UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,581,006 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 7,676 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 1,136 (184 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 10
Total UK deaths: 127,917
England Cases per 100,000: 69.9 per 100,000
R number in UK: 1.2 to 1.4
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 41,831,056 up to and including 14 June 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 30,209,707
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 22,288
New cases in past 7 days: 516 to 10 June
Total deaths: 800
Cases per 100,000: 134.3 per 100,000
R number in North West: 1.3 to 1.5
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:
BBC: Easing of lockdown delayed by 4 weeks
Most coronavirus rules will remain in place in England for another four weeks after the planned 21 June unlocking. Senior ministers have signed off on the decision to delay the lifting of all legal restrictions on social contact. Capacity limits for sports, pubs and cinemas will remain, and nightclubs will stay closed. Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the delay yesterday at a news conference stating that a four- week delay is necessary to vaccinate more people before reaching the ‘terminus date’ of restrictions on 19th July when restrictions are due to be lifted. However, a few restrictions are being lifted on 21 June, including the limit on wedding guest numbers – although venues will still have to adhere to social distancing rules. However, unemployment remains high in hospitality and those in the industry say it will continue to suffer as a result the four-week delay to the lifting of England restrictions. Live music, theatre and other event managers say they’ve been dealt a “hammer blow”. The extension will be put to a Commons vote this month.
No extension of business support schemes, despite delay in easing restrictions
Business support measures including furlough scheme have not been extended, despite the government’s decision to delay the easing of Covid-19 restrictions until 19th July.During questions from the media, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed there were no plans from the Treasury to extend Covid-19 business support introduced to help businesses that were unable to trade, either fully or in part, due to the pandemic. Under the extension, hospitality businesses will continue to have to enforce social distancing guidelines, limiting their capacity, with nightclubs remaining entirely closed until July. Weddings and wakes will be permitted to host more than 30 guests; however, venues will still be required to enforce social distancing and table service, limiting the size of events they can continue to host.
Oral statement on easing of coronavirus restrictions
Speech by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in House of Commons on the easing of coronavirus restrictions
How the number of vaccinated could increase over the 4 weeks to 9th July
Percentage of adults with one dose from 79% to 89%
Percentage of adults with two doses from 57% to 76%
Vaccines highly effective against hospitalisation from Delta variant
New analysis by PHE shows for the first time that 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against hospitalisation from the Delta (B.1.61.2) variant.
Night Time Industry Associations criticise delay to lifting of restrictions
Businesses have criticised Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to delay ‘Freedom Day’, when remaining lockdown restrictions were expected to be lifted on June 21. Instead, he announced yesterday that, due to the increase in COVID-19 infection rates, the unlocking will be delayed until July 19, with an option to ease restrictions two weeks earlier if the scientific data allows. Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industry Association (NTIA), which also includes Greater Manchester night time economy adviser, Sacha Lord, said: “This is a hugely devastating blow for the very industries that have been hardest hit by this pandemic. In a very real sense, the Prime Minister has ‘switched the lights off’ for an entire sector.
ONS: Unemployment down from 4.8% to 4.7%
The jobs market is “showing signs of recovery”, official figures suggest, with the unemployment rate falling and the number of job vacancies rising.
Unemployment stood at 4.7% in the three months to April, down from 4.8% previously, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
The number of job vacancies in March to May was 758,000 – just 27,000 below pre-pandemic levels. However, unemployment among the young and those in hospitality remains high. Sam Beckett, ONS head of economic statistics, said:
“The number of employees on payroll grew strongly in May, up by almost 200,000, although it is still over half a million down since the pandemic struck.”
Insurers criticised over extent of Covid cover
While some travel insurers boast of offering “Covid cover”, many policies exclude plausible scenarios, such as new lockdowns in the UK or a destination country, says consumer group Which? Having analysed 263 different policies, it found only two gave travellers all-round financial protection. The Association of British Insurers says people should take time to understand the scope of cover because “policies bought after the pandemic was declared are unlikely to cover cancellation due to Covid as it is a known risk”.
Less than 30 days to apply for EU Settlement scheme
There less only 30 days to go until the deadline of 30 June 2021 for applications to be made to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). All EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, should apply without delay so that they can continue to work, study, and access free healthcare and benefits in the UK after 30 June 2021.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
North West sees strongest growth in 24 years
The North-West saw its strongest growth in business activity in over 24 years last month thanks to Covid restrictions being eased and a pic- up in market demand. According to the latest NatWest PMI report, there was a record build-up of backlogs spurring accelerated job creation, with strong growth recorded across both manufacturing and services. The PMI figures track the monthly change in the output of goods and services across the private sector. Any figure over 50 shows growth, with higher figures signalling faster expansion. That figure for the North-West rose from 59.7 in April to an all-time high of 66.4 in May, also the highest reading among the 12 UK regions monitored by the survey. The good news came despite cost pressures facing the region’s businesses continuing to build, which resulted in a record increase in goods and services prices.
Surge testing to be deployed in Cheshire West
Working with local authorities, NHS Test and Trace is providing additional testing and genomic sequencing in Cheshire West.
Junction improvements plans unveiled for key Macclesfield gateway
Work on the Flowerpot Junction is set to begin in 2022 and take around six months to complete. Plans include dedicated turning lanes and improved pedestrian and bike access with the council inviting residents to share their views via a public consultation.
BUSINESS:
(COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated the list of areas where the Delta variant is spreading with new councils.
(COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated summary with information on changes from 21 June.
Are you re-opening your business, or planning to do so shortly?
If you’re bringing back your employees part-time, you can claim furlough flexibly for them under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs. To help you plan ahead for future claim periods, the CJRS calculator is available to help you work out how much you can claim for employees in June, July, August and September. For the latest information, join our live webinar. You can ask questions throughout using the on-screen text box, although we can’t discuss personal circumstances.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar –Register hereWe’ll look at:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to calculate what you can claim
- how to apply.
