UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,380,976 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,672 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 2,393 (201 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 30
Total UK deaths: 127,191
England Cases per 100,000: 28 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 32,444,439 up to and including 14 April 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 8,513,864
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 20,765
New cases in past 7 days: 53 to 10 April
Total deaths: 799
Cases per 100,000: 13.8 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.8 to 1
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-19 rates decline across all regions in England
Covid-19 case rates have fallen in all regions of England, according to the latest weekly surveillance report from Public Health England. The highest rate is among 10 to 19-year-olds, with 42.8 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to April 11, down week-on-week from 53.8. Among 30 to 39-year-olds the rate has dropped from 48.0 to 39.5, and for 20 to 29-year-olds it is down from 38.3 to 34.6. The North West rate of new cases is 31.6.
Deliveroo remains “prudent” as lockdown eases despite 114% order increase
A UK food delivery company has announced that it saw orders and transaction values more than double over the last quarter. Deliveroo reported this morning (15 April) that its group orders increased 114 per cent year-on-year in the quarter to the end of March, reaching 71 million. The company also said that gross transaction value (GTV) was up 130 per cent in the period, jumping to £1.65bn. However, it added that it is “being prudent” due to the change in lockdown restrictions, and it expects its rate of growth to decelerate as lockdowns ease.
BBC: Vaccines alone won’t stop Covid spreading – here’s why
Many of us are hoping vaccines against coronavirus will be our route out of lockdown, enabling us to reclaim our old lives. But scientists say jabs alone will not currently be enough and other measures are still needed. Find out more using the ‘Swiss Cheese Model’
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Cheshire East Council launches click and collect home test kit service
Cheshire East Council is now offering a click and collection service at five of its asymptomatic (for those people without Covid-19 symptoms) testing sites.
Cheshire East Council urges residents to stay vigilant and get their second Covid-19 vaccination
Almost a million people across Cheshire and Merseyside, who are expecting their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, are being encouraged to take up the offer as soon as they are invited.
More jobs at risk at Manchester Airport as staff vote on pay cuts
More than 130 Manchester Airport jobs have been put at risk with union members set to vote on possible proposals to save the roles through staff pay cuts.
Around 138 jobs are at risk at the hub, adding to the 465 members of staff who were already made redundant last year due to the impact of Covid-19 on the aviation sector. According to the Manchester Evening News, Unite members will now ballot on a proposal which could save the roles through the workforce taking a reduction in pay instead, suspending the need for further job losses. The proposal, hammered out by the union and hub bosses, would see staff move to a 20% reduction in line with the Government’s furlough scheme if they are not needed to work, with the freedom to also seek work elsewhere. Meanwhile, those who continue to work would receive 90% of their wages, regardless of how much they work. This would increase to full pay for those working 85% or above of their normal hours.
Hut Group’s The Moulding Foundation, donates £5m to Seashell Trust
The charity of Hut Group founder Matt Moulding and his family, has donated £5 million to Cheadle Hulme based charity, Seashell Trust, towards its new school. Seashell’s Project Transformation, costing over £50 million, will take over five years to complete and will build a new school, redevelop the existing college, build a new four-court sports hall, gym and pavilion, new training facilities, community engagement and administration facilities and a new assessment and early years centre.
BUSINESS:
HMRC bulletin – information following the Spring Budget and Tax Policies and Consultations for Spring 2021.
There’s also information about COVID-19 easements, new products, guidance updates and information for your employees. This edition of the Employer Bulletin covers updates and information on:
- COVID-19
- UK Transition
- consultation calls and responses
- PAYE
- tax and changes to guidance
Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out what steps you need to take before you calculate how much you can claim for furloughed and flexibly furloughed employees.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 15 April 2021
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
European Structural and Investment Funds: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
A series of documents and updates regarding the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programme and the response to COVID-19. The ESF Q&A has been updated to provide clarity to a number of existing questions. See the dates next to the questions for updates
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure – Heritage locations – updated to reflect Step 2 of the roadmap.
Treasury Direction made under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020
Treasury Direction in relation to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Job Retention Bonus – uploaded: ‘Further Treasury Direction made on 15 April 2021 under Section 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020’
COMMUNITY:
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make one
This page explains when to wear a face covering, exemptions from wearing one, and how to make your own face covering – updated to add information on transparent face coverings.
Making a childcare bubble with another household
How you can get informal childcare for anyone under 14 from friends and family you do not live with – updated to reflect that indoor and outdoor supervised activities are now open to all children, as previously announced in the government’s ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’ roadmap.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 16 April 2021
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 7 April to 11 April 2021 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
CONSTRUCTION:
Self-employed wages back to pre-Covid levels
Demand for skilled labour has seen self-employed trades enjoy their best month of earnings since the start of the pandemic. According to the industry’s biggest payer of subcontractors, Hudson Contract, average weekly pay rose by 3.7% to £920 during March, the highest figure since February 2020. Weekly earnings reached all-time highs in the East of England (£1,016) and the East Midlands (£968). While all regions except Wales had month-on-month earnings growth. The North West weekly rates rose by 5% to £901.
