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
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
400 new Jobs as government creates new Manchester cultural department
Hundreds of jobs are set to be created after a government department announced the opening of a new Manchester city centre hub. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will be moving into Bruntwood Works’ Bloc scheme in Marble Street in the city centre will accommodate up to 400 staff, making it the largest DCMS hub outside London. The move will also bring DCMS closer to other bodies including Building Digital UK (BDUK), the driving force behind the £5bn broadband rollout to rural areas across the UK, which will be in the new DCMS Manchester HQ.
GM Mayor set to start fast-track negotiations on further devolution
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is set to begin a ‘fast track round of negotiations’ over expanding the city-region’s devolution deal, he has revealed in comments made to Local Government Chronicle.
Mr Burnham confirmed that he and his counterpart in the West Midlands, Andy Street, were set to begin talks over expanding their devolution arrangements. Enhanced devolved powers for local government across England were announced in the Levelling Up White Paper, published earlier this month.
The mayor also commented that he had a long list of asks from government, including increasing powers over transport, as well as on skills, building on existing responsibility for adult education, to ensure a strong pipeline of skilled workers to ensure the future of the city-region economy.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
US inflation, geographical tension: Handelsbanken: explains the week’s global economic news
Handelsbanken have summarised the latest economic news as financial markets react to US inflation figures and growing geopolitical tension between Russia and Ukraine. US inflation at 40-year high: American inflation figures took markets by surprise, with the USA’s Consumer Price Index showing price growth at a 40-year high. Growth in wages is also starting to follow suit in American employment markets, and while inflation is anticipated to peak in the coming months, it may settle at a higher rate than we have been accustomed to in recent years.
Central banks to pull back from pandemic emergency policy measures – read on
CARE:
COMMUNITY:
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services – updated processing dates for paper applications.
How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
The different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers – added Guidance for COVID-19 test device manufacturers intending to register their device with MHRA.
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
For contacts of a person with a positive test result for COVID-19 who do not live with that person.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): notification to organisations to share information
Notification to healthcare organisations, GPs, local authorities and arm’s length bodies that they should share information to support efforts against coronavirus (COVID-19).
Technical specifications for personal protective equipment (PPE)
The documents attached define the technical and regulatory standards for PPE – updating the technical specification to address the issue of masks potentially touching the nose and mouth.
COVID-19: migrant health guide
Advice and guidance for healthcare practitioners on the health needs of migrant patients – new translated resources about long COVID and arranging or attending a funeral or commemorative event
PROPERTY:
Levelling up to give house prices an average 3.6% uplift
The government’s heavily publicised Levelling Up initiative could benefit the UK’s overall property market by approaching £96 billion, it’s been claimed. Some 96 locations across the UK have been earmarked for regeneration projects, plus scores of other areas have smaller initiatives. Developer StripeHomes has analysed the existing and potential future values of properties in the areas, concluding that the average homeowner in a ‘level up area’ could see the value of their home property by £8,022.
RETAIL:
Smyths Toys mark bumper share of Christmas toys from bricks & mortar
Smyths emerged the big winner in the toys sector over Christmas as shopper returned to physical stores to buy gifts. Smyths had the strongest growth of any retailer as its market share jumped 1.6 percentage points to 11.3% over the 12 weeks to 26 December, making it second only to Amazon, according to Kantar’s latest toys market figures. Over the period, UK shoppers spent an additional £19 million on toys, with sales up 1% year on year. Smyths Toys, Amazon and Argos had a stronghold over the toys market over the period, with more than a third of the total toy market between them.
TRAVEL:
Checks to make sure you’re following self-isolation rules after international travel
How NHS Test and Trace carry out self-isolation checks on people who are not fully vaccinated and get a positive or unclear COVID-19 test result after arriving in England, or do not take a test – updated to reflect the new rules for international arrivals that took effect on 11 February 2022.
GOV & BBC UK daily coronavirus data:
There have been 18 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and almost 160,000 people have died, government figures show. Over 52 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.
*Government case figures now include people in England and Northern Ireland who have tested positive for a second time – after at least a 90-day gap – rather than just first infections.
Total UK Cases: 18,348,029 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 41,648 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 12,357 (444 less than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 35
Total UK deaths: 159,605
England Cases per 100,000: 632
R number in UK: 0.8-1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 52,514,094 – 91% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 85%
Daily 1st doses: 7,494
Daily 2nd doses: 13,623
Daily Booster doses: 19,000
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: 89,556 to 14 February
Cases in the latest week: 1,349 (828 less compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 838 to January 28th
Cases per 100,000: 459 per 100,000 (4 to 10 Feb)
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 86% of over 12s to 9 February
2nd dose: 81%
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.
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