October 23rd – Coronavirus News Updates

Latest UK data:

Positive tests: 710,467 have tested positive (+ 21,242 new cases)

Loss of life: *44,347 across all settings (+ 189 in last 24 hours)

Cases in Cheshire East: 5,045 confirmed since start of the pandemic, + 570 in the last 7 days

*Daily reported COVID deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the first laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test

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 1.3-1.5 and the growth rate range is +4% to +7% per day as of 16 October 2020.

Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK. The way deaths are reported is based on a 28-day limit between the date of a positive lab-confirmed test and date of death.

Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus

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

Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.

UK HEADLINES:

Chancellor announces extension and changes to business support
The Chancellor has announced three more steps to bolster the support packages to businesses as they all work to survive the fallout of the pandemic.
First: he will extend the grant system for businesses in any tier – even if they are not forced to close by law. They will be eligible for cash grants of up to £2,100 a month, a move which will primarily benefit the hospitality, accommodation and leisure sector. These grants will be retrospective, with businesses in any area that has been under enhanced rests able to backdate claims to August.
Second: he is making the Job Support Scheme “more generous for employers”. In tier three areas – those under very high alert – the government will cover the full cost of employers paying two-thirds of people’s salaries where they cannot work for a week or more. Even for businesses that can open, he said it is clear that the impact of restrictions on them – particularly in the hospitality sector” is worse than they planned for. He outlined a reduction in the number of hours an employee needs to work to be eligible to enter the Job Support Scheme from 33% to 20% of their hours. He says the employer contribution to the hours not worked will reduce from 33% as originally planned to five percent. It will be available to businesses in all covid alert levels.
Third: Mr Sunak announces that he is increasing government contributions for the self-employed, with a doubling of income support from 20% to 40% of people’s income. It increases the maximum grant to £3,750, he says.

Plan for Jobs: Chancellor increases financial support for businesses and workers
The government today announced it will significantly increase the generosity and reach of its winter support schemes to ensure livelihoods and jobs across the UK continue to be protected in the difficult months to come, supporting jobs and helping to contain the virus.

Warrington set to enter Tier 3 as Very-High Covid-19 alert restrictions come into force in Greater Manchester from today
Following discussions over support with Westminster, the government has announced this morning that Warrington will become the first of Cheshire’s local authorities to enter the highest level of coronavirus restrictions in England. Restrictions for the 2.8 million residents of Greater Manchester took effect from midnight this morning.

17-day ‘firebreak’ lockdown begins at 6pm in Wales
People are being told to stay at home and pubs, restaurants, hotels and non-essential shops will shut, for the lockdown from 18:00 BST. Welsh Health Minister, Vaughan Gething said the the aim is to bring “a much more normal Christmas season”.

Local COVID alert level: very high (Liverpool City Region)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Liverpool City Region has been updated to reflect that soft play centres and areas will close from 24 October and indoor gyms, fitness and dance studios, and sports facilities will reopen to all users from 24 October.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

The Hut Group to fill 500 vacancies before Christmas
South Manchester-based global technology platform company The Hut Group (THG), specialists in taking brands direct to consumers, is looking to create an additional 500 permanent jobs before Christmas. Last month THG announces the acquisition of Perricone MD, a pre-eminent US prestige skincare brand, for $60 million in cash. THG operates over 100 international websites and have already added 2,000 new roles to the company this year alone. The latest recruitment drive will give a further 500 opportunities for a “huge variety of roles” across the region particularly within the group’s technology services division, THG Ingenuity. THGI has seen “rapid growth” in demand over the past 12 months, as more businesses look to diversify and enhance their direct-to-consumer capabilities. Founder and CEO of THG Matthew Moulding said: “It is an uncertain time for many people and businesses alike. This uncertainty has led to an unprecedented opportunity for THG to add to our exceptionally talented workforce. With our busiest trading period of the year approaching, we are excited to welcome 500 new starters ahead of Christmas. Our headquarters are in Manchester, and this recruitment drive will create sustainable and rewarding jobs for people across the North West, and will provide opportunities for all ages, backgrounds and abilities. “There has never been a greater or more important time to invest in the people of Greater Manchester and the surrounding area.”

Businesses with innovative healthcare products or services in Cheshire East and Greater Manchester can apply for a share of £300,000 funding as part of a new accelerator programme from Health Innovation Manchester.
The 2020-2021 Momentum Innovation Fund has been set up to introduce and adopt needs-led and evidence based innovations into the healthcare system with Greater Manchester and Cheshire East local authority areas. Businesses with market ready or close to market ready innovations which can support clinical management post COVID-19 can apply for up to £50,000 of grant funding for real-world evaluations of their solutions.