EDUCATION:
Awarding organisation coronavirus (COVID-19) information pages
A list of links to coronavirus (COVID-19) information provided by Ofqual-recognised awarding organisations – updated Gatehouse Awards link to reflect new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic advice and support.
Providing school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for schools and local authorities on school meals arrangements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated information about claiming for additional costs, the Winter Grant Scheme and the Covid Local Support Grant, plus further information about free meals in further education.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT:
Guidance about the Events Research Programme (ERP), paving the way for larger audiences to attend sport, theatre and gigs safely this summer
Information for attendees and those hosting the ERP Pilot Events
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – updated ‘Testing for coronavirus: privacy information’ and the ‘quick read’ version to reflect that your data may be used to enable entry to a live event, and for subsequent research regarding the COVID-19 infection status of those who participated in the live event.
Weekly national flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published
National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine adverse reactions
A weekly report covering adverse reactions to approved COVID-19 vaccines – updated to include new data up to 5 April 2021.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 variants identified in UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in UK.
COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC)
Guidance on infection prevention and control for COVID-19. Sustained community transmission is occurring across the UK – removed IPC highlight quick reference guide.
COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers
Genomically confirmed case numbers for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation.
Regulatory approval of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca
Information for healthcare professionals and the public about the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca – updated the Information for Healthcare Professionals and Information for UK Recipients on COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca with new information about extremely rare, unlikely to occur blood clots.
Excess mortality in England: weekly reports
Weekly excess mortality in England broken down by age, sex, geographical areas, ethnic group, level of deprivation, cause of death and place of death.
National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports
National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses – added week 15 report, graphs and data table.
COVID-19 surge testing outcomes reports: management information
Sequencing of confirmed COVID-19 cases via test sites and home testing of postcodes included in surge testing operations.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – added easy read, large print, British Sign Language, audio and translated versions. Added links to guidance from devolved administrations.
JUDICIARY:
HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 statistics monthly
Monthly statistics providing data of COVID-19 in HM Prison and Probation Service in England and Wales – the link to the March 2021 figures have been added to this collection page, these were published on 16 April 2021.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
COVID-19 enforcement powers for local authorities
Additional powers for local authorities to enforce COVID-secure regulations – updated guidance to ensure consistency with Steps Regulations
MILITARY:
Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces 2021
Summary statistics on the number of defence personnel who have had a COVID-19 test; and for the UK Armed Forces, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 – addition of: the number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces as of 15 April 2021.
PERFORMING ARTS:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure – Performing arts – updated to reflect Step 2 of the roadmap.
PROPERTY:
Agents should warn vendors of risk of missing stamp duty deadline
An analysis of the average time taken for properties from 10 leading estate agency brands to complete shows a significant increase over the past year. As a result agents are being advised to be upfront with warnings to vendors and buyers that they may miss the next stamp duty deadline. Data from TwentyCi shows that it now takes six per cent longer to complete than in April 2020. Iain McKenzie, chief executive of The Guild of Property Professionals, says that while the time taken for a new instruction to move to Sold Subject to Contract has actually decreased by three per cent, the increase is driven by the longer time taken to move from SSTC to completion.
Index puts average annual house price growth at almost 10%
One housing market index suggests that average house prices in England and Wales have risen by 9.8 per cent in the past year – comfortably higher than other recent indices. The latest e.surv Acadata House Price Index says the average price of a house in England and Wales now stands at £339,160 – up by 0.7 per cent in the past month, and running at the highest annual rate for over six years.
Almost 700,00 renters facing eviction
A group of rental campaign bodies have come together to claim that some 694,000 tenants apparently face eviction when the current bailiff-enforced eviction ban finally ends. The Renters’ Reform Coalition, which includes activist groups Generation Rent and Acorn, says that a new Survation survey indicates that eight per cent of private renters in England have received a Section 21 eviction notice in the past year, while 32 per cent are “concerned” they will be asked to move out this year.
RETAIL:
Online supermarket invests £10m in development of self-driving vehicles
An online supermarket has announced plans to invest £10m in the development of autonomous vehicles to integrate into its business. Ocado Group reported today (16 April) that it has commercially partnered with artificial intelligence firm Oxbotica to create a series of autonomous vehicles, which it says will reduce operating costs. The self-driving vehicles will be used across Ocado’s business, from inside its customer fulfilment centres to last-mile deliveries and ‘kerb-to-kitchen’ robots. The company said that it expects to see the first prototypes of autonomous vehicles within the next two years. The partnership sees Ocado invest £10m in Oxbotica as part of Oxbotica’s latest Series B equity funding round.
Electrical appliance retailer AO increases revenues by 62 per cent
A UK electrical appliances retailer has announced that its revenues have increased by more than 60 per cent across the last year. AO World, which sells appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and televisions, reported that group revenues in the year to the end of March rose by 62 per cent, jumping from approximately £1.02bn to £1.66bn. The company said that its UK website increased year-on-year revenue by 88 per cent in Q4, while its German website increased full year revenue by 77 per cent.
TRAVEL:
Providers of day 2 and day 8 coronavirus testing for international arrivals
Information on the 2 tests you must book, pay for and take during your mandatory 10-day quarantine period after arriving in England, including how to book.
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