
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:
Sainsburys and JD Sports lifts annual profit guidance after robust Christmas trading
Sainsbury’s has raised its annual profit expectations after delivering strong Christmas results and growing its market share, despite a fall in sales during its core Christmas trading period. The UK’s second-largest supermarket chain by market share, reported grocery-led sales growth for the festive season covering the six weeks to January 8 when compared to the same pre-pandemic period in 2019/20.
JD Sports said it delivered an “extremely robust” performance against a backdrop of disruption of the supply chain operations of some of its key brand partners.
The sports fashion retailer hailed a strong second half to 2021 and boosted its full-year profit guidance after revenues for the 22-week period to 1 January 2022 came in more than 10% ahead of the same period in 2020.
Novak Djokovic has admitted breaching isolation rules
Djokovic attended a tennis event after testing positive for Covid last month. He says it was an “error of judgement”. He’s also blamed his agent for a mistake on his travel form for Australia, which has prompted a fresh investigation. The Serbian tennis player, who is competing in the Australian Open to defend his title, disclosed the information in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
Is the worst of Omicron over?
Covid cases have reached record levels during this latest wave of the virus. The numbers are coming down and hospital admissions appear to be plateauing. But there are other factors to consider like reports of people struggling to get access to tests. So, what does this mean? Has the Omicron wave peaked?
Health tax plan for Canadian unvaccinated
Unvaccinated people in the Canadian province of Quebec face a health tax amid a struggle with a surge in coronavirus cases. There’s only about 12.8% of residents who haven’t had the Covid jab, but they make up nearly half of all hospital admissions. The contribution is yet to be decided, but it will be “significant”, says Premier Francois Legault, who revealed the move would make it the first in the nation to impose a fee.
COVID Support Force: MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response
Over 740 personnel are supporting NHS England with the Covid-19 booster vaccine programme, including 120 planners and over 620 vaccinators available to administer vaccines across the country.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Thousands of jobs on offer at Manchester Airport
Thousands of job vacancies are live at Manchester Airport as the North’s international gateway gears up for the recovery of the travel sector and easing of Covid-19 restrictions. Manchester Airports Group, which operates the Northern hub, is recruiting directly for over 550 positions, covering a diverse range of roles: from security officers, customer service staff, and car park attendants, hospitality and lounge workers. Across Manchester, East Midlands and London Stansted airports, MAG currently has over 1,000 jobs on offer. Over 1,000 additional roles at Manchester Airport are available with companies operating from the hub’s three terminals, including ground handlers, cleaning companies, shops and restaurants. Companies recruiting at the airport include Jet2.com, Ryanair, Swissport, UK Border Force, Menzies, and ABM.
Vaccination options across Stockport extended
Vaccination options across Stockport extended have been extended by Health Chiefs until the end of January in a bid to increase the number of people who are protected against COVID-19. Both the One Stockport Hub in Mersey Square, Stockport Town Centre, SK1 1RA, and Trinity Methodist Church, 351 Bramhall Lane, Bramhall, SK3 8TP have extended their vaccination offer until Saturday, 29 January, 2022. There’s no need to book an appointment at either now; just walk in and get vaccinated. The One Stockport Hub is open Tuesdays through to Saturdays from 10am until 3pm and Trinity is open seven days a week from 8am until 6pm. Both sites continue to offer first, second or booster vaccinations to all those who are eligible.
Stepping Hill Hospital, A&E rated ‘Good’
Stockport NHS colleagues have started the New Year with a much-needed boost as emergency services at Stepping Hill Hospital are rated as “good” in a report published today (12th January). In November 2021 the Care Quality Commission (CQC) made an unannounced two-day visit to the emergency department(A&E) to check what progress had been made since the inspectors last visited in August 2020 when the service overall was rated as “inadequate.”
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:
BUSINESS:
Return to your claim for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
New section added called ‘If you still need to make a claim’. If you’ve not been able to make a claim due to an HMRC error or other exceptional circumstances, you must contact HMRC by 28 February 2022. If you think your grant amount is too low, you must also contact HMRC by 28 February 2022.
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus – updated ‘get tested and self isolate if required’ chapter with new guidance that most people who do not have COVID-19 symptoms but get a positive rapid lateral flow test result will not need to take a PCR test to confirm it.
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
What to do if you or someone you employ is required to self-isolate. This includes being contacted by NHS Test and Trace, self-isolation rules and financial support.
CARE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing in adult care homes
How to access test kits and step-by-step guides on how to use PCR and rapid lateral flow test kits for regular and outbreak testing of residents, staff and visiting professionals – updated information on what to do in the case of a positive COVID-19 result.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated to remove requirement for people testing positive on an LFD test to have a confirmatory PCR test.
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.
