UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,450,392 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,412 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 932 (116 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 7
Total UK deaths: 127,691
England Cases per 100,000: 21.2 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 36,811,405 up to and including 17 May 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 20,546,452
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 21,083
New cases in past 7 days: 78 to 13 May
Total deaths: 799
Cases per 100,000: 20.3 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.8 to 1.1
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.
Revision to historical case data in England
The introduction of a new system disrupted the removal of cases where a positive rapid lateral flow test (LFD) was followed by all negative laboratory (PCR) tests taken within 3 days. Therefore 4,776 additional cases have been removed today (19 May). Regions and local authorities do not show the actual number of new cases reported. UK and England numbers of newly reported cases have been adjusted and correctly reflect new cases reported.
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:
England enters Step 3 out of lockdown as Prime Minister urges caution
A lifting of some restrictions means many businesses in England can open today for the first time in months: pubs, restaurants and cafés can serve customers indoors with table service; gyms, soft play centres and some indoor classes can now resume. Millions of people can now socialise indoors in limited numbers, hug loved ones and travel abroad. The ban on foreign travel has been lifted and replaced with new rules. But Boris Johnson has asked that people continue to play their part in stopping coronavirus:
“Together we have reached another milestone in our road map out of lockdown, but we must take this next step with a heavy dose of caution.
“Everyone must play their part by getting tested twice a week, coming forward for your vaccine when called, and remembering hands, face, space and fresh air.
“I urge everyone to be cautious and take responsibility when enjoying new freedoms today in order to keep the virus at bay.”
BBC: Ministers urge uptake of vaccine as Indian variant is recorded in 86 of the UK’s local authorities
Ministers are urging people to book a Covid vaccination as soon as they are offered one, amid increasing concern about the risks posed by the Indian variant.
The health secretary said anyone who was unsure should look at Bolton, where most people in hospital with Covid were eligible for a jab but had not had one. Matt Hancock said 86 local councils had five or more cases of the variant. Meanwhile, millions of people have been enjoying new freedoms – such as indoor pints, hugs with loved ones and foreign holidays – for the first time in months under Monday’s easing of restrictions across the three nations. But amid concern over rising numbers of India variant cases, the government has warned its next review of social distancing rules may be delayed. Mr Hancock told the House of Commons on Monday that 86 local authorities now have five or more cases of the Indian variant, with 2,323 confirmed cases across the UK.
Travellers will now be able to visit 12 countries on the government’s green list, including Portugal and Israel, without isolating on their return.
But most tourist destinations remain on the amber and red lists, meaning travellers must quarantine when they get back. And that has hit demand for holidays.
Online travel agent Thomas Cook said the number of people booking to travel abroad was “still small”. It said 75% of its bookings were for Portugal, although Thomas Cook customers planning to jet off this week numbered only in their hundreds. On Friday, Portugal announced that travellers from the UK would be allowed to enter its borders provided they could show a negative PCR test result from the previous 72 hours.
- The rules for holidays in green list countries such as Portugal
- Portugal to allow UK tourists from Monday
- Public must play their part as lockdown eases – PM
Vodafone “strongly positioned” with return to growth in H2 FY21
Telecoms giant Vodafone has announced a return to growth in the second half of the financial year. Following a drop in performance in FY20 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm saw profits of €536m return in FY21.
The group’s next strategic phase is underway, aiming to become a ‘new generation’ connectivity and digital services provider in Europe and Africa. Nick Read, Vodafone’s group chief executive, commented: “I am pleased that we achieved full year results in line with our guidance and we exited the year with accelerating service revenue growth across the business, with a particularly good performance in our largest market, Germany.UK job vacancies at highest for a year
UK job vacancies have hit their highest level since the start of the pandemic as the easing of lockdown measures has led employers to start recruiting. In the February-to-April period there were 657,000 vacancies, up about 48,400 on the previous quarter. The unemployment rate fell slightly to 4.8% in the three months to March, down from 4.9% in February, the Office for National Statistics said.
Step 3 COVID-19 restrictions posters: 17 May 2021
A poster displaying information about COVID-19 restrictions in England from 17 May.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
North West business activity rises at fastest rate since 2017
Firms in the North West recorded a sharp and accelerated increase in business activity in April, in a sign of the region’s recovery gathering momentum as COVID-19 restrictions were loosened, latest UK regional PMI data from NatWest showed.
The headline North West Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – climbed from 56.5 in March to 59.7 in April.
This was its highest reading since December 2017 signalling one of the fastest rates of growth since the start of the survey in 1997.
