Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 311,641 have tested positive + daily 816
Loss of life: 46,526 across all settings + 21
UK – Patients in hospital: 1,067 – 67 patients on a ventilator
Daily admissions: 142
Cases in Cheshire East: 2,284, up 4 cases in last 24 hours
Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics and analysis
Data sources of numbers relating to the coronavirus pandemic in the UK.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus.
UK HEADLINES:
BBC: UK in recession for first time since 2009
The UK economy suffered its biggest slump on record between April and June as coronavirus lockdown measures pushed the country officially into recession. The economy shrank 20.4% compared with the first three months of the year. Household spending plunged as shops were ordered to close, while factory and construction output also fell. This pushed the UK into its first technical recession – defined as two consecutive quarters of economic decline – since 2009. Chancellor Rishi Sunak told the BBC that the government was “grappling with something that is unprecedented” and that it was “a very difficult and uncertain time”.
730,000 leave national payroll as benefit claimants figures reach 2.7 million
The figures released earlier today show the largest drop in employment figures since the period from May to July during the recession in 2009. According to today’s figures released by the ONS, the number of people claiming benefits for either unemployment and due to low incomes rose to 2.7 million, nearly 117% since lockdown began in March to end of last month. It is feared that the hardest hit will be the younger workers and those in the older employment bracket as figures also revealed 220,000 fewer people were classed as in employment over the same period. Despite the Governments pledge to pay employers £1,000 for every worker they bring back into employment from October when the furlough scheme is due to end, it is feared that unemployment will rise dramatically in Q4.
9.6 million workers’ pay is currently being supported through the Job Retention Scheme. Read more at the BBC
Sky News: Where jobs have been lost across the UK
A total of more than 108,000 jobs have been lost due to coronavirus. Worst hit is the Aviation sector accounting for a third off all job losses including from manufacturing, pilots, baggage handlers and airport staff. Retail and hospitality have also suffered heavy losses.
Celebrate Shop Local Week and support local businesses.
Shoppers across the UK have been urged to do their bit and take part in Shop Local Week (10-16 August) to help local businesses rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Government called on to back the North’s plans for £5 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects to create up to 20,000 jobs
Transport for the North – TfN – has today (Wednesday) set out its initial plans for a Northern Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), a 30-year investment plan of infrastructure projects to underpin greener Northern growth. This £5 billion pipeline includes rail, road, active travel and smart ticketing proposals; some of which could be started over the next 6-18 months to help the economy ‘build back better’ after the COVID-19 pandemic, and help create around 20,000 construction and design jobs in the North of England. The NIP underpins TfN’s proposed Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) recently agreed by the North’s business and civic leaders. Today is the announcement of the first tranche of 166 projects that could help create new job opportunities in the North immediately. The ERP is aimed at accelerating delivery of infrastructure projects to help “rebuild and transform the North” by making transport more accessible and inclusive, and decarbonising the economy in the years to come.
Airlines add further destinations from Manchester Airport
Air Malta, SAS and easyJet are bringing back direct routes from Manchester Airport to European destinations this week.
Council launches final phase of discretionary grants for Cheshire businesses
Grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 may be awarded. It is anticipated many grants will be below £10,000 to ensure the fund can benefit more businesses.
Covid Restart Grants offer £1.15 million funding for Cheshire small businesses
The grants are open to small and medium enterprises, charities or sole traders based in the Cheshire and Warrington LEP area with at least 12 months of trading.
Restrictions on household gatherings to continue in parts of the north west and West Yorkshire
The current rules on social gatherings will continue in parts of the north west, West Yorkshire and Leicester, following a review of all local restrictions yesterday by government and local authorities.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: Home Office extraordinary funding for domestic abuse support services
Guidance for the £2 million Home Office fund for domestic abuse charities affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated to add list of successful applicants in the second bidding round.
Face coverings: when to wear one and how to make your own
This page explains when to wear a face covering and how to make one – updated in line with the latest government guidance.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested – including home testing – ‘coronavirus home test: step-by-step guide’ and ‘coronavirus test guide: how to test on a child’
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Our online services have not been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are running as normal – updated driving licence extension information
CONSTRUCTION:
Laing O’Rourke starts redundancy talks with 150 staff
A business briefing delivered by webinar broke the news yesterday morning. The roles at risk are focused within the company’s support services and main offices and collection consultation will take place with a number of staff based at the Dartford head office.
Balfour hopes profits back to ‘normal’ next year after £26m loss
Balfour Beatty is predicting profits will recover to “normal” levels next year after the impact of Covid-19 saw the contractor post a pre-tax loss of £26m for the first six months of this year.
