
UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,370,321 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 3,030 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 3,124 (220 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 53
Total UK deaths: 126,980
England Cases per 100,000: 37 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 31 807,124 up to and including 7 April 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 6,091,905
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 20,744
New cases in past 7 days: 109 to 3 April
Total deaths: 796
Cases per 100,000: 28.4 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:
Co-op set to repay furlough assistance but retain £66m business rates relief
The Manchester-based firm made the announcement as it revealed its revenues increased by 5.5% to £11.5bn during the year to January 2, while its profits after tax and discontinued items more than doubled to £77m. The Co-operative Group has said it will repay over £15m in furlough money but will not hand back the £66m secured from the Government in business rates relief. The supermarket giant announced in annual results on Thursday that the pandemic had turned its plans “upside down”, adding that while revenues rose “marginally”, costs also rose “disproportionately”.
MHRA issues new advice, concluding a possible link between COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca and extremely rare, unlikely to occur blood clots
The benefits of vaccination continue to outweigh any risks but the MHRA advises careful consideration be given to people who are at higher risk of specific types of blood clots because of their medical condition. It is important to note that this type of blood clot together with lowered platelets can rarely occur naturally in unvaccinated people as well as in people with COVID-19 disease. While the MHRA continues to investigate these cases, as a precautionary measure, anyone who has symptoms four days or more after vaccination is advised to seek prompt medical advice.
Online retail ASOS reports record profits
A UK fashion retailer has announced that its profits have reached “record” levels following a 275 per cent increase. ASOS, which recently acquired the Topshop brand, saw adjusted profit before tax in the last six months jump to £112.9m, compared to £30.1m in the same period last year. The online retailer also saw group revenues for the past six months rise from £1.59bn in 2020 to £1.97bn, representing a 25 per cent increase. The company reported 39 per cent sales growth in the UK, as well as 18 per cent growth in the EU and 16 per cent growth in the rest of the world. It also revealed that its active customer base rose by 1.5 million in the period, bringing it to a total of 29.9 million.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Cheshire East Council pilots the country’s first dual use Covid-19 testing site
Cheshire East Council is trialling a dual use Covid-19 testing site – the first of its kind in the country. From Tuesday 6 April, the existing walk-through local testing site in Crewe will become dual use, allowing residents to use a pre-booked service for both asymptomatic and symptomatic testing at different times during the day.
Cheshire town centres prepare for reopening
Cheshire East Council has a number of schemes designed to support businesses in the borough reopen safely and successfully on April 12th. To support businesses to welcome customers back safely, the council will shortly be launching a public information campaign as well as working with town and parish councils to release European Regional Development Fund support through the ‘Welcome Back Fund.’
Transport-related social exclusion in the North to be tackled with new research
A survey has begun to better understand transport-related social exclusion, its effects on communities in the North, and how it can be addressed. The results of the research should help inform transport planning in the future, ensuring residents in the region can access jobs, homes, services and leisure opportunities.
BUSINESS:
Reopen businesses safely – a guide with assets
The Government confirmed that Step 2 of the Roadmap out of lockdown will go ahead on Monday 12th April and have produced many assets – posters, videos and advice to help businesses reopen safely. Find out more about reopening your business in a safe and compliant way at SK Business Recovery
14th April Deadline for claims for March Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Wednesday?? 14?? April is the deadline for submitting your March Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) claims. You may also want to know how to include your employees’ holiday leave. There is also further information on VAT deferral, claiming working from home tax relief and the Department of Health and Social Care’s national workplace testing service.
- March CJRS claims
- Can I claim a CJRS grant to pay for holiday leave?
- VAT deferral – apply now to spread your payments further
- Claim working from home tax relief
- Where can I get further support?
- National workplace testing for coronavirus
- Protect yourself from scams
Employers who have claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Monthly data on claims made by employers through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – the Employer claim data – December 2020 and January 2021 has been updated.
Private coronavirus (COVID-19) testing validation
We are particularly interested in hearing from businesses involved in the manufacturer, distribution and retail of COVID-19 tests and expert academic views.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 8 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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): DVSA Chief Executive letter to driving instructors about lessons and tests
Letters from Loveday Ryder, Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), about driving lessons and driving tests.
COMMUNITY:
Driving test centre waiting rooms during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check which driving test centre waiting rooms are open, and find out what the rules are for using them because of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated the list of driving test centre waiting rooms with details of 28 waiting rooms that will reopen on 22 April 2021.
COMMUNITY:Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19 vaccination: what to expect after vaccination
Information for people who have had their first COVID-19 vaccination.
CONSTRUCTION:
Lead time warning on cement and aggregates
Merchants and building materials producers have warned of growing lead times for delivery of cement, aggregates and plastic drainage products. The key products groups have joined a growing list of materials in short supply, including timber, steel, roof tiles, bricks and imported products such as screws, fixings, plumbing items, sanitaryware, shower enclosures, electrical products and appliances. In a joint statement the Builders Merchants Federation and Construction Products Association, warned: “Demand for construction products remains high both in the UK and globally and is set to continue throughout 2021 in every sector.”
