UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,958,868 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 28,773 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 2,140 (406 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 37
Total UK deaths: 128,268
England Cases per 100,000: 239.3 per 100,000
R number in UK: 1.2 to 1.4
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 45,428,681 up to and including 5 July 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 33,874,176
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 24,450
New cases in past 7 days: 884 to 1 July
Total deaths: 809
Cases per 100,000: 230.1 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:
Covid-related restrictions to end on 19th July
Yesterday evening, the Prime Minister confirmed that the current Covid-19 restrictions will end in England on 19 July 2021 although absolute final confirmation will be announced following a review of the data next week. From 19th July, all businesses will be able to invite their staff to return to the workplace and the wearing of face masks will no longer be legally required although people are advised to use their own discretion. Restrictions will be lifted on the number of people allowed to attend weddings, funerals and other life events and venues will be able to open their doors without a limit on numbers, including nightclubs that have been forced to close for the past 16 months. The need for signing in with the NHS app test & trace app and table service only in pubs, bars and restaurants will end. Boris Johnson also warned that positive tests could see cases increase later in the year to 50,000 a day, but that it was timely to introduce changes to restrictions now. He said that unfortunately we must learn to live with the virus but that the vaccination programme will be crucial in achieving a return to ‘normality’. Proof of vaccination or a negative test will still be required for international travel although details of this will be revealed later today / this week.
Prime Minister sets out plan to ease restrictions at step 4
Self-isolation to be scrapped for double-vaccinated and children
Fully vaccinated people in England will not have to self-isolate if a close contact tests positive for Covid from 16 August, the health secretary says.
Sajid Javid told MPs the same policy would also apply to anyone under the age of 18 from that date. The government would give more details this week on self-isolation rules for international travel, he added.
Robert Jenrick: Masks will become a personal choice but BMA urges caution
England will move into a period without legal restrictions where the public will have to exercise “personal responsibility” including on face masks, the housing secretary has said. Robert Jenrick told the BBC’s Andrew Marr people would “come to different conclusions” over masks, but he trusted people “to exercise good judgement”. All legal restrictions are expected to be lifted in England on 19 July.
The Scottish government said there would be an “ongoing need” for masks.
Doctors call for ‘targeted coronavirus prevention measures’ to stay after 19 July
Some coronavirus prevention measures should remain after 19 July to stop the “alarming” rise in cases, the British Medical Association says. Dr Nagpaul said the BMA was not asking for the reopening to be delayed but it wanted “targeted measures” to help prevent virus transmission.
Health Secretary’s statement on the pandemic and roadmap out of restrictions
Yesterday, Monday, Health Secretary Sajid Javid set out further details of what Step 4 will look like:
“We will revoke all social distancing guidance, including the 2-metre rule, except for in some specific settings, such as ports of entry and medical settings, where it makes sense for those to continue.
“It will no longer be a legal requirement to wear face coverings in any setting, including on public transport – although we advise this as a voluntary measure for crowded and enclosed spaces.
“It will no longer be necessary to work from home.
“There will be no limits on the number of people you can meet.
“There will be no limits on the number of people who can attend life events, like weddings and funerals – and no restrictions on communal worship and singing.
“We will remove legal requirements on how businesses operate. Capacity caps will all be lifted, and there will no longer be a requirement to offer table service. All businesses forced to close their doors because of the pandemic will be able to open them once again.
“And we will lift the cap on named care home visitor numbers, so that families can come together in the ways they want to, once again.
“Ministers will provide further statements this week on self-isolation for fully vaccinated people, including for international travel, and on restrictions in education settings – including the removal of bubbles and contact isolation.
“I can also confirm to the House that we have completed our review of certification. While already a feature of international travel, we have concluded that we do not think using certification as a condition of entry is the way to go. For people who haven’t been offered a full course of vaccination, and for businesses, we felt the impact outweighed the public health benefits.
“Businesses can use COVID-status certification at their own discretion…… and from Step 4 onwards, the NHS Covid Pass will be accessible through the NHS app and other non-digital routes. This will be the main way people can prove their COVID-19 status – a status they will achieve once they have completed a full vaccine course, a recent negative test, or by some other proof of natural immunity.
“We know that as a consequence, cases will rise – just as they have done at every step on our roadmap. But this time, our wall of protection will help us. While Step 4 will be the moment to let go of many of restrictions, we must hold on to those sensible everyday decisions that can keep us all safe.
“The responsibility to combat COVID-19 lies with each and every one of us. That means staying at home when you’re asked to self-isolate. It means considering the guidance that we’re setting out. And it means getting the jab – both doses – when you’re offered it, something that is still the single biggest contribution anyone can make to our national effort. And it may even mean three jabs in a single year for some of us. Last week, the JCVI provided interim advice on who to prioritise for a third dose – and our most vulnerable will be offered booster COVID-19 jabs from September, in time for the winter. And preparing for the winter ahead is not just about COVID-19, but flu as well. Because of the measures in place this winter, almost nobody in the UK has had flu for 18 months now. That’s obviously a good thing, but it means our immunity will be down. This winter’s flu campaign will be more important than ever – and we’re currently looking at whether we can give people their COVID-19 booster shot and the flu jab at the same time.
