September 30th – Coronavirus News Updates

NEW SURVEY

Latest UK Data:

Positive tests: 446,156 have tested positive (+ 7,143 new cases)

Loss of life: *42,072 across all settings (+71 in last 24 hours)

Cases in Stockport: 252 cases 20 Sept – 26 Sept (+58 on previous week)

Cases in Stockport: 86 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 28)

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

Total cases in Stockport: 2,693 to 29 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:

BBC: MPs to vote on extension to Government’s emergency powers

Later today, MPs will vote on whether to renew the legislation that gives the government the powers to impose coronavirus restrictions. The “rule of six”, the 10pm closing time for pubs and a host of tougher local rules have been announced with a few hours’ notice and without being subjected to parliamentary scrutiny.

TSB to close branches with loss of 900 jobs
TSB will close 164 of its branches and cut 960 jobs, blaming “a significant shift in customer behaviour” as more customers bank online. The figure is in addition to the 82 branches it said it would close in November, when it set out plans to save £100m by 2022. Union Unite described the move as “a dark day for the finance sector”. The bank said the closures were not an “easy decision” and had been accelerated by the pandemic. From the end of next year the bank will have 290 branches – down from 540 currently. It hopes most of the job cuts will come through voluntary redundancies, and said it would also create 120 new positions.
Read more on the BBC news

£3 billion plan launches for green homes and buildings
Homes, schools and hospitals across England are set to be greener and cheaper to run thanks to a £3bn plan to upgrade the nation’s buildings.

Today the Government launches its funding schemes to help retrofit buildings, expected to support 120,000 construction jobs. Around £1bn will be channelled into boosting the energy efficiency of public buildings, including schools and hospitals through a Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund. This will help an array of public sector organisations in England, including central government departments, agencies, local authorities, schools and NHS Trusts, to install energy efficiency and low carbon heating measures, reducing energy bills and carbon emissions. An extra £50m will fund social housing through a demonstrator project for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF).

North East of England: local restrictions
Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in the affected local areas – updated with the latest advice.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

Town centre prospectuses set for Council endorsement
Two new prospectuses detailing plans for Stockport Station and town centre infrastructure are expected to be endorsed by councillors.
The two plans set out Stockport Council’s ambitions to make Stockport the location of choice in Greater Manchester to live, work, play and connect. The Infrastructure Plan sets out the work that needs to be carried out in the Town Centre and Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) area to ensure that Stockport is well equipped for the future and that the infrastructure helps its communities to thrive. The Stockport Station Growth Prospectus focuses on the importance of further investment in and around Stockport Station over the next 10-12 years and is a key part of the Council’s growth strategy and supporting the vision of the MDC.
The two plans will go before local councillors of Stockport Council’s Central Area Committee on 1st October, who are expected to endorse the town centre prospectuses.

North West business barometer: confidence dips as restrictions tightened
Business confidence fell in the North West during September, according to the latest data, as Covid-19 restrictions tightened. Lloyds Bank’s Business Barometer shows that companies’ confidence in their prospects month-on-month was -14 per cent. When taken alongside their views of the economy, it gives a headline reading of -13 per cent. When asked about the impact Covid-19 was having on their business, the majority of firms continued to see demand negatively affected during September. A total of 68 per cent experienced a fall, down nine points on the month before. Meanwhile, 11 per cent experienced an increase, down six points on August. When asked about job retention among companies with furloughed staff, 29 per cent expect to bring back more than 90 per cent of their employees. Across the UK, that figure is just 23 per cent.
Read more at Insider

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.uk

BUSINESS & FINANCE:

An assessment of the impact of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak on the UK’s Institutional Sector accounts: Quarter 2 (Jan to Mar) 2020
The nationwide lockdown measures and social distancing policies introduced in the context of the pandemic had major impact on the UK’s institutional sectors in Quarter 2 (April to June) 2020.

NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
Guidance on NHS Test and Trace for employers, businesses and workers – updated to reflect the launch of the COVID-19 app and how it should be used in the workplace. Corrected the period that people are infectious to say: from 2 days before the person was symptomatic up to 10 days from onset of symptoms.

Reporting outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for businesses and organisations on how to recognise, contain and report incidents of coronavirus (COVID-19).

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.

COMMUNITY:

CONSTRUCTION:

Eric Wright Group saw pre-tax profit fall by nearly a quarter to £7.7m despite revenue rising almost a third to £223m.
The rise in revenue last year was principally driven by greater activity in the civil engineering, water and construction businesses. Gill Chadwick, Eric Wright Group finance director, said: “Although we have seen a drop in overall profit, underlying trading remained strong with improved profitability in a number of key divisions. Read on

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Planning Inspectorate guidance – updated 29 September 2020
In response to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), The Planning Inspectorate has published guidance on site visits, hearings, inquiries and events – updated guidance documents for all casework types. Updated guidance on page.

EDUCATION:

Disapplication notice: school inspections legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues a sixth notice about changes to state-funded school inspections requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Transport to school and other places of education: autumn term 2020
What local authorities will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term – added link to PHE guidance in ‘Prevention’, clarifying guidance on when to self-isolate.

Responsibility for autumn exams
Guidance for schools and colleges on who should enter students for autumn exams, the health arrangements for exams and the support DfE is providing – updated information on public health arrangements for autumn exams to include information on autumn exam contingencies, candidate health and reasonable adjustments.