Cheshire lawyers host webinar to help businesses return to the office
Employment lawyers and HR specialists from Stockport firm, SAS Daniels LLP, will discuss the return to the workplace post-lockdown in a free webinar for local businesses. The free 30-minute discussion takes place on Tuesday 25th May at 10am. It will provide guidance for North West employers, business owners and the self-employed, senior management and HR professionals as employees begin to return to the workplace as lockdown restrictions ease. The session will cover workplace testing, how to handle objections to returning to the office or following safety protocols, what to consider from a COVID-19 perspective and new ways of working, such as remote and flexible working options.
Surge testing for new coronavirus (COVID-19) variants
How ‘surge testing’ and genomic sequencing are being used in locations in England where coronavirus (COVID-19) variants have been identified – updated to include Hackney Council and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in the locations using surge testing.
BREXIT:
If you move goods between the UK and countries in the EU, you need to follow new customs and tax rules.
Your business will be affected by the new rules if you:
- buy goods from an EU seller and bring them into the UK
- send goods you’ve sold to a buyer in an EU country
- haven’t exchanged money but need to move equipment that you use for your business, between the UK and the EU.
You can now apply for the SME Brexit Support Fund. Smaller businesses can get up to £2,000 to pay for practical support, including training or professional advice to adjust to new customs, rules of origin and VAT rules when trading with the EU.
You can attend HMRC webinars to help adjust to the new rules and keep your business moving:
Importing – preparing to make your supplementary declaration:
Please register to take part if you’ve imported goods since 1 January 2021 and not yet completed a customs declaration for them.
Customs Import Declarations: an overview:
If you’re planning to import and want to understand the full declarations process please register
Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving:
An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary:
This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary to complete import or export declarations for your business. These are complex and an intermediary can save you a lot of time. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
Rules of Origin:
If you buy goods from the EU or send or sell goods to the EU for your business, this webinar will help you understand rules of origin and what’s required to meet the rules. The recorded webinar can be paused or rewound to allow you to work through the information at your own pace. Watch our recorded webinar:
Call HMRC’s Customs & International Trade helpline on 0300?? ?322?? ?9434, for more help with importing, exporting or customs reliefs. The helpline is open?? ?from 8am?? ?to?? ?10pm?? ?Monday?? ?to?? ?Friday and?? ?from 8am?? ?to?? ?4pm at?? ?week??ends. You can also send us your questions or webchat.
BUSINESS:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Vehicles – Updated to reflect the move to Step 3 of the roadmap.
Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
Designated venues in certain sectors must have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff to help break the chains of transmission of coronavirus – updated to add a call-out about the new COVID-19 variant of concern.
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
What to do if you or someone you employ is contacted by NHS Test and Trace, including self-isolation, sick pay and financial support – updated to add a call-out about the new COVID-19 variant of concern.
We Offer Testing to our Staff (WOTTOS): endorsement scheme
Guidance about a simple and free voluntary promotional scheme for firms who are participating in the government’s free coronavirus (COVID-19) workplace testing programme
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
Guidance for those managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities on safely re-opening multi-purpose buildings – updated to reflect Step 3 of the Roadmap.
Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This guidance applies to people moving into homes in England, whether as owner-occupiers, private or social renters – updated to incorporate the adjustments set out in step 3 of the roadmap to reopening.
COVID-19 vaccination status: what your confirmation letter tells you
Translated versions of the non-personal information in the letter confirming that someone has had the full course of the COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination
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 list of general testing providers and replaced the list of Test to Release providers with a link to a new service to find a Test to Release provider.COVID-19 vaccination: what to expect after vaccination
Information for people who have had their first COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: women of childbearing age, currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Information for all women of childbearing age, those currently pregnant or breastfeeding on coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination
CONSTRUCTION:
Glenigan: Construction industry recovery gaining momentum
The recovery in construction activity is gaining momentum. While project-starts are still below pre-pandemic levels, the last few months have seen a strong and encouraging rise. Plus, the development pipeline is ahead of 2019 levels, pointing to a sustained recovery in project-starts over the coming months. The value of projects starting on site averaged £5,212 million per month during the three months to April; an 18% increase against the preceding three months and 37% higher than a year ago.
EDUCATION:
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March 2020 and early years settings since Thursday 16 April 2020.
Reported coronavirus (COVID-19) notifications by registered early years and childcare settings
This data is published fortnightly. It gives the number of registered early years and childcare providers reporting one or more confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) by week – added data for weeks beginning 19 and 26 April.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing home care
Information for those providing personal care to people living in their own home during the coronavirus outbreak.
