6th August – Coronavirus News Updates

UK STATISTICS

Total UK Cases: 5,982,581 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 30,215 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 5686, 222 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 86
Total UK deaths: 130,086
England Cases per 100,000: 270
R number in UK: 1.1 to 1.4

Vaccine data:

Total 1^st doses given: 48,926,330 (88.7% of UK adults)
Total 2^nd doses: 38,874,837 (73.5% of UK adults)
Daily 1^st doses: 29,508
Daily 2nd doses: 143,002

Latest Cheshire East data:

Total Cheshire East cases: 30,180
New cases in past 7 days: 960 to 31 July
Total deaths: 816
Cases per 100,000: 248.3 per 100,000
R number in North West: 1.0 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.

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 UPDATES

UK NEWS UPDATES

July footfall drops 28% on pre-pandemic levels amid turbulent weather

Overall retail footfall in July was below pre-pandemic levels, as turbulent weather dampened the mood for much of the month.

Prime Minister and Chancellor call for “Investment Big Bang” from UK investors

The Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have challenged the UK’s institutional investors to support innovation and green recovery following the pandemic.

Inflation rise will be temporary, says Bank governor Bailey

The recent surge in consumer prices will be a temporary phenomenon as the UK emerges from the pandemic, the Bank of England’s governor has insisted.

Fifth of England hospital admissions aged 18-34

One in five people being admitted to hospital in England with Covid is aged between 18 and 34, the new chief executive of NHS England has said.

Most of Wales’ coronavirus rules to end Saturday

Rules on the numbers that can meet indoors will end – nightclubs will be able to reopen, and social distancing laws will be lifted.

“Record” gas prices set to drive up energy bills this winter

The increase is driven by a rise of over 50 per cent in energy costs over the last six months with, gas prices hitting a record high.

Starter salaries rising amid candidate shortages

Job starting salaries are rising at record rates due to shortages in candidates, according to KPMG. Rising demand for staff to fill vacancies resulted in the sharpest salary inflation rate in almost 24 years of data collection, its jobs survey found.

Rediscover Summer

The Gov guide to plan ways you can safely rediscover summer with your family.

From trying new activities and sports, to visiting new places and gaining new skills, there’s so much to enjoy this summer.

Coronavirus cases, deaths, vaccinations by country

Covid-19 is continuing to spread around the world, with more than 200 million confirmed cases and more than 4.2 million deaths across nearly 200 countries.

REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:  

Manchester Airport’s Group CEO responds to Covid travel easing
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) CEO, Charlie Cornish, has welcomed the latest round of updates to the government’s traffic light classification system for international travel. The government has expanded the green list of countries, where arrivals are not required to self-isolated on entry to UK, with Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, Romania and Norway. Restrictions have also been eased on arrivals from amber list countries, which includes popular summer holiday destinations like France and Spain, with fully vaccinated travellers no longer required to self-isolate. MAG, the UK’s largest airport operator, has previously called for the relaxation of travel restrictions in line with the UK’s roll-out of the coronavirus vaccine, and CEO Charlie Cornish has welcomed the easing of rules for fully vaccinated travellers in a statement 

Macclesfield College names top chef as Chef-Patron of White’s Academy

Adam Reid is currently Head Chef at The French in Manchester’s Midland Hotel and as previously held roles in Michelin-starred kitchens and appeared on the Great British Menu. He will take over as Chef-Patron at Macclesfield College’s culinary school from September.

Alderley Park prepares to welcome 2021 Tour of Britain

The fifth stage of the annual road cycling event will begin at The Glasshouse at Alderley Park before taking in a 96-mile route through Cheshire and the Peak District.

SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS: 

BUSINESS:    

Managing staff mental health in a hybrid work environment

New data from LinkedIn found 38% of UK workers would prefer to work remotely full-time in the future, 49% prefer hybrid working, and only 12% want to work full-time in the office.

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 callout about advertising vacancies to ‘Getting the young people into the jobs’ section and added a paragraph about the remittance advice gateways receive when they get the funding in the section ‘How you will get the funding’. 

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 callout about advertising vacancies yourself to ‘Getting the young people into the jobs’, added a paragraph about the remittance advice employers receive when they get the funding in the section ‘How you will get the funding’ and updated instructions for adding more jobs to the grant agreement following launch of online route for employers.

NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
What to do if you or someone you employ is required to self-isolate. This includes being contacted by NHS Test and Trace, self-isolation rules and financial support – updated to reflect the introduction of daily contact testing for workplaces.

How is furlough changing and when will it end?
In July 2021 employers were required to pay 10% of salaries – with the government’s contribution falling to 70%. In August and September, the government’s contribution will reduce further: it will pay 60% and employers will pay 20% The monthly limit of £2,500 will stay in place, so workers will not notice the difference.

CARE: 

Visiting arrangements in care homes
Sets out how care homes can support families and visitors to visit residents – clarification on PPE usage when caring for residents with learning disabilities. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services
Advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) for local authorities and their partners to help support and protect vulnerable children – updated information on exceptional exemptions from self-isolation for critical staff and added a link to the relevant guidance.

