UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,444,631 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,657 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 1,098 (99 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 11
Total UK deaths: 127,651
England Cases per 100,000: 22.1 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 35,906,671 up to and including 12 May 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 18,890,969
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 21,047
New cases in past 7 days: 55 to 8 May
Total deaths: 800
Cases per 100,000: 14.3 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.7 to 0.9
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 & HEADLINES:
BT to create up to 7,000 jobs amid predictions of consistent growthBT Group, which provides mobile networks and internet services, announced today that it is expanding its Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) targets by 5 million premises. The company, which owns FTTP provider Openreach, has said that the extended target will fuel up to 7,000 new jobs. This comes as the group reports its full year results, which saw figures in line with expectations – revenue dropped by 7 per cent to £21.3m due to the impact of the pandemic, with EBITDA also falling by 6 per cent to £7.4m.
ONS: Crime drops by 8% during lockdown
Crime recorded by police in England and Wales fell by 8% in 2020 as periods of lockdown caused theft reports to drop by more than a quarter, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. Firearms offences fell by 11% and knife crime dropped by 9%.
Drug offences rose by 12%, however, driven by a police crackdown in “crime hotspots” from April to June 2020. The ONS said the “majority” of the fluctuation in crime rates during the year was due to periods of lockdown.
Government announces inquiry into handling of Covid pandemic
Boris Johnson has announced an independent public inquiry into the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. He told MPs it would examine the decisions “in the cold light of day” and “identify the key issues that will make a difference for the future”. The prime minister says he intends to launch the inquiry in Spring 2022.
He told MPs the delay was necessary to avoid putting too much stress on the NHS, advisers and government while there was the risk of a winter surge later this year.
The exact aims and remit – known as the terms of reference – will be announced closer to the start of the inquiry next year. This is partly to allow time for the UK government to work with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on the scope.
Supporting the government through the pandemic
People from across the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) continued to support the government’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic over the past year.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Local travel firm suspends summer holiday sales
Cheadle and Manchester based online travel firm, On the Beach, has suspended sales of holidays for the summer 2021 season as holidaymakers show lukewarm response to government’s recently announced travel rules. The firm’s CEO, Simon Cooper, criticised the traffic-light system for travel rules, with destinations categorised as green, amber and red and reviewed every three weeks. He said the plans gave holidaymakers no certainty over whether trips could go ahead, and whether they would need to quarantine on return outside of a three-week window.
As a result, On the Beach has suspended sales temporarily for trips in June, July and August this year, saying the company was not interested in “selling holidays that are unlikely to happen.” Simon Cooper said.
Manchester Airports sets out what passengers should expect this summer
Ahead of non-essential international travel resuming on Monday, Manchester Airport is advising sun-seeking passengers of everything they need to know before jetting off. The airport has pulled together guidance from all of its partners, including airlines, retailers, baggage handlers and Border Force to create one handy guide.
Customers are also advised to follow the airport’s social media channels, on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for latest updates including green light system, passenger locator form, safety measures and getting to the airport. Read more HERE
Cheshire East Council moves forward with planning framework
The revised development framework that will support the 2017 Local Plan Strategy has now been submitted for independent examination.
Macclesfield car finance company creates 80 new roles
Macclesfield and Manchester-based car finance company, Zuto, has announced 80 new hires across its two sites in the North West. The firm, which has welcomed 165 new employees since last June, has been buoyed by an increase in used car sales during lockdown as people have turned to private cars to keep public transport free for key workers. In addition to the 80 new jobs created this year, Zuto also plan to launch a graduate sales scheme, creating a further 30 roles.
ARMED FORCES:
Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces 2021
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 – added the number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces as of 13 May 2021.
BUSINESS:
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 13 May 2021
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.
COMMUNITY:
Deaths involving COVID-19 by religious group, England: deaths occurring between 24 January 2020 and 28 February 2021
This article reports age-standardised rates of death involving the coronavirus (COVID-19) by religion group and uses survival models to adjust risk for spatial, socio-demographic, living arrangements and pre-existing conditions. It compares the risk of COVID-19 mortality in each wave.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) local restrictions in education and childcare settings
How settings can prepare for restrictions to help contain community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) – this guidance has been updated with further information on testing and face covering measures.
Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Find out how apprenticeships will continue during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated as from 17 May all apprentices in higher education can return to in-person teaching and learning.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England): 29 April to 5 May 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.
Adult social care in England, monthly statistics: May 2021
Experimental statistics on a range of topics including infection control measures, coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations and testing for COVID-19 in adult social care settings.
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. The list also includes manufacturers whose exemption expired or was cancelled. This information will be listed for 2 months after expiry or cancellation.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey: antibody and vaccination data for the UK, 13 May 2021
Antibody data by UK country and English regions from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England and Wellcome Trust.
Adult social care in England statistics: methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the data in its monthly reports – added a link to the monthly statistics.
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS weekly use of remote audio and video technologies May 2020 to February 2021
Statistics on the use of remote technologies used by HMCTS.
Weekly use of remote hearing technologies in HMCTS
Management information used by HMCTS to understand the use of remote hearing technologies during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic to support court and tribunal hearings
HMCTS weekly management information during coronavirus outbreak
The management information used by HMCTS for understanding the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on workload volumes and activity at a national level on a weekly basis
LEGAL:
Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can as long as you follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolating – updated LPA processing times (removed duplication), including Welsh version.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data
Weekly watchlist giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each lower-tier local authority in England.
PROPERTY:
Stamp Duty holiday transactions at risk due to slow searches
Thousands of sales are at risk because slow searches by councils may prevent deals completing by the next stamp duty deadline. With just under eight weeks to go until the June 30 deadline – beyond which the stamp duty holiday advantage reduces – a mortgage firm has identified the slowest councils. Mojo Mortgages has looked at the current waiting times for local authority searches to be completed – a determining factor that’s having a major impact on the length of time between a memo of sale and completion. Search time varies from just five days up to more than six months for some councils. After combining the latest local authority search data with the average remaining conveyancing time of nine weeks suggested by the consumer group HomeOwners Alliance, the research calculated the average total conveyancing time for each local authority.
TRAVEL:
Travel firms warned over summer holiday refunds
Travel companies have been warned they must be ready to refund consumers if foreign holidays are cancelled by the coronavirus pandemic this summer.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it had reminded package holiday firms of their legal obligations. In 2020, cancelled trips resulted in 23,000 complaints to the competition watchdog. The CMA said it had acted against five big firms, which had now refunded a total of £200m. These included Tui, which the watchdog said had now formally committed to giving clearer information about refunds upfront.
Providers of day 2 and day 8 coronavirus testing for international arrivals
Information on the 2 tests you must book, pay for and take during your mandatory 10-day quarantine period after arriving in England, including how to book – updated the list of providers.
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 (no earlier than 21 June):
- 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
Media and Marketing:
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