UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 7,565,867 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 36,710 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,588, 177 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 182
Total UK deaths: 135,803
England Cases per 100,000: 271
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 48,674,154 – 89% of UK aged 16+
Total 2nd doses: 44,556,005 – 82%
Daily 1st doses: 29,462
Daily 2nd doses: 44,065
There have been nearly 7.6 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 135,800 people have died, government figures show. Over 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: 38,157 to 22 September
Cases in the latest week: 1,150, 2 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 753 to September 3rd
Cases per 100,000: 391 per 100,000 week ending 19 September
R number in North West: 0.9 – 1.1
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of over 16s to 22 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:
Businesses given more time to prepare for digital tax changes
HMRC has given businesses an extra year to prepare for digital tax changes, with the digitisation of Income Tax now being introduced in April 2024.The delay in implementing Making Tax Digital for Income Tax comes in response to feedback from businesses and organisations representing them in light of the challenges posed over the past 18 months by the coronavirus pandemic.
The government will now introduce Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment in the tax year beginning April 2024. The later start date gives businesses more time to prepare, and for HMRC to deliver a robust service with addition time for pilot customer testing. Forming part of the government’s ambition to become one of the most digitally advanced tax authorities in the world, Making Tax Digital is the first phase of HMRC’s move towards a modern, digital tax service fit for the 21st century. It supports businesses through their digitalisation journey and provides a digital service that many have come to expect in their everyday lives.
Transport Secretary: Pandemic principal cause of UK shortage of lorry drivers
Petrol station closures have sparked a lorry driver row as Transport Secretary Grant Shapps insists the pandemic is the principal cause of a shortage of lorry drivers that has left some petrol stations closed as pumps have run dry. He’s been facing calls from supermarkets and the Road Haulage Association to relax visa restrictions for foreign workers to ease the driver shortage. The industry body says 40,000 driver training tests were cancelled during the pandemic, while another 20,000 European drivers left the UK because of Brexit. And a survey of hauliers by the association only listed Covid as the sixth biggest factor for the problem. The number of older drivers choosing to retire was identified as the biggest issue.
First UK manufactured rapid tests deployed across England
The first UK-manufactured lateral flow devices or LFDs are being rolled out to universities across England.
£220million fund to help most polluting industries cut carbon emission
Businesses in the most polluting industries can bid for up to £30 million in grants from a new £220 million investment programme to reduce fossil fuel use and carbon emissions. Projects supported by the investment include carbon capture and the deployment of heat recovery technology to help businesses reduce fossil fuel use and cut their energy bills. Heavy industry, responsible for 16% of the UK’s CO2 emissions, must cut its impact by two-thirds if the nation is to meet its target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Progress21: GM Mayor to put levelling up deal to Government
Speaking at the Progress21 event in Manchester, Andy Burnham said he wants a levelling up deal to accelerate the city region’s recovery from the pandemic that will drive economic growth as well as addressing housing and the city’s green agenda. He said: “I will be committing to them to deliver things that will achieve the levelling up for our residents. So better homes for people by retrofitting more homes and making them zero carbon, better jobs for people that come from that, and we’ll put pride back in our places. Digitalisation and decarbonisation will be the twin driving forces of the 21st century economy,” he said. “If you’re a leader in one or preferably both of those things – and they are interconnected, of course, because if you digitalise it can help you decarbonise – you will be a global leader. And that’s where we’re going, to be a global leader in the 21st century economy.” The Conservative Government will be in Manchester for its annual conference from 3rd to 6th October
TalkTalk to create 179 new jobs including 56 more Kickstarters
Salford-based communications group TalkTalk is to create 179 jobs, it announced this afternoon (September 23). The connectivity provider hosted a Kickstart Scheme graduation event on at its Soapworks HQ, celebrating the first wave of young people completing their six-month placement through the Government programme.
It also announced it has 123 vacancies across the business, and an additional 56 new Kickstart roles.
Green light for £60m surfing lagoon set to bring jobs to Greater Manchester
Work will transform a former container-base site at TraffordCity into a world-class surfing lagoon alongside a café/restaurant terrace, pop-up beach bars, surf shop, and changing facilities. Managing Director of developers, the McKinney Group, Billy McKinney said: “We’re delighted that Trafford Council has approved our proposals for Modern Surf and are very grateful to local residents for the extraordinary level of support we have received.” He went on: “We hope to create 100 jobs when operational as well as supporting many more during the construction phase.”
