Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 340,411 have tested positive (+ 1,735 new cases)
Loss of life: *41,527 across all settings (+ 13 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Stockport: 30 cases 24 Aug – 30 Aug (-10 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 10 per 100,000 (England area average is 9)
Deaths in Stockport: 361 registered to 21st August (+2 from last week)
Total cases in Stockport: 2,004 to 03 September
*Daily reported COVID deaths are now 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 0.9-1.1 and the growth rate range is -2% to +1% per day as of 28 August 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.
UK HEADLINES:
Amazon to create additional 7,000 UK jobs
Amazon has said it is creating a further 7,000 new permanent roles across the UK in 2020. The online retailer, which has already added 3,000 new permanent roles to its workforce across its UK network this year, said the additional jobs would make its UK workforce 40,000 strong. The new roles will help Amazon meet growing customer demand and enable small and medium sized enterprises selling on the platform to scale their businesses. Amazon is also creating more than 20,000 seasonal positions across the UK ahead of the festive period at its sites across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and at three pop-up fulfilment centres.
Co-op to create 1,000 new jobs after rise in local shopping
Manchester-based Co-operative Group said it will create 1,000 jobs through new store openings and extending and refurbishing existing stores. The move follows an uptick in consumers shopping more locally during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown. In a £130m investment by the convenience stores division, 65 stores will be opened or extended 65 stores, while 100 sites will be refurbished. See below
Local high streets being ‘rediscovered’ after COVID-19 lockdown
A major new research study of 154 towns shows that district centres saw a smaller fall in visitors compared to cities, as high streets continue to evolve from retail focus to ‘multifunctional’ hubs. New research indicates that town centres in England are evolving, with retail no longer the dominant attraction for visitors to the high street, and that COVID-19 has led many people to rediscover their local neighbourhoods.
The rise of ‘multifunctional’ towns – The High Streets Task Force analysed footfall from 154 towns and found that 44% provide a wide range of different services to their communities and can be classified as ‘multifunctional’. This type of town has increased by 8% in the last year (Jul 19 – Jun 20) and compares to just 19% of town centres that focus predominantly on ‘comparison retail’ to attract visitors.
Experts at the Task Force, commissioned by Government in 2019 to support the transformation of England’s high streets, say multifunctional towns and districts that serve their local area have fared better during the COVID-19 crisis. From March 1 to June 30 2020, footfall in smaller district centres fell by 34.5%, compared to a drop of 75.9% in larger cities over the same period. Read the full report
22,000 jobs to be created as HS2 gets on track
Work has officially started on the HS2 rail project today (September 4) which is expected to create 22,000 jobs. The high-speed rail project, which will initially link London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, has begun construction after government approval was granted in April. HS2 is expected to deliver around 22,000 jobs over the coming years, with opportunities confirmed in Warwickshire, Greater London, Birmingham and West Midlands through contractors or direct with HS2 Ltd.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Stockport restaurants claim for over 190,000 meals in Eat Out to Help Out
247 restaurants across the parliamentary areas of Cheadle, Hazel Grove, Reddish (with Denton) and Stockport have together claimed a total of £1,158,000 from the Government as part of the Eat Out To Help Out scheme operating each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout August. The average discount claimed per meal was £6.03. Across the country, a total of 60,000 businesses took part, claiming over 51 million meals and £295,791,000. Across the North West region a total of 7,226 businesses took part, claiming over 7 million meals and £43,733,000.
Sacha Lord: Three in five firms in the night-time economy face closure
Greater Manchester’s night time economy advisor is warning that without urgent further support, nearly three in five businesses in the sector could go out of business by the end of the year. He said the “eleventh hour” is approaching for the sector, with rent holidays, grant schemes and furlough coming to an end. According to the Night Time Industries Association, 57% of businesses in the sector will not survive “longer than two months” without further government support, and 73% of night-time operators will be making more than half their workforce redundant from September. “For some, August has been strong with the Eat Out To Help Out scheme, but my fear is for those in the wider night time economy who haven’t benefited. Not only the wet-led bars and pubs who weren’t included in the offer, but the night clubs, live music venues and theatres which are still closed.”
Heatons Climate Action Festival taking place this month.
‘Sustainable Living in the Heatons’ have organised a four-day online festival, the Heatons Climate Action Festival, to both challenge and inspire you if you are curious about climate change – or want to do more. It takes place over the weekends on 12/13 and 19/20 September and each event will be available as a recording afterwards. The festival includes a debate with local business owners and Mark Glynn, Director of Place for SMBC; a session featuring local retail businesses; how to deal with food and plastic waste, why Electric Vehicles are the future; advice on the Green Homes Grant and more.
