UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 7,132,072 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 38,013 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,085 , 151 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 167
Total UK deaths: 133,6841
England Cases per 100,000: 332
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 48,344 – 89% of UK aged 16+
Total 2nd doses: 43,708,906 – 80%
Daily 1st doses: 25,131
Daily 2nd doses: 87.960
There have been more than 7 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and almost 134,000 people have died, government figures show. However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus. More than 90m vaccine doses have been received across the UK and about 89% of people aged 16 and over have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and over 43 million and 80% aged 16 and over have had their second.
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 35,781 to 9 September
Cases in the latest week: 1,155, 145 more than previous week
Total deaths: 750 to August 27th
Cases per 100,000: 393 per 100,000 week ending 5 September
R number in North West: 0.9 – 1.1
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of over 16s to 6 September
2nd dose: 78% of over 16s to 5 September
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) – the R range for England is 0.9 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is -2% to +2% per day as of 03 September 2021.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Updated with slides to accompany coronavirus press conferences
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Furlough figures hit lowest level since beginning of pandemic
Figures published today have revealed that the number of people on furlough in the UK has fallen to its lowest level since the beginning of the pandemic.
The figures, published today (September 9), showed that the number of people on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is at 1.6 million. This is down from a peak of nearly 9 million in May last year and is down by 340,000 from the last published results in June. Rishi Sunak, chancellor of the exchequer, commented: “It’s fantastic to see furlough levels at their lowest since the start of the pandemic with young people in particular getting back to work and kickstarting their careers as the UK gets back to business.”
UK economic growth slows sharply in July
The UK economy grew by just 0.1% in July as the last Covid restrictions were lifted in England. It was the economy’s sixth consecutive month of growth, but the increase was much lower than in the previous month, which saw 1% growth.
Arts, entertainment and recreation activities helped the rise, but the “pingdemic” kept many workers at home. The UK economy is still 2.1% below its pre-pandemic peak, said the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Vaccine booster not needed for all
Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said he’s confident a coronavirus vaccine booster programme will start this month, with an advisory body having issued interim advice suggesting more than 30 million people should receive a third dose. But the scientist who led development of the Oxford vaccine says not everyone needs one. “Immunity is lasting well in the majority of people,” says Prof Dame Sarah Gilbert. She tells the Daily Telegraph those with weakened immune systems and the elderly will be given boosters but adds: “I don’t think we need to boost everybody.”
Mandatory jabs for health staff being considered in consultation
Compulsory Covid and flu jabs for frontline NHS and care workers in England are being considered in a government consultation. Plans are already in place to make it mandatory for care home workers in England to be fully vaccinated.
But some unions and care organisations have warned that making the jabs mandatory will lead to staff shortages. Health Secretary Sajid Javid is urging all health service workers to get both jabs to protect vulnerable patients.
About 88% of NHS trust staff have received two Covid doses, but in some trusts that falls to 78%, figures show. In the UK, more than 30,000 new daily cases have been reported for nine days in a row and the number of people in hospital with the disease is rising.
More deaths and lower wages reported in North of England
People in northern England were 17% more likely to die with Covid than the rest of the country, official figures have revealed.
A report by the Northern Health Science Alliance also found northerners had a 26% higher mortality rate in care homes than elsewhere in England.
One author said the fact two-thirds of deaths in the pandemic were potentially preventable was a “real wake-up call”.
The government said the impact on certain groups was “disproportionate”.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Stockport Employers and Exhibitors invited to attend virtual careers fair
Employers from across Stockport are invited to showcase their opportunities at an online Virtual Careers Fair & Exhibition for the borough’s young people.
Organised by Stockport Jobs Match on behalf of Stockport Council and the borough’s secondary schools and colleges, the virtual event will highlight live opportunities and career paths to young people, aged 14-19+. The Virtual Careers Fair & Exhibition will be delivered between 11th and 15th October alongside a range of activities and resources in schools and colleges across Stockport.
Growing firms creating thousands of jobs across the North West
Employers across the North West have made a string of major job announcements in recent weeks – with thousands of opportunities on offer. As recovery from the Covid pandemic continues, major employers such as Amazon, Boohoo, BGEN and On The Beach are among those to have announced they are looking for new hires in Liverpool, Manchester, Chester and further afield.
Saudia to bring back direct route from Manchester to Jeddah
Saudia will return to Manchester Airport in December for the first time in 21 months as it relaunches its direct service to Jeddah. The first flight is set to depart on Wednesday 15 December from the recently reopened Terminal Two, which has been expanded and modernised as part of a £1bn transformation programme. The service will run three times per week on the iconic Boeing-787 Dreamliner, with the frequency of flights then subject to review dependent on demand. Saudi Arabian flag carrier Saudia began operating the Manchester – Jeddah route in 2014, and prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, it had steadily grown to become one of Manchester Airport’s most important routes to the Middle East. In 2019, more than 97,000 passengers used the service, which remains the only direct route to Saudi Arabia offered by a UK airport outside of London.
