UK STATISTICS
There have been more than 9 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly over 140,000 people have died, government figures show. Around 87% of people in the UK aged 12 and over have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and around 79% have had their second and more than 15% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 9,208,219 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 37,269 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 9,311, 237 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 214
Total UK deaths: 141,395
England Cases per 100,000: 429
R number in UK: 1.1 to 1.3
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 50,112,295 – 87% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 45,770,452 – 79%
Daily 1st doses: 41,242
Daily 2nd doses: 17,965
Daily Booster doses: 359,834 (9,012,676 total booster doses)
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 51,785
New cases in past 7 days: 1,696 to 31 Oct
Total deaths: 877
Cases per 100,000: 438.6
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 1.1 to 1.3 and the growth rate range for England is -1% to +2% per day as of 29 October 2021
UK NEWS UPDATES:
SKY: Pfizer’s new pill cuts hospitalisation or death by 89%, trial results indicate
Pfizer’s new experimental COVID-19 antiviral pill cuts the risk of hospitalisation or death by 89%, the company has announced. The results appear to surpass those seen with Merck & Co Inc’s pill Molnupiravir, which was shown last month to halve the likelihood of dying or needing hospital treatment for COVID-19.
Full trial data is not yet available from either company. Pfizer plans to submit the interim trial results to the US Food and Drug Administration as part of an emergency use application.
The Licensed Private Hire Car Association (LPHCA) estimates the industry is short of 160,000 of the previously 300,000-strong workforces. Many drivers left the industry during lockdowns as demand plummeted. The shortage has prompted concerns over the safety of women, students and night- time workers struggling to get home. A backlog in costly licensing and registration of vehicles, as well as criminal and medical checks for drivers, have led to what the LPHCA have called “a perfect storm”. A taxi driver must apply to their local council for a licence, which can cost up to £600 a year. Drivers must also obtain a criminal record and full medical check, as well as the famous “Knowledge” examination in some cases.
First oral antiviral for COVID-19, Lagevrio (molnupiravir), approved by MHRA
The antiviral was found to be safe and effective following a stringent review of the available evidence.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Cheshire East Council unveil plans to transform bus services
Plans to bring about more frequent and reliable services and integrated ticketing have been submitted to the Department of Transport in a bid for ‘Bus Back Better’ funding.
Marketing WAM and Bellway partner to champion region’s business success
The Marketing WAM Business Awards will highlight successes across five categories:
- Changing Paths – recognising individuals who have changed or been forced to change careers during the last 18 months and succeeded
- New start-up – for businesses who have established and succeeded in difficult times
- Pivot – organisations that have found success by adapting their business model to changing times
- Innovation – recognising businesses that have innovated to ride out the pandemic
- Caring for your people – highlighting the businesses that have acted with care and consideration for the pressures on their teams
Send your entries by email to hello@marketingwam.co.uk.
APS Group hail ‘pivotal’ 2021 as confidence grow for 2022
Cheadle-headquartered APS Group has posted a turnover of £163.6m for the 12 months to January 31, 2021, while its pre-tax profits totalled £4m. An international marketing firm, which has worked with the likes of Adidas, Ford and Philips, has hailed 2021 as a “pivotal” year and it is looking towards 2022 “with confidence” after reporting its latest full-year results. Those figures compare to a turnover of £83.3m and profits of £2.7m in the prior seven-month accounting period.
Stockport clothing company expands creating 50 new jobs
Creative Apparel is set to open the new state-of-the-art facility in Stockport, a mile away from its current base, in 2022. It is investing in full factory digitalisation where a central IT system drives and measures smart machinery, linking production through to its customers and supply chain.
Applications open for High Sheriff’s Award for Enterprise
For the first time, the awards will also recognise the charitable and non-profit sector in the region for their vital role in supporting people through the pandemic.
COP26:
COP26: What is the Glasgow climate conference, why is it important and what’s been agreed so far?
For this conference – called COP26 – 200 countries have been asked for their plans to cut emissions by 2030. They all agreed in 2015 to make changes to keep global warming “well below” 2C – and to try aim for 1.5C – so that we avoid a climate catastrophe. This is what’s known as the Paris Agreement. It means countries have to keep cutting emissions until reaching net zero in 2050.
New Duke of Edinburgh-style climate award to be launched
It’s the turn of young people to have their say on how to address climate change, so expect a very different feel to the summit from earlier in the week, when the average age in the room was 60. As well as youngsters explaining how climate change is affecting them, UK government Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi will set out a series of measures aimed at further embedding climate change in the English schools curriculum. The plans include a Climate Leaders award recognising efforts to protect the environment. Follow the latest from the summit via our live page
Hydrogen hope – what is hydrogen energy and why is it so important?
Its chemical symbol is H and it’s once again been hitting the headlines. Hydrogen is being mooted as a clean fuel source that could help curb greenhouse gas emissions to net zero. What exactly is hydrogen energy and how could it be used as an alternative to fossil fuels?
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme late claims
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has published guidance on how to make a late claim under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The guidance can be found here and here.
Employers who have claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Monthly data on claims made by employers through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
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 ‘5 tips to fill your Kickstart vacancy swiftly and successfully’ document.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 5 November 2021
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN) to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read leaflets
Easy-read guides providing information on coronavirus (COVID-19) and vaccination – Added Easy-read guide to the COVID-19 booster vaccination.
CONSTRUCTION:
Construction sector pwers ahead as supply shortages ease
The IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI Total Activity Index registered 54.6 in October, up from 52.6 in September. The index has now posted above the crucial 50 no-change value in each of the past nine months and hit a peak of 66.3 in June. Work increased across all sectors as materials and staff shortages eases slightly. Buyers reported another steep rise in input costs but the rate of inflation slipped to a six-month low.
EDUCATION:
How to complete the educational setting status form
This data will help the government monitor the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on settings, focus support more effectively and keep children safe – updated to confirm that from 3 November, questions on school-led tutoring will be included on the form every 3 to 6 weeks.
Review of time in school and 16 to 19 settings
A review looking at the time spent in school and 16 to 19 settings in England and the impact this could have on helping children and young people to catch up.
School-led tutoring grant
How schools and academy trusts should plan and deliver the national tutoring programme’s school-led tutoring to help pupils catch up on missed learning.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines adverse reactions
A weekly report covering adverse reactions to approved COVID-19 vaccines
COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers
Genomically confirmed case numbers for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK: 5 November 2021
Estimates for?England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.?This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, UK Health Security Agency 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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): antibody testing
Find out what a COVID-19 antibody test can tell you and how testing helps research. Antibody tests check whether a person has had the virus before or been vaccinated.
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.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England)
Experimental statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service and related documents.
LEGAL:
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.
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 pandemic.
TRAVEL:
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV and coach drivers can get free COVID-19 tests and check their documents to transport goods to the EU – haulier advice is now available on some cross-Channel ferry routes and at the Hook of Holland port.
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