UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,528,442 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 6,048 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 957 (126 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 13
Total UK deaths: 127,854
England Cases per 100,000: 44.2 per 100,000
R number in UK: 1.0 to 1.2
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 40,573,517 up to and including 7 June 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 28,227,362
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 21,841
New cases in past 7 days: 349 to 3 June
Total deaths: 802
Cases per 100,000: 90.8 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 & HEADLINES:
Government increases support following leap in positive coronavirus tests across Greater Manchester and Lancashire
The whole of Greater Manchester and parts of Lancashire has been delegated as a an “enhanced response area” because of a rise in Covid-19 cases, with the government offering additional support to control the virus’ spread. As well as the introduction of surge testing and an increase in test centres, military personnel are assisting with door-to-door testing in a bid to stem the spread of the coronavirus Delta variant. Residents have been advised to avoid meeting indoors and asked to “reconsider non-essential travel” out of the area. Local authorities will also have discretion to enforce the wearing of face-coverings in communal areas of schools.
People aged 25 and over invited for Covid vaccine
If you are aged 25 or over or will turn 25 before 1st July, you can apply to have your Covid vaccination now. People at high risk may also book a vaccine appointment. Book your appointment via the NHS website.
New G7 clinical trials charter to bolster global health defences
International health ministers agree new principles to share life-saving evidence and data to combat future pandemics.
Over 40 million people receive first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in UK
Over 40 million people in the UK have received their first dose of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.
(COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place. Find out what you can and cannot do – added guidance for people living in areas with variants of concern.
Less than 30 days to apply for EU Settlement scheme
From today, there are less than 30 days to go until the deadline of 30 June 2021 for applications to be made to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). All EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, should apply without delay so that they can continue to work, study, and access free healthcare and benefits in the UK after 30 June 2021.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Cheshire East Council warns of Covid increase ahead of government announcement
Cheshire East Council is warning residents and businesses to not let their guard down as Covid cases rise following the relaxing of step 3 restrictions last month. The increase is mainly affecting those residents in the 10 to 39 age group and the council is continuing to support schools, hospitality venues and housing associations across the borough and particularly in the most affected areas.
North West in UK’s top three regions for foreign investment projects
The North West’s attractiveness as an investment destination has grown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is now one of the UK’s top three locations for attracting inbound foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, EY’s latest UK Attractiveness Survey has revealed. The report published today (June 7) also showed that Manchester was the third best performing city in the UK for attracting FDI.
With 85 projects in 2020, the North-West overtook the South-East (72) to become the UK’s third largest FDI location, behind Greater London and Scotland.
Official launch for Northern Land Agency
A new company with a focus on the North’s residential land market has launched. The Northern Land Agency is the brainchild of Steven Verity and John Dunlop, who have 50 years of experience within the North-West housebuilding industry.
“Northern Land Agency is perfectly placed to know where land is, what it’s worth and who will decide its future,” said Dunlop. “Combined with an understanding of the needs of developers and investors, the end result is always the same: the delivery of deal structures and business plans that work perfectly for both.”
Singapore Airlines to resume flights between Manchester and Singapore
A week after the Airline celebrated its 50th anniversary of flying from the UK, Singapore Airlines (SIA) is to resume its nonstop Manchester-Singapore route, beginning on 17th July 2021. Initially, the flight will operate three times weekly to and from Singapore, with an A350-900 aircraft but it is hoped that in time, this can gradually increase and also include the return of the westbound transatlantic connection to Houston, USA. The Airline had been the airport’s longest serving long-haul carrier, having operated continuously since 1986, until the Covid-19 pandemic forced 98% of its flights globally to be grounded last year.
BUSINESS:
Daily contact testing study
Information for employers of people taking part in the NHS Test and Trace daily contact testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) study – change in eligibility. People who live in areas with a variant of concern (VoC) or variant under investigation can now take part in the study.
HMRC: Are you re-opening your business, or planning to do so shortly?If you’re bringing back your employees part-time, you can claim furlough flexibly for them under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs. Claims are currently open for pay periods in May and June. For the latest information, join our live webinar. You can ask questions throughout using the on-screen text box, although we can’t discuss personal circumstances.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar – Register here
We’ll look at:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to calculate what you can claim
- how to apply.
There are useful handouts for you to download and we’ll also send you a link to a recording after the live webinar. If you’re a small or medium-sized employer with under 250 employees, you may also be eligible for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. View our recorded webinar about the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme on HMRC’s YouTube channel, for further guidance on the scheme, including who you can claim for, how to claim and what you may be entitled to. We’ll continue to review our webinars to give the most up-to-date information, and welcome your feedback at the end of the session too.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing unpaid care
Information for people who are caring, unpaid, for friends or family during the coronavirus outbreak – under ‘Making alternative arrangements for care’, removed reference to shielding.
Visit someone in prison during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Information and guidance about visiting prisons in England and Wales.
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.
CONSTRUCTION:
Construction buyers report ‘phenomenal’ month in MayConstruction buyers saw output growth at its strongest since September 2014 last month as new order volumes increased at the fastest pace for a quarter of a century.
