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Additional Restrictions Grant Discretionary grant scheme – Applications are now closed: Funds for the Additional Restrictions Grant Discretionary grant scheme have been allocated and applications for the scheme are now closed.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
End of legal need to self-isolate in England
All remaining legal Covid restrictions have been removed in England, nearly two years after the first rules were introduced. It means people are no longer legally required to self-isolate if they test positive for Covid – although they are still advised to do so. The changes are part of the prime minister’s Living with Covid plan, to “transition back to normality”. Some critics say the plan fails to protect the most vulnerable.
COVID-19 Response: Living with COVID-19
The government’s plan for removing the remaining legal restrictions while protecting people most vulnerable to COVID-19 and maintaining resilience.
Boots to sell £5.99 Covid tests as free government tests end
The high street pharmacist will charge online shoppers £5.99 per test or £17 for a pack of four, including delivery. Tests will also be available in more than 400 Boots stores from early March, priced at £2.50 for a single test and £12 for a pack fo five. The move comes after the government yesterday unveiled plans to reduce the number of free tests available for the public from 1 April as part of its ‘living with Covid-19’ strategy.
How retailers delivered peak 2021
Amazon Shipping and Retail Gazette have analysed retail industry peak trading 2021, covering the successes and challenges the sector faced around online delivery in the golden quarter – and what it tells us about the future direction of retail fulfilment. The report takes a deep dive into the comprehensive findings, including which delivery speeds proved most popular in peak 2021, how the shape of peak is changing every year, and what last-mile delivery innovations are expected to be a hit with retailers in the coming years. It’s an event that will help set retailers up as they plan their all-important delivery strategy for the crucial 12 months ahead.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
New organisation launched to promote Stockport’s cultural & creative sectors
A new organisation, Culture Stockport, has been launched to promote the Borough as a flourishing, creative place. Culture Stockport is a partnership of local cultural organisations and individuals, supported by Stockport Council, has been formed to nurture and champion the work of the sector. Working in partnership with cultural practitioners and individuals, the network aims to build momentum to ensure that we create optimum conditions for culture to thrive in the town. Culture Stockport wants to develop new links with agencies, groups and individuals to give the cultural sector in Stockport a voice and an equal opportunity to contribute towards the future development of the town’s emergent cultural strategy: The Place That Makes Itself.
View the video here
Northwest retailer falls into administration
Studio, the company formerly known as Findel, suspended its shares last week after saying its request for a short-term £25 million working capital loan had been turned down by its bank HSBC. Studio counts Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group as its biggest shareholder, with a 28.9 per cent stake. The retailer had about 2.3 million customers and sells categories including homeware and electronics as well as clothing, but was impacted by supply chain problems. Studio had a market capitalisation of £100 million, and it made more than half a billion in sales and £41.7 million pre-tax profits last year.
10-year profit ‘milestone’ in 2021 for The Co-operative Bank
Manchester-based The Co-operative Bank has hailed a “milestone” 2021 in which it said it posted its first full year of profit in ten years. In its annual report posted on the London Stock Exchange for the 12 months ended 31 December 2021, the group said it made a statutory profit before tax of £31.1m, an increase of £134.9m from 2020. Underlying profits were £41m, up by £105m from the prior period.
Nick Slape, chief executive said the bank had delivered against the “ambitious” turnaround plan set three years ago to significantly improve its financial strength and stability. Slape said it marked the first full year of profit in ten years, signalling a return to “sustainable profitability”.
Profits rise for Manchester Building Society
Profits after tax have risen at Manchester Building Society in its latest financial year. For the year to 31 December 2021, the financial services provider reported a profit after tax of £19.4m compared to a loss of £300,000 in 2020. In the year the group reported operating profit before impairments and provisions of £22.1m, up from £2.8m in the prior period. It said the £19.3m increase was a result of £21.8m arising from a Supreme Court judgement in favour of the society.
Urban regeneration specialist and Stockport Council’s delivery partner on Stockport Exchange, Muse Developments, has contributed positively to full year results posted by its parent company, Morgan Sindall Group plc.
2021 has been an excellent year for the Group, with a record set of results: revenue rose 6% from 2020, delivering an adjusted operating profit of £131.3 million on revenue of £3.2 billion. The Group reported a secured order book of £8.6 billion, up 4% on the year end. With a strong balance sheet and net cash of £358 million, the Group is confident of achieving another good year of progress in 2022.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Arbitration on rent debt relief for businesses affected by coronavirus
This draft statutory guidance sets out how arbitrators should exercise their functions under Part 2 of the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Act 2022.
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’ Statutory Sick Pay related to COVID-19.
Claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to your employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
How to use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees’ coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
COVID Local Support Grant management information: 17 April to 30 September 2021
Management information on progress on the COVID Local Support Grant management information, provided by local authorities.
Test and Trace Support Payment scheme: claiming financial support
Who can claim the support and how to apply – added notice that the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme ends on 24 February 2022.
COMMUNITY:
Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need – updated the general list of providers.
Public reminded to stay safe as COVID-19 England restrictions lift
The government has ended legal restrictions in England and is instead asking the public to practice specific safe and responsible behaviours.
How to do a coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow test
Find out how to do a rapid lateral flow test for COVID-19 and report the results. Rapid tests are usually for people without symptoms of COVID-19 – updated ‘Blue and white pack: throat and nose test’ video to reflect changes to self-isolation guidance.
PCR home testing for people eligible for new COVID-19 treatments
If you’re eligible for a new coronavirus (COVID-19) treatment, follow this guide on how to do a PCR test at home and register your test kit.
COVID-19: people with COVID-19 and their contacts
Guidance for people with coronavirus (COVID-19) and their contacts.
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 – updated the guidance to reflect new public health guidance tracing close contacts, isolation and when someone has symptoms or a positive test.
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated the guidance to reflect new public health guidance tracing close contacts, isolation and when someone has symptoms or a positive test.
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) operational guidance for higher education providers – updated the guidance to reflect new public health guidance tracing close contacts, isolation and when someone has symptoms or a positive test.
Special schools and other specialist settings: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated to reflect that asymptomatic testing in special educational needs and disability (SEND) and alternative provision (AP) settings will continue.
Special schools and other specialist settings: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated the guidance to reflect new public health guidance tracing close contacts, isolation and when someone has symptoms or a positive test.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
How to become a private provider of COVID-19 testing??
Guidance for prospective providers?on how to be listed as a testing provider for?general?population or day 2 testing – updated guidance around self-isolation.
Minimum standards for private sector providers of COVID-19 testing
Sets out the minimum standards that providers must meet to be listed as a private sector coronavirus (COVID-19) testing provider – updated information around self-isolation and contact tracing.
Comparing the risk of death involving coronavirus (COVID-19) by variant, England: December 2021
An analysis of mortality between Omicron and Delta, comparing the risk of COVID-19 death in people infected by the two variants in December 2021 in England, after adjusting for socio-demographic factors, vaccination status and health conditions.
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 – updated to reflect changes to self-isolation regulations.
JUDICIARY / LEGAL:
Being a deputy or attorney during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out how you can continue to act in the best interests of the client or donor, during the pandemic – amended to reflect new guidance for England and Wales
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Office of the Public Guardian response
This page provides guidance on how OPG is responding to the coronavirus pandemic. It will be updated when new information is available – updated
TRAVEL:
Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check what COVID-19 tests you need to take and the self-isolation rules for travel to England – from 24 February, there is no legal requirement to self-isolate if you get a positive day 2 test result.
Using your NHS COVID Pass for travel abroad and at venues and settings in England
How to use the NHS COVID Pass to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at venues and settings in England – updated to reflect new government guidance on self isolation policy if you test positive for COVID-19.
Immigration and border statistics relating to COVID-19
This page brings together documents relating to published statistics on the immigration system and passenger arrivals since the COVID-19 outbreak – added ‘Statistics relating to passenger arrivals since the COVID-19 outbreak, February 2022’.
Statistics relating to passenger arrivals since the COVID-19 outbreak, February 2022
A statistical report showing the impact of COVID-19 on the immigration system, up to January 2022.
Coming to England for seasonal agricultural, horticultural work or pork processing
Advice for seasonal agricultural, horticultural workers and pork butchers coming to England to work on farms or processing sites or at slaughterhouses, and their employers – added guidance for seasonal horticultural work.
GOV & BBC UK daily coronavirus data:
There have been 18.7 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and 160,000 people have died, government figures show. Over 52.5 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 91% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. More than 48 million, 85% have had their second and more than 37 million, 66% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 18,734,683 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 39,656 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 11,083 (308 less than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 164
Total UK deaths: 160,979
England Cases per 100,000: 424
R number in UK: 0.8-1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 52,589,291 – 91% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 85%
Daily 1st doses: 8,291
Daily 2nd doses: 17,904
Daily Booster doses: 30,605
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The R range for England is 0.8 to 1.0; the growth rate for England is -3% to +0% per day as of 11 February
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 90,643 to 23 February
Cases in the latest week: 848 (351 less compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 852 to February 11th
Cases per 100,000: 288 per 100,000 (8 to 14 Feb)
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 86% of over 12s to 16 February
2nd dose: 82%
3rd / booster dose: 65%
Covid-19 Webinars:
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:
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.
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.