UK STATISTICS
There have now been nearly 9.9 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly almost 144,000 people have died, government figures show. More than 50.7 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, nearly 88% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. About 80% have had their second and 26% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 9,845,492 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 44,917 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,024, 68 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 45
Total UK deaths: 143,972
England Cases per 100,000: 439
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 50,777,474 – 88% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 80%
Daily 1st doses: 16,424
Daily 2nd doses: 13,892
Daily Booster doses: 237,995
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 55,878
New cases in past 7 days: 1,611 to 18 Nov
Total deaths: 899
Cases per 100,000: 416.6
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.
The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 0.9 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is -1% to +2% per day as of 5 November 2021.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
National newsbrand sees increased digital revenues and hires
Reach plc has issued a trading update covering June 28 2021 to November 21 2021. The publication firm has seen a more normalised pattern of year-on-year trading during H2, following the relatively soft H1 comparatives. Revenue has continued to grow and was up 1.2 per cent overall in the period, with digital up 17.2 per cent and print declines moderating further to 3.5 per cent. A strong digital revenue performance in the period was driven by yield expansion, supported by strategic delivery and a recovery in digital advertising versus 2020. On a two-year basis, digital revenue growth is up by 39 per cent for the year-to-date, with average page views growing by 30 per cent. Customer registrations are now over 8m (6.7m at end of July), with growth supported by the recent addition of Google ‘one tap’ functionality, a more frictionless route to sign-up, enabling deeper customer understanding.
New pet owners during Covid contribute to 18% growth in revenue Pets at Home
Pets at Home has posted a strong rise in revenues in its interim results, with its chief executive hailing the progress made. For the 28 weeks to 7 October 2021, the Handforth-headquartered company’s total group revenue increased by 18 per cent to £677.6m. On a like-for-like basis, it was up 22.2 per cent. The group noted that the “continuing” increase in active customers is underpinning strong volume growth.
It said the “sustained growth” in new pets significantly increases its market opportunity. Chief executive Peter Pritchard said the business has “never been more robust. Our pet care strategy continues to deliver, we continue to take market share and improve spend per customer and the benefits of our investment in capacity and capability are really starting to deliver, ” said Pritchard. “Notwithstanding some near-term, industry-wide challenges, we continue to grow ahead of our plans and, based on trading year to date, we are on track to report a record year of sales and profit growth.”
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
KPMG adds 160 graduates to its North-West offices
KPMG has welcomed 160 new graduates and apprentices across its Manchester and Liverpool offices. It is the largest intake of graduates and apprentices in recent years across the firm’s audit, tax and advisory practices as it looks to build on its strong presence in the North-West. In Manchester, 127 graduates and 22 apprentices joined the firm in autumn. Half of the graduates joining the Manchester team will be working within technology teams, reflecting the demand for these services and Manchester’s position as one of the UK’s leading tech hubs.
There’s still time to enter first ever Marketing WAM Business Awards
Businesses can enter themselves, or nominate a business or colleague deserving of recognition for their efforts over the last 18 months. Entries close 31st December.
Charity submits plans for inclusive community cycle track
The project is part of the Seashell’s £50 million masterplan for redeveloping its campus, and provides young people with complex needs a safe place to cycle.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
The workplace of the future must be touchless, safe and convenient
Most-wanted office technologies, Occupiers have spoken: Touchless access control, smart building tech, and flex space options are essential, if landlords are to make the office an attractive proposition. Get ahead of the curve with first-hand insights from more than 3,200 global office worker respondents.
54.1% touchless access controls; 37.8% Indoor Air Quality; Flexi-space options 37.1% and 31.5% onsite food and services
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions – added new clause at the end of section 3 and added definition for ‘project end date’.
Getting Jabbed is an Essential Part of Christmas Planning
The latest vaccination walk-in centre at the One Stockport Hub in Merseyway is offering COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible people without having to plan ahead with appointments. People who have had their last jab at least six months ago can go in for their booster – and that now includes people aged 40 or over.
“We encourage people to get on top of their jabs in the coming days and weeks before Christmas. Once we start gathering in more numbers as Christmas parties and family get-togethers go ahead, we all need to feel confident and comfortable about protecting ourselves, our families and others from Covid. Getting jabbed, alongside regular hand washing and wearing a face covering in indoor public spaces, is the best line of defence we have as individuals; it’s essential we take this responsibility seriously.”
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children and young people
Information for eligible children and young people on COVID-19 vaccination – added links to order the guide for: eligible children and young people aged 12 to 17; 16 to 17; and on what to expect after COVID-19 vaccination.
Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need.
COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC)
Guidance on infection prevention and control for seasonal respiratory infections including SARS-CoV-2 – updated to clarify text on aerosol generating procedures.
EDUCATION:
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for schools and parents
COVID-19 vaccination guidance and resources for schools and parents – added links to order the English version 2 of COVID-19 vaccination programme for children and young people: guidance for parents and guidance for schools.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, antibody and vaccination data, UK: 23 November 2021
Antibody and vaccination data by UK country and regions in England from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey. This analysis has been produced in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England, and Wellcome Trust. This study is jointly led by the ONS and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) working with the University of Oxford and Lighthouse Laboratory to collect and test samples.
Update to UK infection prevention control guidance to include seasonal respiratory infections
The infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance for health and care settings during the COVID-19 pandemic has been updated to cover other seasonal respiratory infections.
Deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 12 November 2021
Provisional counts of the number of deaths registered in England and Wales, in the latest weeks for which data are available.
HMRC:
If you have a specific question about importing, exporting or customs reliefs
If you move goods between Great Britain (GB) and countries in the European Union (EU), you might be affected when full customs controls come into effect on 1??? January??? ?2022. Call our Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300??? ?322??? ?9434. The helpline is open from?? ?8am to 10pm??? ?Monday to??? ?Friday and from?? ?8am to??? ?4pm at weekends.
You can also send us your questions or contact us by webchat The Export Support Service is a new helpline for UK businesses to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. The service is a ‘one-stop shop’ and brings together UK government information, making it easier for exporters to access advice and support.
HMRC’s YouTube channel has videos and recorded webinars about customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU. Watch our Rules of Origin recorded webinar to understand the process and what you need to do if you buy from, send or sell goods to the EU.
Register now for our live webinars:
We’ll explain existing guidance and answer general questions about the content. We’re unable to answer questions specific to the items you import or export on the webinars:
- Importing – steps you need to take before making your supplementary declaration – get advice on how to make a supplementary declaration and how intermediaries can help;Customs Import Declarations: an overview – of the whole declarations process;
- Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving – covering zero-rated VAT, customs declarations, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations;
- Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary – your responsibilities if using an intermediary to complete import or export declarations;
- Importing food and drink, and animal products from the EU to Great Britain– DEFRA webinars about upcoming changes and how to register and use the import system IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System). You can also find webinars and videos from other government departments about trading with the EU.
RETAIL:
88% of CEO’s are optimistic sales will rise next year
Retail Week: The leaders of 53 UK retailers expect revenues to bounce back strongly next year, with nine in 10 expecting an uplift in 2022, reveals a major new Retail Week report. Retail Week found that 43% of the UK chief executives it interviewed for Retail 2022, its annual c-suite strategy report, expect sales in the calendar year to be significantly higher versus 2021, with 45% expecting them to be slightly higher. On profitability, the picture is similarly rosy: 28% expect much better profits than in 2021 and 40% expect slightly better. Fifty-three leaders from businesses including Gymshark, Beauty Pie, Pets at Home, Currys, Levi’s and Waterstones spoke to Retail Week for the research, this year produced in association with Reflexis, now part of Zebra.
Useful links:
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