July 29th – Coronavirus News Updates:

Latest UK data:

Positive tests: 300,692 have tested positive + 581 in last 24 hours

Loss of life: 45,878 across all settings + 7

All tests made available (pillars 1 to 4): 15,197,099, + 214,721

Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK

The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R number range for the UK is 0.7-0.9 and the growth rate range is -4% to -1% as of 24 July 2020.

UK HEADLINES:

Business Grants Funds: programme closure

The Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy have taken the decision that all three grant schemes, the Small Business Grants Fund, the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants Fund and the Discretionary Grants Fund, should close by Friday 28 August.

If you believe you are entitled to the Small Business Grants Fund, the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants Fund but haven’t yet provided your bank account details to the Council then please do so as soon as possible.

Government adds further travel restrictions to Spain and its islands.
The government has increased its restrictions for travellers hoping to holiday in Spain and advised against all but essential travel to the Balearic and Canary Islands as well as to mainland Spain, as announced last weekend. According to the Spanish government talks are continuing to establish flight corridors between the UK and the islands where the risk of contracting coronavirus is said to be far less than on the mainland. Outbreaks of coronavirus are causing a spike on mainland Spain, particularly in the North East of the country around Aragon and Barcelona.

Bike voucher ‘live’ and £2 billion campaign to promote cycling and walking
The government is asking to prescribe ‘getting on your bike’ and taking to walking as it sets out how it plans to spend £2bn to promote cycling and walking in England.
It’s part of a mission to improve public health and strengthen resilience to coronavirus. Thousands of miles of cycle lanes, cycle training for anyone who wants it and more traffic-free streets are among the measures promised. A scheme offering £50 bike repair vouchers is also being launched, with an initial 50,000 available on a first come, first served basis. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the pandemic had created a “once in a lifetime opportunity to create a shift in attitudes”, capitalising on many people’s reluctance to take public transport and the desire to make lifestyle changes. Labour wants the proposals to be implemented more quickly, though.

BBC: The culture secretary – coronavirus testing at airports not a “silver bullet”
The culture secretary has told the BBC that coronavirus testing at airports is not a “silver bullet” to stop the need for quarantine. Oliver Dowden said testing for coronavirus was not enough because the virus can develop over time. The boss of Heathrow said airports should be allowed to test for coronavirus to avoid the “cliff edge” of quarantine. The travel industry is seeking ways to rescue the holiday season. The government’s sudden change to travel advice for Spain at the weekend prompted a fresh wave of confusion and uncertainty to people’s holiday plans.
Travel firm TUI said on Wednesday it had cancelled holidays to the Balearics and Canary Islands until 4 August after the UK extended its advice against non-essential travel to Spain to include its islands.

Government announces £500m fund to help UK’s creative film and TV industry
The £500m fund aims to fill the gap left by the lack of available insurance and coronavirus-related losses for cast members and crew illnesses, and filming delays or disruptions caused by the ongoing battle against Covid-19

Government further boosts chances of UK receiving COVID-19 vaccine
Deal announced which will secure early access to a promising new coronavirus vaccine, enhancing the UK’s growing portfolio of vaccine candidates.

Government announces measures to curb obesity in the fight to save lives
As scientific evidence shows a relationship between obesity, diabetes and the mortality rate of those suffering from coronavirus, the Government is introducing measures to make people more aware of the dangers of being overweight and to take better notice of the types of food they are consuming. “Buy one get one free” deals on unhealthy food will be banned as part of the government’s bid to tackle obesity in England. The plan also includes restrictions on where foods high in fat and sugar can be promoted in store and new rules for displaying calories on menus.

Government’s approach to managing local coronavirus outbreaks
An overview of the government’s approach to managing local coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

Regional leaders sign manifesto to boost North West innovation potential
Local government and research leaders from across the North West have submitted a manifesto to government, proposing measures to drive regional innovation.

Signatories include Cheshire and Warrington LEP Chief Executive, Philip Cox, Dr Seamus O’Neill, Chief Executive of the Northern Health Science Alliance, university leaders and Liverpool and Greater Manchester mayors, Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham, among others.

