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: 416,363 have tested positive (+ 6,634 new cases)
Loss of life: *41,902 across all settings (+ 40 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Stockport: 209 cases 15 Sept – 21 Sept (+79 on previous week) Cases in Stockport: 71 cases per 100,000 (England area average is 21)
Deaths in Stockport: 368 coronavirus-related registered to1 September
Total cases in Stockport: 2,495 to 24 September +79
*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:
Rishi Sunak’s post-furlough plan at a glance
It includes plans for a job support scheme to replace furlough, help for the self- employed, business loans and VAT cuts. From the BBC’s summary:
Job Support Scheme
- Under the scheme, the government will subsidise the pay of employees who are working fewer than normal hours due to lower demand
- Workers must do at least a third of their normal hours
- Employers will pay staff for the hours they work
- The government and the employer will pay a third each for the hours they can’t work
- It means someone working a third of their hours would receive 77% of their pay
- The grant will be capped at £697.92 per month
- All small and medium sized businesses will be eligible for the scheme
- Larger business will be eligible if their turnover has fallen during the crisis
- It will be open to employers across the UK even if they have not previously used the furlough scheme
- The scheme will run for six months starting in November and replaces the “furlough” scheme
- It means the government will pay a maximum of 22% of someone’s wages, down from 80% at the start of the furlough policy
Support for the self-employed
- The chancellor is extending the self-employed grant on similar terms to the Job Support Scheme
- A grant will be available to those eligible for the Self Employment Income Support Scheme Grant
- The grant will cover three months’ worth of profits for the period from November to the end of January
- It will cover 20% of average monthly profits up to a total of £1,875
- A further grant may be available to the self-employed to cover February 2021 to the end of April, depending on circumstances
Business loans
- Bounce Back Loans will be extended from six years to 10, cutting monthly repayments by nearly half
- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme lenders will also be able to extend the length of loans from the current maximum of six years to 10 years
- The chancellor is also extending the deadline for the government’s coronavirus loan schemes to the end of November
- Businesses struggling can choose to make interest only payments for six months and those “in real trouble” can apply to suspend repayments altogether for six months
- Businesses will not see their credit rating fall as a result, the chancellor says
Taxes
- The 15% emergency VAT cut for the tourism and hospitality industries will be extended from January 2021 to 31 March
- Businesses who deferred their VAT bills will be able to pay back their taxes in 11 smaller interest-free instalments
- Self-assessment income taxpayers who need to will be given more time to pay
UK borrowing soars as Government Covid costs mount
The UK government borrowed £35.9bn in August as tackling the economic fallout of pandemic took its toll on the public finances, official figures show. The figure – the difference between spending and tax income – was £30.5bn more than it borrowed in August last year. The increase meant that the borrowing figure hit its highest amount for August since records began in 1993. Borrowing between April and August totalled £173.7bn – also a record.
Government announces further ‘cash flow’ help for businesses
Following his announcement of jobs protection measures, yesterday Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed four steps intended to help businesses with their cash flow.
’Pay as you grow’ will enable those with Bounce Back loans to extend their repayment from six to 10 years, nearly halving the average monthly repayment. Businesses that are struggling can choose to make interest only payments, and those “in real trouble” can apply to suspend repayments for up to six months. Their credit rating will not be affected.
The Treasury is also changing the terms of other loan schemes. For Coronavirus Business Interruption loans, the government is extending the government guarantee for up to 10 years, making it easier for lenders to give more people more time to repay. “We are also extending the deadline of all our loan schemes to the end of this year and starting work on a new successor loan guarantee programme set to begin in January,” said Sunak. Sunak will also give businesses more time and flexibility over their deferred tax bills. “I will allow businesses to spread that VAT bill over 11 smaller repayments with no interest to pay,” he said. “Any of the millions of self-assessed income tax payers can also extend their tax bill over 12 months from January.” Sunak mentioned hospitality and tourism as “two of the most affected” sectors. Under current plans VAT for these sectors will increase from a reduced 5% back to 20% in January. The government is cancelling the planned increase in VAT and will keep the lower 5% VAT rate until 31 March.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Highest number of cases in a single day since mass testing began
At 6,634, the latest daily number of confirmed coronavirus cases was the highest since mass testing began. While official records may show new cases hitting a daily high, BBC health correspondent Nick Triggle says in reality it is “nothing of the sort”, given the limited testing capacity at the peak of the pandemic in the spring. “Estimates have suggested there may have been as many 100,000 cases a day at the peak,” he adds. Currently, half of the population in northern England and a fifth of people in the Midlands face extra restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. But no local authority in England south of Solihull is currently imposing these measures.
