Liverpool City Region COVID-19 Updates

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FSB calls on small businesses in Liverpool City Region to 'Kick Start' young people's employment

THE Federation of Small Businesses has been unveiled as an official national gateway organisation for the Government's new 'Kick Start' scheme. To tackle increasing numbers of young people aged 16 to 24 struggling to find work and on Universal Credit, the FSB has announced, on 22 September 2020, a new partnership with Adecco Working Ventures.

In addition, FSB will also deliver a Regional programme of webinars and other resources to encourage, inspire and help small businesses to get involved and make the most of the scheme. Alongside Local Authorities, business organisations and the voluntary sector, FSB is also calling for a diversity of intermediary providers at local level. This way, any small business wishing to create 1 or 2 roles will have a choice of good quality providers to deliver the important wrap around support services that young people need.

The UK unemployment rate has risen to its highest level for 2 years, with official figures showing those aged 16 to 24 suffering the biggest drop in employment compared with other age groups. FSB believes Small firms are ready to step up and contribute jobs for our young people, whose livelihoods are now threatened by Covid19; small employers in our communities have a strong record of introducing ambitious young people into workplaces, such as through apprenticeships where 92% of small business apprenticeships are held by those under the age of 25. The Kick Start Scheme offers a new route into the workplace to gain practical hands on experience.

Michael Sandys, FSB Merseyside and Cheshire Area Leader for Liverpool City Region, said:- "The UK's small businesses are the biggest private employer in Britain and are an integral part of local communities across Liverpool City Region. They are proven to offer more career and employment opportunities to those furthest from work, such as the long term unemployed and young people who are not in employment, training or education. At this critical time, we have successfully worked with Government to develop the new Kick Start Scheme, and help small employers to be part of the solution. I want to thank the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Treasury teams for being open to our suggestions on Kick Start, which will help thousands of young people in local communities currently struggling to find work. FSB will now be a national gateway, working in partnership with Adecco Working Ventures. We have allied with Adecco due to its track record in creating job opportunities for young people. This will be alongside Local Authorities and others to create lots of choices to access the Scheme. Small businesses have been keen to take part, and today's announcement means that they can now do so with confidence that the support needed for both the employer, and the young person, will be in place."

Sean Williams, Director, Adecco Working Ventures, said:- "We are delighted to have worked with FSB to create this partnership. We will be helping make the Kick Start programme a success for small businesses and for young people. By making it easy for small businesses to access the scheme we will significantly increase the number of opportunities available for young people."

Rt Hon Th�r�se Coffey MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said:- "Small businesses are absolutely vital to our recovery as we build back better and a key part of the Kick Start Scheme. It's great to have the Federation of Small Businesses and Adecco supporting them to take full advantage of our landmark Kick Start Scheme by becoming a national Kick Start gateway. SMEs in communities across the country can submit their applications through FSB with the confidence that they'll be supported throughout the process, and able to ensure each young person makes a success of their Kick Start role. I encourage all small businesses to see if a Kick Start placement could benefit their workplace."

The Kick Start scheme was announced by as part of The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak's 'Plan for Jobs,' in July, with the aim of helping 250,000, 16 to 24 year olds, on Universal Credit into work placement. Small employers in England, Scotland and Wales who are keen to offer a Kick Start role to a young person can now register at:- FSB.Org.UK.

LGA Responds to Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser's warnings

RESPONDING to a press conference by the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser warning about the rising number of Coronavirus cases in the UK, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Board, said:- "This is another stark reminder of the need for all of us to follow the Covid19 rules to limit further hospitalisations and deaths from Coronavirus. Now is the time for us all to redouble our efforts to stop the exponential growth of this disease. Councils continue to work tirelessly to support residents and businesses through this pandemic and keep services running. It is vital they have the resources they need to lead and protect their communities and support the national effort to minimise the impact of the second wave of this deadly virus."

Uncertainty over potential for 'no deal' adds to worries for investment

UK Manufacturers in the North West have begun to recover from the worst impact of the pandemic according to a major survey published today by Make UK and business advisory firm BDO. However, Make UK warned that given the uncertainty surrounding the Brexit negotiations and the very real possibility of 'no deal,' the combination of that outcome with the continued impact of the pandemic could cause further damage to investment prospects in the latter part of the year.

