UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,409,631 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,685 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 1,608 (169 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 17
Total UK deaths: 127,451
England Cases per 100,000: 25.2 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.7 to 1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 33,843,580 up to and including 26 April 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 13,201,811
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 20,891
New cases in past 7 days: 64 to 22 April
Total deaths: 801
Cases per 100,000: 17.7 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.6 to 0.9
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:
International funding boost for UK with new inward investment council
The government has today (April 27) announced the creation of a new council to support inward investment into the UK. Minister for Investment Gerry?Grimstone?has announced the creation of an Investment Council to act as an advisory body to the government on foreign investment. Made up of private sector senior leaders from around the globe in a range of industries – from?technology and energy to infrastructure and financial services, the council will work with the government to identify foreign investment opportunities. Minister for Investment, Gerry?Grimstone, explained: “Investment sits at the heart of our economic recovery. It drives jobs, innovation, and helps to level up the whole of the UK.?
Just one dose of a coronavirus vaccine can reduce household transmission
Just one dose of a coronavirus vaccine can reduce household transmission by up to half, a study shows. It’s “encouraging”, says Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at Public Health England, which carried out the research, as households are high-risk settings for transmission. This means the study is giving early evidence on the impact of vaccines in preventing onward transmission. It found people given a first dose of either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca jabs – and who became infected three weeks later – were between 38% and 49% less likely to pass the virus on than unvaccinated people. Dr Ramsay says “vaccines are vital in helping us return to a normal way of life” but people must “practise good hand hygiene and follow social distancing guidance”. The results are particularly encouraging but there is a cause for concern about whether newer variants of the virus, which might be more resistant to vaccines, might cause a new surge in infections, says our science correspondent Pallab Ghosh.
Saturday Economist: The UK Economy is bouncing back from the coronavirus.
John Ashcroft, the Saturday Economist shares his professional views.
We expect the economy to grow by 6% this year and by 11% over the two-year period. In nominal terms the economy will grow by over 20% over the next three years, providing strong support for businesses and jobs in the process. Interest rates will remain on hold. Monetary policy will continue to be expansive. Fiscal policy will remain neutral. The latest flash PMI*data for April released this week demonstrated a strong revival in output growth in manufacturing and services. Both sectors are reporting stronger order books both at home and abroad. Manufacturers are reporting a growing willingness to spend, even among EU clients.
Business activity is expected to grow strongly in May and June, setting the scene for a bumper second quarter. There is good news for the job market. Businesses are recruiting and taking on staff at a rate not seen for over three and a half years. The latest jobs data for March reported a drop in the unemployment rate to 4.9%. We expect furlough numbers to drop significantly by the end of the second quarter.
Read the full article here
Stunning photographs show the people behind the national vaccination effort
Today the government has published a series of photographs taken by photojournalists working with the NHS, showcasing the people behind the UK-wide vaccination programme – ahead of a campaign urging under-50s to get the jab.
National recruitment company “extremely confident” as profits increase 133%
A UK recruitment and training company has announced that its operating profit more than doubled in the first quarter of this year. Staff-line, which operates across the country, reported today that its underlying profit in Q1 increased by 133 per cent year on year, jumping from £0.6m in 2020 to £1.4m this year. The company also saw revenues grow, building from last year’s £227.5m to £227.9m, a 0.2 per cent increase. Its average net debt reduced by £14.5m in the period to £54.9m, which it said was supported by a £46.5m Covid-19 VAT deferral.
Whitbread to invest £350m in hotels and marketing despite record loss
Premier Inn Hotel owner Whitbread plans to invest £ 350m in new hotels and major marketing campaigns, despite a record loss of over £ 1bn during the pandemic.
Total sales for the year to the end of February fell 71% to £ 589.4m due to hotel closures and trading restrictions since the blockade began in March last year. In the UK, 92% of hotels are open, but only for important business trips. Meanwhile, 12 of 30 hotels in Germany remain closed due to a new wave of coronavirus. The Hospitality Group has a £ 1.01 billion pre-tax loss due to a £ 348m impairment loss on its German portfolio caused by the reinstatement of regulations in Europe and its impact on future growth on the continent of Whitbread.
Jet2 extends suspension of flights due to “lack of clarity” from government
Airline and holiday specialist Jet2 has criticised a “lack of clarity” around the government’s stance on international travel. Jet2, which is set to report a loss for the current financial year due to travel restrictions as a result of COVID-19, has called for more information about international travel from the government’s Global Travel Task Force. The news comes as the company has confirmed it expects to report a loss of between £375m and £385m for the financial year ending March 31st, 2021.
The firm stated: “The continuing successful rollout of vaccines in the UK and the increasing momentum in Europe are both encouraging. Additionally, on 9 April, we welcomed confirmation from the UK Government’s Global Travel Task Force that international travel remained on track to reopen in mid-May.
“However, we were disappointed at the lack of clarity contained in the Task Force’s report, in particular the as yet to be populated ‘traffic light’ framework for destinations, and full details and cost of the associated testing regime.”
