Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 1,787,783 have tested positive (+ 20,964 new cases)
Loss of life: *62,033 across all settings (+ 616 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Cheshire East: 9,557 confirmed since start of the pandemic, + 397 in the 7 days to 5 December
Rate per 100k population in Cheshire East: 103.3 in the 7 days to 5 December
*Daily reported COVID deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the first laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test
The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R number range for the UK is 0.9 -1.0 and the growth rate range is -3% to -1% per day as of 4 December 2020.
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 HEADLINES
Canary Islands removed from safe travel list
There’s bad news for anyone from the UK hoping to fly off for some winter sun this Christmas. Transport secretary Grant Shapps confirmed the decision to axe the Canaries travel corridor in a tweet on Thursday afternoon (10 December). Those arriving in England from the Canaries as of 4am on Saturday (12 December) will need to self-isolate for two weeks. It comes just six weeks after the Canaries was added to the list on Sunday 25 October.
Reacting to the news, Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said: “And this is why the travel industry cannot recover from the illogical travel corridor measures and why travel agents are among the worst hit businesses as demonstrated by the ONS data released today.
Rory Boland, Which? Travel editor, added: “There is a lot to debate in the approach the government has taken to travel corridors, but one thing is certain – removing the Canary Islands this close to the winter sun season is going to send some holiday companies bankrupt.”
“Strong possibility” of no-deal Brexit as negotiations snag on fishing rights
The prime minister has warned that there is a “strong possibility” that no trade deal will be struck as the UK leaves the EU. Boris Johnson has said that it is likely that the country will now leave the European Union without striking a trade deal, meaning that the UK’s relationship with the union would be similar to Australia’s. The main areas still being negotiated are fishing rights and economic fair play. Sunday is the deadline for the two sides to agree on the terms of the UK’s departure, with a no-deal Brexit being the default. This means that the country’s trade with Europe will be subject to tariffs.
Business Secretary urges organisations to take action ahead of end to Brexit transition
There is now less than three weeks until the end of the transition period. It is vital that businesses act now to avoid disruptions to operations in the new year. Regardless of a business’ size or sector, it will need to comply with new regulations from 1st January ahead of the UK’s new relationship with the European Union. There will be changes to:
- the way you import and export goods;
- the process for hiring people from the EU;
- the way you provide services in EU markets.
The action necessary will vary from business to business. There are a number of government resources available to help determine what action is needed.
Read more here
BBC: Hospitality sector clinging on to survive Covid-19
The hospitality sector will be “decimated” by the new Covid tiers, according to bar chain owner Martin Greenhow, who says it “isn’t viable to operate” under the conditions. Mr Greenhow, who has bars in cities including Manchester, says the measures are “a mortal blow” to the sector. It comes as more pub groups have been forced to make additional job cuts. Mitchells & Butlers, owner of the All Bar One and Harvester chains, revealed it had cut 1,300 jobs while Fuller Smith & Turner made 350 redundancies. On the Friday before lockdown, Mr Greenhow’s Manchester bar took £175. On the same Friday night a year before, it took £10,000. Industry experts predict that 100,000 pubs may never reopen.
BBC: Pressure mounts on supermarkets to close on Boxing Day
Supermarket chain Asda is to close on Boxing Day as part of a thank you to staff who have worked throughout the coronavirus crisis. Unions have been calling on major supermarkets to give all staff the day off on 26 December. Asda follows retailers including Marks & Spencer, Pets at Home, and toy store The Entertainer in closing. Sainsbury’s said it planned to open stores on Boxing Day, but that most staff would have the day off.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
New powers help Cheshire East Council to keep customers and businesses covid-safe
National government has introduced new powers for local councils on 1 December to ensure compliance with the regulations. Cheshire East Council can now issue fixed penalty notices of up to £4000 and close a premises or restrict an activity that breaches coronavirus regulations.
Greater Manchester hopeful for move to Tier 2 after sustained fall in Covid-19 cases
The MEN report there were 939 new positive tests in the last week to December 5, a fall of 10 per cent week-on-week. It is hoped that the downward trend in the region might lead to Greater Manchester being moved down to Tier 2 when the local restrictions are reviewed next week.