The key things you need to know about Manchester Airport this week:

Government changes to travel corridors to Spain, plus further destination and retail increases. As Manchester Airport heads towards what would normally be ones of its busiest months of the year, the Northern hub is updating customers on its latest developments. With the UK Government removing Spain from the travel corridors list at the weekend, passengers should be aware that they now need to quarantine on return to the UK. Furthermore, due to the change in policy, some carriers have taken the decision to cancel flights to Spain and its islands, so passengers should check with their airline if they have any specific flight enquiries. Due to the fast-moving nature of the decision surrounding Spain, the airport has made the decision to relax its refund policy for passengers impacted by the changes. Passengers should contact the airport’s customer services team if they have any queries.

Residents advised about new face covering regulations
Cheshire East Council is advising residents on new government rules and local requirements around wearing face coverings to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

Coronavirus can spread predominantly by droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking. Wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of droplets, helping to protect others.

Cheshire NHS CCG: Start your journey to Better Health
Public Health England launched a major new adult health campaign to seize the opportunity for a national reset moment of health.

COMMUNITY:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Accessing food and essential supplies
How to get food and other essential supplies during the coronavirus pandemic – updated with guidance on wearing a face covering in shops.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for people in England with animals
Advice for pet owners and livestock keepers on looking after the welfare of animals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This advice applies to England only – updated with information about a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a cat in England.

Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives – updated to reflect the latest government guidance on staying alert and safe.

Local lockdown guidance for social distancing
How you can see people you do not live with if there’s a local lockdown during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Eat Out to Help Out – look for the logo
Diners who eat-in will benefit from a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, on food and non-alcoholic drinks, any Monday to Wednesday in August.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing unpaid care
Information for people who are caring, unpaid, for friends or family during the coronavirus outbreak – updated the guidance on face coverings, face masks and protective clothing. The following information has been added: examples of essential care under ‘Caring for someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable’; guidance on how to get tested; and contact details for NHS Volunteer Responders.

Disabled people exempt from wearing face coverings under new government guidance
Government has set out a list of face covering exemptions, as they are mandatory in additional enclosed spaces from today

COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic
This guidance is designed to enable the safe reopening of places of worship for a broader range of activities and includes a checklist for special religious services and gatherings – added checklist for special religious services and gatherings.

Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – added section on looking after grandchildren.

CONSTRUCTION:

Travis Perkins sales recover after 43% Covid slump
Travis Perkins said it is continuing to “recover well” after a city update revealed the full impact of Covid-19 on sales. During the first half of the year total group sales fell 20% on 2019 to £2,780m. Further breakdowns show revenue at the general merchanting business dropped 42.8% in the second quarter with monthly sales falls of 73.1%, 37.4% and 17.6% in April, May and June respectively.

Travis Perkins said the recovery in sales is being led by Repair Maintenance and Improvement – RMI – markets and infrastructure spending which are “proving to be more robust than the new housebuilding and commercial construction markets.”

Balfour Beatty shuts concrete plant after positive coronavirus tests
Balfour Beatty has closed down its manufacturing plant in Bristol after 20 workers tested positive for Covid-19. The contractor stressed that only the manufacturing plant was affected. Balfour said: “We can confirm that 20 employees working at our manufacturing facility in Avonmouth, Bristol have tested positive for Covid-19 as of Monday 27 July. In response, we undertook a deep clean of the facility over the weekend and initiated the NHS’ Test and Trace procedure.”

Impact of Covid-19 plunges Taylor Wimpey to £40 million loss
Part of the loss was also accounted for by an extra £10m to cover ongoing works to replace aluminium composite cladding on a small number of legacy buildings. During the same period the year before Taylor Wimpey recorded a £300m pre-tax profit indicating the scale of the impact on the volume house builder’s performance. Revenue more than halved to £754m in the period to June as completions slumped 58% to 2,771 homes, compared to 6,541 during the first half in 2019.

Breedon sales recover after lockdown slump
Breedon said the recovery in demand for materials is “well underway” after sales last month bounced back to 99% of those in June 2019.

Latest results for the company show lockdown led to a pre-tax loss of £10.1m during the first half of the year compared to a £39.5m profit last time as revenue slumped 25% to £335.3m. Breedon shut down most of its operations and furloughed 80% of staff as lockdown hit. Sites started reopening in early May and by the end of June over 90% of plants were open with 82% of staff back at work.