Last chance to get your ticket for the Stockport Business Awards
There are just a few tickets remaining to attend the presentation ceremony for the 10th anniversary of the Stockport Business Awards, which take place at Edgeley Park on Thursday 30th September from 6.30pm. To mark the tenth anniversary of the awards, the firm has released a number of extra tickets to give as many organisations as possible the opportunity to celebrate the diversity and successes of the Stockport business community over the past year. This year’s awards ceremony takes place at the 1883 Suite at Stockport County’s Edgeley Park grounds on Hardcastle Road (SK3 9DD). Doors open from 6.30pm, where guests will be greeted with an arrival drink, before enjoying a three-course meal before the awards presentations, entertainment and an opportunity to network with businesses from across the borough.
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
Stockport has highest coronavirus rates in Greater Manchester
Coronavirus infection rates have risen in Stockport and Trafford, but fallen everywhere else, the latest official data for Greater Manchester reveals.
And the figures show that in the Greater Manchester region, the infection rate is now just LOWER than the national average. Stockport continues to have the highest coronavirus infection rate in Greater Manchester.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
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:
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 24 September 2021
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19)
This guidance aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic – updated line on returning to workplaces and removed references to groups who were previously identified as ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’, as the shielding programme has now ended.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow home test kit instructions for throat and nose test
Step-by-step guide on how to do a COVID-19 rapid throat and nose test at home for yourself (or a child) and report the results. Rapid tests are only for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 – updated guides and translations; amended information about test kit instructions in the details section.
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.
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Guidance for contacts of a person with a positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19) who do not live with that person.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
NHS COVID Pass
How to get the NHS COVID Pass and demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at events and venues in England – from 23 September, you will be able to store your NHS COVID Pass for international travel in Apple Wallet, even if your device is offline.
Excess mortality in England: weekly reports
Weekly excess mortality in England – broken down by age, sex, geographical areas, ethnic group, level of deprivation, cause of death and place of death.
Government’s New Assets: Winter Vaccination Campaign
The first phase of the Winter vaccination campaign launched on digital channels this week. New materials are available to communicate key aspects of this campaign, including:
Social Media calendar and creative assets
Specific assets to encourage NHS staff and care staff to get the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine adverse reactions
A weekly report covering adverse reactions to approved COVID-19 vaccines – updated figures up to and including 15 September
COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers
Genomically confirmed case numbers for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation.
HOSPITALITY:
Hospitality staff to keep all tips under new rule change
Restaurant, café and pub bosses are set to be banned from keeping tips left for staff by customers in Britain. The government plans to make it illegal for hospitality firms to withhold tips from workers, who often rely on them to top up their income. Labour Markets Minister Paul Scully said the plans would “ensure tips will go to those who worked for it”. If an employer breaks the new rules, they can be taken to an employment tribunal. In that instance, bosses may be forced to compensate workers or face fines. In a statement, the Department for Business said that the new legislation would help about two million people working in the hospitality industry. It is expected to come into force within the next year.
PROPERTY:
Low rental supply pushes demand and rental increases to record highs
Record demand and low levels of supply have pushed the number of tenants experiencing rental increases to new highs, lettings agents claim.
The ARLA Propertymark Private Rented Sector Report for August found the average number of new prospective tenants registered per branch jumped in August to 107, from July’s figure of 102. This is the highest figure ever recorded for the second month running. However, the number of properties managed per lettings agent branch decreased from 204 in July to 196 in August. This coincided with a record rise in the number of tenants experiencing rent increases, with 79 per cent of agents reporting landlords had increased rents, compared with 71 per cent in July.
The number of tenants successfully negotiating rent reductions decreased from 1.1 per cent in July to 0.4 per cent in August, the lowest number recorded during the month of August since records began.
TRAVEL:
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 – countries currently approved for COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials updated.
Exemptions from managed quarantine for medical and compassionate reasons
Who does not need to go into managed quarantine on arrival in the UK because of a medical or compassionate reason, and how to apply for an exemption – added content on the quarantine and testing requirements for people with a medical or compassionate exemption who are quarantining at home after being in a red list country, including the rules for their household.
How to quarantine and test at home if you’ve been in a red list country and have permission to quarantine at home
Quarantine and testing requirements for people allowed to quarantine at home after arriving in England from a red list country, including rules for their households
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