“It’s vital that each of us plays our part – to protect ourselves and to protect others – into better days ahead.”
COVID-19 Response: Summer 2021 (Roadmap)
The government has published the ‘COVID-19 Response: Summer 2021’. This document sets out the details of the final roadmap step (Step 4) as we transition out of lockdown.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Cheshire East Council concerned about increase in Covid-19 cases
Cheshire East Council remains concerned regarding the increase of Covid-19 cases across the borough. Cheshire East was designated as an Enhanced Response Area on 14 June, but since then cases of the highly transmissible Delta variant have continued to rise and not just in Macclesfield and Crewe, but more recently in Congleton, Middlewich and Sandbach.
Have your say on the region’s Decarbonisation Strategy for transport
People across the North West are being encouraged to have their say on a consultation on the Decarbonisation Strategy for the region’s transport network and attend an online webinar to learn more about the plans.
Recruitment begins for Macclesfield cancer centre
The first new recruits at The Christie At Macclesfield have already been appointed and will be responsible for maintaining the radiography and radiotherapy equipment at the centre.
Manchester Airport adds flights to Ibiza and Riga
airBaltic will operate twice-weekly flights to Riga, Latvia; easyJet have also added to passenger options for flights to the Spanish island of Ibiza, with a three-times weekly flights.
BUSINESS:
Government loan schemes provided £80 billion in business support during pandemic
Businesses in the North West received £7.6 billion, making the region the third largest recipient after London and the South East.
Workers no longer required to work from home from 19th July
From July 19 it is likely that business owners, including agencies and industry suppliers, will no longer have to ask staff to work from home. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced yesterday evening that the government order to work from home, when possible, would likely cease from July 19; “the details of who goes back to workplaces and when beyond that date was a matter for employers and employees” he added. A final decision on whether to go ahead with all aspects of the last phase of the opening of the country will be taken in a week’s time following a review of the latest data. If the government’s tests for removing restrictions are being met, July 19 will see:
- The government no longer requiring people to work from home;
- The removal of the ‘one metre-plus’ rule in almost all settings, including offices;
- An end to the compulsory wearing of face masks in shops or on public transport;
- No limits on social contact, groups of any size can gather inside or outside;
- All remaining businesses, including nightclubs, able to re-open;
No capacity caps on large scale events such as sports matches or concerts;
Work out your turnover so you can claim the fifth SEISS grant
Find out the turnover figures you’ll need before you claim, where to find them and how they affect your grant amount.
Claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
Find out how to claim the grant if you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19).
How your trading conditions affect your eligibility for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
Find out what we mean by reduced activity, capacity or demand or temporary closure and read examples of how this could affect your eligibility.
HM Treasury coronavirus (COVID-19) business loan scheme statistics
HMT management information about the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and Future Fund Scheme.
If you move goods between the UK and countries in the EU, you need to follow new customs and tax rules.
HMRC can help you, as we understand how challenging it can be for many businesses. If you have a specific question about importing, exporting or customs reliefs you should 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?? ?week??ends. You can also send us your questions or webchat.
Other support available includes:
Our HMRC’s YouTube channel where you can watch videos to familiarise yourself with the new customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU. If you buy goods from the EU, or send or sell goods to the EU for your business, our Rules of Origin recorded webinar will help you understand the process and what you need to do.
Income Tax and National Insurance contributions exemption for employer-provided coronavirus antigen tests
This tax information and impact note is about a temporary exemption from Income Tax benefit in kind charge for employees who get a coronavirus antigen test from their employer.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: 1 July 2021
Time series and statistics as at 31 May 2021 on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, with analysis by scheme size, sector, geography, age, gender and flexible furlough.
Check if you need to change your Self Assessment return for SEISS
Find out when you may need to make a change to your Self-Assessment tax return for SEISS payments, and how to do it.
Equality analysis for the Kickstart Scheme
This analysis enables ministers to fulfil the requirements placed on them by the Public Sector Equality Duty as set out in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010.
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.
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services.
COVID-19 vaccination: what to expect after vaccination
Information for people who have had their first COVID-19 vaccination – updated Details section as version 5 of the leaflet is now available to order.
CONSTRUCTION:
John Lewis plans to build 10,000 rental homes
The department store chain said it wanted to address the national housing shortage and support local communities. It said the plans would give the firm a stable, long-term income, as well as providing new job opportunities. Tenants will have the choice of renting fully furnished with John Lewis products or using their own. The company said that 7,000 of the homes would be on sites within their existing property portfolio
EDUCATION:
Education Secretary to announce new rules to replace school bubbles
The “bubble” system was designed to stop coronavirus spreading through schools. But it has meant missed lessons for pupils – with 375,000 children sent home last week – and frustration for parents juggling work and childcare. Of those pupils forced to stay off last month, only about 4% were confirmed cases. Most were confined to home because of a potential contact at school.
