UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 6,179,506 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 33,074 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 5,909, (737 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 94
Total UK deaths: 130,701
England Cases per 100,000: 299
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 47,170,968 (89.2% of UK adults)
Total 2nd doses: 40,013,470 (75.7% of UK adults)
Daily 1st doses: 41,568
Daily 2nd doses: 173,761
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 31,128
New cases in past 7 days: 972 to 7 Aug
Total deaths: 820
Cases per 100,000: 251.4 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.7 to 1.0
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.
UK NEWS UPDATES
UK economy grows 4.8% as Covid restrictions ease
The UK economy grew by 4.8% between April and June, according to official figures, as most businesses emerged from lockdown.
GCSE results 2021: Record passes and top grades
GCSE students have received another set of record grades, in the second year of Covid disruption to exams in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Covid: What do under-30s need to know about the vaccine?
Until now the UK has stopped short of vaccinating under-18s, except over-12s with underlying conditions, or those living with others at high risk.
Quarantine hotel rules face legal challenge
A law firm representing travellers is challenging the UK’s quarantine hotel policy and seeking a judicial review.
Housebuilders invited to access £150 million fund to support first-time buyers
Housebuilders in England have been invited to bid for a share of a £150 million fund to build First Homes to make it easier for people to purchase a property.
NHS England waiting list at record high as 200,000 patients added in a month
The NHS waiting list in England is at its highest since records began 14 years ago, after 200,00 more patients were added in a single month.
Young people urged to become NHS Cadets
England’s chief nurse has today called on young people to become NHS Cadets and gain valuable experience of volunteering in health and care.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Travel restrictions holding back recovery, says Manchester Airport boss
July passenger numbers published this week by Manchester Airport show volumes remain down 85.9% on July 2019 with the UK’s airports behind those in the rest of Europe. MD, Karen Smart, has criticised the government’s the government’s travel restrictions and PCR testing requirements on the slow recovery of the aviation sector.
Planning permission sought for 100 homes for older people at Woodford Garden Village
Not-for-profit developer Anchor Hanover has exchanged contracts with the Garden Village developer, Harrow Estates, part of the former Woodford Aerodrome site.
BooHoo set to create 5,000 new jobs
Manchester-headquartered Boohoo is set to create 5,000 new jobs off the back of an investment programme worth more than £500m across the UK over the next five years.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Employer Bulletin: August 2021
In this month’s edition of the Employer Bulletin there are important updates and information
The Pandemic’s Lasting Impact On Employee Engagement
From concerns about burnout and isolation to virtual happy hours and team-building events, the pandemic flipped traditional employee engagement on its head. Listen to this podcast from Forrester research.
Managing staff mental health in a hybrid work environment
New data from LinkedIn found 38% of UK workers would prefer to work remotely full-time in the future, 49% prefer hybrid working, and only 12% want to work full-time in the office.
Help employers with the Kickstart Scheme (Kickstart gateway)
Information for Kickstart gateways on how to help employers with the Kickstart Scheme and how to add jobs or employers to the grant agreement – added callout about advertising vacancies to ‘Getting the young people into the jobs’ section and added a paragraph about the remittance advice gateways receive when they get the funding in the section ‘How you will get the funding’.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant
If you’re an employer looking to create jobs for young people, you can apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme – added callout about advertising vacancies yourself to ‘Getting the young people into the jobs’, added a paragraph about the remittance advice employers receive when they get the funding in the section ‘How you will get the funding’ and updated instructions for adding more jobs to the grant agreement following launch of online route for employers.
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
What to do if you or someone you employ is required to self-isolate. This includes being contacted by NHS Test and Trace, self-isolation rules and financial support – updated to reflect the introduction of daily contact testing for workplaces.
How is furlough changing and when will it end?
In July 2021 employers were required to pay 10% of salaries – with the government’s contribution falling to 70%. In August and September, the government’s contribution will reduce further: it will pay 60% and employers will pay 20% The monthly limit of £2,500 will stay in place, so workers will not notice the difference.
CARE:
The impact of the ending of freedom of movement on the adult social care sector: call for evidence
The MAC (Migration Advisory Committee) call for evidence on social care is seeking views and evidence from anyone with relevant knowledge, expertise or experience to help inform the MAC response.
