UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 7,644,230 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 32,417 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,124, 254 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 58
Total UK deaths: 136,168
England Cases per 100,000: 271
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 48,722,414 – 90% of UK aged 16+
Total 2nd doses: 44,793,473 – 82%
Daily 1st doses: 22,540
Daily 2nd doses: 46,517
There have been more than 7.6 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and over 136,000 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: 38,366 to 24 September
Cases in the latest week: 1,218, 141 more than previous week
Total deaths: 753 to September 3rd
Cases per 100,000: 414 per 100,000 week ending 20 September
R number in North West: 0.8 – 1.0
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of over 16s to 23 September
2nd dose: 79%
The R value and growth rate
The latest R number estimate for England is 0.8 to 1.0, while for Scotland it is 0.8 to 1.1, for Wales it is 0.8 to 1.0 and for Northern Ireland it is 0.7 to 0.9.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Updated with slides to accompany coronavirus press conferences
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Nike and Costco warn of products shortages and delays
US sportswear giant Nike and US retail giant Costco both say they are facing product shortages and delays due to global supply chain problems.
Nike said production and delivery of its shoes would impacted until next spring, as it struggles with shipping issues and a worker shortage in Asia.
Meanwhile, Costco has re-imposed limits on items like toilet paper.
It says customers are stockpiling again amid Covid fears, but it is also struggling to ship goods to its shops. On Thursday, Nike said it had cut its sales outlook for the year due to the ongoing disruption.
TK Maxx parent company to create 2000 UK placements under Kickstart Scheme
TJX Europe, the parent company of TK Maxx has begun hiring up to 2,000 young people in the UK under a government work placement programme. Designed to support young people aged 16-24 on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment, The Kickstart Scheme will offer six-month posts in over 400 TK Maxx and Homesense stores across the country. The value clothing and homewares retailer said its participation in the scheme builds on its long-term commitment “to help vulnerable children and young people achieve their potential in local communities”. In addition to 25 hours of work experience per week and on-the-job training, the scheme will also provide specialist employability training and resources in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, which is designed to help the young people move into sustained employment when their Kickstart-funded job ends.
Covid vaccination for parents of children and young people
The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination consent form for children and young people or their parents and carers are available in different software versions and can be ordered or downloaded. A template letter is available for the schools COVID-19 vaccination programme. Information leaflets aimed at children and young people are available to download or order. The easy-read consent form is aimed at children and young people who have a learning disability is available for download only. Further easy-read resources for children and young people are available to download.
Long NHS waits force people to go private
With millions of people across the UK currently on NHS waiting lists, there’s growing concern many are feeling forced to use private healthcare. Twelve-year-old Hayden Kildea from Northern Ireland was diagnosed with severe scoliosis, a condition where the spine twists and curves to the side. He’s been told he’ll have to wait more than two years for an operation because of the backlog caused by the pandemic, so his family are fundraising for treatment abroad. His local health board say patient demand continues “to exceed capacity”. His case isn’t unusual. Read more here.
The boss of supermarket chain Aldi UK has told the BBC he doesn’t envisage any disruption for customers this Christmas.
There have been dire warnings about food shortages and empty shelves due to a chronic shortage of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) lorry drivers.
But chief executive Giles Hurley says his deliveries are moving as normal.
“There’s no doubt current circumstances are testing the industry…but it’s business as usual for us,” he said. Like many other retailers, Aldi, Britain’s fifth biggest supermarket, had to increase salaries for its delivery drivers, however it won’t reveal by how much. “At the moment, we’re well set, but I have to say we’re never complacent,” said Mr Hurley. “We’re always recruiting, always have done and that won’t change.”
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.
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.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
KLM and Air France at new T2 as travel traffic light system rehaul sees passenger numbers increase
Manchester Airport’s new £1bn ‘super-terminal’ will welcome two further airlines from Tuesday as KLM and Air France become the latest to move to the facility. The Dutch and French flag carriers will not be the only new additions to the terminal this week, with Manchester-based Italian restaurant San Carlo opening its much-anticipated new venue in departures on Thursday. And, with the traffic light system for travel due to be scrapped from next week, airport bosses are hoping to see more passengers return to the skies. Covid measures such as an enhanced cleaning regime will remain in place for the safety of staff and colleagues, however.
North-west tile retailer reports 100% increase in year-on-year turnover
A North-west tile retailer has recorded a seventh consecutive year of growth, after seeing more than a 100% increase in year-on-year turnover. Manchester-based firm Porcelain Superstore said this week that sales at the family-run business topped £13.5m during its financial year to August 31. That’s more than double its 2020 year-end of £6.65m. The online tile retailer also took on seven full-time hires across service, warehousing and fulfilment – increasing the total workforce to 25.