Joint statement on COVID-19
A joint statement from the UK Government, the Northern Ireland Executive, the Scottish Government, and the Welsh Government.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
North West leaders react to Chancellor’s Winter Economy Plan
Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Thursday outlined plans to protect jobs after cancelling this year’s budget. Mr Sunak, addressing MPs on the Commons, unveiled his ‘Winter Economy Plan’ which include a new Jobs Support Scheme, an extension to the cut in VAT for some sectors, and support for businesses and workers.
The most notable new measure will see the government top up the wages of workers forced to cut their hours due to the pandemic, effectively replacing the furlough scheme. Responding to the announcement, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce said the announcement of a new Job Support Scheme (JSS)was “a partial answer” to their call for employment support to continue beyond the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), “albeit a far less generous answer”. Jane Parry, managing partner at North West accountancy firm PM+M , said, on the face of it, the announcement today must be applauded. However, the “devil is in the detail so we need to wait for more information” to fully understand its impact.
Yodel to create 3,000 jobs ahead of Christmas
North West-headquartered delivery giant Yodel has announced plans to create almost 3,000 new jobs ahead of Christmas. The independent parcel carrier said it will recruit for 2,500 self-employed and 450 employed roles, as it prepares for what it expects to be the “busiest festive period in recent history”. The new roles for the Liverpool-headquartered firm will include couriers and parcel sorters at one of Yodel’s 50 locations nationwide. Yodel said its recruitment drive is in response to the demand for online retail, which has increased “dramatically” this year.
Safety packs created to protect vulnerable Stockport residents
Stockport Council is putting safety first and has developed 1,000 Covid-19 safety packs, to protect homeless, disadvantaged and vulnerable people across the borough. The packs include essential safety items such as two face coverings, hand sanitiser and a selection of leaflets about mental health, covid-19 safety and One Stockport. They are being distributed to Stockport Trussell Trust foodbanks in Reddish and Hazel Grove, the Chelwood foodbank, independent foodbanks in Gatley and Marple and Stockport Homes’ local pantries, with collection points in Brinnington, Bridgehall and Woodley. Other beneficiaries include The Wellspring, a resource centre for homeless and disadvantaged people in Stockport, women’s groups, Nexus, an equality hub for diverse communities, Disability Stockport and across BAME community groups. Communities across Edgeley, Cale Green, Heald Green, Lancashire Hill, Heaton Norris, Heaton Mersey will also be supported.
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:
Deferral of VAT payments due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
The VAT payments deferral scheme ended on 30 June 2020 as previously set out – updated to include the announcement by the Chancellor on 24 September 2020 about the option to pay smaller VAT payments over a longer period of time
Coronavirus guidance for Companies House customers
Companies House has robust plans in place to maintain services for our customers and protect the welfare of our employees during the coronavirus outbreak.
Check if you can claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been adversely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) find out if you can use this scheme to claim a grant. This scheme is being extended – guidance will be updated as soon as possible.
Sending your forms to Companies House during the coronavirus outbreak
We’ve developed a service to upload certain Companies House forms digitally, instead of sending them to us on paper.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure – updated guidance on working from home (section 2) and supporting staff to self-isolate (section 2.2).
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 – how to claim the second grant step-by-step has been added.
Comparison of furloughed jobs data: May to July 2020
An overview of the similarities and differences between the fortnightly BICS furlough estimates and HMRC’s quantitative management information on the number of furloughed jobs, over the period 1 May to 31 July 2020.
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own
This page explains when to wear a face covering, exemptions from wearing one, and how to make your own face covering.
Added estate agents and theatres to the list under ‘When to wear a face covering’. Further clarity has been made to the section ‘Staff in indoor settings’.
COVID-19: guidance for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs or alcohol
COVID-19 guidance for commissioners and service providers for those dependent on drugs or alcohol – updated in line with regulations limiting the number of people permitted to attend a support group to 15.
OPSS Covid-19 consumer survey
Summary of the Covid-19 online consumer survey that took place in three waves between 9 April to 6 July.
Cleansing and PPE waste at a healthcare waste management facility: RPS C1
When you can store or treat coronavirus (COVID-19) cleansing and used PPE waste without having codes 15 02 02* or 15 02 03 in your permit – extended the expiry date of this COVID-19 RPS from 30 September 2020 to 31 March 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) impacts on visits: CC/FS1k
This factsheet provides information about impacts on visits due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 25 September 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 16 to 20 September 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
Guidance updated for those managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities on safely re-opening multi-purpose buildings.
COVID-19: reducing transmission – what you can do to help
Advice on how you can help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Our online services have not been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are running as normal.
CONSTRUCTION:
Construction sites to face crackdown on safety and Covid-compliance
Safety inspectors will launch a month-long construction inspection blitz on Monday October 5 with a particular focus on respiratory risks and occupational lung disease.
