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 to 11th September
*Daily reported COVID deaths are 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’
UK HEADLINES:
BREAKING:
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announces new support for business and workers:
A new Job Support Scheme
The new 6 month support scheme starts on November 1st. An employee working 33% of their normal hours would receive 77% of their pay: 55% paid by employer and 22% paid by the Government.
An extension to the Self-employment scheme similar to the new Job Support Scheme
A new ‘Pay as you Grow’ scheme for businesses who took out government guaranteed loans – loans can be extended from six to ten years.
Hospitality & Tourism: Cancellation of the planned increase of VAT from 5% to 20% due to come into effect in January. The lower rate of 5% will remain until March 31st 2021
New Covid-19 Smartphone Contact Trace App for over 16’s in England & Wales
NHS Covid-19 instructs users to self-isolate for 14 days if it detects they were nearby someone who has the virus. It also has a check-in scanner to alert owners if a venue they have visited is found to be an outbreak hotspot. Anyone aged 16 and over is being asked to install the app on to their smartphone.
How the new contact-trace app works
NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information, early adopter trial
Privacy notice and data protection impact assessment for the NHS COVID-19 mobile app early adopter trial.
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) in 10 charts
The wide-ranging impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the UK so far.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
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
ARMED FORCES:
Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces 2020
A summary statistics on the number of defence personnel who have had a COVID-19 test; and for the UK Armed Forces, the number of positive cases of COVID-19.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Coronavirus and the economic impacts on the UK: 24 September 2020
New experimental data on the UK economy detailing the impact on businesses from the coronavirus (COVID-19). Data is from the Business Impact of Coronavirus Survey; a 2-weekly survey designed to estimate the impact over the previous 2 weeks and the expectations for the following 2 weeks.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 24 September 2020
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
Closing certain businesses and venues in England
Guidance on the closure of certain businesses and venues as part of further social distancing measures – updated following new measures announced by the Prime Minister on 22 September 2020.
OPSS coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for business and local authorities
Version 4 of the guidance for manufacturers and makers of face coverings on complying with the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 published, amended in the light of the alignment of approach across the UK, and with a warning against claiming that face coverings containing particulate material 2.5 filters or other hygiene filters give protection from COVID-19.
Coronavirus Act analysis
How the Coronavirus Act has helped the government’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic
Updated guidance to enable the safe reopening of places of worship for a broader range of activities and includes a checklist for special religious services and gatherings.
COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
Guidance for people planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England – updated to incorporate changes in regulations, as they affect marriages and civil partnerships, announced by the Prime Minister on 22 September 2020.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection updated to include new legal requirements for self-isolation due to come into effect on 28 September 2020.
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.
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.
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.
Taking Part 2019/20: statistical release
The Taking Part Survey has run since 2005 and is the key evidence source for DCMS – data tables for Charitable Giving and Volunteering estimated have now been added.
CONSTRUCTION:
From 1?? March 2021, the way VAT is collected in the construction industry is changing.
Find out how your construction business will be affected and what you need to do about it now by joining this live HMRC webinar. You can ask questions using the on-screen textbox. How to apply the VAT reverse charge for construction services
Find out when to apply the VAT reverse charge, how to show the reverse charge on your invoices, how your business may be affected and what to do if you make a mistake when applying the reverse charge. Choose a date and time
EDUCATION:
Package of support for students who have to defer their studies
Details on a range of opportunities to gain new skills, undertake work placements, additional learning and career development support – updated document to explain that the virtual work experience opportunity is unavailable until further notice.
Providing school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for schools and local authorities on school meals arrangements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak including guidance on free school meals from the Lead Association for Catering in Education.
Tier 4 students – Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus – added guidance if you’re a Tier 4 student applicant in the UK and have given your fingerprints before.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
PHE data series on deaths in people with COVID-19: technical summary
A summary of the PHE data series on deaths in people with COVID-19, outlining what the changes mean and how the data compare to other COVID-19 death data series – updated related deaths time series spreadsheet with latest figures.
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 – updated to reflect the new process for validating new COVID-19 viral detection tests. Previously these were assessed by a group called the Viral Detection Test Advisory Group (VTAG) but this process has changed.
Coronavirus antibody home test kit: taking a blood sample
Guidance and video to help you do your antibody test correctly, post your sample and get your results.
NHS Test and Trace: how it works
An overview of the NHS Test and Trace service, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive.
NHS Test and Trace (England) and coronavirus testing (UK) statistics: 10 September to 16 September 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 16 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England and coronavirus testing (UK).
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact-tracing data in its weekly reports
Daily tests processed and testing capacity (UK): 20 March to 22 September 2020
Historic data for the daily number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests processed and testing capacity in the UK, split by swab and antibody tests.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
COVID-19: reducing transmission – what you can do to help
Advice on how you can help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
HOSPITALITY, SPORT & LEISURE:
Forestry Commission operational update: coronavirus
Updated to include the latest information on our office openings and changes specific to Forest Research and Forestry England.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Number of coronavirus tests processed by local authority (England): 28 May to 16 September 2020
The number of pillar 2 (swab) tests processed daily by lower tier local authorities.
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 – latest data added
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations – updated guidance on working from home and on wearing face coverings in retail and hospitality venues located within transport hubs.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak. Fines for not wearing a face covering on public transport or in enclosed areas of transport hubs have increased.
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