UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,473,677 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 3,542 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 916 (112 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 10
Total UK deaths: 127,758
England Cases per 100,000: 23.6 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 38,614,683 up to and including 26 May 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 24,043,956
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 21,194
New cases in past 7 days: 58 to 22 May
Total deaths: 799
Cases per 100,000: 15.1 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.9 to 1.2
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 were removed on 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:
Northern transport leaders call for publication of Integrated Rail Plan
Political and transport leaders from across the North have joined forces to call on the government to urgently publish its investment strategy for the region’s trains.
Sky Media SME scheme gives £20k of advertising to 100 UK businesses
Sky Media has announced it is doubling its SME support programme as it launches for a second year. Sky Media, the advertising sales arm of Sky, has revealed today that it is relaunching its SME100 scheme, which will provide £2m of support for small businesses across the UK. The scheme will offer support for 100 businesses, with £20k of advertising provided to each – double the amount offered in 2020. The programme brings Sky’s advertising support for small businesses to more than £4.5m since the beginning of the pandemic.
Google partnership sees launch of new digital skills training for jobseekers
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new partnership with Google to deliver 9,000 UK jobseekers with scholarships towards digital skills training from the internet giant. The scholarship will allow jobseekers to work towards a Google Career Certificate to grow their skills in technology and IT, with Universal Credit claimants being referred to the scheme by DWP Work Coaches. Courses require no relevant experience and are recognised widely by industry employers.
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:
Pets at Home retail revenues reach £1bn after Covid rise in pet ownership
An increase in pet ownership during the pandemic has pushed revenues at retailer Pets at Home to £1.1bn. The Handforth-headquartered group said it estimated an 8 per cent increase in UK pet ownership over the past year raising the outlook for growth across the market. Total group revenue for the year to 25 March 2021 grew 7.9 per cent to £1.14bn, retail revenue reached £1bn for the first time with growth of 8.7 per cent during the year, despite Covid-related restrictions.
Council thanks hero volunteers ahead of Volunteers’ Week
Cheshire East Council has thanked volunteers across the borough ahead of Volunteers Week, particularly those giving up their time to help in their community via the People Helping People scheme. Cllr Mick Warren said: “We have been overwhelmed by the gestures of goodwill and the strength of community spirit right across the borough”
BUSINESS:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) in charts: What we learned over the past month (May 2021)
Analysis and charts using data from across the UK government and devolved administrations on the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on various aspects of society and the economy.
Update on the Trade Credit Reinsurance scheme
Government and insurers have agreed to end the successful temporary trade credit scheme.
EDUCATION:
COVID-19 Schools Infection Survey, antibody data for Round 4: March 2021
Initial estimates of staff and pupils testing positive for COVID-19 antibodies from the COVID-19 Schools Infection Survey across a sample of schools, from selected Local Authority areas in England. This survey is being delivered in partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Public Health England.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for education, early years and children’s social care
Funding and financial support available for education, childcare and children’s social care organisations – document ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for education, early years and children’s social care’ updated to reflect latest updates across sectors.
Vulnerable children and young people survey
Summary of local authority survey in England to help understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on children’s social care – added ‘Vulnerable children and young people survey: waves 1 to 23’.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: assessment of hospital-associated SARS-CoV-2 infection and care home outbreaks
A data linkage approach to assessing the contribution of hospital-associated SARS-CoV-2 infection to care home outbreaks in England, 30 January to 12 October 2020.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England)
Experimental statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service and related documents.
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.
Local authority COVID-19 financial impact monitoring information
Summary of data collected from local authorities on the financial impact of COVID-19 – added Local authority COVID-19 financial impact monitoring information round 12.
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE:
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 – Addition of: number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces as of 27 May 2021.
PROPERTY:
HMRC money laundering deadline looming for letting agents
There are just two weeks left for letting agents to register with HM Revenue & Customs if they want to be fully compliant with anti-money laundering regulations. The reminder comes from CDDCheck, an online platform that says enables businesses to ‘electronically screen against individual stakeholders and businesses at a vastly reduced cost’. The firm says that the terms of the EU’s Fifth Money Laundering Directive – implemented in January 2020 and still applicable in the UK despite Brexit – makes it a legal obligation for every letting agency business that lets property valued at 10,000 euros per month or its equivalent currency (£8,600 a month in the UK) to register with HMRC.
TRAVEL:
National Travel Attitudes Study: Wave 5
Public attitudes on cycling (focus on e-bikes and cycle training), walking and travel behaviour during the coronavirus pandemic.
National Travel Attitudes Study, England: pre-release access
Post holders given access to National Travel Attitudes Study up to 24 hours prior to release – Pre-release access document updated.
Statistics relating to passenger arrivals since the COVID-19 outbreak, May 2021
A statistical report showing the impact of COVID-19 on the immigration system, up to April 2021.
Immigration and border statistics relating to COVID-19
This page brings together documents relating to published statistics on the immigration system and passenger arrivals since the COVID-19 outbreak – added ‘Statistics relating to passenger arrivals since the COVID-19 outbreak, May 2021’.
DCMS Sectors Economic Estimates: Monthly GVA (to March 2021)
Official Statistics used to provide an estimate of the contribution of DCMS Sectors to the UK economy, measured by GVA (gross value added).
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