North of England: local restrictions
Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in areas of the north of England – updated with more detailed information on affected local areas and following decision that Bolton and Trafford will not have restrictions lifted from 2 September.
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:
Stockport Council have now administered a total of 5,412 grants bringing the total amount paid to £62,147,500 and bringing the total to 98.8% of those identified as eligible as at 11/03/2020.
Local Authority Discretionary Grant funding scheme
Status of LAD Payments to date:
Applications: 791 Payments: £1,982,000
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
Stockport – is your business open for business?
Is your business in Stockport? Are you ‘open for business’? Whatever your business, we want to support you. And it’s free! Follow the link, fill in the form and we will add you to our directory:
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: reducing transmission – what you can do to help
Advice on how you can help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested.
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 4 September 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 26 August to 30 August 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
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 – added guidance on face coverings
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
CONSTRUCTION:
Thousands of construction workers to take part in industry safety stand down
Companies including BAM Nuttall, Barhale, Dyer & Butler, Galliford Try, HS2 Ltd, Jones Bros, Skanska Infrastructure and Story Contracting will take part in the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) organised event.
Stop. Make a Change runs from 10 October until 23 October and will have a special focus on cancer and mental health this year as work is temporarily stopped to consider safety issues. CECA Chief Executive Alasdair Reisner said: “Last year, more than 200,000 people took part in Stop. Make a Change, and given the nation’s experience of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has never been a better time to re-engage with our personal health, safety, and wellbeing. “CECA is proud to support this important initiative, which will drive positive change, encourage conversation, and enable industry to work together to make sure we address the key health, safety and wellbeing risks our industry faces.” Register your interest HERE
DIGITAL & IT
Covid-19 accelerates digital transformation in business and education
The Times Newspaper and Digital Leaders have teamed up to publish a special report on Digital Transformation. The report explores the key trends for digital transformation in 2020, acknowledging that 97 per cent of business decision-makers say that the COVID-19 pandemic has sped up digital transformation at their company. It delves into how coronavirus has accelerated transformation in business but also in education, the growing importance of digital skills, and the key elements for a successful digital evolution.
EDUCATION:
COVID-19 surveillance in school KIDs (sKIDs): pre and primary schools
A report on the preliminary results of the COVID-19 testing and antibody prevalence surveillance in schools programme, colloquially known as sKIDs.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Platform for Redesign 2020: opening address
Opening address by Alok Sharma, COP26 President and Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, at the Online Platform on Sustainable and Resilient Recovery from COVID-19, hosted by the Japanese Government.
Working safely during COVID-19: enforcement agents (bailiffs)
COVID-19 secure guidance for enforcement agents (also known as bailiffs) using the Taking Control of Goods process.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
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.
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.
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Guidance for contacts of a person with a positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19) who do not live with that person.
COVID-19: guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic
Guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey pilot: England and Wales, 4 September 2020
Results include estimates for England and initial results for Wales. This survey is carried out in partnership with IQVIA, Oxford University and UK Biocentre.
HOSPITALITY / LEISURE:
COVID-19: guidance for food businesses
Advice for food businesses in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK.
Eat Out to Help Out Scheme – claims by parliamentary constituency
Management information that shows data on the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme broken down by country, region and parliamentary constituency.
HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and the VAT payments deferral scheme – published updated weekly data (up to end of Monday 31 August) for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme, and added a link to the publication ‘Eat Out to Help Out Scheme – claims by parliamentary constituency’.
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.
PROPERTY:
How has Covid-19 hit the rental market?
ARLA Propertymark is holding a webinar later this month to discuss the impact of Coronavirus on the private rental sector. It will be led by Neil Cobbold – the high profile UK chief sales officer at PropTech company PayProp – who will look at data from the past six months to draw lessons on the pandemic’s effect on renters and the industry. In the event at 10am on September 17 he will also share advice on how his company is preparing clients for the ‘new normal’.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode, published daily for the return to school period.
TRAVEL:
No changes to travel corridor list
In England, there are no changes to the Government’s travel corridor list but people should check latest government advice before travelling.
Covid-19 webinars:
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
The YouTube video about how to participate in the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme has been amended and information about what has changed for parents – Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, has been added.
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:
Claim money back through the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Find out how to claim the reimbursement for discounts given to diners with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme. The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme closed on 31 August 2020 – the page updated with removal of registration links.
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