HELP US TO HELP YOU SUPPORT 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: 398,625 have tested positive (+ 4,368 new cases)
Loss of life: *41,788 across all settings (+ 11 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Stockport: 194 cases 13th Sept – 19th Sept (+61 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 66 cases per 100,000 (England area average is 17)
Deaths in Stockport: 368 (+1) coronavirus-related registered to11th September
Total cases in Stockport: 2,418 to 22nd 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 latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R number range for the UK is 1.1-1.4 and the growth rate range is +2% to +7% per day as of 18 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.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus – addition of ‘Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 22 September 2020’
An interesting read? Diary of a nation: life in lockdown
Six months since coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown measures were introduced in the UK, this article examines our attitudes towards the pandemic, and how these have changed, using responses to weekly Opinions and Lifestyle Survey. As well as quantitative data, this article includes people’s experiences of lockdown in their own words.
UK HEADLINES:
22nd September: New restrictions announced to address rise in coronavirus cases
The Government has announced further restrictions and enforcement measures to help control the spread of coronavirus. Pubs, restaurants and venues in the hospitality sector will have close at 10pm, tables will be restricted to 6 (indoors and outdoors) with table service only. People are being urged to work from home where possible; businesses that remain open must ensure their premises are Covid-safe. Wedding guests will be limited to 15, attendance at funerals will remain at 30. Penalties will be enforced for people who don’t wear a face covering including those retailers and taxi drivers who are now legally required to do so. During yesterday evening’s press briefing the Prime Minister also stated that the nation should be prepared for restrictions to last 6 months and that further restrictions would be introduced if deemed necessary to reduce the spread and impact of the coronavirus.
These measures apply to England – but there may be different rules if you live in an area under local lockdown: and you should check local lockdown rules. If you are in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, different rules may apply.
PM Commons statement on coronavirus: 22 September 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement on coronavirus to the House of Commons.
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.
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own
Updated: this page explains when to wear a face covering, exemptions from wearing one, and how to make your own face covering.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Stockport College: First in Greater Manchester to partner with WorldSkills Centre
Stockport College, as part of The Trafford College Group, has been named the first Greater Manchester College to be part of the WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence, in partnership with NCFE, to mainstream world-class standards in skills development in the UK. “This is a milestone moment – a unique opportunity for Stockport College to work with other colleges across the UK and join the dawn of a skills revolution.”
Specialist lender and finance group Together has confirmed 191 people have left as part of a major restructure of the business.
The mortgage and secured loan provider said it “continued to perform strongly” ahead of lockdown but it then paused accepting new applications, provided forbearance on nearly one-quarter of its loan book and “took prudent steps” to make the business more resilient. This led to a “thorough review of costs” and a consultation period with employees which resulted in the significant cut in staffing levels.
Loss of 480 jobs at Greater Manchester manufacturer
A deal with leasing giant Zenith has seen about 260 roles saved. Cartwright Group is a privately-owned commercial trailer manufacturer and rentals specialist based in Altrincham, with depots in Leeds, Glasgow and Aldridge, has been badly impacted by Covid-19.
Flu Season – Stockport: Make sure you are protected
Stockport Council and its health partners are urging residents eligible for a free flu vaccination to make sure they book their annual vaccination. By getting the flu vaccine, you’ll be able to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling ill, and protect outbreaks in the community. Flu can be unpleasant, but if you are otherwise healthy, it will usually clear up on its own within a week. However, for some ‘at-risk’ groups, such as those aged 65 and over, expectant mums, or those with an underlying medical condition, the flu virus can be life threatening, so the NHS offers these people a free vaccination. Adults at high risk from flu are also most at risk from COVID-19 and the free vaccine is more important than ever, to help protect the nation from a double threat this winter.
Stockport Council accepting applications from businesses for Kickstart Jobs Scheme
Earlier this month, further details were announced about the Government’s Kickstart Jobs Scheme. The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create 6-month job placements for 16 to 24 year olds. 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.
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 5,412 grants bringing the total amount paid to £62,657,500 and bringing the total to 99.9% 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: £2,162,500
These figures represent the net value of awards after accounting for duplicate payments/where a main scheme grant has now been awarded instead.
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
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
A wider range of leisure and entertainment venues, services provided in community centres, and close contact services will be subject to the COVID-19 Secure requirements in law and fines of up to £10,000 for repeated breaches. Employers must not knowingly require or encourage someone who is being required to self-isolate to come to work. Businesses must remind people to wear face coverings where mandated.
Latest update on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and flexible furloughing
HMRC provide an overview of the scheme, including flexible furloughing, examples of how to work out the amount you can claim and the changes for September and October. They will also share information on the Job Retention Bonus, including how to check if you’re eligible.
If you haven’t been able to join HMRC’s webinar about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, more dates have now been added. Get the latest information on:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to make a claim
- what you may be entitled to, and more.
You can ask questions during all our live webinars using the on-screen text box.
HMRC webinars are constantly updated to provide the latest government guidance on changes as they develop.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): temporary measures to support customers
How we are delivering our services during the coronavirus outbreak.
Added a link to the new Practice guide 80: useful information for conveyancers.
COMMUNITY:
Diary of a nation: life in lockdown
Six months since coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown measures were introduced in the UK, this article examines our attitudes towards the pandemic, and how these have changed, using responses to weekly Opinions and Lifestyle Survey. As well as quantitative data, this article includes people’s experiences of lockdown in their own words.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Meeting with others safely (social distancing)
Information on meeting with others safely updated in line with the latest government guidance. Support groups must be limited to a maximum of 15 people (from 24 September). Indoor organised sport for over 18s will no longer be exempt from the rule of six. There is an exemption for indoor organised team sports for disabled people (from 24 September). There will be a new exemption in those areas of local intervention where household mixing is not allowed to permit friends and family to provide informal childcare for children under 14 (from 24 September).
