8th October – Coronavirus News Updates

UK STATISTICS

Total UK Cases: 8,046,390 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 40,701 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 6,817
New deaths across UK: 122
Total UK deaths: 137,417
England Cases per 100,000: 332.6
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.0

Vaccine data:

Total 1^st doses given: 49,068,705 – 85.3% of UK aged 12+
Total 2^nd doses: 45,078,529 – 78.4%
Daily 1^st doses: 32,828
Daily 2nd doses: 28,576

Latest Cheshire East data:

Total Cheshire East cases: 43,157
New cases in past 7 days: 1,974 to 3 Oct
Total deaths: 848
Cases per 100,000: 510.5
R number in North West: 0.8 to 1.0

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 latest R number estimate for England is 0.8 to 1.0, while for Scotland it is 0.8 to 1.1, for Wales it is 0.8 to 1.0 and for Northern Ireland it is 0.7 to 0.9.

UK NEWS UPDATES:

Hope for travel test changes could boost half-term international holidays

The transport secretary says he hopes to change the Covid tests people coming into the UK must take before families return from half-term holidays.

But Grant Shapps did not give a date for when expensive PCR tests would be swapped for cheaper lateral flow tests. Currently, fully vaccinated adults entering the UK must take a PCR test within two days of arriving. He also defended cutting the travel red list to seven countries, saying vaccines “massively reduced” the risks.

For many schools, the half-term holidays start on 22 October, with families going away on foreign trips. The transport secretary told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that he hoped the switch to lateral flow tests was in place “in time for people returning from a half-term-holidays potentially, and certainly by the end of October”.

Response to travel test changes from MAG CEO, Charlie Cornish:

“This is brilliant news for British people who are desperate to travel overseas on holiday, to visit friends and family or for business.
“Customers can now book with confidence, safe in the knowledge that testing is affordable and easy to understand.
“Removing so many countries from the red list gives people the most choice they have had since before the pandemic, which will help stimulate the recovery of the UK’s prized aviation sector.
“We look forward to welcoming passengers taking advantage of these changes through our airports in the weeks and months ahead.”

Energy prices: Significant rises to come, says regulator Ofgem
Households will again see “significant rises” in energy prices next spring, regulator Ofgem has warned. Its chief executive, Jonathan Brearley, said the price cap, which limits how much energy providers can charge per unit, would go up again because of the “unprecedented” rise in gas prices. The cap is revised twice a year and is next due to be changed in April. Natural gas prices are at record highs as economies around the world begin to recover from the Covid crisis. As a result, firms that supply gas to householders are running into trouble because they have agreed to sell energy at less than the price it now costs them to buy it. Last month, nine of those companies went out of business, forcing 1.7 million customers to move to new suppliers.

Starter salaries rise at fastest rate in 24 years
Starting salaries and temporary staff wages have risen at the sharpest rate for 24 years, a survey suggests. Robust demand for staff is being fuelled by rising economic activity, said KPMG and the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC). At the same time, there are fewer candidates for jobs, driving big increases in starting pay. There is strong demand for jobs in sectors including IT staff hotels and catering. A survey of 400 recruitment firms found the number of people available for jobs has fallen to a near-record low.

No mass unemplyment as businesses welcome back furloughed workers
The wave of job cuts many expected at the end of the furlough scheme has not happened, early data suggests. The number of redundancies proposed by employers in September was close to record lows. Many businesses with large numbers of furloughed workers say they have taken everyone back, and unions had not heard of major redundancy processes. Around one million workers were thought to be on furlough when the scheme ended.

BBC: Boris Johnson has promised to “get on with the job” of uniting and levelling up the UK, in a speech to the Conservative Party conference.