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
North West property giant well-placed to emerge from pandemic
Property group Bruntwood revealed today that it has sufficient funds in place to ride the pandemic storm and is on course regarding rental collection. The Alderley Park owners revealed that, as at April 20, 2021, the group has £17m of cash reserves, £40m of undrawn committed available facilities and £68m of unencumbered assets on which further finance could be secured. In addition, the group has £19m of retained bonds which it could issue to the market. Bruntwood said it has modelled various scenarios including reviewing estimated customer default rates, lower retention rates, higher concessions and valuation yield movement.
North West business leaders: “businesses should be supported to become greener”
It is vital that businesses continue to be supported to become greener and more sustainable as they recover and grow in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, North West business leaders have said. A NatWest roundtable heard that as lockdown continues to be eased that moving in that direction “is not only good for business but good for the world as a whole”. Marcus Wright, economist at NatWest, kicked off the discussion while Rob Valentine, director of Leeds and Birmingham, Bruntwood Works and Amy House, low carbon lead at Manchester Growth Company also contributed their thoughts on the topic.
Northern universities plan £500m raise to invest in start-ups and scale-ups
Investment company Northern Gritstone, launched by the universities of Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester, has announced plans to raise up to £500m from strategic corporate partners, institutional investors and qualifying individuals. The new investment company is hoped to boost the commercialism of university spinouts and start-ups in the North of England
Cheshire East Council working with the HSE to make sure businesses are Covid-secure
Covid spot checks will provide advice and guidance to manage risk and protect workers, customers and visitors. In the usually small number of cases where organisations are not Covid-secure, the council has the authority to take action. The council and the HSE are also working alongside public health colleagues to support the understanding of any patterns in confirmed coronavirus cases in the area.
Planning documents consultations open
Cheshire East Council is seeking comments on documents that will provide addition planning guidance as to the types of new homes required, and to assess HMOs.
Covid-safe travel guidance updated with lockdown easing
Following the reopening of non-essential retail, outdoor hospitality and leisure on 12th April, TfN have updated their guidance for Covid-safe travel on public transport.
BREXIT:
If you move goods between the UK and countries in the EU, you need to follow new customs and tax rules.
Your business will be affected by the new rules if you:
- buy goods from an EU seller and bring them into the UK
- send goods you’ve sold to a buyer in an EU country
- haven’t exchanged money but need to move equipment that you use for your business, between the UK and the EU.
HMRC is here to help you in several ways.
1. You can now apply for the SME Brexit Support Fund. Smaller businesses can get up to £2,000 to pay for practical support, including training or professional advice to adjust to new customs, rules of origin and VAT rules when trading with the EU.
2. You can attend webinars to help adjust to the new rules and keep your business moving:
Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving: Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Importing: staged introduction of customs controls: Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Customs Import Declarations: an overview: Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
You can also watch videos on HMRC’s YouTube channel
Contact us – Call our Customs & International Trade helpline on 0300?? ?322?? ?9434, for more help with importing, exporting or customs reliefs. 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.
BUSINESS:
Returning to the workplace – essential steps for unscathed resumption of work
As the UK’s vaccination programme is now well underway and with the furlough scheme currently ending in September, business owners are considering how they will begin the journey to reopen the workplace. A few considerations are likely to involve:
- introducing additional equipment to ensure social distancing is adhered to along with government legislation and guidance to ensure safety
- operating a phased return and a blended way of working
- updating workstations
Find out more HERE and from Stockport based Amshire IT
Penalties for not telling HMRC about coronavirus (COVID-19) support scheme overpayments – CC/FS11a
If you’ve received a grant but were not eligible or you’ve been overpaid, find out about penalties you may have to pay if you do not tell HRMC.
3 tips to update your home office for summer
After a year spent mostly indoors, spring marks the perfect opportunity to update and redecorate. With working from home now a key part of our lives, here are 3 tips on how to refresh your home office this season. First, choose a colour palette that uplifts your space. Light colours such as white or mint green will make the room feel bigger and reflect any natural light that comes in. Take advantage of this new look by adding indoor plants which instantly breathe new life into your home office.
COVID-19: ventilation of indoor spaces to stop the spread of coronavirus
Guidance on the ventilation of indoor spaces to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19: guidance for food businesses
Advice for food businesses in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK – updated in line with Step 2 changes, allowing hospitality businesses to serve food outdoors. Added information on ventilation and asymptomatic testing programmes.
Industries and firms where turnover was resilient during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic
Analysis of low-level industries and firms which saw growth or relatively small falls in turnover during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus and the social impacts on households in subnational areas in Great Britain: 2020 and 2021
Indicators from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Opinions and Lifestyle Survey to understand the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on different households in subnational areas in Great Britain.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated both lists of providers.
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination.