Poynton Relief Road sees work begin
Contractors are now undertaking enabling works to clear the site, with the 3 km route expected to open by Autumn 2022, relieving traffic on the Macclesfield to Stockport route through the village centre.

BUSINESS & FINANCE:

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get. Details about the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension have been updated.

Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 22 October 2020
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.

Coronavirus guidance for Companies House customers
How we’ve adapted the way we work to maintain our services for the public and protect the welfare of our employees – updated information about access to our offices – our Cardiff, Belfast and Edinburgh offices will be closed to the public until March 2021. Our London office is closed and will remain closed until March 2021.

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 – updated ‘HM Treasury coronavirus (COVID-19) business loan scheme statistics’.

HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, and the VAT payments deferral scheme – published updated monthly management information data (up to end of Sunday 18 October) for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and added links to 3 Official Statistics publications: ‘Self-Employment Income Support Scheme statistics: October 2020’, ‘Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: October 2020’, and ‘Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: secondary analysis’.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: October 2020
Time series and statistics as at 31 August on the CJRS, with analysis by scheme size, sector, geography, gender and flexible furlough.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: understanding customer experience
Qualitative research with employers and agents to understand customer experiences of applying for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: awareness, understanding and customer experience surveys
Quantitative research with employers and employees to examine understanding, awareness and customer experience of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme statistics: October 2020
The number of individuals claiming the SEISS grant up to 30 September 2020 by age, gender, industry sector and geography.

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Performing arts – updated guidance on staging and capacity (section 3.2)

The JRS scheme closes on 31 October and you will need to make any final claims on or before 30 November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30 November.

DIGITAL:

EDUCATION:

Direction issued to the Chief Regulator of Ofqual
Directions from Gavin Williamson MP, Secretary of State for Education, to Sally Collier, Chief Regulator of Ofqual, about awarding results for qualifications being assessed for summer 2020 – added ‘Direction to the Chief Regulator of Ofqual about appeals for summer 2020 GCSEs, AS and A levels’.

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. 16 October 2020 – amended information on local COVID alert levels and tiers of restriction (section 3), staff who are clinically extremely vulnerable (section 3), children who are shielding (section 4) and informal childcare (section 5).

Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Updated information on Prevention, Other considerations (system of controls), Response to any infection, Pupils travelling from abroad, Attendance, Workforce, Safeguarding, School uniform, Wraparound provision and extra-curricular activity, Behaviour expectations, Hospital schools and Contingency planning for outbreaks.

HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:

Designated premises scheme: letter to directors of adult social services
The letter sets out arrangements for the Care Quality Commission designated premises scheme for people discharged to a care home with a positive COVID-19 test.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – updated ‘Antibody testing for coronavirus: privacy information’. Added link to check if you’re eligible for an antibody test.

NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact-tracing data in its weekly reports – updated with more information on the NHS Test and Trace app.

NHS Test and Trace (England) and coronavirus testing (UK) statistics: 8 October to 14 October
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 20 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England and coronavirus testing (UK).

LOCAL AUTHORITY:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): emergency funding for local government
Allocations of additional funding to local authorities updated to include a further £919 million of a further un-ringfenced funding to respond to spending pressures, announced 22 October 2020.Added Technical note on allocation of October COVID-19 local government finance package.

Jenrick confirms allocations of £1 billion funding for councils this winter
Allocations confirmed for individual councils from the £1 billion of additional support announced by the Prime Minister earlier this month.

MILITARY:

Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces 2020
Summary statistics on the number of defence personnel who have had a COVID-19 test; and for the UK Armed Forces, the number of positive cases of COVID-19.

TRANSPORT:

Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode.

TRAVEL:

Call for Minister for travel sector
An early day motion calling for a minister for travel and sector-specific support has been submitted for debate in the House of Commons. Early day motions (EDMs) are motions submitted for debate in the House of Commons for which no day has been fixed. The TSSA said the EDM is expected to gain cross-party backbench support, calling on the government to “act without delay to save Britain’s travel trade by providing bespoke sector-specific government support while reconsidering an extension of furlough for the industry”.

Useful Links:

Become a Green Homes Grant Supplier II – Trustmark and PAS 2030The new Green Homes Grant will give over 600,000 homeowners in England up to £10,000 to install insulation, heat pumps, draft proofing and more to help households cut energy bills.

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.

Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law

NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24^th September

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. The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme closed on 31 August 2020 – the page updated with removal of registration links.

Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.

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.

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

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.

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.