Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 1,643,086 have tested positive (+ 13,430 new cases)
Loss of life: *59,051 across all settings (+ 603 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Cheshire East: 9,034 confirmed since start of the pandemic, + 489 in the 7 days to 26th November
*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 0% to -2% to 0% per day as of 27 November 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.
Health and Social Care Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 30 November 2020
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock gave a statement at the coronavirus press conference.
UK HEADLINES:
BBC: UK Regulator gives approval for Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine to be rolled out from next week
The UK medicines regulator, the MHRA, has given rapid approval to a Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. Roll out of 800,000 jab will begin to the most vulnerable — care home residents and staff, over 80s and other health and care staff — from next week, making the UK the first country to approve and begin administering a vaccine for Covid-19.
Debenhams to be wound down with 12,000 jobs at risk as Arcadia Group also falls into administration
JD Sports retail group has pulled out of talks to acquire Debenhams after the collapse of one of its biggest concession holders, the Arcadia Groupwhich fell into administration last night (30 November).More than 13,000 jobs are at risk with the fall of Arcadia, which has said that the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are the driving factor behind the news.Administrator Deloitte announced that it is seeking buyers for Arcadia’s brands, which include Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins,Miss Selfridge, Wallis, Burton and Outfit.The group currently has 444 sites in the UK and 22 abroad, with Deloitte confirming that stores will continue to trade online for the moment.Debenhams fell into administration for the second time in April and hopes had rested on a rescue bid from JD Sports.
But after the sports chain pulled out, hopes of saving the 242-year-old department store chain faded.
The 12,000 jobs at the retailer are set to go over the coming months unless the administrators do a deal for all or parts of the business as the process unfolds.
It is understood staff were told on Tuesday morning.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick extends opening hours for Christmas shopping
Retailers will be able to extend their daily opening hours from Monday to Saturday in the run up to Christmas and through January. From Wednesday 2 December, as England returns to a system of tiered restrictions, all non-essential retail across England will be able to reopen, and planning rules limiting opening hours will be eased to allow shops to be open for longer Monday to Saturday. While being a boost to business, these measures will help ease transport pressures and make socially distanced shopping easier by giving people greater flexibility to choose when they shop and avoid peak times. The majority of shop owners have already made their premises Covid-secure. Allowing retailers to extend their opening hours from Monday to Saturday will mean an even safer shopping experience in the run up to Christmas and through the January sales, when shops are usually much busier.
This builds on the extra government support to help businesses and protect jobs. Including an extension of the furlough scheme at 80% until the end of March, grants of up to £3,000 for premises that must close, and £1.1 billion for councils to enable them to support businesses in their area.
Construction Minister to oversee rollout of Covid vaccine
Construction minister Nadhim Zahawi has been put in charge of rolling out the Covid vaccine across the country. Zahawi is currently a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy with construction among his responsibilities. He will now be given a similar position simultaneously at the Department of Health and Social Care to oversee distribution of the vaccine. His primary focus will be on the vaccine programme until at least next summer. Zahawi said on Twitter:
Delighted to have been asked to become the minister for Covid vaccine deployment. A big responsibility and a big operational challenge but absolutely committed to making sure we can roll out vaccines quickly-saving lives and livelihoods and helping us build back better.”
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Cheshire East returns to Tier 2 local restrictions from today
Cheshire East, as well as Cheshire West and Chester, Warrington and the Liverpool City Region are all to enter Tier 2 local restrictions when national restrictions come to an end on December 2nd.
Leader of the Cheshire East Council (Cllr Sam Corcoran) and Deputy Leader (Cllr Craig Browne) issued a joint statement welcoming the news, saying:
“We saw worryingly high rates of infection in Cheshire East. Our rates peaked at more than 250 cases per 100,000 people in Mid-November. Through positive action by residents and the knock-on effects of a national lockdown, rates are now steadily decreasing with today’s rate of infection being 127 cases per 100,000 people.
“We would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard and sacrificed so much to fight Covid-19. Rates are slowly coming down but not quick enough, there is still more work to do but without your positive action we would be in a much worse situation now. “Being in tier two also allows us to reopen our libraries and leisure centres from 2 December, which are a lifeline for many residents. Please keep up to date with new opening times, which allow for additional cleaning and quarantining of stock, information is available here.
“We know winter is here but it’s important for our mental health that we have regular check-ins with extended family members and friends. So, why not wrap up warm and enjoy a winter walk, keeping a two-metre distance between you.”
Neighbouring Greater Manchester will return to Tier 3, although business leaders in Stockport have written to the Business Secretary, protesting the blanket approach to restrictions in the city-region, with the borough having case numbers below many Tier 2 areas.
What are the rules in Tier 2 areas?