According to the survey the balances for orders and output in the North West were reported at:- -29% and -6% respectively. Whilst this is still in negative territory, it represents a significant improvement on the last quarter with the figure for output in particular some way ahead of the national picture.

While the impact on the aerospace and automotive sectors remains severe, the North West has a significant presence in the pharmaceuticals and chemicals sectors which to date has offset some of the toughest impact of the pandemic.

In response to the difficult trading environment, the prospects for recruitment and investment are both flat in the Region but this also represents a significant improvement on the very negative outlook in the last quarter and a better picture than the national average.

Looking forward, given the impact on the sector Make UK is now forecasting that manufacturing output will fall by almost 11% (10.9%) this year while it has downgraded its forecast for recovery in 2021, by more than a full percentage point, from 6.2% to 5.1%. GDP is forecast to fall by -8.5% this year before recovering by +10.1% in 2021.

Commenting, June Smith, Region Director for Make UK in the North, said:- "Manufacturing has begun to climb away from the abyss that it stared into earlier in the year. But, make no mistake it is going to be a long haul back towards normal trading conditions, with talk of a V shaped recovery nothing more than fanciful. Having emerged from three years of political uncertainty at the end of last year, increasing talk of a final 'no deal' exit from the EU would be a final nail in the coffin for many companies. If we are to avoid this and, the avalanche of job losses that would follow in already hard hit areas and sectors, it is essential that the first step towards a fuller recovery is provided by a comprehensive trade agreement with the EU."

Graham Ellis, Head of Manufacturing at BDO in the North West added:- "While the manufacturing industry has managed to claw back some lost ground from a dismal Q2, the subdued level of investment intentions across the Region is a real cause for concern. With a no deal exit from the EU; and associated logistics, customs and cost implications; looking increasingly likely, British manufacturers will need to step up a gear in order to compete internationally, and this will require significant investment in productivity and digitalisation improvements. Noone is in any doubt about the financial challenges facing manufacturers, but failing to invest now will have serious medium to long term implications. The Government must be alive to this risk and provide the support required to help UK manufacturers through this transition period and beyond. Other countries; perhaps in particular Germany; do provide good examples of consistent long term support to their manufacturing sectors. The UK should look to adopt a similar approach."

Galloway's urges people not to let lockdown and Coronavirus fears disrupt their eye health during National Eye Health Week

SIGHT loss charity Galloway's is using National Eye Health Week to promote the importance of good eye health and the need for regular tests. The Lancashire based organisation warn that people should call their optician and get advice from an eye health professional if they experience a sudden onset of any of the following symptoms:-

► Disturbances in your vision.	► Loss of vision.
► Loss of peripheral (side) vision.	► Blurred vision.
► Black spots or flashes of light in your vision.	► Light sensitivity.
► Pain with or without discharge.	► Double vision.
► New floating bits in your vision.	► Eye injury or pain.
► Seeing halos or rainbows around light.	► Painful red eye.
► Curtain like disappearance of vision.

Do not ignore these symptoms, or wait until lockdown restrictions have eased, as this could have an impact on a person's vision.

As optometrists across England are able to expand their services beyond urgent and essential care, patients are urged to call to book an appointment. Depending on symptoms, the optometrists can initially provide a telephone or virtual consultation.

Ruth Cuthbert, optometric advisor for NHS England, Lancashire and South Cumbria, and a Trustee at Galloway's, says:- "Sudden changes to your vision such as flashes, floaters or blurry vision, or your eyes becoming red and painful, could be a sign of a more serious condition. Many practices are still open for essential and urgent care, such as if you get something lodged in your eye. You may also be able to get help if you have a problem with your contact lenses or you've broken your glasses. Optometrists are trained to identify visual problems and many conditions and will often be able to do this via a remote consultation or will ask you to come in, if needed. Call your usual practice to find out, and if they are closed, they can direct you to another that is nearby. There's never been a more important time to look after your eyes."

Any patients taking eye drops should continue as normal and ensure that they access prescriptions well in advance so as not to run out.