That compares to a £63m profit last time as turnover rose to £4,118m from £3,884m.
Balfour kept most of its sites open during the pandemic and said its Build to Last programme ensured a resilient response to the crisis.
Group Chief Executive Leo Quinn said: “We have preserved the disciplines, expert capability and financial strength we will need as markets move back to normal and then beyond, driven by fiscal stimulus for infrastructure.
“In achieving this, our systems, processes and leadership have all proved the value of our investments over the last five years.”
EDUCATION:
Student number controls
The measures to protect students and universities during the coronavirus outbreak, including temporary student number controls and additional places – updated the list of exemptions which will not count towards the SNC level in the introduction of temporary student number controls in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) document.
Ofsted’s autumn 2020 plans
Find out about our plans for visiting schools, further education and skills, early years and children’s social care providers this autumn – added guidance for early years providers about interim visits, starting from September 2020.
Education plans from September 2020
Guidance for education providers about Ofsted’s phased return to inspection – details of early years interim visits and added link to new early years operational note.
Ofsted to visit nurseries and childminders this autumn
Ofsted will start carrying out visits to some nurseries and childminders from September 2020.
Interim visits: registered early years providers
An operational note for Ofsted inspectors carrying out interim visits to registered early years providers from 1 September 2020.
Awarding qualifications in summer 2020
Information for schools, students and parents on how GCSE, AS, A level, vocational and technical qualifications will be graded and awarded in summer 2020. Guidance for teachers, students, parents and carers: Summer 2020 grades for GCSE, AS and A level, Extended Project Qualification and Advanced Extension Award in maths document updated. VTQ awarding organisation appeals and complaints links guidance added to General resources for Vocational Qualifications section.
Awarding qualifications in summer 2020
Information for schools, students and parents on how GCSE, AS, A level, vocational and technical qualifications will be graded and awarded in summer 2020. Updated – arrangements for the assessment and awarding of Vocational and Technical Qualifications and Other General Qualifications in 2020 to 2021 guidance document link added to the General resources for Vocational Qualifications section.
Arrangements for the assessment and awarding of Vocational and Technical Qualifications and Other General Qualifications in 2020 to 2021
Advice on vocational and technical qualifications, and other general qualifications.
Response to media coverage about results in Scotland
A response to recent stories on exam results in Scotland this summer and any impact on results in England.
The fairest possible way to recognise students’ achievements this year – by Roger Taylor, Chair
Article by Ofqual Chair, as first published in Sunday Telegraph 9 August 2020.
Student guide to appeals and malpractice or maladministration complaints: summer 2020
A guide for those receiving qualification results in England this summer – updated to include information on how an appeal can be made. A HTML version of the guide is also now available.
Your results, what next?
Understanding your qualifications grades this summer. Updated information on Student guide to appeals and malpractice or maladministration complaints: summer 2020 to now include HTML version.
Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Page updated to say that supply teachers are eligible for the scheme in the same way as other employees and can continue to be claimed for during school holiday periods. Page updated to say that if a furloughed employee is made redundant they’re entitled to receive redundancy pay based on their normal wage and not on the reduced furlough rate.
Get laptops and tablets for children who cannot attend school due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
How schools can access digital devices for children requiring access to remote education due to shielding or local coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term – updated ‘Remote education support’ in ‘Section 5: Contingency planning for outbreaks’.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Are you missing the ‘office buzz’?
If you are one of the hundreds and thousands of people who are currently home working as a result of coronavirus and missing the buzz of the background noise in an office, help is on hand! During the lockdown, websites that provide a background noise of an office have received millions of visits from workers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has fed in to the popularity of these office “soundboards” which are available online and can produce noises such as printers, coffee machines and colleagues chatting. Find out more here
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus. A webinar about the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has been added.
HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and the VAT payments deferral scheme – published updated weekly data (up to end of Sunday 9 August) for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
United Kingdom supports the implementation of protocols against COVID-19 in municipal markets
The British Embassy and AGEXPORT are working together to prevent the spread of the virus and to mitigate the risk of infection in 10 mayoralties in the country.
Individuals you can claim for who are not employees
Find out if you can claim through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for individuals who are not employees.
Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from 1 August
The changes mean that employers will need to pay National Insurance (NI) and pension contributions for furloughed employees from their own resources as these will not be covered by future grants. Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live webinar:
Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and flexible furloughingWe’ll provide an overview of the scheme, including flexible furloughing, examples of how to work out the amount you can claim, and the changes due in September and October.
