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:
Breaking News: End to PCR tests for Covid cases with no symptoms – UKHSA
People in England with a positive lateral flow test but no Covid symptoms will no longer have to take a PCR to confirm the result from 11 January, the UK Health Security Agency says.
What did the PM announce yesterday?
Here’s a quick recap of the main points from yesterday’s Downing Street news conference:
- Boris Johnson said he hoped England could “ride out” the current Omicron wave without further restrictions but he acknowledged parts of the NHS would feel “temporarily overwhelmed”
- There was a “good chance” no fresh measures would need to be brought in, the PM said, adding he would recommend continuing the government’s “Plan B” strategy in England to ministers in today’s cabinet meeting
- The Plan B measures – which include working from home where possible, mask wearing in most public settings and Covid passports in some venues – are due to end on 28 January
- Mr Johnson also announced plans for 100,000 critical workers in key industries – including food processing, transport and the border force – to take daily tests from next week
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 4 January 2022
Prime Minister reissues call for public to get boosted and announces new critical workforce testing measures
Outlining the significant protection offered by the booster jab, the Prime Minister reiterated his call for every eligible person to get their booster – with 2 million appointments available this week alone.
The Prime Minister updated the public on the government’s ongoing actions to tackle COVID-19 and prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed, including implementing Plan B measures, standing up local Nightingales to create extra capacity, buying more antivirals per person than anywhere else in Europe, significantly increasing testing capacity and rolling out the vital booster programme.
Government expected to announce changes to testing rules for travellers
The BBC understands the government is discussing the removal of advice that people who test positive on a lateral flow device should seek a confirmatory PCR test. Travel industry groups have called for all remaining Covid restrictions on travellers to be removed in the latest government review. With data last week suggesting one in 25 people in the UK currently had the virus, airlines say passenger testing is having no real impact. It is thought ministers are finalising changes to guidance on Covid testing. The travel industry said compulsory testing for UK arrivals and departures had held back the sector’s recovery. The prime minister will meet his cabinet later and urge them to back his decision not to impose any further Covid restrictions in England.
FSB warn increase in late payments could cause businesses to close
The Federation of Small Businesses is warning that a worsening of the UK’s late payment crisis, high inflation and mounting admin for firms that trade internationally will cause the business community to further shrink in size if left unaddressed. The FSB’s quarterly study of more than 1,200 business owners finds that close to one in three (30%) has seen late payment of invoices increase over the past three months, with a further eight per cent experiencing other forms of poor payment practice. As a result, approaching one in ten (eight per cent) say late payment is now threatening the viability of their business.
President Macron: “I will hassle France’s unvaccinated.”
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned he intends to make life difficult for people in France who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19.
“I really want to hassle them, and we will continue to do this – to the end,” he told France’s Le Parisien newspaper. The legislation was expected to be approved in a vote this week, but it has angered vaccine opponents. Mandatory vaccinations are being introduced in several European countries, with Austria leading the way for over-14s from next month and Germany planning a similar move for adults.
In his interview with Le Parisien on Tuesday, Mr Macron said that while he would not “vaccinate by force”, he hoped to encourage people to get jabbed by “limiting as much as possible their access to activities in social life”.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Strong year for inward investment breaks job creation records in Greater Manchester Over 5,000 new jobs were created across Greater Manchester in 2021, a record high, thanks to a strong year for inward investment in the city region.The city-region’s inward investment agency, MIDAS, has revealed it successfully closed 63 projects in 2021, creating a record 5,080 new jobs, surpassing the pre-pandemic figures in 2019 by 41%. 2021 saw global companies from across all sectors choosing Greater Manchester for new operations. The manufacturing sector saw the highest number of deals, with 20 inward investment projects taking places, including German manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull and Indian packaging manufacturer Hexcore, which launched presence in Wythenshawe and Rochdale respectively.
Consultation launches on tregions freight and logistics strategy
sA public consultation has launched on a new draft Freight and Logistics Strategy for the North of England, which outlines opportunities and challenges ahead for the sector and necessary action to decarbonise the industry. The draft strategy, developed by Transport for the North (TfN), showcases the importance of the sector in moving goods efficiently to drive economic recovery and growth in the region. The North is the destination or starting point for 25% of GB freight. In addition to the need for the decarbonisation of the freight and logistics sector, TfN’s strategy outlines challenges and constraints faced by the industry. The region faces a shortage of warehouse capacity, especially rail-connected capacity, and struggles with east-west connectivity across the Pennines. The North of England is also disproportionately reliant on ports in the South.
