
UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,364,529 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,379 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 3,536 (248 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 20
Total UK deaths: 126,882
England Cases per 100,000: 41 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 31,622,367 up to and including 5 April 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 5,496,716
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 20,727
New cases in past 7 days: 117 to 1 April
Total deaths: 798
Cases per 100,000: 30.5 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.7 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:
PM confirms easing of lockdown will continue on 12th April
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed during a televised press briefing that the easing of lockdown restrictions set out for the 12th April in his ‘roadmap’ will go ahead as planned. From Monday 12 April additional premises will be able to reopen – with the rules on social contact applying. Indoor settings must only be visited alone or with household groups, with outdoor settings limited to either six people or two households. Sectors of the economy that will reopen can be found HERE
PM statement at coronavirus press conference: 5 April 2021
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement at the coronavirus press conference.
Recovery Loan Scheme launches today
A new government-backed loan scheme launches today (6 April) to provide additional finance to those businesses that need it.
5 million people in the UK receive second dose of COVID-19 vaccine
More than 5 million people in the UK have received their second dose of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.
Twice weekly rapid testing to be available to everyone in England
Everyone in England will be able to access free, regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing from 9 April, the Government has announced.
HR professionals invited to Transition to Teach webinar
Transition to Teach, a Department for Education-funded service to support people into new careers in the teaching sector, is delivering a free webinar for HR professionals to learn more about how the organisation can help them with outplacement support. Taking place online at 12pm, Wednesday 21st April, the webinar is aimed specifically at HR professionals with redeployment responsibilities to learn how they can present teaching as an option for staff who may be facing redundancy. The session will be particularly salient during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and its economic consequences.
190,000 jobs lost in retail sector
The Government announcement to re-open non-essential shops comes as research finds almost 190,000 jobs have been lost in the retail sector since shops were first forced to shut their doors a year ago. The Centre for Retail Research data reveals that 188,685 retail jobs have vanished between the start of the first lockdown in 2020 and March 31 this year. Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, has warned that unless the Government provides more support there will be further administrations in the months to come. She said the Government must provide firms which have been hardest hit by the pandemic with the “necessary support”. Ms Dickinson said: “This means extending the moratorium on aggressive debt enforcement, removing EU state aid caps on support grants, and providing targeted business rates support to those companies worst affected by the pandemic.” But which shops have fallen into administration in the last 12 months?
Retailers on course to shake off the impacts of the pandemic and mark their best ever year.
That’s the firm belief of Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association, which has been supporting the organisation’s thousands of members ahead of the easing of lockdown restrictions on April 12. Small and independent retailers have been under threat since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, with thousands falling by the wayside as a result of cumulative lockdowns. But with shoppers champing at the bit to get back in shops, the opportunity to make 2021 a success is ripe. “We really could see the best ever year,” Mr Goodacre said.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
John Lewis Cheadle looks forward to reopening
When the store reopens on 12th April, it will continue to maintain comprehensive safety and cleaning measures, and will see fitting rooms reopen once more.
Cheshire East businesses invited to apply for Restart Grant
Cheshire East Council will soon be inviting applications from businesses for the government’s Restart Grant. The scheme, which will be available from 1 April 2021, will support eligible non-essential retail businesses and hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym businesses with one-off grants of up to £18,000 to help them reopen safely. The council is also awaiting further details from government on an extra allocation of funding for the Additional Restrictions Grant to allow it to open another round of applications. A further announcement will be made soon.
Local brewery opposes ‘vaccine passport’ proposals for pubs and restaurants
Robinsons Brewery, which is one of Cheshire’s largest pub landlord, have responded to proposals requiring patrons to present a so-called ‘vaccine passport’ in order to visit pubs. The Brewery have stated that the Prime Minister’s suggestion that over 16’s will be required to present vaccine certificates or ‘passports’ to visit the pub, is simply not workable. The suggestion again wrongly singles out pubs, and will deprive society of the opportunity to meet in safe and COVID-secure environments – most probably leading to an increase in uncontrolled meetings in parks and private houses.
BUSINESS:
HMRC: Claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) are currently open for pay periods in March?? ?2021.
Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar, Register hereto find out about
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to make a claim
- what you may be entitled to, and more
HMRC are also running webinars on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Register here to get the latest information on:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to make a claim
- what you may be entitled to, and more.
During these interactive webinars you can ask questions using the on-screen text box and download handouts giving detailed examples and links to more information. Unfortunately, we are not able to give advice or discuss personal circumstances. Afterwards HMRC will send you a link to a video recording of the webinars, in case you’d like to see any of it again and continue to update webinars to reflect the latest information as it becomes available.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested.
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Claims for furlough days in March 2021 must be made by 14 April 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The main updates include information about deadlines for CS applications, BPS applications, and CS and ES revenue claims.
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Local Restrictions Support Grants and Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment closed to new applications on 31 March 2021. If you haven’t received your payment by 30 April 2021 please contact your local council.
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
What to do if you or someone you employ is contacted by NHS Test and Trace, including self-isolation, sick pay and financial support – updated rules for businesses reopening, and for entering a venue.
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out what financial support you can get for your business – added Recovery Loan Scheme.
Coronavirus guidance for Companies House customers
How we’ve adapted the way we work to maintain our services for the public and protect the welfare of our employees – The automatic extensions granted by the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act have come to an end.
COMMUNITY:
Get support if you’re clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus: privacy notice Privacy notice for the service providing coronavirus support to clinically extremely vulnerable people.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Accessing food and essential supplies
How to get food and other essential supplies during the coronavirus pandemic – updated guidance to reflect that if you’re clinically extremely vulnerable you’re no longer advised to shield.
(COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated to clarify the rules on indoor mixing with members of your support bubble.
NHS Test and Trace: what to do if you are contacted
An overview of NHS Test and Trace, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive.
EDUCATION:
Households and bubbles of pupils, students and staff of schools, nurseries and colleges: get rapid lateral flow tests
Find out who is eligible for twice-weekly testing and how to get tested if you do not have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). This guidance is for people without symptoms – additional information on what to do if you test positive, and how to claim financial support.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): assessment processes for selective school admissions
Guidance on entry testing for admission to state-funded selective schools during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated to include changes on positive Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test results.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): admission and care of people in care homes
How to protect care home residents and staff during the coronavirus outbreak – added link to what you can and cannot do from 29 March 2021.
COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing recovery action plan
Our plan to prevent, mitigate and respond to the mental health impacts of the pandemic during 2021 to 2022.
JUDICIARY:
MCTS 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 5 April 2021 published.
LOCAL AUTHORITIES:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added links to: business and charity support, council, public and community buildings, elections, local government finance and funding, national restrictions, parks and public spaces, public health, schools and education, shielding and volunteering, social care, testing, travel and vaccines.
TRAVEL:
Coming to the UK for seasonal agricultural work on English farms
Advice for seasonal agricultural workers coming to England to pick fruit and vegetables on farms, and their employers – updated with new requirements on testing.
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): declaration form for international travel
Complete this form to confirm that you have a reasonable excuse to travel abroad from England – clarification of reasonable excuses for international travel from the UK.
Countries added to red list to protect UK against variants of concern
The Philippines, Pakistan, Kenya and Bangladesh to be added to England’s red list from 9 April 2021.
Useful Links:
Coronavirus Roadmap out of lockdown – what and when?
From 29 March:
- People will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the “rule of six”, including in private gardens
- The stay at home rule will end, but the government will urge people to stay local as much as possible
- Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts, and formally organised outdoor sports can restart
- Weddings attended by up to six people can take place in any circumstances
Stage two (no earlier than 12 April):
- All shops allowed to open, along with close-contact services, including hairdressers and beauty salons (including in people’s homes)
- Restaurants and pubs allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres
- Members of the same household can take a holiday in the UK in self-contained accommodation
- Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place
Stage three (no earlier than 17 May):
- People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
- Six people or two households can meet indoors
- Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors
- Up to 30 people can attend weddings or other life events, like christenings
- Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
- Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open
- Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on audience numbers
- Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
- International leisure travel may resume
- Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart
Stage four (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.