Visiting arrangements in care homes
Sets out how care homes can support families and visitors to visit residents – clarification on PPE usage when caring for residents with learning disabilities.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services
Advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) for local authorities and their partners to help support and protect vulnerable children – updated information on exceptional exemptions from self-isolation for critical staff and added a link to the relevant guidance.
COMMUNITY:
Private providers of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing
Lists of and information about private providers who have self-declared that they meet the government’s minimum standards for the type of commercial COVID-19 testing service they offer – updated the general list of providers.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
Testing for coronavirus before hospital
Sets out how and when to use a PCR home test kit to test for COVID-19 before a hospital procedure – updated to remove the registration step from instructions and references of it in guidance and to reflect the changes in guidance around how patients should return their test kit.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England): 22 July to 28 July 2021
Experimental statistics on NHS Test and Trace since its launch on 28 May 2020. Includes reports on NHS Test and Trace (people tested and contact tracing) and rapid (lateral flow device) testing for people without symptoms.
NHS COVID Pass
How to get the NHS COVID Pass and demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at events and venues in England – updated the BSL guide (video) for people who have received an NHS COVID Pass letter.
CONSTRUCTION:
Project-starts continue to fall, but non-residential project-starts slow the decline
While the value of project-starts remains substantially higher than the lockdown-affected previous year, the value has continued to decline in recent months. Material supply problems may have contributed to the fall, however a decline was expected following a surge in activity, due to pent-up demand, during the first quarter.
Shortage of subbies hampers construction growth
Construction buyers have reported a near record decline in subcontractor availability. Latest results for the bellwether IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI Total Activity Index show a lack of subcontractors and materials shortages hampered growth last month.
Materials prices set to rise by 10% as market booms
Surveyors are braced for a 10% rise in materials prices over the next 12 months as the construction supply chain struggles to keep up with increasing workloads. Shortage of staff was also flagged as a major problem in the latest RICS Construction and Infrastructure Survey for Q2 2021. A +38% (net balance) of respondents reported rising workloads with the private residential sector and infrastructure leading the way. The survey found 82% of respondents experienced a shortage of materials, up from 57% previously, while the cost of materials is expected to increase by nearly 10% over the next twelve months – ahead of the 7% growth anticipated for tender prices. Shortages of skilled labour and ‘white-collar’ roles were also widespread. Surveyors predict construction workloads will continue to gather pace, with a net balance of +55% saying more activity is expected next year.
EDUCATION
GCSE results 2021: How were grades decided?
Teachers were given the responsibility to award grades after exams were cancelled for the second year in a row, because of the pandemic.
GCSE, AS and A level qualifications in 2021
Publications relating to the awarding of GCSE, AS and A level qualifications in the academic year 2020 to 2021.
Ofqual confirms vocational and technical qualification exam arrangements for 2021-22
Exams regulator Ofqual has confirmed teacher-assessed grades are to end and exams will return next year for vocational and technical qualifications.
Exams remain ‘best way’ to guarantee standards, experts say
Anonymously-marked exam papers are still the best way of guaranteeing consistent standards in schools, according to a group of experts.
ENVIRONMENTAL
IPCC climate report: construction responds to ‘code red’ warning
Major construction firms have warned the industry needs to decarbonise rapidly in the wake of a ‘code red’ report on climate change.
Why CO2 matters for climate change
CO2 – or carbon dioxide – is at the heart of the world’s changing climate. Reality Check’s Chris Morris explains why in this short video clip.
Why business leaders swerve green initiatives
A host of sustainable business leaders met to discuss the brilliant initiatives they’ve launched – as well as tips for those starting out on their climate journeys
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Digital transformation: Shaping the future of European healthcare
Over the past six months, the need to respond swiftly to the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of digital health technologies, but more remains to be done to ensure the equity and sustainability of healthcare. Download the Deloitte report.
Covid vaccine: Fertility and miscarriage claims fact-checked
False and misleading claims that Covid-19 vaccines harm fertility and cause miscarriages are still circulating online, against all the evidence.
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children and young people and COVID-19 vaccination of children and young people JCVI statements.
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children and young people
Information for eligible children and young people on COVID-19 vaccination.
JCVI issues updated advice on COVID-19 vaccination of young people aged 16 to 17
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is today advising that all 16 and 17 year olds receive their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
HAULAGE & TRANSPORT
RHA Chief Executive, Richard Burnett said, “We reiterate that extending drivers’ hours can be counterproductive by making the job less attractive, especially at a time when firms are struggling to recruit and retain staff.