EDUCATION:

The Skills Toolkit: submit a new course
How providers can submit course content to be included on The Skills Toolkit.

Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term – guidance updated to provide more advice and clarity on some aspects of the return to school in the autumn.

Letter to Heads of centre – Summer 2020 results
Open letter to Heads of centre in preparation for the Summer 2020 results.

Your results, what next?
Understanding your qualifications grades this summer.

Student guide to post-16 qualification results: summer 2020
A guide for those receiving qualification results in England this summer.

Early years foundation stage statutory framework (EYFS)
The standards that school and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 – updated to reflect the extension of the validity of current PFA certificates.

Awarding qualifications in summer 2020
Information for schools, students and parents on how GCSE, AS, A level, vocational and technical qualifications will be graded and awarded in summer 2020. Guidance for teachers, students, parents and carers: Summer 2020 grades for GCSE, AS and A level, Extended Project Qualification and Advanced Extension Award in maths updated to reflect the information we released following our summer symposium.

Guidance for schools: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What school leaders, teachers and school staff need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): assessment processes for selective school admissions’ and ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): changes to faith school admission arrangements’.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): changes to faith school admission arrangements
Guidance on changes to faith oversubscription criteria in faith school admission arrangements which have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

TFC: Risks associated with the reopening of education settings in September, 8 July 2020
Paper prepared by Children’s Task and Finish Group (TFC) and Government Office for Science (GOS).

DfE: COVID-19 – further and higher education, 9 July 2020
Paper prepared by the Department for Education (DfE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

DfE: Reopening further education providers – analytical pack, 1 July 2020
Paper prepared by the Department for Education (DfE).

DfE: Introduction to higher education settings in England, 1 July 2020
Paper by the Department for Education (DfE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

Coronavirus (COVID-19): assessment processes for selective school admissions
Guidance on entry testing for admission to state-funded selective schools during the coronavirus outbreak.

Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Guidance for settings managing children and young people with complex special educational needs and disability (SEND) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added banner with information about pupils returning to school in the autumn term.

Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated to reflect changes in legislation to the 30 hours free entitlement and information on the validity of Paediatric First-Aid certificates.

EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:

From 1 August there will be changes affecting the grant employers can claim through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Employers will be asked to pay National Insurance (NI) and pension contributions for furloughed employees. Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live webinar: Extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and flexible furloughing. We’ll provide an overview of the scheme, including flexible furloughing, examples of how to work out the amount you can claim, and the changes due in September and October.

Choose a date and timeIf you haven’t been able to join our popular webinar about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, more dates have now been added. Get the latest information on:

who can claim
who you can claim for
how to make a claim
what you may be entitled to, and more.

Choose a date and timeYou can ask questions during all our live webinars using the on-screen text box.
HMRC webinars are constantly updated to provide the latest government guidance on changes as they develop.

Coronavirus grant funding: local authority payments to small and medium businesses
Local authorities have received and distributed funding to support small and medium businesses in England during coronavirus.

If you’ve claimed too much or not enough from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out what you need to do if you’ve claimed too much or not enough from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to coronavirus (COVID-19) – contact section has been updated with information about complaints.

Claim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Claim for 80% of your employee’s wages plus any employer National Insurance and pension contributions, if you have put them on furlough or flexible furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19) – page updated with the removal of information about overclaims and underclaims, this has been moved to a new guide that explains what to do if you claim too much or not enough. Addition of a link to the new guide under the heading ‘If you’ve claimed the wrong amount’.

Penalties for not telling HMRC about Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grant overpayments – CC/FS48
If you’ve received a grant but were not eligible or you’ve been overpaid, find out what penalties you may have to pay if you do not tell HMRC.

Claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been adversely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) use this scheme if you’re eligible to claim the grant. Information about what to do if you were not eligible for the grant or have been overpaid has been added.

Tell HMRC and pay the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant back
If you made a claim in error as you were not eligible for the grant, have been overpaid or would like to make a voluntary repayment, tell HMRC and pay some or all of the grant back. Information about when you must tell HMRC and pay the grant back has been added, also included details about when you may have to pay a penalty.

Coronavirus Act 2020: equality impact assessment
Sets out the equality analysis undertaken for the Coronavirus Bill to enable ministers to fulfil the requirements placed on them by the Public Sector Equality Duty.

