September 29th – Coronavirus News Updates

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: 439,013 have tested positive (+ 4,044 new cases)

Loss of life: *42,001 across all settings (+13 in last 24 hours)

Cases in Stockport:262 cases 19 Sept – 25 Sept (+96 on previous week)

Cases in Stockport: 89 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 26)

Deaths in Stockport: 368 coronavirus-related registered to 18 September

Total cases in Stockport: 2,618 to 28 September (+29 on previous week)

*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 1.2-1.5 and the growth rate range is +4% to +8% per day as of 25 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

UK HEADLINES:

Night-time economy set for biggest hit and long recovery
Gillian Keegan told Sky News’ Kay Burley that the furlough scheme did support people in industries hardest hit by Covid-19 but it cannot continue “indefinitely”. She painted a bleak immediate future for parts of the night-time economy still forced to stay closed, admitting: “It is hard to see how nightclubs will open until we have some kind of long-term way to deal with coronavirus.”

Aldi to open 100 new stores before end of 2021 creating 4000 new jobs across UK
The company is also planning more than 100 store upgrades, bringing its total investment in the expansion to £1.3bn. Aldi reported a 49 per cent increase in operating profit for 2019, jumping to £291.2m, on total sales up 8 per cent to £12.3bn. Throughout the pandemic, Aldi has also increased its home delivery service to match a rising demand. Chief executive Giles Hurley said Aldi was committed to keeping its prices low.

Today: PM to announce new employment opportunities for Adults and Apprentices
Adults without A levels to be offered free courses to ‘create new and better jobs’ as unemployment rises. The move will also see more funding for SMEs taking on apprentices, and £2.5bn is being made available through the National Skills Fund to help get people working again after Covid. This comes as unemployment rates rise to 4.1 per cent, with the Office for Budget Responsibility predicting that levels could hit up to 13.2 per cent in the coming years.

Indoor inter-household mixing restricted in parts of the North East
Measures will be brought into law restricting inter-household mixing in indoor settings, including pubs and restaurants, in Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Northumberland and Sunderland.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

GM Kickstart Board to steer youth employment scheme in city-region
The Kickstart scheme aims to offer 250,000 new, subsidised jobs for 16 to 24 year olds who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. The first placements are expected to be available from November. Stockport Council is acting as an employer representative for smaller organisations in the borough to create jobs through the scheme. Employers making use of the scheme will receive funding for 100% of National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance and auto-enrolment pension contributions. Employers can also receive £1500 per placement for setup costs, support and training.

North West based Gusto Italian secures future and 600 jobs with CVA
Italian restaurant chain has completed a successful CVA (Company Voluntary Arrangement) securing the future of the business and saving more than 600 jobs. As the casual dining sector continues to feel the impact of Covid-19 and the most challenging trading conditions in a generation, the majority of the firm’s creditors (98%) voted in favour of the CVA. Gusto was founded in 2005 and following a management buyout in 2014, supported by Palatine, the chain grew from nine restaurants to having venues across the country. However like many restaurants the current Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the business and it looked to be the latest casualty of the pandemic before this deal was reached.

Become a Green Homes Grant Supplier II – Trustmark and PAS 2030
The new Green Homes Grant will give over 600,000 homeowners in England up to £10,000 to install insulation, heat pumps, draft proofing and more to help households cut energy bills. 100% of tradespeople taking part in the scheme must be registered with Trustmark, the only government-endorsed quality scheme for improvement works in and around a home. In addition, projects delivered through the Green Homes Grant must also be lodged with Trustmark to release the funding that pays the installer. Installers must comply with PAS 2030 standard which takes a ‘whole of dwelling’ approach to the design and delivery of energy efficiency measures in buildings. As the standard has both a 2017 and updated 2019 version, installers should know how to meet minimum requirements to access the grant. This session outlines how to become Trustmark approved and the audit, lodgement and release of funding vouchers for each project. It also covers how to comply with PAS 2030 and trading standards relevant to the scheme.

Webinar: Wednesday 7th October

Host and Speakers

Amy House, Low Carbon and Resource Efficiency Lead, GC Business Growth
David Pierpoint, Chief Executive, The Retrofit Academy
Nigel Donohue, Chief Executive Officer, Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency

Booking Link: https://app.livestorm.co/the-growth-company/get-ready-to-become-a-green-homes-grant-supplier-ii-trustmark-and-pas-2030

North West of England: local restrictions
Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in areas of the North West of England.

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.

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.

Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Main Grant Scheme:
Applications are now closed; applications received up to the closing date on August 28^th will be considered in the period leading up to the 30^th 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

The total value of funds to be distributed is £3,240,500

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.u

AGRICULTURE & RURAL AFFAIRS:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated to bank helpline opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.

ARTS, CREATIVE & MEDIA:

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Performing arts – updated guidance on thinking about risk (section 1), who should return to training, rehearsal and performance (section 2), managing performances (section 3), hair and makeup (section 4.16) and face coverings (section 6.2).

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure.
Heritage locations – Updated guidance on thinking about risk (section 1), keeping your customers, visitors and contractors safe (section 2), who should go to work (section 3) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and face coverings (section 6).