- you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
- you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’
- businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs
- pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals
- hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to:
- provide table service only, in premises which sell alcohol
- close between 11pm and 5am (hospitality venues in airports, ports, transport services and motorway service areas are exempt)
- stop taking orders after 10pm
- hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through
- early closure (11pm) applies to casinos, cinemas, theatres, museums, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls. Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude performances that start before 10pm
- public attendance at outdoor and indoor events (performances and shows) is permitted, limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors
- public attendance at spectator sport and business events can resume inside and outside, subject to social contact rules and limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors
- places of worship remain open but you must not socialise with people from outside of your household or support bubble while you are indoors there, unless a legal exemption applies
- weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, and 15 people can attend linked commemorative events such as wakes or stonesettings.
- organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue
- organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing
- you can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible
- if you live in a tier 2 area, you must continue to follow tier 2 rules when you travel to a tier 1 area. Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities.You can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey
- for international travel see the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for your destination and the travel corridors list
Decisions on which area goes into which tier are primarily based on 5 key epidemiological indicators:
- case detection rates in all age groups
- case detection rates in the over-60s
- the rate at which cases are rising or falling
- positivity rate (the number of positive cases detected as a percentage of tests taken)
- pressure on the NHS, including current and projected occupancy
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020. You can pay now or get ready to opt in to the VAT deferral new payment scheme.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Heritage locations – updated guidance covering new local restriction tiers information.
Check if you can claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) find out if you can use this scheme to claim a grant – the online service for the third grant is now available.
Covid-19 and the private security industry – FAQs
Information about how we are responding to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to coronavirus (COVID-19) – section on employer claim information updated with details of upcoming claim band ranges.
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 – guidance on ‘Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed): applicable from 2 December 2020 onwards’ added.
COMMUNITY:
Tier 1: Medium alert
What you can and cannot do in an area in Tier 1 of local restrictions from 2 December.
Tier 2: High alert
What you can and cannot do in an area in Tier 2 of local restrictions from 2 December.
Tier 3: Very High alert
What you can and cannot do in an area in Tier 3 of local restrictions from 2 December.
Guidance for the Christmas Period
Guidance for the Christmas Period.
Community testing
Community asymptomatic testing helps identify and isolate individuals who have COVID-19 but do not have symptoms – added the attachment ‘Community testing: a guide for local delivery’.
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
Guidance for those managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities on safely re-opening multi-purpose buildings – updated guidance to reflect the tier system in England from 2 December.
Local restriction tiers: what you need to know
Sets out the local restriction tier system that will be in place from Wednesday 2 December, including what you can and cannot do in each tier – added translations: Slovak, Polish, Bangla (Bengali), Welsh, Urdu, Arabic, Hindi, Gujarati, Somali, Persian (Farsi) and Punjabi (Gurmukhi).
Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for parents and carers of children attending community activities, holiday or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings.
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Information for parents and carers about going back to schools, nurseries and colleges in the autumn term – updated to reflect the local restrictions, including changes to the sections on shielding, face coverings, school and college trips and extra-curricular activities. We have also added information about performances in schools.
Coronavirus: How to help safely
Across the UK people are playing their part and providing essential support to their friends and family who are in isolation – updated to reflect new tier system
Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This guidance applies to people moving into homes in England, whether as owner-occupiers, private or social renters – updated guidance to reflect the tier system in England from 2 December.
Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19)
This guidance aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic – updated to reflect new tier system
EDUCATION:
Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Protective measures for providers of community activities, holiday or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings offering provision to children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Updated guidance in the following sections: home education; educational visits and trips; providers of music, dance and drama or sports provision; who can attend your out-of-school setting; and equality. Added guidance about social distancing. These updates apply from 2 December.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): initial teacher training (ITT)
Information for providers about managing initial teacher training courses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) – added link to Coronavirus (COVID-19) contingency framework for education and childcare settings guidance in the ‘Sufficient time in school to demonstrate the Teachers’ Standards’ section.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) contingency framework for education and childcare settings
How settings can prepare for restrictions to help contain community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Face coverings in education
Guidance on the use of face coverings for schools and other education institutions that teach people in years 7 and above in England.
Modification notice: school registration legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues an eighth notice to modify pupil registration requirements for temporary pupils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘Education Act 1996: school registration modification notice December 2020’
Disapplication notice: school inspections legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues a eighth notice about changes to state-funded school inspections requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Reported coronavirus (COVID-19) cases by registered early years and childcare settings
This data is published fortnightly. It gives the number of registered early years and childcare providers reporting one or more confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) by week – added data from 2 to 9 November 2020.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
PPE deliveries (England): 23 November to 29 November 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.
Clinical evaluation confirms accuracy of LAMP test
A technical and clinical evaluation has confirmed OptiGene RT-LAMP tests to be accurate and sensitive enough to be used for COVID-19 testing, including for those without symptoms.
Community testing to help lift restrictions in highest tiers
Details have been set out by the Government to help local areas detect asymptomatic cases and offer a route out of the toughest restrictions.
NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information
Privacy notice and data protection impact assessment for the NHS COVID-19 mobile app – updated privacy notices to detail the 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.
