the busiest for the sandwich chain, Pret boss Pano Christou told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Pret has announced plans to hire 3,000 staff by the end of 2022 after cutting the same number of jobs last year. Mr Christou said the chain hoped to open 200 more shops in the UK over the next two years. He added that Pret hoped to expand into five markets overseas by the end of 2023, with many of the new outlets placed in train stations, bus stations and motorway services. The expansion proposals come as demand from commuters and office workers – a key market for the chain – has started to pick up again after plunging during the Covid lockdowns.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Brinnington Park Sports club hosts this week’s pop-up vaccination clinic
The sports centre, Brinnington Park, will double up as a vaccination pop-up on Friday, 24 September when it opens between 10am and 4pm.
Anyone aged 16 or over can walk-in to the pop up at Brinnington Park, Northumberland Road, Brinnington, Stockport, SK5 8LS and get a jab there and then, subject to eligibility. There is plenty of on-site parking.
As with all other vaccination pop ups, Brinnington offers the Pfizer jab for people aged 16 and over. Adults over 40 can receive Oxford Astra Zeneca or Pfizer, subject to eligibility. Second doses (of the same vaccination) can be given if eight weeks (56 days) have passed since receiving the first dose.
New construction and customer service training launches for Stockport 16 to 25-year-olds
Groundwork Greater Manchester, in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, will be hosting a number of employment training programmes for young people in Stockport interested in a career in construction or customer facing roles. Programmes will take place throughout 2021/22, supported by Sustainable Futures Funding from The Prince’s Trust. Groundwork are very keen to engage with employers in construction and customer service based companies local to Stockport who can support training. Support could be through employers considering course graduates for roles, through work placements or providing industry insight conversations. Read more HERE
Group CEO musicMagpie urges business leaders to attend Stockport’s first Sustainablity in Action Summit
Steve Oliver, the CEO and co-founder of musicMagpie, a leading re-commerce business specialising in refurbished consumer technology, is urging local leaders to attend Stockport’s first Sustainability In Action Summit (6 October 2021 at The Light Cinema, Stockport). Driving awareness of the race to net zero, the Summit (organised by B Corp schoolwear supplier One+All in partnership with Marketing Stockport), will gather together business leaders for the region’s first sustainability event of its kind. Reserve your place HERE
Insider: PZ Cussons post growth for key products
PZ Cussons, which is behind the Carex, Original Source and Imperial Leather brands, has been buoyed after posting rises in revenues and profits in its latest financial year. The company’s core brands of hygiene, baby and beauty were all in growth. For the year ending 31 May 2021, the Manchester-based company reported revenue from continuing operations of £603.3m, which represented a 2.7 per cent rise on the same period a year before. The business recorded an adjusted operating profit from continuing operations of £71m, up from £65.9m in the prior period.
And the firm has also posted a trading update for the first quarter of its new financial year to 31 May 2022, ending 21 August 2021.
Masks return to Kingsway School in Cheadle
Kingsway secondary school is once again asking pupils and staff to wear face masks amid positive Covid cases. Before schools broke up for the summer, children and adults were told to wear masks both inside the classrooms and while walking around. But when they reopened in September the measure was dropped as restrictions, including school bubbles and contact isolation, were scrapped.
Now, with school cases on the rise across Greater Manchester, The Kingsway School in Cheadle is recommending mask wearing again when people are on the move. In a letter to parents on Monday, headteacher Janet Lowe said: “We have been advised by the Stockport Council’s Public Health Team that there have been several confirmed cases of Covid-19 within the school.”
Stockport Equality Month aims to celebrate diversity and connect communities 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.
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.
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
MEN: Greater Manchester parents warned against trick or treating on Halloween
Parents are being warned not to take home more than they bargained for by letting children go trick or treating this year. The popular Halloween tradition was banned in Greater Manchester last year, as going door to door was classed as households mixing, which wasn’t allowed under the region’s tougher restrictions. Now those have been lifted, which means many families will be heading out with little ones to celebrate the event – some for the first time. But it’s not without its risks and Kate Ardern, Greater Manchester lead director of public health for health protection and emergency planning, is reminding parents that things are not back to normal.
“We all need to continue to take precautions to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our communities safe. That means continuing to practice good hygiene, limiting the number of people we come into contact with, and where possible meeting others outside.”
