Latest data:
Total tests: 2,682,716 test have now taken place
Positive tests: 246,406 people have tested positive + 3,103 on previous day
Loss of life: 34,796 people have died across all settings, + 160 more deaths since the previous day’s figures
In Stockport: There are 1,004 cases of Covid-19 + 26 over 3-day period
Government news and briefing from 18th May:
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab gave the 18 May 2020 daily press briefing on the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- UK’s daily figure for deaths dropped to its lowest since lockdown
- Return to work ‘responsibly’ following distancing rules
- Reiterated date for reopening of schools of June 1st
- Next stage of roadmap would only be introduced when no danger to NHS capacity
- Loss of taste or smell recognised as a symptom of coronavirus
- 60,000 downloads of track and trace app on the Isle of Wight
- A ‘definite and sustained decline in new cases’ was also put forward with supporting data from hospitals on new COVID admissions.
Foreign Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 18 May 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Health Secretary’s statement to Parliament
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 18 May 2020
Press conference slides and datasets used by The Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP.
HEADLINE NEWS:
Everyone in the United Kingdom with symptoms now eligible for coronavirus tests
Everyone in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms can now get a test. The government has today announced that anyone with symptoms of coronavirus is now eligible to book a test, ahead of the rollout of the test and trace service. The expansion in testing eligibility comes after all 4 UK Chief Medical Officers confirmed that anosmia has been added as a symptom of COVID-19. Anosmia is the loss of or a change in your normal sense of smell, and it can also affect your sense of taste.
Business interruption insurance Claims: submission close Wednesday 20th
Financial Conduct Authority have issued a statement saying examples of grievances should be presented by Wednesday May 20. The statement says: “We invite you to put forward your arguments why you consider cover should be available, together with details of policies that you consider have not responded appropriately to a claim and brief relevant facts of the case.”
£37 million to support children with complex needs
Children with special educational needs and disabilities in England will benefit from £37.3million of direct support in 2020-21, which is expected to help more than 75,000 families in England. Families with children that have complex needs and disabilities will receive grants for vital equipment to make their lives easier while implementing social distancing measures, including computers, specialist equipment and educational toys.
Latest figures show millions benefitting from Treasury coronavirus support schemes
New figures on the UK-wide government support schemes for individuals and businesses have been published today, Tuesday 19 May 2020.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Stockport Council publishes details for Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund.
Stockport Council has confirmed its criteria in consideration of awarding the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund, announced as the grants Top-up fund by the Government on 1st May. Under the guidance issued to the Council it has been determined that the small businesses to be prioritised for access to the funding are:
- Small and micro businesses, as defined in Section 33 Part 2 of the Small Business Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 and the Companies Act 2006.
- Businesses with relatively high ongoing fixed property-related costs
- Businesses which can demonstrate that they have suffered a significant fall in income due to the COVID-19 crisis
- Businesses which occupy property, or part of a property, with a rateable value or annual rent or annual mortgage payments below £51,000.
Applications will open on Friday 22nd May at 9am. The application window will close on Wednesday 3rd June at 5pm. Process of payments will begin on Friday 5th June.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/support-for-businesses-and-employers/discretionary-grant-scheme
Stockport Council – a new message to parents about school reopening dates
The recent Central Government announcement included for some pupils to return to school from 1st June. Stockport Council representatives are working alongside senior leaders to enable them to make local decisions as they arrive at a plan that is both safe and looks to meet the government’s ambition to begin to bring more children back into school over time. It is for this reason that we will begin to extend our provision in Stockport no earlier than 8 June. Primary schools will begin their work with two training days on 8 and 9 June, without any children, to allow the staff to be appropriately trained and prepared in how to manage the new ‘way of working’ safely. Schools and settings are being asked to keep their plans under constant review to ensure that children, families and staff within schools stay safe.
Stockport Council prepare streets for social distancing in retail areas
In line with government guidance, Stockport council are currently auditing the high streets to make necessary changes that will improve social distancing within the retail areas. Further updates will be provided as this develops.