COVID-19: how to work safely in care homes
Guidance for those working in care homes providing information on how to work safely during this period of sustained transmission of COVID-19 – updated to clarify when to change face masks, difference between source control and PPE and updated section on waste including PPE.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): health and wellbeing of the adult social care workforce
Advice for those working in adult social care on managing your mental health and how employers can take care of the wellbeing of their staff during the coronavirus outbreak – information about the Money Advice Service has been added
National protocol for COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant])
This protocol is for the administration of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) to individuals in accordance with the national COVID-19 vaccination programme.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – added link to guidance regarding new COVID-19 variant.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): admission and care of people in care homes
How to protect care home residents and staff during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to add a call-out about the new COVID-19 variant of concern.
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 – uploaded a new version of ‘COVID-19 vaccination statistics, May 2021: data tables’ with an amendment to table 2 ‘Total number of all staff eligible for a vaccine’. Figures previously showed numbers for ‘Total number of all staff’ in error.
Supported living services during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for providers of supported living settings – updated to add a call-out about the new COVID-19 variant of concern.
Designated settings for people discharged to a care home
Guidance on the designated settings scheme for people discharged from hospital to a care home with a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for adult social care settings
Outlines the COVID-19 testing available for testing staff, residents and visitors for all adult social care settings.
Making vaccination a condition of deployment in older adult care homes
We are seeking your views on a proposal to make COVID-19 vaccination a condition of deployment in older adult care homes.
PPE portal: how to order COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)
Eligible health and social care providers can order PPE through the portal to meet the increased need that has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Self-declare as a private COVID-19 testing provider
How to declare that you meet the minimum standards for private-provided testing and be listed as a private sector coronavirus (COVID-19) testing provider.
JUDICIARY:
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 – 17 May Roadmap changes
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 – 17 May roadmap changes
HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic. We will aim to update this every Friday at 5pm.
PROPERTY:
Agents have just 4 weeks to meet HMRC’s deadline
A compliance specialist is reminding the industry that the deadline by which letting agents must register with HMRC if they are to remain anti-money laundering compliant is fast approaching. By June 10, any letting agent – residential or commercial – who lets out properties at or above 10,000 Euros per month, or its equivalent currency, will be impacted. By today’s exchange rates, that is currently £8,600 per month. Jerry Walters, managing director of FCS Compliance, warns agents that registration goes far beyond simply letting HMRC know of a company’s existence.
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated in line with the latest government guidance on how the rules changed on 17 May.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Planning Inspectorate guidance – updated 17 May 2021
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and guidance from government, the Planning Inspectorate has published guidance on site visits, hearings, inquiries, and events – Planning Inspectorate guidance and booklets – updated 17 May 2021
SPORT & LEISURE:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Performing arts – updated to include information about Step 3 of the roadmap.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): grassroots sports guidance for safe provision including team sport, contact combat sport and organised sport events
Information on how to safely provide grassroots sport and physical activity during COVID restrictions, including the team sport framework, contact combat sport framework, and advice on organised sport participation events
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of elite sport
Guidance for elite athletes and coaches on the phased return of elite sport – updated Stage Five (Return to competition: safe return of spectators) to include information about Step 3 of the roadmap.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): General Aviation
Guidance on General Aviation (GA) flying during the coronavirus outbreak – roadmap out of lockdown Step 3 update.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): taxis and PHVs
Actions that drivers, operators and owners of taxis or private hire vehicles (PHVs) can take to protect against coronavirus – updated to reflect roadmap out of lockdown.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak.
Apply for the COVID-19 bus service support grant
Information on applying for COVID-19 funding support for commercial bus operators in England.
TRAVEL:
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 – new green list of countries and territories with Australia, Brunei, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Iceland, Israel and Jerusalem, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha moved from the amber list.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): domestic cruise ship travel
Guidance on domestic cruise travel during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to reflect roadmap out of lockdown.
Passenger COVID-19 charter
Passenger rights, responsibilities and reasonable expectations for travel while coronavirus (COVID-19) measures remain in place – first published.
COVID-19 Charter for holidaymakers launched
Charter provides clear information for passengers outlining their rights and responsibilities when travelling this summer – first published.
Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status when travelling abroad
How to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination status to show that you’ve had the full course of the COVID-19 vaccine and access this status when travelling abroad – updated to add a link to a video about the post-vaccination confirmation letter in BSL.
Day 2 and day 8 testing for international arrivals: minimum standards for providers
Sets out the minimum standards that private sector providers must meet for the COVID-19 tests for people arriving in England.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Test to Release for international travel
Pay for a COVID-19 test to find out if you can reduce your quarantine period after international 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.
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.
Travel abroad and coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for British people travelling abroad during the coronavirus pandemic, if they are legally permitted to travel under current UK COVID-19 restrictions – updated to reflect new rules for international travel from 17 May.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Foreign travel insurance
If you’re travelling abroad, it’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance before you go – updated COVID-19 section on new rules for international travel from 17 May.
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