Contractors will be quizzed on measures to protect workers from asbestos, silica and wood dust. HSE inspectors will also be checking that businesses are doing all they can to protect workers from the risk of coronavirus by making workplaces Covid-secure.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
More than 1 in 10 people in England have now been tested for coronavirus
NHS Test and Trace has now reached almost half a million people, including those testing positive and their contacts, to slow the transmission of coronavirus in England.
10,000 UK volunteers to take part in new COVID-19 vaccine trials
Ten thousand UK volunteers will be invited to join a leading phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trial.
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.
PPE portal: how to order COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)
Eligible health and social care providers can order PPE through the portal to meet the increased need that has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 and exceeding permit limits for medical use of radioactive substances: RPS C15
When you can exceed the limits in your radioactive substances permit, because of coronavirus (COVID-19), in order to carry out medical procedures – extended the expiry date of this COVID-19 RPS from 30 September 2020 to 31 March 2021.
Wider impacts of COVID-19 on health monitoring tool
National monitoring tool that brings together metrics to assess the wider impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on health.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): antibody testing
Information about the government’s coronavirus antibody testing programme. Antibody tests are to check whether a person has had the virus – updated with new information on antibody testing eligibility and how to get a test.
COVID-19: PHE laboratory assessments of molecular tests
PHE has undertaken rapid assessments of commercially provided diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection with further evaluations ongoing – added Rapid assessment of Biomerieux ARGENE® SARS-COV-2 R-GENE® real-time detection kit.
HOSPITALITY, SPORT & LEISURE:
Daily Visitors to DCMS Sponsored Museums and Galleries
These experimental statistics show the number of daily visits to DCMS sponsored museums and galleries. For final visitor figures, refer to the monthly report.
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS online event, 23 Sept 2020: An update on recovery in the criminal courts
A recording of the live event hosted on 23 Sept 2020, including presentation slides.
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page held a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak – updated full list of Crown Courts that have resumed jury trials updated.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Local Restrictions Support Grant – guidance for local authorities
Guidance for local authorities setting out details of the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG).
PROPERTY:
High end properties still flying off the shelves
Two reports this morning suggest that activity in the most expensive sectors of the housing market is doing as well as the frenzied mid- and lower-end sectors. Firstly a new survey by Rightmove shows that houses with an asking price of £1m or more are taking an average of 63 days to find a buyer, which is 18 days faster than this time last year. Time to find a buyer has dropped across the whole market as well for houses, but only by nine days, decreasing from 59 days in August last year to 50 days now. The analysis also found that million pound homes are outperforming the rest of the property market for the number of sales being agreed.
Is the Build to Rent sector ready for the end of furlough?
Few would disagree that it has been a difficult year for the residential lettings sector. With the market effectively frozen for several weeks in the spring due to lockdown, a precipitous decline in renter demand followed. Although London’s renting residents are making enquiries once more, and demand is unquestionably there, Build to Rent (BTR) operators are facing a very different landscape to the one in play pre-Covid. In stark contrast to the seemingly steady flow of good news commentary, we offer a candid assessment of what’s happening in the market now and, perhaps more worryingly, what’s around the corner.
RETAIL:
Mothercare predicts a “stable future” as it bounces back from £100m loss. Mothercare, based in Watford, achieved profits of £14.4m in the year to 28 March 2020, up from a £97m loss in the previous period. However, since the year end, Mothercare has seen retail sales drop 39 per cent to £145.8m as lockdown hit its franchises around the world. This comes amid a year of change for the brand, which included going into administration in November and moving to a smaller HQ. In closing all retail outlet stores and focusing on franchise partners, the company estimates that it has eliminated approximately £30m of operating losses. However, since the year end, Mothercare has seen retail sales drop 39 per cent to £145.8m as lockdown hit its franchises around the world.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): countries and territories exempt from advice against ‘all but essential’ international travel
The FCDO has a global advisory against ‘all but essential’ travel, but exempts destinations that do not pose an unacceptably high risk for British travellers. Curaçao, Denmark, Iceland and Slovakia?are no longer on the travel advice exemptions list, following the latest assessment of COVID-19 risks. The FCDO advises against all non-essential travel to these countries. Montserrat?has been added to the travel advice exemptions list, read the guidance before planning any travel.?
Denmark, Slovakia, Iceland and Curaçao removed from UK travel corridor exempt list
People arriving in the UK from these destinations from 4am Saturday 26 September 2020 will need to self-isolate for 2 weeks.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): shipping and sea ports guidance
Guidance for shipping and sea ports on coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated guidance to include face coverings.
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:
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
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