Stockport Market features on BBC News as it adapts to new trading conditions
At the end of March, Stockport Market successfully launched an online ordering service for the first time, allowing customers to purchase food and drink items for collection or local delivery. Stockport Market traders have since expanded the range of fruit and veg, meat and cheese boxes available to purchase through the website. While traders are grateful to continue to be able to trade, in a short segment on how market traders have adapted to the Covid-19 pandemic aired on BBC News North West Tonight, traders at both Stockport and Warrington markets stressed a desire to return to the usual hustle and bustle of their stalls.
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Stockport Council have administered a further 17 grants in the past 24 hours bringing the total amount paid to £54,865,000 across 4,765 qualifying businesses and just over 87% of those identified as eligible as at 11/03/2020. If your business qualifies for a grant, please complete the online application form. Total grant allocation is £66.574m. If you have any queries please email business.rates@stockport.gov.uk
Stockport – is your business open for business?
Is your business in Stockport? Are you ‘open for business’?
Many businesses have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak and are currently unable to trade due to Government restrictions but Stockport is still open for business. Are you still providing legal / financial services? Perhaps you have an online business? Or you have a food store. Are you offering a delivery service? Or perhaps you have a restaurant and are now offering take-aways? 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:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/stockport-open-for-business/
Help us to help you and your business
Totally Stockport and Stockport Council want to understand the challenges facing your organisation once you consider resuming your business so that we can provide the right help, support and advice for our businesses and local economy to recover.
Please complete this short survey (7-8 questions) to help us to understand what help is needed – by taking part you will be supporting us all to rebuild our economy together. Please encourage all of your contacts and networks to take part in the survey so that we can get as much information as possible.
Visit www.bidsurvey.com and help them to help you.
COMMUNITIES:
Staying safe outside your home
We have added a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of smell or taste (anosmia) as a symptom of coronavirus to the principles you should follow to ensure that time spent outside your home is as safe as possible.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Updated information on symptoms including loss of smell or taste to stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
COVID-19: guidance for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs or alcohol
Updated information on symptoms including loss of smell or taste added to COVID-19 guidance for commissioners and service providers for those dependent on drugs or alcohol
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Updated information on symptoms including loss of taste or smell added to information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for educational settings
Updated information on symptoms including loss of taste or small to guidance for schools and other educational settings about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Updated section 19.4 to clarify how meetings should proceed in guidance for what schools need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) apply by 20th May for May payment
As many businesses prepare to make another claim in order to receive money by the end of May, you need to apply by Wednesday 20?? May, you’ll receive the money within six working days.
On 12 May, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that the CJRS scheme will be extended until the end of October. The scheme will continue in its current form until the end of July. From 1?? August to the end of October, employers will be able to bring their furloughed employees back to work part-time and contribute to paying employees’ wages while still receiving support from the scheme. More details of how this will work will be published by the end of May.
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.
BBC: Self-employed grant claims top two million
More than two million self-employed people whose businesses are affected by coronavirus have applied for government grants, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said. The value of the claims made so far is £6bn, he told the House of Commons. He said the money would reach claimants within six working days. The grants are calculated as 80% of monthly profit, averaged out over a period of up to three years and capped at £7,500.
COVID-19: guidance for employees, employers and businesses
Updated information on symptoms including a loss of taste or smell to guidance for employees, employers and businesses in providing advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).
Insurance and long-term savings industry launches Covid-19 support fund
The UK insurance and long-term savings industry today launches a new fund to help support some of the people hardest hit by the Covid-19 crisis. The Covid-19 Support Fund aims to raise £100 million, with £82.5 million already having been pledged.
The Fund will comprise voluntary contributions from firms right across the sector. It is in partnership with the Charities Aid Foundation, and a network of partners, including the National Emergencies Trust. The key aim is provide immediate relief to charities affected by Covid-19, as well as a longer-term programme of support for people, communities, and issues where there is the greatest need
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
As part of Mental Health Awareness week, Samaritans has launched a self-help app to help people be kind to themselves every day.