EDUCATION:
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19
Information for parents and carers about attending schools, nurseries and colleges in the spring term 2021 – updated advice on the use of face coverings in education and updated information to reflect commencement of step 2 of the COVID-19 response – spring 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing in schools and colleges: grant funding
Conditions of grant funding for the national roll-out of rapid mass testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) in schools and colleges – updated the conditions of grant to include the payment arrangements for independent special schools and to clarify some of the important dates.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April – added ‘Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March 2020 to 1 April 2021’.
EMPLOYMENT:
MyKindaFuture and Jobcentre Plus launch Connectr to support young people into employment
Covid has put 1.7 million people out of work, and the number of people on payroll is 828,000 lower than this time last year. Young people are amongst the hardest hit – 1 in 3 18-24 year olds have either lost their job or been put on furlough since the pandemic began. To tackle this issue, MyKindaFuture have joined forces with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to launch an innovative mission that will support 18-24 year olds into employment.
Connectr, our online mentoring platform will be used by the Jobcentre Plus (JCP) to provide the young job-seekers disproportionately affected by the pandemic with the advice, tools and skills they need to not only secure a job but to succeed in it.
Connectr, is already being used by Jobcentre Plus in towns, cities and communities across the UK, and is proving to be very successful.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
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 on COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca, with new information about extremely rare, unlikely to occur blood clots.
Use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: JCVI statement
Statement from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
NHS entitlements: migrant health guide
Advice and guidance for healthcare practitioners on the health needs of migrant patients – updated data sharing section. Data sharing agreements have not changed since the previous guidance.
MHRA issues new advice, concluding a possible link between COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca and extremely rare, unlikely to occur blood clots
MHRA not recommending age restrictions in COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca vaccine use
COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting
Information on the benefits and risks of the COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19: guidance for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs or alcohol
Guidance for commissioners and service providers for those dependent on drugs or alcohol – updated guidance to reflect current practice in services.
COVID-19 vaccination: blood clotting information for healthcare professionals
Information for healthcare professionals on blood clotting following COVID-19 vaccination.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact-tracing data in its weekly reports – updated to reflect the operational change implemented on 30 March 2021 for confirmatory PCR testing following a positive lateral flow test.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England): 25 March to 31 March 2021
Experimental statistics on NHS Test and Trace since its launch on 28 May 2020. Includes reports on NHS Test and Trace (people tested and contact tracing) and rapid (lateral flow device) testing for people without symptoms.
COVID-19 vaccination: blood clotting information for healthcare professionals
Information for healthcare professionals on blood clotting following COVID-19 vaccination.
HOSPITALITY:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure.
Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services – Addition of information on managing customer payment at the venue. As a last resort, venues that serve alcohol can take payment indoors.
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.
LOCAL AUTHORITIES:
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to link to new guidance on (COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do and new mediation guidance.
Exceptional financial support for local authorities
Details of support granted to local authorities that have requested exceptional financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data, 8 April 2021
Weekly watchlist giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each lower-tier local authority (LTLA) in England.
PROPERTY:
Understanding the possession action process: guidance for landlords and tenants
Guidance for landlords and tenants in the private and social rented sectors to explain the possession action process in the county courts in England and Wales – updated with information about how to apply to extend the life of possession warrants which are nearing their expiry date, and to provide links to new Regulations which are in force restricting bailiff enforcement in England and Wales and to new mediation guidance.
Exchanges hit 10-year high with market frenzy predicted to last post-pandemic
Data from agency Knight Frank suggests the number of UK exchanges last month was the highest in 10 years – well above even the late 2020 previous peak.
The figure for March 2021 was nine per cent above the second-highest month – December 2020 – and 12 per cent higher than March 2016, when panic buying was going on ahead of the three per cent additional homes stamp duty surcharge. The records weren’t limited to exchanges, says Knight Frank. The number of new prospective buyers registering in March was also the highest in 10 years, possibly encouraged by a deferred stamp duty holiday deadline, while the number of offers accepted in March was also the highest such figure in a decade. March was also the second-highest month in a decade for the number of offers made. Despite social distancing and wariness amongst some to leave their homes, the agency says March 2021 was also the fourth highest month in 10 years for viewings.
RETAIL:
High Street sales set to surge by 50% next Monday
The number of shoppers visiting retail parks and essential shops in March shows consumers have missed bricks-and-mortar shops, says Springboard.
The analyst predicts a 48% rise in sales when lockdown restrictions are lifted on 12 April. While footfall was still lower in March, the annual decline had halved in retail parks by the end of the month. Springboard said it indicated there was “pent up demand”. Between the first and last weeks of March, shopping centres saw the decline in footfall move up from -69% to -62.5%, compared with the same period in 2019. Meanwhile, a -29.8% annual drop in footfall at retail parks shrank to -14.8% just before the Easter weekend.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations – added coronavirus testing for workers information.
TRAVEL:
How to quarantine when you arrive in England
What to do before and after you arrive in England, including staying at home and ordering coronavirus (COVID-19) tests – update to clarify details on travelling to get your test swab taken and how to raise issues with your test product.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – added travel and coronavirus testing information.
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.