ESF action notes: 2014 to 2020 programme
Action notes to inform European Social Fund (ESF) grant recipients of an action they must complete. Action Note 052/20 Hourly rate salary costs for project staff who are self-isolating/ill due to COVID-19 and unable to work, has been updated and republished.

HM Treasury coronavirus (COVID-19) business loan scheme statistics
HMT management information about the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and Future Fund Scheme.

HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and the VAT payments deferral scheme – published updated weekly data (up to end of Sunday 26 July) for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.

COVID-19: Guidance for managing beaches, the countryside and coastal areas
Guidance for the owners and operators of beach, countryside and coastal destinations during COVID-19 – Added section on managing local outbreaks.

European Structural and Investment Funds: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
A series of documents and updates regarding the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programme and the response to COVID-19. ERDF Q&A has been updated with amended or new questions and answers. See dates next to questions for recent updates.

Reporting outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for businesses and organisations on how to recognise, contain and report incidents of coronavirus (COVID-19) – added links to specific coronavirus resource centre sections.

HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:

Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA – updated list of medical devices given exceptional use authorisations

COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.

PPE deliveries (England): 20 July to 26 July 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.

COVID-19: Preparing for a challenging winter 2020/21, 7 July 2020
Paper prepared by the Academy of Medical Sciences.

SPI-M-O: Consensus statement on COVID-19, 8 July 2020
Consensus statement from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) on coronavirus (COVID-19).

Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Evidence considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) – added 7 new papers under the July SAGE meetings.

DHSC testing and tracing statistics: information for users
A summary of explanatory information to support users of DHSC coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and tracing statistics.

MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
We are producing guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added link to ‘New synthetic datasets to assist COVID-19 and cardiovascular research’ in the ‘News stories’ section.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested – updated to reflect that there is now a single GOV.?UK testing service for people who have symptoms and want to get tested.

Steps to take following the death of a colleague in children’s services
Actions for employers and providers following a coronavirus (COVID-19) related death of a carer or colleague across children’s services.

HOSPITALITY:

Mottram Hall announces spa opening
Mottram Hall have announced their Champneys Spa will be unveiled in September 2020 after reopening the Manor House and golf course earlier in July.

Eat Out to Help Out – look for the logo
Diners who eat-in will benefit from a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, on food and non-alcoholic drinks, any Monday to Wednesday in August.

Get a discount with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
From 3 to 31 August, get a 50% discount when you eat in at restaurants that are registered with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme. You can now find restaurants that are registered for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme online.

Claim money back through the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Find out how to claim the reimbursement for discounts given to diners with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.

Get more information about the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Get more help with registration, eligibility and how to offer the discount for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme – a section has been added ‘Examples of how to calculate the discount’ to help users calculate discount.

JUDICIARY:

Keeping court and tribunal buildings safe, secure and clean
This page provides details about security, cleaning and social-distancing arrangements in court and tribunal buildings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated ‘Wear a face covering’ section

Going to a court or tribunal during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Use this guide if you’ve been asked to attend a hearing in person at a court or tribunal during the coronavirus outbreak

Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals planning and preparation
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be updated when new advice is available.

HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic. We will aim to update this every Friday at 5pm – Update for week commencing 27 July 2020 published.

LEGAL:

Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can still do so while observing government guidance on social distancing, self-isolating and shielding.

Video-witnessed wills to be made legal during coronavirus pandemic
The Government is to legalise the remote witnessing of wills – making it easier for people to record their final wishes during the coronavirus pandemic.

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.

LOCAL AUTHORITY:

Councils awarded £800,000 to build on digital advances made during pandemic
Communities across the country are set to benefit from better local services as councils receive a share of £800,000 for innovative digital projects.

Adult Social Care Infection Control Fund
Sets out the infection control measures that the infection control fund will support, including information on the distribution of funds and reporting requirements – added document: ‘Local authority spending of the first tranche of the Infection Control Fund’.

Local restrictions: areas with an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19)
A list of areas with additional local restrictions. Includes information for local authorities, residents and workers about what to do and how to manage the outbreak.

Draft options for regional or local coronavirus interventions
Draft legislation options to show how government could respond to a local or regional coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak without returning to a national lockdown.