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BREXIT:
Government launches new Office for Internal Market to support post-Brexit operations
The government has today launched a new office to support the operation of the UK internal market following Brexit. The Office for the Internal Market (OIM) is part of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and has created a new digital reporting service for businesses to share their experiences. The office has been created following the UK’s departure from the European Union, with the information gained through the reporting service to be used in the country’s first State of the UK Internal Market in spring 2022.
BUSINESS:
Insider: Businesses return £1.3bn furlough to Treasury
Businesses have now returned £1.3bn received through the UK Government’s furlough schemes, according to new figures. The figures show that companies that have overclaimed or decided they no longer need payments received through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme handed back £300m in the last three months. In total, they have repaid £1.3bn to HMRC since July 2020 through adjustments to claims and the voluntary disclosure service, which will continue into 2022.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from quarantine, passenger locator form or COVID testing requirements – new exemptions for film and high-end television production activities, foreign policing, performing arts professionals and seasonal poultry workers.
Coronavirus grant funding: local authority payments to small and medium businesses
Local authorities have received and distributed funding to support small and medium businesses in England during coronavirus – added the latest estimates by local authorities for payments made under these grant programmes: Additional Restrictions Grant, Restart Grant. Data collection for Restart Grant has now ended.
European Structural and Investment Funds: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
A series of documents and updates regarding the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programme and the response to COVID-19.
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.
- Submit your CJRS claims for September
- Preparing for the end of the CJRS – frequently asked questions
- Final claims for the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme
- A word about scams
COMMUNITY:
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.
CONSTRUCTION:
Construction labour costs rise by 2.8% in August
Latest payroll data from Hudson Contract shows average weekly earnings for self-employed tradespeople increased to £929 per week during August.
Earnings across all regions of England and Wales increased for the second consecutive month as year-on-year, earnings rose by 5.9%.
In the East Midlands, labour costs hit a new all-time high of £1,022 per week, with demand driven by new regeneration, housing and infrastructure projects
EVENTS:
Live Events Reinsurance Scheme
Scheme rules for the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme have been published by DCMS – published full scheme rules.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Assessment and procurement of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests
How the government assesses offers of COVID-19 tests from developers for procurement and use in the UK – added new test: SARS CoV-2 + Influenza A/B (Roche Cobas Liat) to the ‘Validated technology’ table in ‘National technical validation process for manufacturers of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) tests’.
Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA. The list also includes manufacturers whose exemption expired or was cancelled. This information will be listed for 2 months after expiry or cancellation – new entries and edits to both ‘List of medical devices given exceptional use authorisations’ and ‘List of medical devices that are no longer covered by an exceptional use authorisation’ HTML links.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19, UK: 22 September 2021
This release provides data about the characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 from the COVID-19 Infection Survey. This analysis has been produced in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England, and Wellcome Trust. This study is jointly led by the ONS and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) working with the University of Oxford and Lighthouse Laboratory to collect and test samples.
PROPERTY:
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated guidance following Prime Minister’s statement on the autumn and winter plan.
RETAIL:
Latest Springboard data shows footfall declines by 18.6% from 2019 to 2021
Recent figures from retail data company Springboard found that visits to shopping destinations in August 2021 were 18.6% lower than in August 2019, with physical retailers still struggling to bounce back after various lockdowns and restrictions kept consumers away and sent more people of all ages towards purchasing goods online instead. This was the first time the gap had been less than 20% since the onset of the pandemic, and August 2021’s footfall was 20% ahead of August 2020, despite the government’s controversial Eat Out to Help Out scheme encouraging consumers to spend in restaurants.
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.
Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators and people who work in or from vehicles
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations, and people who work in or from vehicles, including couriers, mobile workers, lorry drivers, on-site transit and work vehicles – updated guidance on face coverings, who should be at work and protecting people who are at higher risk.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – updated guidance about face coverings – you should wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed areas where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet.
Red, amber, green lists: check the rules for travel to England from abroad
Countries listed as red, amber or green for coronavirus (COVID-19) and the rules you must follow for travel to England – UAE added to list of approved vaccination programmes from 4 October.
Red, amber, green lists: check the rules for travel to England from abroad
Countries listed as red, amber or green for coronavirus (COVID-19) and the rules you must follow for travel to England – Bangladesh, Egypt, Kenya, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Turkey move to the amber list. New rules for 4 October on under 18s and the use of 2 different vaccines for fully vaccinated travellers made clearer.
Day 2 and day 8 testing for international arrivals: minimum standards for providers
Sets out the minimum standards that private sector providers must meet for the COVID-19 tests for people arriving in England – updated lab turnaround times for samples to be processed (in sections 23 and 27).
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