Extraordinary regulatory framework: General Qualifications, COVID-19 Conditions and Requirements
This document sets out our regulatory requirements for awarding organisations offering general qualifications during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Extraordinary regulatory framework: General Qualifications, COVID-19 Conditions and Requirements document updated with the addition of Conditions GQCov7 and 8 – the existing Conditions have not changed.

Modification notice: school registration legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues sixth notice to modify pupil registration requirements for temporary pupils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March to 24 September 2020
A summary of attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April 2020.

ENVIRONMENT:

Coronavirus: Environment Agency update
The Environment Agency’s priority is to protect people and the environment, and to support those we regulate during the coronavirus pandemic.

HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:

COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.

Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA. The list also includes manufacturers whose exemption expired or was cancelled. This information will be listed for 2 months after expiry or cancellation.

JUDICIARY:

HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic. This is updated every Friday at 5pm.

LOCAL AUTHORITIES:

COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of council buildings
Guidance for those managing council buildings – updated to reflect changes around test and trace, working from home, gatherings and face masks.

PROPERTY:

Mortgage lending hits 13-year high
Mortgage approvals for house purchases have soared to a 13 year high according to Bank of England figures up to the end of August. There was a rise from 66,300 in July to 84,700. However, the year-to-date total is still suffering from the market closure during the spring lockdown: the BoE says there have been, in total, 418,000 approvals so far in 2020 compared to 524,000 in the same period in 2019.

Record number of tenants registered by agents
The number of new prospective tenants is at its highest level ever according to data just released by ARLA Propertymark. The association’s August Private Rented Sector report says the average letting agency branch registered 101 new tenants last month, breaking July’s previous record of 97.

Building onwards and upwards – what investors need to know
As of the August 1, planning applications are no longer required to add up to two additional storeys to homes, commercial and mixed-use buildings; demolish and rebuild unused buildings as homes, and repurpose commercial and retail properties. The new rights do not apply to dwelling-houses converted to residential using PDR, those constructed before 1 July 1948 or after 28 October 2018 or where the existing house has already been enlarged by the addition of one or more storeys – whether under permitted development or otherwise.
More restrictions – read on

Agents: Covid clauses return as cases of coronavirus increase
Knight Frank says an increasing number of purchasers are accelerating their house moving plans because of virus fears and weaker economic news. The agency’s latest report on the market warns that “this could eventually produce a natural tail-off in activity even if the market remains open.” The agency first warned about such clauses during the spring lockdown when it said the inclusion of ‘Coronavirus Events’ in contracts was becoming more common, and helped a number of potential deals stay on course rather than fall through.

RETAIL:

North West based B&M opening new stores among strong half-year
Income during the six months to 26 September was up by 25.3 per cent, with the retailer’s UK stores generating sales growth of 29.5 per cent. Trading momentum was maintained in Q2, while half-year group adjusted EBITDA expected to be approximately £285m. It is also anticipating a gross opening of 40 to 45 UK stores, most of which scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter.
Read more

Retailer’s share price hits record high on profit growth and accelerated store opening plan

Revenues rise for North West based online retailer
N Brown, the Manchester-based online retailer, has seen its debt fall and product revenues continue to improve through the second quarter following the dramatic decline experienced as a result of Covid-19 lockdown. In a trading update, the retailer, which reported a return to profits for the year to February 29, said that apparel sales have “continued to recover from mid-March” and that following the launch of its new Home Essentials brand at the start of April demand for home and gift items has been “well above the prior year”.

Online fashion retailer profits up despite supply chain scandal
For the six months up to August 31, the firm’s profit before tax rose by 47 per cent on the same period in the previous year, a growth which has been propelled by the group’s acquisition strategy. The update follows the revelation in July this year that one of Boohoo’s Leicester-based suppliers were found to be underpaying workers and failing to protect them from the COVID-19 outbreak.

TRAVEL:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – updated Easy Read guidance to reflect latest rules on social contact and face coverings.

Barbados drops 14-day quarantine requirement for visitors
From Thursday (1 October), all visitors from the UK and Ireland will be required to have taken a Covid test no more than 72 hours before arrival, which must have proved negative. On arrival, visitors will be required to remain at one of 70 approved properties, and will be tested again two or three days later. If the second test is negative, guests will be free to leave the confines of the property, although they will continue to be monitored for seven days after their arrival. Currently, only 13 hotels and 57 villas are approved for high-risk arrivals. Hotels include Cobblers Cove, Hilton Barbados, Sandals Royal Barbados and Meridian Inn.

Covid-19 Webinars:

Northern Housing Consortium – Devolution & Local Recovery Webinar
Despite the publication date for the Devolution and Local Recovery White Paper now being marred by uncertainty, the Northern Housing Consortium’s proposed briefing for members on the document will go ahead as planned 1st October 2020, 13.00 – 14.00 online via Zoom. This is a great opportunity to be brought up to speed on a hot topic affecting the region, as well as joining the conversation on what meaningful devolution would look like for local government organisation, regional development, and housing in the North more widely. Join CEO Gill Morris, who after having outlined six key tests for the White Paper, will discuss what she expects from the Government and how the White Paper may meaningfully decentralised powers that rebalance the economic geography of the country, create more democratic governance, and improve the delivery of joined up public services. Gill will join Mike Palin, Managing Director, GC Consulting, Rob Loughenbury, Director of Strategy, Onward Homes and Dominic Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, FutureGov for this fantastic housing event. Click here to register.

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. October 7^th 2020
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

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.