PROPERTY:

Sellers boosted as buyers bid above the asking priceThe property market is defying the traditional summer lull in activity as buyers and sellers continue to flood the market post-lockdown. Last month, one in 10 properties sold for more than the original asking price as buyers competed to secure their dream homes, according to NAEA Propertymark. It says this shows that the housing market continues to thrive after the seven-week lockdown hiatus as the last time more properties sold for above asking price was in February 2016 at 11%. The report suggests, however, that with sellers keen to offload properties quickly, there are still bargains to be had as 57% of properties sold for less than the originally advertised asking price in June. Transactions figures continued to recover last month, doubling to 10 per estate agency branch and higher than the nine recorded in the same month last year.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): impact on HM Land Registry’s services
How we are delivering our services during the coronavirus outbreak.
Transfers of ownership of property, leases, mortgages and other property dealings can be signed and witnessed electronically. We’ve added a link to ‘practice guide 8: execution of deeds’ for more information.

Coronavirus fall-out will slash rents by 5% or more – warning
There’s a warning this morning that the consequences of the Coronavirus crisis mean that rents will fall at least five per cent between now and 2024.
PropTech start-up Home Made has made the claim after analysing rental value trends after the Global Financial Crisis just over a decade ago.
It’s then applied these figures to 2020 to predict the size of the upcoming hit to the rental economy. It projects that rental income won’t be back to pre-Covid levels until early 2024.

Begbie Traynor: Record number of companies in financial distress
There’s a record number of property industry companies, including agencies, in financial distress according to the latest Red Flag alert monitor. The figures would be even worse but some of the measurements – County Court judgements and winding-up petitions against indebted companies – were suspended for several months during spring and early summer because of the pandemic. Even so, this latest research by corporate recovery and insolvency specialists Begbie Traynor, suggest that a record 527,000 businesses across all sectors were in significant financial distress at the end of June this year.

Market still booming according to latest snapshot from agents
The housing market is still booming according to data released by the National Association of Estate Agents Propertymark – although the figures relate to June.
Last month one in 10 properties sold for more than the original asking price, which was the highest proportion recorded since February 2016 when 11 per cent sold for more. However, some 57 per cent of all sales during the month were for less than their original asking price. The average number of sales agreed per estate agent branch stood at 10, double the amount recorded in May.

RETAIL:

Celebrations for Card Factory as store sales ‘exceed expectations’
Greetings card specialist Card Factory has reported store sales ‘exceeding initial expectations’ after reopening. Card Factory, which saw its stores close as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, has seen like-for-like sales since reopening down 21.6 per cent – compared to an anticipated 50 per cent reduction in the first month of reopening.
In addition, the company’s average in-store spend has increased by 24.9 per cent, helping to offset the lower number of transactions as a result of reduced footfall.

Retailer Next has exceeded its initial expectations despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.
The firm has reported a drop in sales of 28 per cent – an improvement on the best-case scenario given in its April trading statement. Full year profit before tax, based on the firm’s central sales scenario, is now estimated at £195m.

TRANSPORT:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations.

TRAVEL & TOURISM:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): countries and territories exempt from advice against ‘all but essential’ international travel
The FCO updated its global advisory against ‘all but essential’ travel, exempting destinations that no longer pose an unacceptably high risk for British travellers – Spain – update to advise against all non-essential to Spain, now including the Balearic and Canary Islands

Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus – updated information if you’re in the UK and your leave expired between 24 January 2020 and 31 July 2020.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries and territories from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate. Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia and St Vincent and the Grenadines added to the exempt list.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer aviation guidance for operators
Safer travel and working principles for airports and aviation operators.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Border Force staff guidance
Guidance for Border Force, Immigration Enforcement and the National Asylum Intake Unit and others who may have close contact with individuals who may have COVID-19.

Useful Links:

Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July

Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures

Cheshire East Council – Discretionary Fund
Businesses that have been unable to access other forms of Covid-19 support can apply for grants from a £4.68 million fund.
http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covidDGS

Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.

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.

Cheshire East Council – Business rates grants
https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/business/business_rates/business-rates-relief/coronavirus-covid-19-help-for-business-rates-customers.aspx

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 – 11^th 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.

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

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 – 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

Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub

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

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

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: http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0

Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/

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.