Forexample, Alan Woodward, who has macular degeneration, admitted he was slightly wary as he went to Westmorland General Hospital for one of his regular macular injections. But staff soon put the 83 year old from Bolton-le-Sands, at ease and he felt safe, as he says:- "I was quite apprehensive about going to the hospital, but it was not that terrible and all the staff involved were marvellous. Glen, the Eye Clinic Liaison Officer at Galloway's, organised patient transport for me, which took a lot of worry out of going. I felt very safe as the driver Chris was in the front of the minibus and I was sat all the way in the back, which was well in excess of 2m. Chris kindly supplied me with a mask and gloves. When I got to the hospital, I sat in a large waiting room. Previously there would be around 25 to 30 people, but this time there was only four of us. I did feel relatively safe. I was given an eye test and they checked the pressure at the back of my eye. I then saw another nurse who took photos of my eye using a special machine. That didn't take that long. Then I was asked to go into another room on my own which was quite spacious. A doctor came in to see the bleed behind my eye and I was given my injection. So far I have had seven injections in my eye and I had not had one for seven months due to the problems with the virus. I had a slight bleed behind the eye, so I did need another injection and I will go back in six weeks for another 1. Then I went into another room and a nurse put my eye drops in, washing her hands before and after. Everyone was wearing masks and gloves. They were wiping the seats and I did feel very safe. Obviously, it is very important to attend your appointments. You have to get over your apprehension because your eyes can deteriorate fairly quickly. If you don't get the medication and help you need, you could lose your sight."

If anyone feels their vision is getting worse, or has any concerns regarding their eyes, contact Glen Sheader, Eye Clinic Liaison Officer at Galloway's, by calling:- 07498 369 881 or emailing:- Glen.Sheader@NHS.Net or Glen.Sheader@Galloway.Org.UK.

Did you know? Galloway's, which has sites located in:- Penwortham, Chorley, Southport and Morecambe, and they support more than 7,000 blind and partially sighted people across Sefton and Lancashire.

Total UK cases COVID19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

THE total number of UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) infections that have been laboratory confirmed, within the UK, has risen by:- 4,368 cases and the total number now stand at:- 398,625, that includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not included in the 4 National totals.

The number of COVID-19 associated UK fatalities added to the total, was sadly reported to be 11 according to the Department of Health. The total number of deaths of people who have had a positive test result confirmed by a Public Health or NHS laboratory is:- 41,788.

The number of COVID-19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 1,081. The current number of COVID-19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 138. Daily number of COVID-19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 134.

In England, there are a total of:- 343,655 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 69,450 confirmed cases.

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within the Liverpool City Region are as follows:-

Area and number of confirmed cases:-

Risen by:-

► Liverpool, 4,381 confirmed cases.

153

► Halton, 1,057 confirmed cases.

► Knowsley, 1,515 confirmed cases.

► Sefton, 2,199 confirmed cases.

► St. Helens, 1,734 confirmed cases

► Wirral, 3,109 3,016 confirmed cases.

Colour Key:-

1 to 10

11 to 20

21 to 30

31 to 40

41 to 50

51 to100

100 over

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within Local Authorities around the Liverpool City Region are as follows:-

► Blackburn with Darwen, 2,360 confirmed cases.

► Blackpool, 1,256 confirmed cases.

► Bolton, 3,982 confirmed cases.

► Bury, 2,170 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire East, 2,680 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire West and Chester, 2,431 confirmed cases.

► Lancashire, 10,433 confirmed cases.

► Manchester, 5,844 confirmed cases.

► Oldham, 3,694 confirmed cases.

► Preston, 1,917 confirmed cases.

► Rochdale, 2,884 confirmed cases.

► Salford, 2,563 confirmed cases.

► Stockport, 2,392 confirmed cases.

► Tameside, 2,607 confirmed cases.

► Trafford, 2,019 confirmed cases.

► Warrington, 1,950 confirmed cases

► Wigan, 2,901 confirmed cases.

Daily reported Covid19 deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the 1st laboratory confirmed positive Covid19 test. Daily and cumulative numbers of COVID19 patients admitted to Hospital. Data are not updated every day by all 4 nations and the figures are not comparable as Wales include suspected COVID19 patients while the other nations include only confirmed cases.

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Liverpool City Region COVID19 Updates ... and Important Emergency Notices ...

Total UK cases COVID19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

Liverpool City Region COVID19 Updates
... and Important Emergency Notices ...