|
Listen to this article here
|
ARG and Localities Grants – open for applications
Stockport Council are working out the details of new Covid related business grant schemes based on the government guidance that has just been released to them so will shortly publish the full details of eligibility, application processes and requirements, as well as grant payment levels on the following Council web page as soon as possible – Coronavirus (COVID-19) support for businesses and employees – Stockport Council
Discretionary Grant Scheme:
Following the government announcement on 21 December 2021 regarding financial support for the hospitality sector, Stockport Council is continuing to accept applications for the Additional Restrictions Grant. Applications received from 21st December 2021 will be subject to further review against the detailed guidance from government and may therefore not be successful.
Specific financial support for the hospitality and leisure sector
The government has announced further financial support for businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector. This includes a one-off grant of up to £6,000 per premises. SMBC will publish information about qualifying criteria and how businesses can claim the grant on their website HERE
Please check the Council’s Coronavirus (Covid-19) support for businesses and employers web pages regularly to see the latest information available about the grant support available and how to access it – Financial support for businesses and employers
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Critical workers to take daily lateral flow tests
Around 100,000 critical workers are set to take daily Covid tests in order to reduce the spread of the virus to colleagues. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it will be for key industries including food processing, transport and the border force.
PM: Plan B to continue for another 3 weeks
England’s current Plan B rules will continue for now, Boris Johnson has confirmed, as new figures show a record one in 15 people had Covid on New Year’s Eve.
In an update to MPs, the prime minister said the Covid measures will be reviewed again by 26 January. The rules cannot be scrapped completely because hospital admissions are rising rapidly, he added. Omicron continues to spread widely, with some hospitals struggling to cope. A record 3.7 million people in the UK had Covid in the week to New Year’s Eve – an extra million more than the week before – according to estimates from the Office for National Statistics.
Pre-departure travel tests to be scrapped
From 04:00 GMT on Friday, fully vaccinated travellers coming to England will no longer have to take a test before they travel. And from Sunday, rather than taking a PCR test on day two of arrival, they can take a cheaper lateral flow.
The rules for self-isolating on arrival will also change. Under the new rules:
- From 04:00 GMT on Friday 7 January, people who are fully vaccinated and those aged under-18 will no longer need to take a test two days before travelling to England from countries outside the UK and the Common Travel Area. On arrival, they will have to take a PCR test but they will no longer have to self-isolate while awaiting the result
- From 04:00 GMT on Sunday 9 January they will only have to take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR test on day two. But this test must be bought from a private test provider – free NHS tests are not allowed
- Unvaccinated passengers will need to continue to take a pre-departure test, PCR tests on day two and day eight, and self-isolate for 10 days
PCR test not needed after positive lateral flow test under new plans
Covid testing rules are to be eased for people without symptoms, who will no longer need to confirm a positive lateral flow test with a PCR.
While Covid levels are high, people can be confident that rapid tests are highly accurate, the UK Health Security Agency said. The change will come into force in England next week and across the rest of the UK within days. It will be reviewed when coronavirus levels in the population drop below 1%. Around 4% of people are currently infected with coronavirus, according to the Office for National Statistics. Under the new guidance, anyone in England who receives a positive lateral flow device (LFD) test result should report their result on gov.uk and must self-isolate immediately but will not need to take a follow-up PCR test.
Confirmatory PCR tests to be temporarily suspended for positive lateral flow test results
From 11 January in England, people who receive positive lateral flow device (LFD) test results for COVID-19 will be required to self-isolate immediately.
PM statement to the House of Commons on COVID-19: 5 January 2022
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement in the House of Commons on the Omicron variant.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
MAG CEO welcomes relaxation of travel rules
Manchester Airports Group CEO, Charlie Cornish, has welcomed the relaxation of travel rules meaning fully vaccinated arrivals in the UK no longer need a negative Covid-19 test before departure in order to enter the country. From Sunday 9th January, fully vaccinated travellers entering the UK will be able to use a lateral flow test, taken on or before their second day in the country, instead of a more costly PCR test and extended period of self-isolation, and will no longer be required to provide a negative Covid-19 test result before travel. With the Omicron variant now dominant in the UK, measures implemented to curb its spread from overseas have now been deemed by the departments of Health and Transport as no longer effective or necessary for controlling the transmission of Covid-19.