The app features techniques to help people challenge and tackle difficult feelings, a mood tracker and a safety plan for those in crisis.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance
Updated information on symptoms including loss of smell or taste to guidance about coronavirus (COVID-19) for health professionals and other organisations.
Everyone in the United Kingdom with symptoms now eligible for coronavirus tests
Everyone in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms can now get a test.
Mental Health Week: FSB offer mental health support package
The FSB offer a mental health support package as part of our FSB Care plan for members to access. “It’s something we take very seriously as small business owners are actually more at risk from mental health issues than employees due to stresses of running a business. Our chosen charity this year is Heads Together, which Prince William is closely involved.”
IT & CYBER FRAUD:
North West becomes UK’s new fraud hotspot outside of London
Fraudsters are understood to be taking advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic – but figures are just ‘tip of the iceberg’ according to accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP, the total value of fraud in the region reached £500m in 2019 – up from £52m the previous year. The average value of fraud also increased dramatically to more than £9m. This analysis, based upon reported fraud cases over £50,000 in the UK, reveals that the UK-wide picture shows a rise in value, but the number of reported cases has dropped by 12% – with 464 cases of fraud reported in 2019 compared with 525 in 2018.
MEDIA & MARKETING:
Government welcomes broadcasters’ move to get the cameras rolling again
Our nation’s favourite soaps are expected to resume production in the coming weeks, after new industry guidance is published by broadcasters today. The new guidance sets out steps for a safe return to television production in a significant move towards getting the cameras rolling again on some of the nation’s favourite shows.
RETAIL:
BRC latest footfall data sees decline as impact of Covid-19 takes toll on footfall
UK Footfall decreased by 84.7% in April, due to the mandatory lockdown. This was a record decline for the industry that has seen unprecedented challenges during the month.
Footfall on High Streets declined by 81.8% year on year. They fared better in comparison to Shopping Centres, as local convenience stores saw a rise in popularity.
Retail Parks saw footfall decrease by 62.4% year on year. Thanks to wider open spaces in comparison to other locations and a higher proportion of supermarkets helped to shelter Retail Parks from a steeper decline.
TRANSPORT:
Government invests £35 million to protect critical freight routes
Ensuring there is enough freight capacity to prevent disruption to the flow of critical goods, such as food and medical supplies.
Transport for London extraordinary funding and financing
Support funding package for Transport for London in order to keep vital public transport services running in London.
TRAVEL:
UK to quarantine all arrivals from next month
Secretary Grant Shapps told parliament the controversial scheme would include all arrivals from abroad but added it could be modified to exclude countries where the Covid-19 infection rate was below the rate of one.
More than a third of people say they might rethink the way they travel once the Covid-19 lockdown is lifted
According to a new survey, the findings were revealed in a poll carried out by YouGov on behalf of the national cycling charity, Cycling UK, which also shows that just under one in ten (9%) people in the UK are cycling more during the crisis.
If that trend was replicated across the UK, that could represent almost six million people getting out on their bikes more. Thirty-six per cent of people questioned agreed that they could rethink their travel habits in the future to use cars and motor vehicles less.
Covid-19 Webinars:
20th May: Growth Hub: Navigating the funding maze More info / book here
20th May: Grant Thornton: Leading through the unknown More info / book here
21st May: Covid-19: Managing your talent strategy More info / book here
21st May: Preparing for a safe Return to Work More info / book here
26th May: Is more devolution key to recovery? More info / book here
2nd June: Digital Futures – join tech experts More info / book 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/
Useful links:
Stockport Council publishes details for Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund.
Stockport Council has confirmed its criteria in consideration of awarding the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund, announced as the grants Top-up fund by the Government on 1st May.
Grant top-up fund: Government publishes advice for local authorities
NB: Stockport Council will produce a local application and eligibility criteria and this information will be publicised an circulated as soon as possible
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
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