Vitamin D supplementation during winter: PHE and NICE statement
Statement from Public Health England (PHE) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on vitamin D supplementation during winter.
Vitamin D supplements: how to take them safely
Guidance for at-risk groups offered free vitamin D supplements by the government this winter.
PHE publishes COVID-19 vaccine guidance for health and social care workers
Public Health England (PHE) has published new guidance to support frontline workers in delivering the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to the most vulnerable.
Impact of Interventions TFG: The UK’s 4 nations’ autumn interventions (update), 26 November 2020
Update paper prepared by the Impact of Interventions Task and Finish Group (TFG) of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Evidence considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) – published minutes for SAGE meetings 64, 66 and 69 and added 15 new papers under October and November.
REACT-1 study of coronavirus transmission: November 2020 interim results
Results of real-time assessment of community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) during November 2020.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Office of the Public Guardian response
This page provides guidance on how OPG is responding to the coronavirus outbreak. It will be updated when new information is available.
COVID-19: letter to clinically extremely vulnerable people
Reference-only version of letter from the government to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable – replaced letters to extremely vulnerable people with latest version and removed alternative formats.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA. The list also includes manufacturers whose exemption expired or was cancelled. This information will be listed for 2 months after expiry or cancellation – updated the list of those devices with an exceptional use authorisation as well as those no longer covered
November interim findings from COVID-19 transmission study published
Over 105,000 volunteers tested in England in latest significant study into coronavirus (COVID-19) by Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Performing arts – updated guidance covering new local restriction tiers information.
Iceland takes control of restaurant group including Piccolino, Restaurant Bar & Grill
Sir Malcolm Walker, founder and boss of the Iceland stores chain, has acquired the Individual Restaurants estate out of administration in a deal reported to be worth more than £40m. Individual Restaurants includes the Piccolino, Restaurant Bar & Grill, Opera Grill and Bank brands. The deal does not include the Gino D’Acampo-branded sites. Ice Acquisitions is the vehicle used to purchase the brands, which is controlled by Sir Malcolm Walker and Tarsem Dhaliwal, Iceland’s group managing director.
Transmission risk in the hospitality sector
There are four types of evidence currently available to understand where transmission is occurring.
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 – updated for week commencing Monday 30 November published.
Being a deputy or attorney during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out how you can continue to act in the best interests of the client or donor, during the outbreak – amends for local tier restrictions 2/12/20
LEGAL:
Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can as long as you follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolating, and observe local restrictions.
How to register an EPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you need to register an EPA now, you can do so as long as you follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolating, and local restrictions – amends due
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of council buildings
Guidance for those managing council buildings – updated guidance to reflect the tier system in England from 2 December.
Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data, 27 November 2020
Weekly watchlist giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each lower-tier local authority in England.
MILITARY:
COVID Support Force: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response
Military personnel are supporting public services across the UK to assist with the response to COVID-19. This page has the latest information on the MOD’s activities – updated: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response page as of 27 November 2020.
PROPERTY:
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 reflect the local restriction tier system that will be in place from Wednesday 2 December.
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 to reflect the local restriction tier system that will be in place from Wednesday 2 December.
Is the sector approaching the end of the road for HMOs?
You may have heard people say that as the coronavirus continues and a possible recession approaches, this spells the end of the road for HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupancy, also known as house shares). However, I don’t believe that’s the case. Instead I suggest that there is good evidence for the opposite view. Let’s consider three opinions you may have heard expressed on the subject of HMOs.
RETAIL:
Fashion brand repots growth in Autumn sales
Online fashion brand Sosandar reported strong interim revenue growth and an acceleration of Autumn sales, today. The Cheshire-based business founded by former fashion journalists and co-chief executives Ali Hall and Julie Lavington announced figures for the half year period to September 30. Revenues for the six month period were 52% better at £4.284m, compared with £2.819m in 2019, while pre-tax losses reduced from £2.786m last year to £1.102m.
SPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation
Guidance for the public, providers of outdoor sport facilities, elite athletes, personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation – updated to Elite sport Stage Five – return to competition: safe return of spectators, covering new local restriction tiers information.
TRANSPORT:
Transport to school and other places of education: 2020 to 2021 academic year
What local authorities will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak for the 2020 to 2021 academic year – updated guidance about the use of face coverings and about the workforce from 2 December. We have also renamed the guidance to reflect that it remains in use during the 2020 to 2021 academic year.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): how to self-isolate when you travel to the UK
When you arrive in the UK, you must travel directly to the place you are staying and not leave until 14 days have passed since you were last in a non-exempt country or territory – added that from 15 December, you will be able to take a COVID-19 test with a private test provider to see if you can end self-isolation early.
Lastminute.com commits to refund over £7m for cancelled holidays
Following CMA action, lastminute.com has committed to pay out over £7m to customers waiting for money back after lastminute.com cancelled their holidays.
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