BUSINESS & FINANCE:

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. The visitor economy – updated guidance on managing risk (section 1.1), managing your customers, visitors and contractors (section 2), who should go to work (section 3) and face coverings (section 6).

Stockport Business Support coronavirus recovery

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.

COVID-19: how to work safely in domiciliary care in England
A resource for those working in domiciliary care providing information on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) – updated guidance, providing more information on types of gloves.

Local Restrictions Support Grant for business closed due to local lockdowns
Grants up to £1,500 are available every 3 weeks for businesses forced to close or who have targeted restrictions. Some smaller businesses will be able to claim £1,000.

Winter Economy Plan measures to replace furlough support scheme
Additional government support for businesses and employees impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) across the UK.

Public sector insurance survey
GAD has published the results of its survey into how public sector organisations are managing their commercial insurance risks, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COMMUNITY:

New recruitment drive to help 10,000 people with serious mental illness
£27 million has been announced for mental health charity Think Ahead to expand their mental health social work graduate programme.

COVID-19: providing unpaid care to adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults
Guidance for people who are providing unpaid care to adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – replaced links to social distancing guidance and easy-read counterpart with updated guidance on staying alert and safe, coronavirus outbreak FAQs and guidance on meeting with others safely.

CONSTRUCTION:

Glenigan: Positive Trends for construction post-lockdown
September’s issue of the Glenigan Construction Review – which reports on the construction sector activity over the past three months and looks at planning approvals over the same period – identifies positive trends in activity as the industry has emerged from lockdown, restarted projects, reopened sites and progressed new projects

Construction leaders update guidance for site face coverings
It now recommends that masks are worn where workers on site are not required to wear Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and their workplace (which may include welfare and changing facilities, office or meetings rooms) meets all of the following criteria:
– an enclosed space
– where social distancing isn’t always possible and
– where they come into contact with others they do not normally meet.
Face coverings must also be worn in site canteens except when seated at a table to eat or drink. Download the guidance

EDUCATION:

Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Protective measures for providers of community activities, holiday or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings offering provision to children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added a section of links to venue-specific guidance and updated Test and Trace section to reflect launch of the NHS COVID-19 app.

Critical workers who can access schools or educational settings
List of critical workers (key workers) who can send their children to school or other educational settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated information to reflect that all pupils can now return to education full-time and that further information has been published about possible local interventions.

HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:

Coronavirus deaths increase for second consecutive week in England & Wales
Sky news: There were 139 deaths which mentioned coronavirus on the certificate – up from 99 the previous week, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). COVID-19 deaths still only accounted for 1.5% of all deaths.

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.

COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Guidance on the management of staff, patients and residents who have been exposed to COVID-19.

COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers and added information on the possibility of airborne transmission.

COVID-19: supporting adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults
Guidance for care staff who are supporting adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – guidance on staying alert and safe, coronavirus outbreak FAQs and guidance on meeting with others safely. Updated links to guidance on both supported living and home care provision.

PPE deliveries (England): 21 September to 27 September 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) strategy: stabilise and build resilience
The government’s strategy for preparing for a second wave of COVID-19 covering supply and logistics for distribution of PPE.

HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure.
Hotels and other guest accommodation – Updated guidance on managing risk (section 1.1), keeping your customers, visitors and contractors safe (section 2), who should go to work (section 3) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and face coverings (section 6).

PROPERTY:

Agents fees on the rise as stamp duty holiday cuts moving costs
Consumer group Which? says the stamp duty holiday has cut more than £4,000 from the average cost of moving home – but it claims other fees, including agents’ charges, are on the rise. Which? says that while overall moving costs have dropped by 39 per cent the charges from agents, conveyancers, surveyors and removers are all on the up. Using data from the Really Move comparison website, based on 239,000 movers, Which? says the average cost of moving has dropped from £10,911 to £6,699. This is despite a 15 per cent rise in conveyancing fees, 14 per cent increase in agents’ commission, a 10 per cent spike in the cost of a survey, and a three per cent rise for removal firms. In absolute terms, it says estate agent fees are now an average of £3,936 which legal fees are £1,682. A house survey is £450 and the removal firm costs £546.

TRAVEL:

Former Wallace Arnold open new agency
White Rose Travel is owned by ex-staff members Michelle Metcalfe and Natalie Collins. Metcalfe said: “We are excited to be opening as White Rose Travel and with the support of Advantage, we look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

She added: “This year has been extremely challenging for the industry and the Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated that agents should partner with a consortium that can provide the required support and an additional level of assurance in both the good and bad times.”

Covid-19 Webinars:

Amy House, Low Carbon and Resource Efficiency Lead, GC Business Growth
David Pierpoint, Chief Executive, The Retrofit Academy
Nigel Donohue, Chief Executive Officer, Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency

Booking Link: https://app.livestorm.co/the-growth-company/get-ready-to-become-a-green-homes-grant-supplier-ii-trustmark-and-pas-2030

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 24^th 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 – 11^th 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.