A new weekly Covid-19 vaccination clinic has been launched by Scorah Chemist, offering Stockport residents additional walk-in and booked appointments four days a week.
The Stockport pharmacy will run the vaccination clinic at Trinity Church on Bramhall Lane (SK3 8TP) from this week, 8am to 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays; 8am to 6pm on Saturdays; and 8am to 4pm on Sundays. The extended opening hours aims to ensure more working people, parents and students in Stockport can access the first and second doses of the jab. People can simply walk-in to Trinity Church vaccination clinic and get a jab there and then, subject to eligibility, or book an appointment on the national booking system.
Kickstart Jobs Fair at Stockport Central Library
Stockport’s Central Library is to host a jobs fair, giving local employers the
opportunity to meet young jobseekers looking to Kickstart their career prospects.
The event aims to support the Kickstart scheme, a government initiative launched during the coronavirus pandemic to help under 25s into paid work experience placements. The event takes place on Wednesday 22nd September from 12pm until 3pm, at Stockport’s Central Library on Wellington Road South in the town centre.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Rail industry urges workers not to spurn the train
Unless workers start taking the train again, there could be long-term adverse effects on city centres and High Streets, the rail industry has warned.
Train commuting is still just 33% of its pre-Covid rate, while car journeys have reached pre-pandemic levels, said the Rail Delivery Group (RDG).
If workers continued to go by road rather than rail, there would be more pollution, it added. Cities could be hit by a double whammy of traffic jams and business closures. A 20% shift from rail to road would lead to 300 million extra hours of traffic congestion, the RDG said.
Coronavirus and the impact on output in the UK economy: July 2021
An analysis of monthly growth for the production and services industries between June 2021 and July 2021, highlighting the impact from the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you’re an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees’ coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) – employers can only claim for employees who were off work on or before 30 September 2021.
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated dates in ‘Details of your claim that will be publicly available’ section.
Employers who have claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Monthly data on claims made by employers through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – employer data for claim periods from December 2020 to June 2021 added. Dates updated in ‘Details’ and ‘Future publications’ sections.
COMMUNITY:
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England)
Experimental statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service and related documents.
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 10 September 2021
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
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.
NHS COVID Pass
How to get the NHS COVID Pass and demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at events and venues in England.
CONSTRUCTION:
Shortages slam brakes on construction sector rebound
Construction output has fallen for the fourth month running taking new work levels 3.2% below the pre-pandemic high watermark in February 2020.
Latest official figures for output show the strong construction rebound has been halted in its track by shortages of products and materials. Growth in the volume of output was also impacted by rising prices of raw materials such as steel, concrete, timber and glass, according to the latest ONS report for July. Monthly construction output fell by 1.6% in July, driven by a decline in repair and maintenance (2.4%) and a 1.1% fall in new work.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccine surveillance reports
Data on the real-world effectiveness and impact of the COVID-19 vaccines – added COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report: 9 September 2021 (week 36).
Weekly national flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published
National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
JUDICIARY:
HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 statistics monthly
Monthly statistics providing data of COVID-19 in HM Prison and Probation Service in England and Wales – the link to the August 2021 figures have been added to this collection page, these were published on 10 September 2021.
PROPERTY:
Insight: is office/retail to resi now more important than ever?
One of the biggest trends during the pandemic from a property development point of view has been a dramatic increase in the number of office/retail to resi conversions, made easier by new Permitted Development Rights which means change of use doesn’t require planning permission. We’ve also seen the likes of retail giant John Lewis make clear its intention to enter the Build to Rent sphere to better utilise shop space it no longer needs. That said, the momentum behind office/retail to resi has fallen away a little bit in recent months as society has fully reopened, people have started to return to the office (even if only on a part-time basis) and shops, bars and restaurants have started to trade properly again.
Eviction notice periods return to normal next month
The government has set in motion a Parliamentary procedure meaning the notice periods for evictions in England return to normal from October 1. Therefore, landlords giving notice to evict via either a Section 21 or Section 8 notice will need to give two months’ notice – it will no longer be the six months period required under Coronavirus legislation, which will remain in force until October 1.
RETAIL:
Screwfix on recruitment drive for distribution depots
Screwfix has launched a recruitment drive to find hundreds of employees for its new distribution centre sites at Prologis Park in Stafford and at Fradley Park, located near Lichfield. Screwfix’s logistics partner Wincanton is leading the recruitment drive. Wincanton opened the 128,000 sq ft distribution centre at Prologis Park last year to support its customer’s continuing business growth.
TRAVEL:
Advice on PCR travel tests
The CMA has responded to the Secretary of State’s commission to review the PCR travel test market.
Letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care about PCR testing
The CMA has published its advice to the Health Secretary in response to his commission to review the PCR travel test market.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 29/07/2021
- Received: 2,911
- Processed: 2,911 (100%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £10,843,331
Restart Grants summary:
Grant allocation: £14,652,603
Number of businesses eligible: 1,845
Number received a grant: 1,799
Total value of payments made: £12,823,488
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.
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