If you haven’t been able to join our popular webinar about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, more dates have now been added. 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.
You can ask questions during all our live webinars using the on-screen text box. HMRC webinars are constantly updated to provide the latest government guidance on changes as they develop.
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.
HM Treasury coronavirus (COVID-19) business loan scheme statistics
HMT management information about the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and Future Fund Scheme.
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you have to pay your furloughed employees for hours on furlough, how much you can claim for employer NICs and pension contributions and how much you can claim back. Page updated with a new section on how to calculate your claim for fixed pay employees who have worked enough overtime (in the tax year 2019 to 2020) to have a significant impact on the amount you need to claim.
Claim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Claim for 80% of your employee’s wages plus any employer National Insurance and pension contributions, if you have put them on furlough or flexible furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to say that employers should only contact HMRC to provide National Insurance Numbers if the employee has a temporary number or genuinely has never had one.
Find examples to help you calculate your employees’ wages
Check examples to help you calculate your employee’s wages, National Insurance contributions and pension contributions if you’re claiming through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Example of how to work out usual hours for employees who are contracted for a fixed number of hours has been updated with corrections.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – updated to say that supply teachers are eligible for the scheme in the same way as other employees and can continue to be claimed for during school holiday periods. If a furloughed employee is made redundant they’re entitled to receive redundancy pay based on their normal wage and not on the reduced furlough rate.
Making sense of COVID-19 – mortality impact on pension schemes
In this paper we consider the implications for defined benefit pension schemes of the recent increased mortality rates.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
Retirement living communities are vital to the future of social care
A new report argues that retirement communities should be considered a major part of the solution on how care is delivered in England. The Associated Retirement Community Operators (ARCO) and the County Councils Network, who co-authored the report, say that retirement communities offer care and support and could play a hugely important preventative role in addressing the adult social care funding crisis and keeping people out of hospital longer. According to the report: “Retirement Communities offer a different choice for people and can help them retain independence for as long as possible, with the added insurance of care options being close at hand and readily accessible should it be needed in the future. By being open to the wider community and acting as hubs for the towns and villages around them they also keep older people engaged with wider society which is key to tackling loneliness and isolation in later years.
Public Health England’s COVID-19 Review: letter to stakeholders
Minister for Equalities Kemi Badenoch’s letter to stakeholder engagement participants to the Public Health England Review, to thank them for their work and invite them to further engage with government.
COVID-19: review of disparities in risks and outcomes
Review into how different factors have affected COVID-19 risk and outcomes – added 8 spreadsheets to provide further data from the review. Updates made to main report which include new updates and corrections log.
Assessment and procurement of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests
How the government assesses offers of COVID-19 tests from developers for procurement and use in the UK. This guidance now only applies to viral detection testing. The guidance has been updated to reflect that the New Tests Advisory Group is no longer accepting new serology or antibody tests.
COVID-19: guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic
Guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated in line with the Health Protection Regulations 2020 and The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020.
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 paragraph clarifying the position for travelling to work in local lockdown areas.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing home care
Information for those providing personal care to people living in their own home during the coronavirus outbreak – updated ‘shielding and care groups’ section (now titled ‘Clinically extremely vulnerable people and care groups’) and ‘annexes A and B’ to reflect wider changes to shielding advice. Updated ‘social care recruitment’ section to include further details about the new online recruitment platform for social care.
Research study into long-term health impacts of COVID-19 launched in the UK
One of the world’s largest comprehensive research studies into the long-term health impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on hospitalised patients has been launched, the Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock has announced.
COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC)
Guidance on infection prevention and control for COVID-19. Sustained community transmission is occurring across the UK.
SPI-M-O: Consensus statement on COVID-19, 22 July 2020
Consensus statement from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) on coronavirus (COVID-19).
DHSC/ONS/GAD/HO: Direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on excess deaths and morbidity, 15 July 2020
Paper prepared by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Office for National Statistics (ONS), Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) and Home Office (HO).
PHE: In-vivo models to assess co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza virus?, 21 July 2020
Paper prepared by Public Health England (PHE).
SAGE meetings, July 2020
Minutes and papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) meetings held in July 2020 – 6 reports added under SAGE meeting 48.
Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Evidence considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) – added 6 new papers under the July SAGE meetings.
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems.
Added week 32 report, infographic, contain framework and data table.
PPE portal: how to order emergency personal protective equipment
Healthcare providers can order additional personal protective equipment (PPE) through the portal to top up their existing supplies for COVID-19 in an emergency, including hand hygiene.