Transport for the North Annual Conference – applications close today
Not long to go until our Annual Conference – registration will close today, Friday 11th December at 6pm and there’s just a few tickets left to secure your free space. This is your last chance to get your FREE ticket to #TfN20 – our Annual Conference talking all things North, investment, transport, levelling up and more!
Speakers include:
- Andrew Stephenson MP | Member of Parliament for Pendle
- Chris Heaton-Harris MP | Member of Parliament for Daventry
- Andrew Jones MP | Member of Parliament for Harrogate & Knaresborough
- Lord Heseltine
- Doug Oakervee | Chair, The Oakervee Review
- Mayor Andy Burnham | Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- Mayor Dan Jarvis | Sheffield City Region
- Mayor Steve Rotheram | Liverpool City Region
- Councillor Judith Blake | West Yorkshire Combined Authority
- Councillor Louise Gittins | Cheshire West & Chester Council
- County Councillor Michael Green | Lancashire County Council
- Dr Danielle Densley Tingley | Decarbon8
- Lorna Pimlott | Director of Sponsorship & Policy, Phase 2, HS2 Ltd
- Frances Coppola | Economist
#TfN20 takes place from 10.30am to 2pm on Monday 14 December
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
HMRC Employer Bulletin (December 2020, Issue 87) includes a host of useful information including the extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, VAT deferral and VAT reverse charge measures for the construction industry, Virtual Christmas Parties and Brexit transition updates. There’s also a timely reminder about how to report PAYE Real Time Information early due to Christmas.
Coronavirus and the impact on output in the UK economy: October 2020
An analysis of monthly growth for the production and services industries between September 2020 and October 2020, highlighting the impact from the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 10 December 2020
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.
COMMUNITY:
Visiting a Cheshire East care home this Christmas? – Council asks ‘Please be patient and work with their staff’
Cllr Laura Jeuda, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for adult social care and health, said:
“We understand how important it is for family members to finally be able to visit their loved ones in care homes.
“And, we recognise that with the festive season upon us, visiting a loved one in a care home at this difficult time, can place additional emotional pressures on relatives.
“However, the virus is still out there, and care home managers must do all they can to minimise the risk of infection to other elderly and vulnerable residents. That is why we are asking families to respect the rules of individual care homes and to stick to the visiting protocols set out by their care home manager.”
COVID-19: letter to clinically extremely vulnerable people
Reference-only version of letter from the government to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
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.
COVID-19: guidance for arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic
Guidance for arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated with information on local restrictions from 2 December.
Vulnerable children and young people survey
A summary of local authority survey in England to help understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on children’s social care – added ‘Vulnerable children and young people survey: waves 1 to 14’.
CONSTRUCTION:
Self-employed wages return to pre-Covid levels
Earnings for self-employed trades workers have recovered to pre-Covid levels, according to the industry’s biggest payer of subcontractors.
Hudson Contract said average weekly pay rose by 1.2% during November to £901, the highest level since February. Ian Anfield, managing director of Hudson, said: “The recovery in earnings for tradespeople is welcome news for households in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year.
“It was business as usual for most construction firms last month as they continued to operate through the lockdown.
“Skilled workers who want to work are working. Others are staying at home and claiming the government’s self-employment income support scheme.
“Most of our clients are reporting a decent amount of activity and have already secured projects for next year.”
EDUCATION:
Early years foundation stage statutory framework (EYFS)
The standards that school and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 – updated ‘Early years foundation stage: coronavirus dis-applications’ with a link to Ofsted’s operational notes, which set out in further detail, how providers will be inspected from January 2021. Provided further clarity on the definition of ‘reasonable endeavours’.
ENVIRONMENT:
Environment Agency waterways: Coronavirus (Covid-19) update
Guidance for users of all Environment Agency waterways, including the River Thames, Anglian waterways and the Upper Medway Navigation. Environment Agency waterways: Coronavirus (COVID-19) update 2 December 2020 added.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
PPE portal: how to order COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)
Eligible health and social care providers can order PPE through the portal to meet the increased need that has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – updated order limits for the Christmas period. Added a video about using the portal.
NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information
Privacy notice and data protection impact assessment for the NHS COVID-19 mobile app – updated ‘NHS COVID-19 app: privacy notice’, ‘NHS COVID-19 app: privacy notice for young people’ and ‘NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information (Easy Read)’ to reflect recent changes to the app and digital contact tracing functionality (provided by Apple and Google). Includes updates on the use of local authority and postcode district, the updated digital contact tracing and analytical data set and option to support for applications for self-isolation payment.
Confirmation of guidance to vaccination centres on managing allergic reactions following COVID-19 vaccination with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine
Statement by Dr June Raine, Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on the guidance to vaccination centres on managing allergic reactions following COVID-19 vaccination with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing service for extra care and supported living settings
Guidance on regular retesting for extra care and supported living settings that meet the eligibility criteria – updated with detail on when more test kits can be applied for.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): health and wellbeing of the adult social care workforce
Advice for those working in adult social care on managing your mental health and how employers can take care of the wellbeing of their staff during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to reflect current guidance on health and wellbeing and the new local tier restrictions.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – updated ‘Testing for coronavirus: privacy information’ and its quick read version to reflect the additions of cohort pooling and lateral flow testing methods.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested – under ‘who can be tested’, added examples of people who may be offered a test without symptoms. Under ‘test sites’, added that test sites are open 7 days a week.
HOSPITALITY, SPORT & LEISURE
Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG) and Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG): guidance for local authorities
This is guidance for local authorities on paying grants to support businesses during the November to December 2020 national lockdown and periods of local restrictions – added Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs: guidance for local authorities
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS weekly management information during coronavirus – March to November 2020
The weekly management information used by HMCTS for understanding workload volumes and timeliness at a national level during coronavirus (COVID-19), March 2020 to November 2020.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG) and Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG): guidance for local authorities
This is guidance for local authorities on paying grants to support businesses during the November to December 2020 national lockdown and periods of local restrictions. LRSG (Open) Version 2: applicable from 2 December 2020 onwards – guidance for local authorities published.
PROPERTY:
New How To Rent Guide issued by Government
The government has issued a new How To Rent Guide – the critical document that both letting agents and landlords have to issue to tenants. This is more than just a bureaucratic nicety, as failure to serve the most up to date guide invalidates any future Section 21 action. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which has issued the update today, says the most recent previous version was dated August 7 2019 – this is now out of date. Today’s new version is here.
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) – Landlord and tenant guidance updated to provide further information on communal lounges in specialist sheltered and retirement housing and on canteens in extra-care housing.
RETAIL:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Shops and branches – updated guidance to clarify that betting shops must keep a record of all customers,?visitors?and staff?and that workplace canteens open to staff only do not need to collect data for NHS Test and Trace. See the ‘What’s changed’ section for further information.
TRANSPORT:
Temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the drivers’ hours rules: delivery of essential items to retailers
Temporary relaxation of the GB drivers’ hours rules for drivers carrying goods by road – updated guidance with temporary relaxations that apply from 12:01am on 10 December 2020 until 11:59pm on 30 December 2020.
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode – latest data table update added.
Temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the EU drivers’ hours rules: delivery of essential items to retailers
Temporary relaxation of the EU drivers’ hours rules for drivers carrying food and essential goods by road – updated guidance to clarify who the relaxation applies to.
TRAVEL:
TUI expects 2021 to be “transition year” before pre-COVID tourism levels return
Holiday operator TUI has announced that it expects 2021 to be a year of transition while the tourism sector recovers from the disruption of COVID-19. In its full year results up to September 30, the company had 8.1 million customers for the year – a decrease of 62 per cent from 2019. In addition, the group – which has cut thousands of jobs since the beginning of the pandemic -saw its revenue drop by 58 per cent over the year. Despite the challenges that the coronavirus crisis has brought, the company expects pre-COVID tourism levels to be restored by 2022 following a year of transition.
North West travel company upbeat despite significant falls in revenue
On the Beach is remaining optimistic despite a poor year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Revenues have fallen significantly in the full-year results for Manchester-based On the Beach but the company said it was “well-placed to capitalise on the inevitable structural changes” in the travel industry post Covid-19. The listed group reported adjusted revenue of £33.7m for the year ending 30 September 2020, down from £140.4m in 2019. A pre-tax loss of £46.3m was also recorded, compared to a £19.3m profit the year before. On an adjusted basis, the company reported a £600,000 pre-tax profit, down from £34.5m.
Useful Links:
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