CONSTRUCTION:
Construction set for 13% growth this year
Construction activity is set for double-digit growth this year as the industry continues its strong rebound from the impact of Covid. But crystal ball gazers at the Construction Product Association have downgraded growth forecasts slightly fearing impacts from supply constraints for key imported construction products and uncertainty around demand for housing new builds, and commercial space.
Construction activity accelerated in the first quarter of the year, although the story varies from sector to sector.
EDUCATION:
Ofqual confirms detail on submitting grades and evidence for this year’s GCSE, AS and A level grades
Ofqual updates ‘Submitting data and evidence’ section of heads of centre guidance.
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 – Guidance updated 22 April to include details of the evidence that exam boards will be expecting, and the timescales teachers need to work to.
Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update
Ofsted guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children’s social care and further education and skills providers – in the ‘Maintained schools and academies’ section under ‘Current activity’, clarified situations when we may deem the section 8 monitoring visit to be a section 5 inspection.
COVID-19 surveillance and immunity studies
An overview of national surveillance programmes to understand how COVID-19 is present and affecting the wider population – added link to ‘COVID-19 Schools Infection Survey: round 2’.
Summer schools programme
Details of the summer schools programme for secondary schools including funding, requirements for running a summer school and best practice evidence – added a link to the sign-up form so schools can register their intent to run a summer school, and a link to the funding allocations for eligible secondary schools.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) reporting in higher education providers
Statistics on known, confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in higher education as reported by providers. The release was updated on 26 April with data up to 7 April.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT:
Event Research Programme – Ministerial Directions
Ministerial Directions in relation to the Event Research Programme pilot events – added Good Business Festival, Circus Nightclub and Sefton Park Directions.
HEALTH, SOCIAL CARE & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting
Information on the benefits and risks of the COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19: impacts on health – reports and tools
National reports and tool to support the monitoring of the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on the population – added link to ‘COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers’.
Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA. The list also includes manufacturers whose exemption expired or was cancelled. This information will be listed for 2 months after expiry or cancellation
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Guidance for contacts of a person with a positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19) who do not live with that person.
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic – update for week commencing Monday 26 April 2021 published.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Welcome Back Fund
Guidance to help local authorities and partners to deliver activities supported through the Welcome Back Fund. This funding builds on the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund announced in May 2020.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Organised events guidance for local authorities
This guidance sets out advice for local authorities in England around organised events during coronavirus – added paragraph on organised walking groups to permitted events.
PROPERTY:
One in every 50 UK homes has sold in the past year
all regions across the UK have witnessed at least a 20 per cent fall in the availability of family homes for sale and there is a tangible risk that the lack of family houses for sale will limit growth of sales volumes in the second half of 2021, ultimately stifling current market impetus. And since the first stage of lockdown easing on April 12 in England, buyer demand has fallen back slightly. This comes as households start to focus on catching up with friends and family and taking advantage of leisure activities and amenities that haven’t been available since January.
RETAIL:
Shopping trips set to drive post-lockdown economic recovery
Britain is primed for “a sharp snap back” in consumer spending as lockdown eases driven by a desire to return to bricks-and-mortar retail. According to Deloitte’s Consumer Tracker ‘going to a shop’ topped the list of leisure activities consumers are most likely to do after lockdown, with 63% saying they’d plan to return within a month of lockdown restrictions easing. The rising appetite to return to shops came alongside the biggest jump in consumer confidence that Deloitte’s tracker has registered since it was launched 10 years ago, with consumer confidence levels up 6% overall in the first quarter of 2021 to -11%.
Gousto swings into black as boss says grocery delivery is here to stay
Gousto has delivered its first ever full-year profit as its chief executive backs the grocery home-delivery revolution to outlast the pandemic.
The recipe box subscription retailer delivered “record” sales in 2020 of £189m – up 129% – and full-year EBITDA of £18.2m, compared with a £9.1m loss in 2019. Gousto boss Timo Boldt said strong sales had continued into the first quarter of 2021 and he is confident that the customers who made the switch to shopping for food online during the pandemic would not go back.
TRANSPORT:
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV and coach drivers can get free COVID-19 tests and check their documents to transport goods to the EU. Barton Park and Cornwall Services are open for COVID-19 testing only from 6am until 10pm.
TRAVEL:
Booking and staying in a quarantine facility when you arrive in England
How to book a place in a quarantine facility and arrange coronavirus (COVID-19) tests if you’re travelling to England from a country on the banned travel list – updated the ‘Unaccompanied minors’ section to reflect that if a parent or guardian cannot travel with their child, they will need to request a specific exemption from DHSC for the child to travel alone. Exemptions will only be provided in exceptional circumstances.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): General Aviation
Guidance on General Aviation (GA) flying during the coronavirus outbreak – Bristol Airport added as a designated port for people travelling to England from red list countries.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): international cruise ship travel
Guidance for British people about cruise ship holidays abroad during the coronavirus pandemic – new link added to Department for Transport domestic cruise ship travel guidance
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 – new providers added.
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