COVID-19: arranging or attending a funeral or commemorative event
Guidance for arranging or attending a funeral or commemorative event during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – people testing positive on an LFD test no longer need to have a confirmatory PCR test.
NHS Test and Trace: what to do if you are contacted
An overview of NHS Test and Trace, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive – updated text to reflect confirmatory PCR policy change.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, receptions and celebrations
Guidance for couples planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England, and venues hosting these events.
EDUCATION:
Number of ex-teachers joining the school workforce: 2021 to 2022
The number of ex-teachers who joined Teach First or supply teacher agencies to help cover anticipated staff absences due to COVID-19.
HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: rapid point of care or near-person testing for service providers
Guidance for service providers on the use and management of COVID-19 rapid point of care or near-person tests and actions to take.
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 11 January 2022.
COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination information for public health professionals – updated background to include latest data on vaccine effectiveness and booster safety; clarified and corrected chronology of booster advice. Clarified clinical advice about vaccination of 5 to 11-year-olds at high risk: interchangeability of adult, fractional and paediatric doses; management of 5 to 11s who are about to become immunosuppressed; advice on third primary doses for severe immunosuppression, including updated definitions for severe immunosuppression for younger children
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Prove your coronavirus (COVID-19) status to work at venues or events operating COVID-19 status checks
Guidance on proving your coronavirus (COVID-19) status if you work at venues or events, and where this is advised – from 11 January, asymptomatic people in England with a positive lateral flow test are no longer advised to take a confirmatory PCR test to confirm they have COVID-19.
LEGAL:
Guidance on making wills using video conferencing
The Government is introducing legislation to allow people to use video-conferencing technology for the witnessing of wills being made – extended until 31 January 2024.
PROPERTY:
New Covid guidance issued to estate and lettings agents
Propertymark, the main industry trade body, has this evening updated its guidance on Covid safety for estate and letting agents in England concerning isolation, face coverings, visitors to offices, quarantine rules, right to rent and ventilation.
Staycation surge as domestic booking enquiries up 200% 0n 2021
With demand for staycations soaring over the last 18 months, recent figures suggest that the UK is set for another record-breaking year of domestic travel as the threat of new Covid variants threaten international travel. Independent Cottages has reported a 170% increase in website traffic between December 28 2021 and January 9 2022 compared to the same period last year and a 200% increase in booking enquiries. With the Omicron variant posing yet another challenge to the travel industry, and European countries closing their doors to UK tourists indefinitely, many Brits will be looking for an alternative getaway destination amidst the uncertainty.
RETAIL:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace – guidance for shops, branches and close contact services updated.
TRANSPORT:
Haulier advice site locations
The Holyhead haulier advice site will now reopen on 19 January 2022. Added 3 new haulier advice sites located in Spain and updated days on which advice sites aboard ferries are active.
Developing faster indicators of transport activity
To monitor transport activity on a timelier basis for topical issues relating to transport. Road hauliers methodology note removed from this page, and moved to the new webpage which will host methodology notes for all faster indicators. Link to this page included in the details section of this page. Latest updated for all faster indicators.
TRAVEL:
France poised to reopen border within days
Since 20 December, UK arrivals have been banned from entering the country unless they have a “compelling reason” to visit. However, according to The Times, an announcement could come as soon as Wednesday (12 January), which would set out plans to lift the restrictions from Saturday (15 January).
Citing French MP Alexandre Holroyd, the paper said the border would open “very soon” to fully vaccinated Brits. Meanwhile, The Independent reports that some ski operators are so confident restrictions will be eased that they are selling winter sports trips for the coming weekend.
Approved COVID-19 vaccines and countries and territories with approved proof of vaccination
Albania, Andorra, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Israel, Jersey, Moldova, Monaco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Panama, Turkey can use EU DCC to add proof of vaccination status in the UK passenger locator form.
Using your NHS COVID Pass for travel abroad and at venues and settings in England
Guidfance changed on 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 – from 11 January, asymptomatic people in England with a positive lateral flow test are no longer advised to take a confirmatory PCR test to confirm they have COVID-19.
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been more than 14 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 150,000 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 62% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 14,732,594 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 120,821 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 19,828 (772 more than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 379
Total UK deaths: 150,609
England Cases per 100,000: 1,7574
R number in UK: 1.2 – 1.5
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,992,559 – 90% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 83%
Daily 1st doses: 17,954
Daily 2nd doses: 26,728
Daily Booster doses: 149,495
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The R range for England is 1.2 to 1.5 the growth rate range for England is +3% to +6% per day as of 7 January 2022.
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 74,826 to 11 January
Cases in the latest week: 6,028 (-732 compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 813 to December 31st (+2 on previous week)
Cases per 100,000: 2,049 per 100,000 (1 to 7 Jan)
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of over 12s to 9 January
2nd dose: 79%
3rd / booster dose: 63%
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.