PPE deliveries (England): 3 August to 9 August 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.
Guidance for industry on MHRA’s expectations for return to UK on-site inspections
We are planning to resume on-site UK risk-based GxP inspections in September.
NHS Test and Trace service to strengthen regional contact tracing
NHS Test and Trace and Public Health England will extend its partnership with local authorities to reach more people testing positive and their contacts.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance
Find guidance about coronavirus (COVID-19) for health and social care settings, other non-clinical settings, and for the general public – updated to reflect changes to self-isolation period and face coverings regulations.
Companies House to resume the compulsory strike off process
From 10 October 2020, we’ll resume the process to strike off companies we believe are no longer carrying on business or in operation.
Coronavirus guidance for Companies House customers, employees and suppliers
Companies House has robust plans in place to maintain services for our customers and protect the welfare of our employees during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – Companies House to resume the compulsory strike off process from 10 October 2020.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): 23 July to 29 July 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 9 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England.
Guidance for Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) facilities in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19)
The UK Good Laboratory Practice Monitoring Authority (UK GLPMA) recognises that there are potential challenges COVID-19 will present to members of the GLP monitoring programme.
MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added a link to new guidance for industry on MHRA’s expectations for return to UK on-site inspections, in the ‘Inspections and good practice’ section.
HOSPITALITY:
How you can join in the Eat Out to Help Out campaign
Diners who eat-in will benefit from a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, on food and non-alcoholic drinks, any Monday to Wednesday throughout August. More than 53,000 outlets across the UK have so far signed up to the UK government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme – and a new official government online finder is available to help diners locate them. More than 72,000 restaurants in the UK are taking part and over 100 restaurants within just 2.5 miles of Stockport town centre have joined the scheme
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
The YouTube video about how to participate in the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme has been amended and information about what has changed for parents – Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, has been added.
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.
JUDICIARY:
Keeping court and tribunal buildings safe, secure and clean
This page provides details about security, cleaning and social-distancing arrangements in court and tribunal buildings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Face coverings to be worn in all public and communal parts of buildings in England
Going to a court or tribunal during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Use this guide if you’ve been asked to attend a hearing in person at a court or tribunal during the coronavirus outbreak – face coverings to be worn in all public and communal parts of buildings in England.
HMCTS online event, 15 July 2020: Use of remote hearings to maintain justice during the coronavirus outbreak
A recording of the live event hosted on 15 July 2020, including presentation slides and Q&A.
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 10 August 2020 published.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals planning and preparation
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be updated when new advice is available.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Transport to school and other places of education: autumn term 2020
What local authorities will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): business support grant funding – guidance for local authorities
Guidance for local authorities setting out details of the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF) – includes clarification on grant scheme eligibility for town and parish councils.
Multi-million-pound funding package for school transport
New funding for local authorities to ease pressure on public transport as children return in September
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Community Infrastructure Levy guidance
In response to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), MHCLG has published guidance for local authorities on Community Infrastructure Levy matters – updated to explain the operation of the ‘Community Infrastructure Levy (Coronavirus) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020’ which came into force on 22 July 2020.
Containing and managing local coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks
Guidance for local authorities and local decision-makers on containing and managing COVID-19 outbreaks at a local level. Removed reference to the powers Food Safety Act (1990) section 12 and the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/2996) [Regulation 8] from annex 2, which can only be used in respect of food safety issues.
Get help with technology during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for local authorities, academy trusts and schools on devices and support available to provide remote education and access to children’s social care – updated.
Laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers provided during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for local authorities, academy trusts and schools on managing Department for Education (DfE) devices provided for children, families and young adults most in need.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services
Advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) for local authorities and their partners to help support and protect vulnerable children – updated the section ‘How is the Get Help with Technology initiative helping children’s social care during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic?’ of ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services’.
PROPERTY:
Stamp Duty holiday producing more house moves says agency
The share of owners putting their homes on the market within five years of buying is rising again according to an analysis by Hamptons International. The agency, which used data from across the Countrywide group for its analysis, has told the Financial Times that one in five homes coming on the market in July 2019 had been purchased within the previous five years. By July 2020, however, that proportion had risen to one in four.
Knight Frank call for stamp duty holiday permanent
Knight Frank says the stamp duty holiday for properties at £500,000 and below should be made permanent. The holiday is due to expire at the end of March next year and saves buyers up to £15,000 depending on the cost of the property. “On a multi-million pound property, the saving will be a small percentage of the transaction price but it represents a meaningful discount for the vast majority of UK buyers” says the agency, which adds that the holiday has helped the housing market become – for now at least – “as robust as it has been for many years.” The agency says there is plenty of evidence to show how effective the holiday has been at encouraging market activity.