‘It will take at least 18 months to train100,000 HGV drivers’
RHA chief executive Richard Burnett has told Sky News that it will take at least 18 months to train enough HGV drivers to tackle the current shortage
HOSPITALITY
Wendy’s to open UK delivery kitchens in global expansion drive
US fast food chain Wendy’s is ramping up its UK expansion with plans to open delivery kitchens across the country
Restaurant spend slows after post-lockdown demand surge
There are signs the initial pent-up demand from lockdown is cooling off in certain sectors, such as restaurants.
Events get Covid insurance
UK music festivals and other live events are to be protected by a government-backed insurance scheme if they have to cancel because of Covid.
More than 92,000 EU workers estimated to have left UK’s hospitality sector
More than 92,000 workers from the European Union are estimated to have left the UK’s hospitality sector in the last year
PROPERTY:
Construction output falls for third consecutive month
Monthly construction output dropped below pre-pandemic levels for the third consecutive month in June by 1.3%, according to the latest ONS figures
Rent arrears are lowest for 10 years
Research carried out on behalf of Paragon Bank has highlighted each landlord has an average of 1.3 tenants with rent arrears – actually the lowest since the start of 2011.
Stamp Duty Holiday impact fades as market returns to near-normal
Agents are confident this signifies an orderly slowdown ahead of the eventual end of the stamp duty holiday in late September.
Leap in house sales income for Savills as Covid bounce back continues
Savills has reported a bounce back after the Covid-hit performance in 2020.
The agency has substantial overseas and commercial property and consultancy income, so its UK residential revenue is a relatively small part of today’s half year figures. Even so, what the company calls UK Residential Transaction performance was up 97 per cent – a year ago its figures were hit by the market close down of early 2020. Over all of its activities, Savills group revenue was £932.6m, up £141.2m from a year ago.
RETAIL:
Adidas raises full year forecast
Adidas has increased its full year outlook after revenues in its second quarter grew by 51% to €5.077 billion.
Aldi to hire over 2000 staff between now and Christmas
Aldi has announced it is set to go on a recruitment drive to hire over 2000 new employees across the UK between now and Christmas.
Aldi to create 270 jobs across Cheshire offering salaries up to £47,000
Budget supermarket giant Aldi has revealed plans to create around 270 new jobs across its Cheshire stores before Christmas.
TRAVEL:
Quarantine and testing if you’ve been in an amber list country
What to do before and after you arrive in England if you’ve been in an amber list country in the 10 days before you arrive – updated information about arrivals from France. The new rules will come into effect on 8 August.
Booking and staying in a quarantine hotel if you’ve been in a red list country
How to book a quarantine hotel and coronavirus (COVID-19) tests if you’ve been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England – update to reflect an increase in quarantine hotel costs from 4am on 12 August.
Red, amber and green list rules for entering England
Countries rated as red, amber or green for coronavirus (COVID-19) and the rules you must follow to enter England. From 4am Sunday 8 August, the fully vaccinated amber rules will apply to France. At the same time, Austria, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia will move to green list. Bahrain, India, Qatar and United Arab Emirates will move to amber list. Georgia, Mayotte, Mexico and Reunion will move to red list.
Useful Links:
Coronavirus Roadmap out of lockdown – what and when?
From 29 March:
- People will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the “rule of six”, including in private gardens
- The stay at home rule will end, but the government will urge people to stay local as much as possible
- Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts, and formally organised outdoor sports can restart
- Weddings attended by up to six people can take place in any circumstances
Stage two (no earlier than 12 April):
- All shops allowed to open, along with close-contact services, including hairdressers and beauty salons (including in people’s homes)
- Restaurants and pubs allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres
- Members of the same household can take a holiday in the UK in self-contained accommodation
- Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place
Stage three (no earlier than 17 May):
- People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
- Six people or two households can meet indoors
- Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors
- Up to 30 people can attend weddings or other life events, like christenings
- Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
- Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open
- Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on audience numbers
- Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
- International leisure travel may resume
- Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart
Stage four (expected 19th July):
- All legal limits on social contact will be removed
- No legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events
- Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen
Publishing information about your claimsIn January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV.UK.
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten yearsBusinesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.
Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31st October, would now be extended until December.
Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31 January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15 February and 31 March.
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 24th 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 – 11th 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
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.
Small businesses received £21.3 billion in COVID-19 support from local authority grants 
Two year extension announced for Covid Recovery Loan scheme 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market