Read his statement here
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been nearly 14 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 149,000 people have died, government figures show. Nearly 52 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 90% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 83% have had their second and 60% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 13,835,334 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 194,747 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 17,276 (967 more than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 334
Total UK deaths: 149,284
England Cases per 100,000: 1,676
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,845,518 – 90% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 83%
Daily 1st doses: 24,866
Daily 2nd doses: 40,887
Daily Booster doses: 222,824
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The R range for England is 1.0 to 1.2
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 70,319 to 5 January
Cases in the latest week: 6,835 (1,709 compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 810 to December 24th (+3 on previous week)
Cases per 100,000: 2,323 per 100,000
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of over 12s to 3 January
2nd dose: 79%
3rd / booster dose: 61%
STOCKPORT GRANT SCHEMES:
ARG Grant data as at 17/12/2021:
Applications received: 341
Applications allocated: 45%
Value of Grants issued: £450,500
Locality Boost Grant data as at 17/12/2021:
Applications received: 22
Applications processed / in process: 95%
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated title of the ending isolation infographic and clarified that self-isolation advice applies to children and young people.
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services – update to processing times.
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 only for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 – updated video links to reflect changes to confirmatory PCR rules.
CONSTRUCTION:
Create Construction collapsed owing £10m to suppliers
North-west based contractor Create Construction owed more than £10m to subcontractors and suppliers when it went under. An administrator’s report filed at Companies House revealed total debts of £11.6m to unsecured creditors including £10.4m to hundreds of firms in the supply chain. Administrator RSM took charge of the £93m turnover business last October following a period of rapid expansion nationally focused on the student accommodation, private rental and hotel sectors. Other companies within the Create group -the developments, homes and interiors arms – are unaffected by the administration.
EDUCATION:
Evidence summary: COVID-19 – children, young people and education settings
DfE papers summarising evidence in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly around children, young people and education settings – added ‘Evidence summary: COVID-19 – face coverings in education settings January 2022’.
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated guidance in line with the UKHSA announcement about confirmatory PCR tests and clarifying that children can return to school after day 7 if they’ve had two negative LFD tests.
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) operational guidance for higher education providers – updated guidance in line with the UKHSA announcement about confirmatory PCR tests.
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 guidance in line with the UKHSA announcement about confirmatory PCR tests and clarifying that children and young people can return to school and college after day 7 if they’ve had two negative LFD tests.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus pandemic
Find out what you’ll need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to maintain provision – updated guidance in line with the UKHSA announcement about confirmatory PCR tests and clarifying that students can return to college after day 7 if they’ve had 2 negative LFD tests.
HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
Estimated 1.3million suffering from long Covid
An estimated 1.3 million people living in the UK are suffering from self-reported long COVID, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows. The figures, valid from 9 November to 6 December, represents around 2% of the population. According to the ONS, prevalence of self-reported long COVID remained greatest in those who were:
- Aged 35 to 69 years
- Female
- Living in more deprived areas
- Working in health, social care or teaching and education
With another activity-limiting health condition or disability
Prevalence of ongoing symptoms following coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the UK: 6 January 2022
Estimates of the prevalence of self-reported long COVID and associated activity limitation, using UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey data.
Regulatory approval of Vaxzevria (previously COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca)
Information for healthcare professionals and the public about Vaxzevria (previously COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca) – updated summary of product characteristics and package leaflet information for Vaxzevria
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK: Headline Results 5 January 2022
An interim release of latest data from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection survey containing high level estimates for?England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.?This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, UK Health Security Agency and?Wellcome?Trust. This study is jointly led by the ONS and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) working with the University of Oxford and Lighthouse laboratory to collect and test samples. These headline results are a temporary publication presented in advance of our fuller, regular weekly bulletin issued at midday each Friday.
COVID-19: estimated administrative vaccine uptake for people aged 18 and over
Daily percentage of the UK population aged 18 and over who have received a first dose, second dose, or third or booster dose to date – added data for 5 January 2022.