Average selling prices rising, according to Auction House
Auction House has seen the average price of its properties sold during lockdown soar by over a third. The figure has climbed from £116,145 in July 2019 to £159,359 in the same month this year – an increase of 37%. According to Roger Lake, founding director at Auction House, the sharp rise – which became noticeable from May of this year onwards – is down to three contributory factors. The first is the huge upsurge in buyers looking to purchase property via auction. The competitive bidding nature is enhanced further by the larger cohort of buyers, which means that auction lots are achieving even higher prices. Secondly, Auction House is attracting more properties from higher price brackets to offer for sale.
Read more:
RETAIL:
Barclaycard reveals July boost to non-essential retail spending
Data from Barclaycard, which sees nearly half of the UK’s credit and debit card transactions, has revealed a July uptick in non-essential retail spending in July as Britons return to the high street. Spending on essential items, such as groceries, was up in July on the same month last year by 3.2%. Non-essential spending, although still 4.7% lower than 2019, had risen sharply compared with the previous month as shoppers return to high streets as businesses reopened.
Debenhams plans to cut 2,500 jobs from the effects of the coronavirus crisis.
Dominos Pizza serves up “resilient” lockdown as sales increase 5.5 per cent
An international fast food chain has announced that it saw stronger than expected trading during the UK’s lockdown. Dominos Pizza, which has more than 1,000 stores across the country, saw sales increase by 5.5 per cent in the second quarter of the year, jumping from £596m in 2019 to £628.9m. During lockdown, the chain shut down its ‘collection’ option, resulting in an 87 per cent drop in collections during Q2 and a 22 per cent increase in delivery orders.
RURAL AFFAIRS:
Dairy Response Fund 2020
The Dairy Response Fund 2020 provides support to eligible dairy farmers in England who produce cows’ milk. They can apply for a one-off payment – deadline for applications of 11 September 2020. Guidance also updated at section 4 to clarify how to apply for businesses which have more than one milk contract, and for businesses where the purchaser has applied a deduction to the milk price.
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 – update to Dairy Response Fund: application deadline extended to midnight on 11 September 2020.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus: MOTs for HGVs, buses and trailers
You can book an HGV, bus or trailer annual test (MOT) – the deadline to get the test done depends on when the MOT was originally due.
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
British Airways extends Covid booking guarantee
British Airways is extending its Book with Confidence policy throughout September to cover the following 12 months. The extension means bookings can be amended for travel until 31 August 2021. Changes can also be made to dates and destinations without charge. During the period, clients who cancel bookings will receive a voucher exchangeable for future flights.
Guidance on holidays in areas with local coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
What you should do if you’re on holiday in an area with local coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions or live in a restricted area and are planning on taking a holiday outside the area.
Government warns ‘won’t hesitate’ to revoke more travel corridors
Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s warning came just hours after the Bahamas, Belgium and Andorra were effectively removed from the UK’s “safe travel” list last Thursday evening The Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to all three countries, while their respective quarantine-free travel corridors was revoked as of 4am on Saturday (8 August). It comes amid fears over France’s rising rate of coronavirus infection; revoking France’s travel corridor and advising against travel to the UK’s nearest continental neighbour would jeopardise hundreds of thousands of summer getaways, just weeks after Spain was placed on the UK’s tacit “no go” list.
Wider co-ordination needed to aid recovery
With 78,000 appointments scheduled to take place this week during the global event, it’s clear the world’s luxury travel advisors and suppliers are determined to fight on, even when continuous obstacles get in the way of them booking travel.
Virtuoso’s virtual show this week replaces the usual mega event that takes place annually in Las Vegas, but chief executive of Virtuoso Matthew Upchurch said the response to the online event proved the global need for the “industry to stay connected”. Speaking at a virtual roundtable at the opening of the event, Upchurch said the global pandemic was obviously proving catastrophic for the travel and tourism industry.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Hotels and other guest accommodation – updated to include guidance on local restrictions for accommodation providers (section 2.5).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries and territories from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate – Brunei and Malaysia added to list.
Useful Links:
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
Cheshire East Council – Discretionary Fund
Businesses that have been unable to access other forms of Covid-19 support can apply for grants from a £4.68 million fund.
http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covidDGS
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.
Cheshire East Council – Business rates grants
https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/business/business_rates/business-rates-relief/coronavirus-covid-19-help-for-business-rates-customers.aspx
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