COMMUNITY:    

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: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. 

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 – updated to remove the registration step from instructions and references of it in guidance and to reflect the changes in guidance around how patients should return their test kit. 

Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England): 22 July to 28 July 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.

NHS COVID Pass
How to get the NHS COVID Pass and demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at events and venues in England – updated the BSL guide (video) for people who have received an NHS COVID Pass letter.

CONSTRUCTION:

Shortage of subbies hampers construction growth

Construction buyers have reported a near record decline in subcontractor availability. Latest results for the bellwether IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI Total Activity Index show a lack of subcontractors and materials shortages hampered growth last month.

Materials prices set to rise by 10% as market booms
Surveyors are braced for a 10% rise in materials prices over the next 12 months as the construction supply chain struggles to keep up with increasing workloads. Shortage of staff was also flagged as a major problem in the latest RICS Construction and Infrastructure Survey for Q2 2021. A +38% (net balance) of respondents reported rising workloads with the private residential sector and infrastructure leading the way. The survey found 82% of respondents experienced  a shortage of materials, up from 57% previously, while the cost of materials is expected to increase by nearly 10% over the next twelve months – ahead of the 7% growth anticipated for tender prices. Shortages of skilled labour and ‘white-collar’ roles were also widespread. Surveyors predict construction workloads will continue to gather pace, with a net balance of +55% saying more activity is expected next year.

EDUCATION

Bumper year for top grades predicted

A-level results next week in England, Wales and Northern Ireland could see high levels of top grades, according to an annual analysis of exam trends.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Why business leaders swerve green initiatives

A host of sustainable business leaders met to discuss the brilliant initiatives they’ve launched – as well as tips for those starting out on their climate journeys

HEALTH & WELLBEING:

COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children and young people and COVID-19 vaccination of children and young people JCVI statements.

COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children and young people
Information for eligible children and young people on COVID-19 vaccination. 

JCVI issues updated advice on COVID-19 vaccination of young people aged 16 to 17
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is today advising that all 16 and 17 year olds receive their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

HOSPITALITY

Events get Covid insurance
UK music festivals and other live events are to be protected by a government-backed insurance scheme if they have to cancel because of Covid.

PROPERTY:  

Leap in house sales income for Savills as Covid bounce back continues
Savills has reported a bounce back after the Covid-hit performance in 2020.
The agency has substantial overseas and commercial property and consultancy income, so its UK residential revenue is a relatively small part of today’s half year figures. Even so, what the company calls UK Residential Transaction performance was up 97 per cent – a year ago its figures were hit by the market close down of early 2020. Over all of its activities, Savills group revenue was £932.6m, up £141.2m from a year ago.

RETAIL:

The retail sector has acted over the shortage of drivers which is affecting their ability to deliver goods and keep shelves stocked: www.retailgazette.co.uk

Poundland offers £2,000 bonus plus licence upgrade for lorry drivers
Poundland has announced that it will offer lorry drivers a £1000 bonus and training to upgrade their skills as part of a package to address the nationwide driver shortage. The discount retailer said it would pay the costs of getting a HGV Class 1 licence – which can be as much as £2000, including the four-day training course. This would enable existing HGV Class 2 licence holders, who drive rigid body units, to move to the next level so they can drive articulated lorries. 

The John Lewis Partnership has said it will raise its lorry driver salaries by up to £5000 as the industry continues to face damaging worker shortages.
The group – which runs the John Lewis department store arm and Waitrose supermarket chain – said it would start the increase in annual salaries on Sunday. Large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers employed by John Lewis and Waitrose will receive a pay rise of around £2 an hour in their base pay across all its regional and national distribution sites.

Marks & Spencer has become the latest retailer to announce that it will offer new lorry drivers a sign-on bonus as part of efforts to tackle the wider HGV driver shortage crisis.
The high street stalwart said that from this month, new drivers joining M&S’s logistics partner Gist can earn up to £5000 in incentives through a combination of a £2000 sign-on bonus and up to three additional retention payments. Drivers can also benefit from discounts and a “generous” pension, as well as training and career development schemes.

TRANSPORT:

Get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test if you’re an HGV or van driver
COVID-19 testing for hauliers arriving in England and travelling from the UK – from 4am Sunday 8 August, the amber list rules if you are fully UK, EU or Swiss vaccinated will also apply to France.

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 – updated information about arrivals from France. The new rules will come into effect on 8 August.

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 – update to reflect an increase in quarantine hotel costs from 4am on 12 August.

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. From 4am Sunday 8 August, the fully vaccinated amber rules will apply to France. At the same time, Austria, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia will move to green list. Bahrain, India, Qatar and United Arab Emirates will move to amber list. Georgia, Mayotte, Mexico and Reunion will move to red list.

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 31^st 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 24^th 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 – 11^th 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.