At 64.2 in May – up from 61.6 in April – the bellwether IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI Total Activity Index registered above the 50 no-change value for the fourth consecutive month and signalled the strongest rate of output growth for just under seven years. House building (index at 66.3) was the best-performing category of construction activity in May, followed by commercial work (64.4).
EDUCATION:
Pupils’ progress in the 2020 to 2021 academic year: interim report
Research reports presenting findings from analysis into the progress pupils have made during the 2020 to 2021 academic year – added Understanding progress in the 2020 to 2021 academic year: reports 2 and 3.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March 2020 and early years settings since Thursday 16 April 2020 – added: Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – 23 March 2020 to 28 May 2021.
General Qualifications Alternative Awarding Framework
Regulatory requirements for awarding organisations offering specific general qualifications in 2021 in the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Consultation on guidance in relation to appeals under the GQAA framework in 2021
We are seeking views on the proposed guidance as part of the general qualifications alternative awarding framework.
Submission of teacher assessed grades, summer 2021: info for teachers
Information for heads of centre, heads of department and teachers on the submission of teacher assessed grades: summer 2021 – a clarification regarding the separate endorsements has been made for GCSE English and GCSE modern foreign languages spoken language, and A level biology, chemistry, physics and geology.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Independent health providers: accessing lateral flow tests
Independent health providers can access lateral flow testing kits directly from NHS Test and Trace replacing the ordering route provided by NHS England and NHS Improvement – updated ‘A testing service for independent health providers in England’ to reflect that telephony staff in IHPs can access the testing service.
Coronavirus and vaccination rates in people aged 70 years and over by socio-demographic characteristic, England : 8 December 2020 to 9 May 2021
First and second COVID-19 vaccination rates among people aged 70 years and older who live in England, both in private households and communal establishments. Includes estimates for the population as a whole by age and sex, and for ethnic minorities, religious groups, those identified as disabled and by area deprivation and local authority district.
COVID-19: migrant health guide
Advice and guidance for healthcare practitioners on the health needs of migrant patients – added links to translated resources about COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting, and phase 2 of the vaccination programme.
Coronavirus and clinically extremely vulnerable people in England: 17 May to 22 May 2021
Analysis of clinically extremely vulnerable people in England during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including their behaviours and mental and physical well-being.
HOSPITALITY:
Economies of ale: pubs in the time of COVID-19
More than a year ago, social restrictions were put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This has affected businesses such as the Great British pub, which were forced to close. ONS analysis of business performance and confidence shows the impact of those closures and how confidence is just beginning to return to the industry.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added links to: public health, schools and education, social care, testing, travel, vaccines, other.
PROPERTY:
Rents soar outside of London where rates are steady
The latest rental market snapshot produced by HomeLet shows average rents outside of London soaring to higher levels and dropping in the capital itself.
The average rent in the UK is now £997, up by 4.0 per cent on the same time last year and another record-high average price. Every region bar London saw a rise in rent prices year on year – when excluding London, the average rent in the UK is now £854, up by 6.4 per cent on last year. Rents in London continued to drop to a typical £1,583, down by 0.9 per cent on last year. East of England saw the most significant price rise of 8.5 per cent since this time last year, while Scotland saw the most significant monthly price rise, with the average price rising 2.6 per cent to £707 a month in May.
Halifax: Price rises at seven-year high
Annual house price inflation is now at its strongest level in nearly seven years, says the Halifax House Price Index. The average UK property price has reached £261,743, a new record high. House prices have risen by 9.5 per cent over the past year, on a quarterly basis they are up 2.4 per cent, and month-on-month, prices have increased by 1.3 per cent. All UK regions, bar the North-East, saw an acceleration in year-on-year house price inflation last month. The strongest growth was in Wales, up 11.9 per cent annually, followed by the North-West and Yorkshire & Humber, both of which recorded 10 per cent-plus growth.
“Very active” property market unlocks double digit growth for OnTheMarket
Property specialist OnTheMarket is “well positioned to succeed” after returning to profitability. In its results for the year ending January 31, 2021, the firm saw revenue increase by 22 per cent compared with the previous year. The group also generated a profit of £2.4m – a year-on-year increase of £11m, which the firm attributes to the growth of the property market following the initial lifting of restrictions in 2020.
TRAVEL:
Greek islands aim to go ‘Covid-free’ to welcome back tourists
Greek islands aim to go ‘Covid-free’ to welcome back touristsClose Greece’s islands have an ambitious plan to lure back visitors this summer – by vaccinating all local residents. The goal of “Operation Blue Freedom” is to turn the country’s islands, such as Milos, into “Covid-free” travel destinations. Many of Milos’ locals rely on tourism and welcome the plan to reopen. But not everyone is as optimistic.
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 – Portugal moved from green to amber list 4am, 8 June. Afghanistan, Bahrain, Costa Rica, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Trinidad and Tobago moved from amber 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 (no earlier than 21 June):
- 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
Media and Marketing:
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