Together commits to next 25 years at its Cheadle Royal HQ
Specialist lender, Together, has signed a 25-year lease on the firm’s £39 million headquarters at Cheadle Royal Business Park. The financial services group moved into premises at Lake View at the business par in 2012, later expanding into a neighbouring building, 1 Lakeside. The Cheadle lender has now agreed to extend its lease of both buildings, which incorporate 93,000 sq ft of office space, plus associated car parking, committing to remaining in Stockport for at least the next quarter of a century. Together, which provides specialist mortgages and loans for businesses and individuals and has a loan book of over £4 billion, has also revived previous plans to create a new link to join the two buildings to add a new reception area and foyer. Detailed designs are expected to be submitted to planning chiefs at Stockport Council in the next few months.
Infection rates rise across 8 GM boroughs as hospital admissions decrease
Coronavirus infection rates have gone up in eight boroughs of Greater Manchester – but hospital admissions and deaths are decreasing, the latest data shows. The Greater Manchester weekly total has increased by 1122 cases compared to the previous week, which means the infection rate was up 15 per cent in the last week. The week-on-week trend in Stockport is up by 36 per cent and the latest infection rate is 468.4 cases per 100,000 people.
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.
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
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
CARE:
Social Media calendar and creative assets
Specific assets to encourage NHS staff and care staff to get the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster
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.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, analysis of populations in the UK by risk of testing positive for COVID-19: September 2021
Analysis of populations in the UK by risk of testing positive for COVID-19 from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England and Wellcome Trust.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
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.
Hardship arrangements for those unable to pay for managed quarantine or testing
Details of financial support if you can’t afford the managed quarantine and testing fees associated with travel. Find out who is eligible and how to apply.
EDUCATION:
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Transport to schools and colleges during the COVID-19 pandemic
What those responsible for transport to schools and colleges will need to do during the COVID-19 pandemic – guidance has been updated to reflect the changes to the schools guidance on asymptomatic testing.
Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for parents and carers of children attending community activities, holiday or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings – updated information about vaccinations for 12 to 17 year olds, asymptomatic testing, under-18s that were previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) and the end of the shielding programme.
Responsibility for exams
Guidance for schools, colleges and exam centres on who should enter students for exams, the health arrangements for exams and the support DfE is providing – updated ‘public health guidance to support exams for 2021 to 2022’ to remove content related to summer term 2021 exams and add information on the exam support service for autumn exams (including spring 2022 VTQ exams).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): assessment processes for selective school admissions
Guidance on entry testing for admission to state-funded selective schools during the COVID-19 pandemic – guidance has been updated to reflect the September Review and ensure it is consistent with the changes to advice relating to those previously considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable, remove out of date information relating to the 2020 to 2021 academic year, and update references from the 2014 School Admissions Code to the 2021 School Admissions Code.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
New COVID-19 study
An actuary from GAD is one of a group of scientists and analysts who’ve published new research which shows certain groups of vaccinated people could still be at risk from COVID-19.
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:
PROPERTY:
Rental market to remain stronger than before the pandemic
The rapid pace of growth in the rental market will slow in 2022 but the enduring rate of increase should still be above pre-pandemic levels. That’s the view of Hamptons, the lettings agency, which forecasts that the 2022 rental market will continue to be supported by tenants’ willingness to pay for extra space and by unprecedentedly low levels of stock. “We forecast that rents will rise by an average of 2.5 per cent in 2022 across Great Britain, following an increase of 3.0 per cent this year. Growth will be dictated by what happens to peoples’ incomes in 2023 and 2024” explains Hamptons. The agency predicts growth is likely to be slower in the capital, particularly in Inner London where rents may not return to pre-pandemic levels until the middle of 2022.
RETAIL:
Seasalt up for sale as staycations boost sales
Seasalt has put itself up for sale after a rise in sales over the summer, as travel restrictions led to an increase in domestic travel. The lifestyle retailer is in early talks about about bringing in new investors. A sale could land the Chadwick family a payday as they remain the largest shareholders and could lead to an exit for BGF and Santander, which invested £16 million in the chain three years ago. The retailer sells anything from raincoats to knitwear and pyjamas, and now has 70 stores. Its clothes are sold online in more than 150 countries, including via third-party websites such as Zalando and Marks & Spencer.
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.