In an upbeat address peppered with jokes, but light on new policy, the prime minister claimed a high-wage, high-skilled economy was being created in the wake of Brexit and the pandemic. He also defended tax rises to pay for the NHS and vowed to fix social care. The 45-minute speech was his first to a conference since the pandemic began. In it, the prime minister said the overwhelming Conservative general election victory in 2019 placed an onus on his government to deliver change demanded by voters. The main theme of his speech was “levelling up”, with the PM saying that reducing gaps between regions would ease pressure on south-eastern England, while boosting places that felt left behind. Read more

Tesco announces net zero acceleration after outperforming profits
The supermarket chain Tesco has announced its half year profits and plans to become more sustainable. In the first half of 20/21 Tesco announced an adjusted profit of £1.37bn which has since jumped by 41 per cent to £1.46bn in the first half of 21/22. According to Tesco, its subsidiary Booker has seen a “sharp recovery” throughout this period too. The firm’s climate goals have also been accelerated to 2035 as soft plastic recycling is now available in all UK large stores.

PM puts home ownership at centre of levelling-up agenda
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given a ringing endorsement to home ownership as a central part of the government’s levelling up agenda. Giving his keynote speech at the Conservative Party conference, he said housing was part of a £640 billion infrastructure investment programme. “There is no happiness like taking a set of keys and knowing the place is yours, and that you can paint the front door whatever colour you like” he said, having described it as a “scandal” that home ownership had been dropping in recent years. The part of Johnson’s speech dedicated to homes was short on detail but he urged delegates to the conference in Manchester to look at Google Maps to see the amount of Britain that was not built upon.

Foreign Office lifts Covid advice to over 30 countries
The FCDO said it will no longer advise against travel to non-red list countries on Covid-19 grounds, except “in exceptional circumstances”, such as if the local healthcare system is overwhelmed. But it will continue to advise against all but essential travel for all red list countries and territories where the risk to UK travellers is judged to be “unacceptably high”. Read the full list of countries to have non-essential advice lifted against travel on Covid-19 grounds

REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:

Key North-west based employers pledge to switch to hydrogen fuel
24 key employers in North-west England and North Wales, including Kelloggs, Jaguar Land Rover, PepsiCo, Kraft-Heinz and Pilkington have formally agreed to work with the HyNet low carbon cluster to decarbonise their industries by switching to hydrogen fuel. HyNet is a UK leading decarbonisation project, which will supply low carbon hydrogen to fuel businesses and heat homes across the region. The switch to hydrogen will enabling a move away from fossil fuels starting in 2025.

SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:

BUSINESS:

HMRC: Latest information about the closure of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate scheme. Now that the schemes have closed, you may want information on other support that could be available for you and your business, including the Kickstart and Help to Grow schemes. Search ‘Plan for Jobs’ on GOV???.UK for more details.

1. Submit your CJRS claims for September
The CJRS closed on 30 September. Thank you if you’ve submitted your September furlough claims already. If you haven’t submitted them yet, you must do so by the final deadline of Thursday??? ?14??? ?October.

2. Reporting coronavirus grants on your tax return
Don’t forget that grants to support businesses and self-employed people during the pandemic are taxable. If you’ve claimed CJRS grants, you need to include these as income on your tax return as well as some other COVID-19 grants you might have received. Depending on your business type you’ll need to report this as income on your corporation tax return, your partnership return or the self-employment pages of your individual tax return. To find out how to include a grant or payment on your tax return, search ‘reporting coronavirus grants and support’ on GOV???.UK.

3. The end of the CJRS – frequently asked questions

You can find everything you need to know about the CJRS on GOV???.UK by searching ‘Job Retention Scheme’.

4. Final claims for the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme

The Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme closed on 30 September 2021 and you have until?? ?31 December?? ?2021 to submit any final claims, or to amend claims you have already submitted.

5. Closure of extended appeal window due to coronavirus
In February 2020, HMRC introduced a three-month extended window to appeal against tax decisions and penalties if the delay in making the appeal was due to coronavirus. This ended on 30 September. For tax decisions and penalties dated up to and including 30 September 2021, the extended window to appeal is still available. You should follow the normal process and times for appealing decisions dated from 1 October onwards.

Background Quality Report: Self Employment Income Support Scheme Statistics
A report helping users to understand the strengths and limitations of the published statistics.

Apply for a Discretionary Grant (DG2)
How to apply for a discretionary grant where the dissolved company can be restored. (Company has been dissolved for less than six years) – update to the DG2 Application and undertaking form.

Kickstart Scheme closure
Information about how the Kickstart Scheme closure will affect employers and Kickstart gateways.

Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit – added information about Kickstart Scheme applications closing on 17 December 2021 and that job start dates have been extended to 31 March 2022.

Kickstart Scheme for employers
Employers can apply until 17 December 2021 for funding to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit – added information about Kickstart Scheme applications closing on 17 December 2021 and that job start dates have been extended to 31 March 2022.

Manage your Kickstart Scheme funding
How employers will get the Kickstart Scheme funding and changes you need to tell us about – added information about Kickstart Scheme applications closing on 17 December 2021.

Containing and managing local coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks
Guidance for local authorities and local decision-makers on containing and managing COVID-19 outbreaks at a local level – updated text for autumn and winter (2021 to 2022).

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: 7 October 2021
Time series and statistics as at 31 August 2021 on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, with analysis by scheme size, sector, geography, age, gender, estimated annual pay and flexible furlough.

Background Quality Report: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Statistics
A report helping users to understand the strengths and limitations of the published statistics.

COMMUNITY:

COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children and young people
Information for eligible children and young people on COVID-19 vaccination – updated COVID-19 vaccination: a guide for eligible children and young people aged 12 to 17.

COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read leaflets
Easy-read guides providing information on coronavirus (COVID-19) and vaccination – updated information on COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read guide 7^th October

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.

CONSTRUCTION:

Nervous clients put brakes on as subcontractor rates soar
Construction buyers reported output volumes rising by the smallest extent for eight months as the industry continued to grapple with transport issues, a severe lack of materials and staff shortages. The bellwether IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI Total Activity Index posted 52.6 in September, down from 55.2 in August. A rapid drop in subcontractor availability in September sparked the steepest rise in subcontractor charges since the survey began in April 1997. Some buyers warned that the unpredictable pricing environment had slowed clients’ decision-making on new orders and led to delays with contract awards.

EDUCATION:

Initial teacher training (ITT): criteria and supporting advice
Mandatory guidance on the criteria that organisations must meet to provide initial teacher training (ITT) – updated section ‘C2.3 Training in schools’ of the guidance about the requirement for training to take place wholly or mainly in England.

Higher education restructuring regime guidance for applicants
Details of the restructuring regime for higher education providers in England facing financial difficulties as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to give notice that the regime will close to new applications on 31 December 2021, with applications to be processed to a conclusion by the end of the financial year 2021 to 2022.

Recovery premium funding
Additional funding in the 2021 to 2022 academic year to support schools with education recovery following COVID-19 – added a link to the recovery premium allocations guidance.

HEALTH & WELLBEING:

Mortality Insights
The latest edition of Mortality insights focuses on COVID-19. It also looks at a recent report which considers life expectancy differences between ethnic groups.

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 – added note – regarding new criteria for manufacturers introduced by DHSC

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19, UK: 6 October 2021
Provides data about the characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 from the COVID-19 Infection Survey. This analysis has been produced in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England, 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 Laboratories to collect and test samples.

COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added links to social media resources aimed at pregnant women.

HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:

Jet2 orders 15 new Airbus A321 aircraft
Jet2 has entered into an agreement with Airbus to purchase a further 15 new Airbus A321 NEO aircraft. This order is in addition to the 36 firm aircraft orders, together with the flexibility to extend up to 60 aircraft, that the Company announced on 31 August 2021. These additional 15 aircraft will be delivered between 2026 and 2029 and the terms of the agreement are substantially the same as those approved by the Board for the initial 36 firm aircraft orders. At current list prices these additional 15 aircraft represent a total value of approximately $2.0 billion with a total transaction value, for up to 75 aircraft, of approximately $10.1billion, though the Company has negotiated significant discounts from the list price. The Company will retain flexibility in determining the most favourable method of financing the aircraft, which will be through a combination of internal resources and debt.

TRANSPORT:

Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests – latest data table added.

Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode.

TRAVEL:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – International travel rules updated.

Approved COVID-19 vaccines and countries with approved COVID-19 proof of vaccination
Approved vaccines and the list of countries and territories with approved COVID-19 proof of vaccination for travel to England – added information about how many doses you need to count as fully vaccinated.

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 page due to the simplified travel system which came into force on 4 October.

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