UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,828,463 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 27,989 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 1,795 (259 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 22
Total UK deaths: 128,162
England Cases per 100,000: 160.2 per 100,000
R number in UK: 1.2 to 1.4
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 44,860,978 up to and including 30 June 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 33,048,199
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 23,813
New cases in past 7 days: 614 to 26 June
Total deaths: 807
Cases per 100,000: 159.8 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:
Gap to close all 81 stores in UK and Ireland
US fashion giant Gap has confirmed it plans to close all its 81 stores in the UK and Ireland and go online-only.
Pet owners can pass on coronavirus to their cats and dogs, study suggests
Scientists warn there is a risk that pets could act as a reservoir of the virus and reintroduce it into the human population.
Misleading stat claims more vaccinated people die
One conspiracy site even claimed vaccinated people were dying at higher rates than those who had not received the jab, which is untrue.
Euro 2020 final will ‘absolutely’ go ahead with more than 60,000 fans at Wembley, says minister
Nearly 2,000 COVID cases in Scotland were linked to football fans watching Euro 2020 fixtures – but the business secretary says the final at Wembley will go ahead with the 90,000-seat stadium at 75% of its capacity.
UK’s furlough scheme starts to wind down
With about 1.5 million workers still on furlough, the change will affect thousands of firms across the country.
Nissan announces £1bn ‘gigafactory’ boosting electric car production and creating thousands of jobs
Boris Johnson hails the investment, which it is claimed will create thousands of jobs, as a “major vote of confidence in the UK”.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Seashell secures Youth Music grant
Local charity, Seashell has secured a grant of £29,914 from Youth Music, using public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, to deliver a unique and innovative year-long project.
Fresh rules for visiting Aldi, ASDA, Tesco, Lidl, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons ahead of ‘freedom day’ on July 19
As the UK prepares for ‘freedom day’ on July 19, many supermarket shoppers have been asking if rules will change in stores like ASDA, Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and M&S
Challenger bank appoints two Non-Executive Directors
Mike Kirsopp and Vicky Griffiths will bring their extensive experience to GBB, which is focusing on bringing financial support to underserved areas including the North West.
BUSINESS:
Collecting tax debts as we emerge from coronavirus
This briefing sets out HMRC’s approach to collecting tax debts and customer support as the UK emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tighter payment rules to small firms come into force
Reforms to the Prompt Payment Code covering small businesses come into force today requiring payment times to be cut from 60 days to 30 days.
Disengaged employees are 60% more likely to make mistakes compared with their engaged colleagues
Designing and implementing an effective people engagement strategy to support job satisfaction and overall performance and productivity is a step in the right direction.
Test and Trace support payment information
Staff could get a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment if eligible and can provide key information.
Self-isolation for coronavirus and sick pay
If someone cannot work because they have to self-isolate, they must tell their employer as soon as possible
Keeping workplaces safe as coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are eased – sources of advice
This page provides the latest information on any changes related to workplace safety during the pandemic, following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
Advice for pregnant employees
Advice for pregnant employees on risk assessments in the workplace and occupational health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Post Covid, the Future of the Office
“Regardless of business sector and specialty, and regardless of an employee’s profession or position, working habits have changed vastly from what they once were. But while we’re seeing the phasing out of the traditional, office-based 9am-5pm working week, the office continues to play a central role in the progression of a business and provides facilities and experience virtual and remote working simply cannot.”
HMRC: 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. You can currently claim for pay periods in Ju?ne and July. If you submitted a claim for May and need to make a change because you didn’t claim enough, you can also do this until 28?? ?June. 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 here
- 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 our 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. HMRC will continue to review their webinars to give the most up-to-date information, and welcome your feedback at the end of the session too.
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to coronavirus (COVID-19) – information about changes from 1 July 2021 has been added and claims for furlough days in June 2021 must be made by 14 July 2021.
Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible, and how much your employer can claim if they put you on temporary leave (‘furlough’) because of coronavirus (COVID-19) – information about changes from 1 July 2021 has been added.
Claim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Claim for some of your employee’s wages if you have put them on furlough or flexible furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19) – information about changes from 1 July 2021 has been added and claims for furlough days in June 2021 must be made by 14 July 2021.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed – clarification of which sectors are eligible for the grant.
Private coronavirus (COVID-19) testing validation
This consultation is seeking to collect views on proposals for private COVID-19 testing validation. We are particularly interested in hearing from businesses involved in the manufacturer, distribution and retail of COVID-19 tests and expert academic views.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme – added new ‘Employer prospectus’ PDF document.
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 information about Gateway Plus organisations in the ‘How the Scheme works’ section.
Help employers with the Kickstart Scheme (Kickstart gateway)
Information for Kickstart gateways on how to help employers with the Kickstart Scheme and how to add jobs or employers to the grant agreement – added information about Gateway Plus organisations in the section ‘What is a Kickstart gateway?’.
Summary of changes to Kickstart Scheme updated as of 21st June 2021
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): right to work checks
Advice for employers carrying out right to work checks during the coronavirus pandemic – updated as the end date for the temporary adjusted checking processes is now 31 August 2021.
CARE SECTOR :
Adult social care given over £250 million extra to continue coronavirus protections
People in care homes or those being cared for at home will benefit from an extra £250 million to continue to protect them from COVID-19 transmission.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing unpaid care
Information for people who are caring, unpaid, for friends or family during the coronavirus outbreak.
Overview of adult social care guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)Information for adult social care providers on COVID-19 guidance and support.
Updated with changes in the ‘admissions and care of residents in care homes’ guidance.
Visiting arrangements in care homes
Sets out how care homes can support families and visitors to visit residents. The guidance is for directors of public health, care providers and others who will be involved in planning to enable visits to care homes
COMMUNITY:
Testing for coronavirus before hospital
Sets out how and when to use a PCR home test kit to test for COVID-19 before a hospital procedure.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus.
Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19)
This guidance aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic.
Financial support for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to respond to coronavirus (COVID-19)
The government has pledged £750 million to ensure VCSE can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with an additional £150 million from dormant bank and building society accounts.
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.
(COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated to reflect the publication of revised guidance on arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic.
How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
The different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact-tracing data in its weekly reports.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England): 3 June to 9 June 2021
Experimental statistics on NHS Test and Trace since its launch on 28 May 2020. Includes reports on NHS Test and Trace (people tested and contact tracing) and rapid (lateral flow device) testing for people without symptoms.
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 18 June 2021
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 9 to 13 June 2021 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
CONSTRUCTION
Staycation demand to boost construction in key regions
A recent survey has highlighted a potential staycation windfall of almost £31 billion for the top ten UK destinations for domestic tourism this year.
EDUCATION:
Number of positive isolating pupils unknown in England
The government is not monitoring how many Covid cases in England are being prevented by sending pupils home from school to self-isolate.
School suspensions and permanent exclusionsGuidance on the suspension and permanent exclusion of pupils from local-authority-maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units
Williamson working to ‘relax Covid measures in schools’
The education secretary has said he is working with colleagues to “relax Covid measures in schools”, after new figures showed another steep rise in absences related to the virus.
DfE tells schools to prepare for return of on-site Covid testing in September
Schools have been told to prepare for the return of on-site Covid testing from the start of the autumn term, with test kits and PPE to be sent out.
Should schoolchildren still have to self-isolate?
More than a quarter of a million children are absent from school in the UK because of coronavirus, prompting calls for a different approach to testing and quarantining of pupils that puts children’s needs first.
Latest Covid wave prompts demands to keep children in school
With 80-90 per cent of over-50s in England now double vaccinated, according to Public Health England, a growing number of educators, parents and politicians question whether keeping so many children off school can be justified when the academic year starts in September.
Induction for newly qualified teachers during the coronavirus outbreak
Guidance about changes to newly qualified teacher (NQT) induction during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Change made: Added information about additional funding for those currently undertaking induction
EVENTS
Government publishes Events Research Programme report
Mitigation measures can be used to reduce and manage risks associated with large events, report finds
GRANT FUNDING:
Coronavirus grant funding (Updated 21st June 2021)
Local authorities have received and distributed funding to support small and medium businesses in England during coronavirus.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Mixing Covid vaccines gives good protection, study suggests
The Com-Cov trial looked at the efficacy of either two doses of Pfizer, two of AstraZeneca, or one of them followed by the other.
Employees Say Work is Still the Number One Cause of Stress
European employees say that work-life balance and work itself are their biggest causes of stress today despite that millions of employees are currently working from home
UK surpasses 500,000 coronavirus tests genomically sequenced
More than half a million positive COVID-19 samples have been genomically sequenced, cementing the UK’s status as a world leader in genomics.
Get support if you’re clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus: privacy notice
Privacy notice for the service providing coronavirus support to clinically extremely vulnerable people – updated to reflect fact that in some circumstances, supermarkets will retain personal information in order to offer vulnerable people priority access to delivery slots on an ongoing basis.
Excess mortality in English regions
Excess mortality by English region; broken down by age, sex, upper tier local authority, ethnic group, level of deprivation, cause of death and place of death.
COVID-19 surge testing outcomes reports: management information
Sequencing of confirmed COVID-19 cases via test sites and home testing of postcodes included in surge testing operations.
Assessment and procurement of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests
How the government assesses offers of COVID-19 tests from developers for procurement and use in the UK – added attachments ‘Coronavirus test device authorisations operating process for SARS-CoV-2 tests’ and ‘Private testing desktop review (stage 2): operating process for SARS-CoV-2 tests’.
Visiting arrangements in care homes
Sets out how care homes can support families and visitors to visit residents – updated to reflect that: 1. Care home residents should isolate following a visit only where it includes an overnight stay in hospital, or is deemed high-risk following an individual risk assessment. 2. Residents no longer should isolate on admission into the care home from the community. 3. Every resident can nominate an essential care giver.
Arrangements for visiting out of the care home
Sets out how care homes can support residents on visits outside of the care home – updated to reflect that: 1. Care home residents should isolate following a visit only where it includes an overnight stay in hospital or is deemed high-risk following an individual risk assessment. 2 Residents no longer should isolate on admission into the care home from the community. Removed ‘Visits out of care homes: summary of guidance’.
HOSPITALITY
Bar group revs up for “rapid recovery” with anticipated strong demand
A national hospitality group has announced it is experiencing a “rapid recovery” as COVID restrictions continue to ease across the UK.
Government publishes Events Research Programme report
Mitigation measures can be used to reduce and manage risks associated with large events, report finds
MANUFACTURING:
Manufacturing growth forecast doubles to outpace economy overall
Britain’s manufacturers are accelerating as growth prospects become significantly more positive for the rest of the year, according to a major survey published today by Make UK and business advisory firm BDO.
PROPERTY
Stamp duty holiday: How is it changing?
The stamp duty holiday introduced in June 2020 will start to be phased out. It means house buyers will have to pay stamp duty again for purchases above £250,000.
RETAIL
Primark sales boost ABF’s full-year outlook
Associated British Foods said it expected annual profit to be in line with the year before after sales at Primark outstripped forecasts in the third quarter.
SCIENCE:
Prototype face mask can detect a Covid-19 infection as you are wearing it
A prototype face mask which is said to be capable of detecting Covid-19 infections from the wearer’s breath has recently been created in the US.
TRAVEL:
What are the rules for travelling to green, amber and red list countries
Latest travel list as of 24th June 2021
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
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