There are useful handouts for you to download and we’ll also send you a link to a recording after the live webinar.
If you’re a small or medium-sized employer with under 250 employees, you may also be eligible for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. View HMRC’s recorded webinar about the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme on HMRC’s YouTube channel, for further guidance on the scheme, including who you can claim for, how to claim and what you may be entitled to. You can also find out what other financial support may be available for you and your business as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs, by searching ‘find coronavirus financial support’ on GOV??.UK. We’ll continue to review our webinars to give the most up-to-date information, and welcome your feedback at the end of the session too.
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 a link to a video walkthrough of the online application in the ‘How to apply – Apply online’ section.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination
Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to safely plan a wedding or civil partnership, or funeral, wake or commemoration
What you need to do if you’re planning a wedding or civil partnership in venues such as gardens or marquees on private land, excluding indoors inside private homes.
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.
Care home residents can stay overnight as visiting restrictions ease
Care home residents will be able to spend more time with family and friends.
Visit someone in prison during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Information and guidance about visiting prisons in England and Wales – information about testing for physical contact added.
CONSTRUCTION:
Glenigan: Construction industry gathers momentum
+13% Increase in project starts during the three months to May
+28% Rise in the value of main contract awards during the three months to May
The flow of work on-site grew during the three months to May and a strengthening pipeline points to further growth over the coming months. The value of projects starting on-site averaged £5,395 million per month during the three months to May; a 5% rise against the preceding three months and 49% higher than the lockdown disrupted period a year ago. The rise against the preceding three months was due to a 7% increase against the previous three months in the value of major projects starting on-site. At an average of £1,232 million a month, major projects were also 6% higher than a year ago. At £4,163 million per month the average value of underlying projects (under £100m) was 20% up on the previous three months on a seasonally adjusted basis and 70% higher than a year ago.
EDUCATION:
Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Protective measures for providers of community activities, holiday or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings offering provision to children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – guidance updated to reflect latest changes. Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for parents and carers of children attending community activities, holiday or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings – updated section on educational visits. Teaching about mental wellbeing
Practical materials for primary and secondary schools to use to train staff about teaching mental wellbeing – added guidance to support relationships, sex and health education curriculum planning, as part of education recovery.
Laptops, tablets and connectivity data as of 15 June 2021
How many laptops, tablets and routers we’ve delivered to help disadvantaged children and young people access remote education.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: impact on vaccination programmes
Reports assessing the impact of COVID-19-related physical distancing measures on delivery of childhood vaccination programmes in England – added report on early vaccine coverage data to April 2021.
Further support for Birmingham, Blackpool, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Liverpool City region and Warrington to tackle Delta (B1.617.2) variant
This follows the introduction of further support in Greater Manchester and Lancashire last week – added link to (COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do page.
Organisation testing registration: record of users
Guidance and spreadsheet to record the details of people you’ve tested for coronavirus on that day – replaced ‘Record-keeping multiple registration spreadsheet: care homes’ with a new version.
COVID-19: migrant health guide
Advice and guidance for healthcare practitioners on the health needs of migrant patients – added new links to translated guidance on how to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Vaccination programme accelerated as Step 4 is paused
Step 4 will be delayed by up to four weeks and the vaccination programme accelerated to respond to the rapid spread of the Delta variant.
Imperial College London: Evaluating the roadmap out of lockdown – modelling Step 4 of the roadmap in the context of B.1.617.2 (Delta), 9 June 2021
Paper prepared by Imperial College London on Step 4 of the roadmap.
HOSPITALITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, receptions and celebrations
Guidance for couples planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England, as well as managers of venues that host ceremonies and receptions, and individuals hosting these events on private premises – updated to include guidance on changes from 21 June.
LEGAL:
Being a deputy or attorney during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out how you can continue to act in the best interests of the client or donor, during the outbreak.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Welcome Back Fund
Guidance to help local authorities and partners to deliver activities supported through the Welcome Back Fund. This funding builds on the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund announced in May 2020 – version 2 of the guidance and FAQ added
PROPERTY:
Move to lift Covid restrictions by 4 weeks damaging to housing market, says agent
A leading agent has been in touch with EAT to vent his frustration at the government for extending most of the current Covid restrictions – and he says that indirectly they will cause damage to the agency industry and the housing market. The agent, who is close to the top of a large corporate chain, says their “mood music” created by the extension, and what he calls the “growing fear” being spread about the Delta Variant, are likely to make people pull back from plans to buy and sell.
Rents hit record high, according to leading agency
Rental growth accelerated in May to reach a new record high according to Connells-owned lettings agency Hamptons. Last month the average cost of a newly let rental home in Britain rose to £1,054 per calendar month, up 7.1 per cent on the same time last year. This marked the fastest rate of growth since the agency’s records began in 2013, surpassing the previous peak of 7.0 per cent in December 2014.
The average rental home now costs £43 or 4.1 per cent more than it did in May 2019 – in May 2020, the market was effectively closed because of lockdown.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): General Aviation
Guidance on General Aviation (GA) flying during the coronavirus outbreak.
TRAVEL:
Losses for On the Beach but board remains optimistic
The pandemic has continued to hit revenues at Greater Manchester listed travel company On the Beach. Revenues for the half year to the end of March were down 79 per cent to £4.4m due to suppressed consumer demand for booking holidays in the period. The group said whilst the UK Government’s roadmap out of lockdown had a theoretical restart date for international leisure travel of 17 May 2021, there has remained significant uncertainty around the extent to which European destinations would be in a position to accept UK tourists; and how onerous any restrictions or requirements for travel may be.
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
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