EVENTS:
Events Research Programme – Ministerial Directions
Ministerial Directions in relation to the Events Research Programme pilot events – added Royal London Series (10 July), Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Open Championship Directions.COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021: roadmap reviews
The Government has published information, including the final reports, regarding the reviews that were committed to in the ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’; this page has been updated to include additional reports from the roadmap reviews. This includes reports from the event research programme, the social distancing review and certification review
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
UK exceeds 600,000 COVID-19 tests genomically sequenced
Genomic sequencing has made a crucial contribution to the fight against the virus by rapidly identifying variants of concern, understanding transmission and slowing their spread.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for adult social care settings
Outlines the COVID-19 testing available for testing staff, residents and visitors for all adult social care settings.
COVID-19: how to work safely in domiciliary care in England
A resource for those working in domiciliary care providing information on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) – added new section on use of PPE for live-in care-workers.
Hospital discharge and community support: policy and operating model
Sets out how health and care systems should support the safe and timely discharge of people who no longer need to stay in hospital.
COVID-19: migrant health guide
Advice and guidance for healthcare practitioners on the health needs of migrant patients – updated information about the mental health of migrants during the pandemic.
MANUFACTURING:
Jobs at Ellesmere Port site secure as Vauxhall confirms van production
Motor giant Stellantis guaranteed the future of its Ellesmere Port manufacturing site today with confirmation that it will make new electric vans and passenger versions from 2022. The announcement will secure around 1,100 jobs at the Cheshire plant, as well as thousands more in the motor industry supply chain. Stellantis said it will manufacture a range of eight electric vans, from delivery vehicles to their passenger derivatives, from the end of next year as part of a £100m investment.
Increase in June new car registrations
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that registrations increased by 28 per cent year-on-year to 186,128 during the sixth month of the year. However, monthly registrations were down by 16.4 per cent compared with the previous decade average, while total registrations for Q2 2021 fell short of industry expectations by approximately 9,000 units. Overall, registrations for the first half of the year are down 26.8 per cent.
PROPERTY:
Good news for buy-to-let as mortgage choice bounces back
There’s good news for the buy to let sector today as an independent mortgage market monitor reports a 15-month high in the number of products aimed at the sector. Moneyfacts says that at 2,709 products, July sees the highest number of options on offer in the buy to let sector since March 2020. In the past year alone some 971 products have been added, making up ground after availability was limited when swathes of products were withdrawn following the onset of the pandemic. The average overall two and five-year fixed BTL rates have fallen when compared to July 2019 – good news for those looking to remortgage – however year-on-year both the two- and five-year fixed average rates for all LTVs are in fact up 0.37 and 0.31 per cent respectively.
RETAIL:
Ocado rings up revenue surge of 21% as customer numbers rise
An online supermarket has announced that its revenues have grown by more than 20 per cent over the past six months. Ocado, which concentrates on streamlining the online grocery shopping process, has reported that its revenues for the first half of this year are 21.4 per cent higher than they were in the same period last year. This comes despite a lifting of pandemic restrictions which had made it harder for customers to shop in physical stores. Ocado noted that basket sizes were 10 per cent lower than they had been at the beginning of the period, but that its customer base had increased by 22 per cent across the half, rising from 639,000 to 777,000.
Morrisons poised for bidding war after board accept £6.3bn takeover
Morrisons is poised for a bidding war after its board accepted a £6.3bn takeover offer, with other investment firms weighing up offers for the supermarket giant. Shares climbed this morning in response to the news. Oppidum Bidco, a newly formed company indirectly owned by funds managed or advised by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, has reached agreement with the Morrisons board on the terms of a recommended all cash offer. Morrisons shareholders will be entitled to receive 254 pence for each share, with the deal valuing the company at £6.3bn.
The supermarket also intends to declare a special dividend of 2 pence per share, subject to completion of the deal.
TRAVEL:
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 – updated the contact email address you need to use to request an exemption allowing an unaccompanied child to travel to England alone if they’ve been in a red list country in the 10 days before arriving.
easyJet and airBaltic add new routes from Manchester
The first flights have taken off from Manchester Airport on new routes run by easyJet and Latvian carrier airBaltic from the Northern hub. easyJet has launched flights from Manchester Airport to Green list destination Ibiza for the first time, with the inaugural flight having taken off on Saturday, 3rd July at 15:20 with 130 passengers onboard reuniting customers with friends and family and taking holidaymakers away on a long-awaited break. Flights from Manchester to Ibiza are now operating up to three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays throughout the summer, providing customers in the North West of England with even more choice to get away.
Germany to lift ban on tourists from UK and Portugal
With plans to end restrictions in England confirmed, there are signs Britons could soon enjoy a little more freedom abroad. Fully vaccinated visitors not required to quarantine. Others will still be required to quarantine for 10 days, although this can be reduced with a negative test on the fifth day. The UK government is also expected to announce plans to allow fully vaccinated British people to travel to countries classed as “amber”, in the UK’s traffic-light system, without having to quarantine on their return.
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 – updated section ‘If you’re outside the UK and your leave has expired before you are able to return’ as the concession has been extended to 19 July 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