Make your Covid vaccination and booster your new year resolution
NHS services in Stockport are inviting Stockport residents to get boosted this New Year and make vaccination against Covid-19 their New Year’s Resolution for 2022. Being fully vaccinated will protect yourself, your family and friends from getting seriously ill from the virus and reduce transmission of the Omicron variant. Walk-in clinics and appointments via the NHS website are available at a number of locations across Stockport. Anyone aged 18+ who had their second jab three months ago should get boosted. Anyone aged 16 or 17 who had their first jab three months ago should get their second dose. These groups can book appointments or attend a walk-in clinic. Anyone aged 12 to 15 who had their first jab three months ago should get their second dose and should book an appointment in advance.
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been 13 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and almost 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.
During the Christmas holiday period the publication of Covid data by UK nations has been intermittent. It is likely that a full national picture will only be available towards the end of the first week of January.
Total UK Cases: 13,641,520 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 218,724 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 14,126 (1,003 more than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 48
Total UK deaths: 148,941
England Cases per 100,000: 1,603
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,820,652 – 90% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 83%
Daily 1st doses: 19,158
Daily 2nd doses: 20,295
Daily Booster doses: 141,825
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: 69,388 to 3 January
Cases in the latest week: 6,579 (1,469 compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 806 to December 17th (+3 on previous week)
Cases per 100,000: 2,236 per 100,000
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of over 12s to 2 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:
BUSINESS:
HMRC: Full customs controls came into effect on 1?? ?January?? ?2022. You might be affected if you move goods between Great Britain (GB) and countries in the European Union (EU).
If you have a specific question about importing, exporting or customs reliefs:
Call HMRC Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300??? ?322??? ?9434. The helpline is open from?? ?8am to 10pm??? ?Monday to??? ?Friday and from?? ?8am to??? ?4pm at weekends. You can also send us your questions or contact us by webchat.
The Export Support Service is a new helpline for UK businesses to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. The service is a ‘one-stop shop’ and brings together UK government information, making it easier for exporters to access advice and support. HMRC’s YouTube channel has videos and recorded webinars about customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU.
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.
Driving test centre waiting rooms during coronavirus (COVID-19)
‘Driving test centre waiting rooms closed due to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions’.
EDUCATION:
Teach in England if you qualified outside the UK
Find out about the visa and immigration routes, qualifications and help available for overseas teachers who trained outside the UK – updated information on the EU Settlement Scheme, salary requirement threshold figures for a skilled worker visa and international travel during COVID-19. Also updated the adviser service and contact section and added Oak National Academy to ‘Further information’.
HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
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.
HOSPITALITY:
Check if you’re eligible for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant
The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant supports businesses that have been adversely impacted by the latest Covid strain.
Live Events Reinsurance Scheme
Scheme rules for the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme have been published by DCMS – amendment to 7.8 of scheme rules to reflect change in the rules.
PROPERTY:
Rightmove claims new record for activity over Christmas
Rightmove claims its visits over the Christmas period were its busiest ever with what it calls ‘buyer demand’ up 23 per cent compared to the same time a year earlier.
It says the number of new sellers coming to market was up by 21 per cent on Boxing Day just gone, compared to December 26 2020. This was the highest number of new sellers on Boxing Day Rightmove has ever recorded; Rightmove also recorded its busiest ever Boxing Day for visits to its site and apps.
Q&A – Predictions and market influences for 2022
Andrea Fawell, sales and marketing director of property developers Kebbell, gives a very honest account of the market factors that are likely to affect house buyers and housebuilders in the coming year including:
- Currently, what are the biggest factors impacting the property market?
- How is the current market for new home buyers?
- Are there any landmark trends or announcements coming up in the industry in 2022?
- How are housebuilders tackling sustainability?
- Are off-plan sales growing?
- The stamp duty holiday heightened the market, but do you think the housing market is going to slow?
- What will be the effect of changes to interest rates and inflation?
First figures of 2022 show housing market returning to normal
The latest figures for mortgage approvals show demand as being relatively unchanged – a development welcomed by agents. House purchase mortgage approvals in November, the new Bank of England data available, ran at 66,964 – roughly the same as a month earlier. Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent and a former RICS residential chairman, says this figure shows approvals returning to near pre-Covid averages. He says: “Certainly we are finding in our offices much the same pattern as buyers and sellers shrug off the loss of the stamp duty holiday and get down to business in the new year, especially as supply and demand are beginning to match up more closely.”
RETAIL:
The number of High Street shops rises in spite of Covid and lockdowns
The number of High Street shops has increased by 1.3% despite many being closed to physical customers for much of the 18 months, according to analysis by leading law firm Nockolds. Nockolds looked at data from National Statistics on the number of retail units by UK region and found that there are currently 257,250 retail outlets in the UK, up from 254,010 in 2019/20, an increase of 1.3%.
TRANSPORT:
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.
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