MANUFACTURING:
Electric car sales soar but shortage of chips hit market
Sales of electric vehicles soared last year, but the market as a whole failed to recover from the Covid pandemic. More electric cars were registered in 2021 than in the previous five years combined, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Yet the industry body said much more investment is needed in charging infrastructure. Meanwhile an acute shortage of computer chips left dealers struggling to get hold of many new conventional models.
PROPERTY:
Covid race for space helps boost country house property market
High-value properties were the top-performers in the country house market in 2021, according to an agency that majors in this sector. In the 12 months to November 2021 vs 12 months to November 2019 new prospective buyers in the £5m+ value band increased by 137 per cent according to Knight Frank. Offers accepted in this period were up by 107 per cent and exchanges by 84 per cent. In the overall country house market, which has enjoyed its strongest performance since the global financial crisis, new prospective buyers increased by 48 per cent, offers accepted by 40 per cent and exchanges by 44 per cent in the same period. “I’ve never known a time like it in 30-plus years. Leading up to the pandemic the top-end was pretty flat, however Covid has seen a resurgence of interest in the country house market, with buyers attracted to the high quality of life on offer” says Rupert Sweeting, head of national country sales at Knight Frank.
RETAIL:
Next warns of higher prices as costs soar
Next has said it will raise its prices this year to offset increased wages as well as higher shipping costs. It said prices for its spring and summer clothing and homeware ranges would rise by 3.7% from a year earlier, while it expects a 6% increase for autumn and winter goods. Its forecast came as it said sales for the three months to 25 December were up 20% compared with pre-pandemic 2019.
Next also upped its profit forecast for the year. It now expects to make an extra £22m, taking annual profits to £822m, which would be nearly 10% higher than in 2019.
£70m more Christmas sales than expected for Next
Next has registered £70 million more sales than expected over Christmas after a rise in online orders of party dresses and occasionwear. The fashion retailer said it now expected to make £822 million in annual profits, £22 million more than previously expected and almost 10% ahead of pre-pandemic levels. In the eight weeks to Christmas, Next said its sales rose 20% on 2019 despite suffering “materially lower” levels of stocks than it had hoped for.
B&M has been buoyed by a strong third quarter and Christmas performance.
Total revenue for Q3 – the 13 weeks to 25 December 2021 – was down only slightly from £1.398bn the previous year to £1.395bn. This was driven by revenues increasing at Heron Foods and in its France brand. B&M UK sales fell from £1.21bn to £1.18bn. Chief executive Simon Arora said: “The group has delivered a very strong Golden Quarter, with our two-year like-for-like performance demonstrating strong retention of new customers.
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.
Developing faster indicators of transport activity
To monitor transport activity on a timelier basis for topical issues relating to transport.
Haulier coronavirus testing updated to include 29 December 2021 figures.
TRAVEL:
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 the section on how to use the NHS COVID Pass when travelling abroad to reflect that proof of prior infection cannot be used as evidence of your COVID-19 status when entering England.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing public health information to passengers travelling to or from England
Information that transport operators must ensure is provided to passengers and how to provide it – changes to rules for fully vaccinated passengers travelling to England from 4am 7 January 2022.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing before you travel to England
You need proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to England from abroad – changes to rules for fully vaccinated people travelling to England from 4am 7 January 2022.
Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check what COVID-19 tests you need to take and the quarantine rules for travel to England – changes to rules for fully vaccinated people travelling to England from 4am 7 January 2022.
Approved COVID-19 vaccines and countries and territories with approved proof of vaccination
Approved vaccines and list of countries and territories with approved COVID-19 proof of vaccination for travel to England – Bhutan, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus northern, Fiji, The Gambia, Iraq, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Solomon Islands and Uzbekistan will be added to this list 4am Monday 10 January.
How to quarantine at home after international travel
What to do when you need to quarantine at home or in the place you’re staying after you arrive in England from abroad – added information on changes to the rules for fully vaccinated people arriving in England from 4am 7 January 2022.
Pre-departure testing removed for vaccinated travellers
Testing and border measures are changing for fully eligible fully vaccinated travellers arriving in England.
Covid-19 Webinars:
ACAS – run a series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
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.
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