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions will be restricted to a maximum of 15 people (down from 30). Other significant standalone life events will be subject to the ‘rule of six’ limits, except funerals (from 28 September).
Staying alert and safe
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives updated in line with the latest government guidance.
CONSTRUCTION:
BAM installs Covid killing spray tunnel on site
BAM has installed “personal protection tunnels” on a major London site which sanitise workers with a Covid-19 killing mist when they enter the job. Site workers have their temperatures checked before being sprayed from head to foot with a cloud of non-toxic sanitiser which neutralises the virus on clothes or exposed skin.
CREATIVE & DIGITAL:
DCMS Coronavirus Impact Business Survey – Round 2
Survey data on how DCMS Sectors are responding to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): test kits for schools and FE providers
Guidance for schools and further education (FE) providers on the initial supply of coronavirus (COVID-19) home testing kits for pupils, teachers and staff. Schools and FE providers ordering additional test kits will be provided with one box of 10 kits per 1,000 pupils or students.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) catch-up premium: provisional allocations
Details the coronavirus (COVID-19) catch-up premium provisional allocation tables and conditions of grant for the academic year 2020 to 2021
Coronavirus (COVID-19): initial teacher training (ITT)
Information for providers about managing initial teacher training courses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19). ITT trainees are included in the definition of a critical worker. ITT mentors and tutors are considered visitors to a school and are not critical workers.
Guidance for schools: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What school leaders, teachers and school staff need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘Use of the NHS COVID-19 app in schools and further education colleges’ guidance to the ‘Safe working and protective measures’ section.
Use of the NHS COVID-19 app in schools and further education colleges
Actions for schools and further education colleges when using the NHS COVID-19 app in education settings.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March to 17 September 2020’.
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 – added new content on face coverings, toothbrushing, local lockdowns, music, dance and drama, pregnant women, visitors, visits, informal childcare, EYFS disapplications, supporting wellbeing, SEND legislation, journeys, dual settings, reopening of building emergency first aid, Job retention Bonus Scheme. Updated information on funding to align with other funding guidance, employer health and safety and equalities duties, shielding and safeguarding, managing COVID-19 cases.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: guidance for first responders
Advice for first responders (as defined by the Civil Contingencies Act) and others where close contact may be required as part of their normal duties.
Evaluating detection of SARS-CoV-2: AntiBodies at Home study
The EDSAB-HOME research study is evaluating the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using home testing kits.
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).
Medical devices clinical investigations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Advice for investigators and sponsors of ongoing clinical investigations and new applications.
HOSPITALITY, SPORT & LEISURE:
New restrictions affecting the hospitality sectors
Businesses selling food or drink (including cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants), social clubs, casinos, bowling alleys, amusement arcades (and other indoor leisure centres or facilities), funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls, must be closed between 10pm and 5am. This will include takeaways but delivery services can continue after 10pm (from 24 September). In licensed premises, food and drink must be ordered from, and served at, a table. Customers must eat and drink at a table in any premises selling food and drink to consume indoors, on site (from 24 September). Businesses will need to display the official NHS QR code posters so that customers can ‘check-in’ at different premises using this option as an alternative to providing their contact details once the app is rolled out nationally (from 24 September).
PROPERTY:
HM Treasury: 750,000 jobs saved by house sale increase in August
Three quarters of a million jobs have been supported by a rise in residential property transactions in August according to government figures. HM Treasury has announced that property transactions for residential units rose by 15.6 per cent last month, following the introduction of the stamp duty holiday. The figures build on a wider trend following a 14.5 per cent rise in transactions in July, and comes two month after the Chancellor’s announcement of a stamp duty holiday, set to last until March next year.
Agents have key role in reducing evictions
A prominent PropTech figure says agents have a key role in reducing evictions in the short term – and he suggests they appoint a dedicated specialist to advise landlords. Neil Cobbold, a high profile industry commentator and chief sales officer at automated payment service PayProp, says the end of the eviction ban this week is a welcome milestone for landlords but represents an opportunity for agents to prove their worth.
RETAIL:
Latest restrictions: Retailers and their staff must now use face coverings
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that all retail staff will be obliged to wear masks when working – and it’s now been confirmed that this applies to estate agency branches. Mark Hayward, chief executive of NAEA Propertymark, said: “We have asked the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government how the Prime Minister’s announcement about face masks for those in retail will impact agents and have been told that agents will be expected to wear masks while working in their High Street offices. Legislation will be brought in to this effect shortly and we advise agents must adopt this measure to both protect themselves and their clients.”
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations updated to reflect new legislation on social contact and the requirement for passengers to wear face coverings in taxis and private hire vehicles.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak updated to reflect new legislation on social contact and the requirement for passengers to wear face coverings in taxis and private hire vehicles.
TTG Host webinar and ask: what does the future hold for Online Travel Agents
As two of the UK’s largest OTAs quit Abta over a disagreement on package travel regulations, and OTAs take the brunt of consumer ire, with some facing criticism from consumer watchdogs, we ask you – are the glory days over for OTAs?
Join TTG for this week’s discussion on Thursday (24 September) from 3pm to hear from a panel of senior figures who will examine what the near future holds for the OTA brands which have dominated the market in recent years.
Register here
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:
Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24th September
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.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online. https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
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