Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 1,674,134 have tested positive (+ 14,879 new cases)
Loss of life: *60,113 across all settings (+ 414 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Cheshire East: 9,175 confirmed since start of the pandemic, + 468 in the 7 days to 28th November
Rate per 100k population in Cheshire East: 121.8 in the 7 days to 28th 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.
HEADLINES:
BBC: Education Secretary issues measures to ‘ensure fair exams’
After the summer’s controversy – and subsequent ministerial U-turn – over an algorithm downgrading exam results that had been predicted by teachers, steps are being taken to “boost fairness” for next year’s A-levels and GCSEs in England. To make up for the disruption caused by the pandemic, the Department for Education says grading will be more generous than usual. Students will get advance notice of some topic areas, “back-up” exams in July will cater for pupils who had to miss sittings through illness or isolation, while aids such as formula sheets will cut down on the memorising required for some tests. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson insists it is “so important” exams take place next summer. However, with students facing “unprecedented disruption”, the measures should give them “the clarity and confidence they need to achieve every success”, he adds. Association of School and College Leaders general secretary Geoff Barton says it’s “a reasonable package” to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and would make exams “as fair as they can be in the circumstances”.
MEN: Asda waiving £340m in business rates relief throughout pandemic period Supermarket giant Asda said it is waiving government relief on business rates for a year introduced last March as a key support measure to retailers hit by the pandemic. For the year to the end of March, 2021, the non-payment of business rates would have saved Asda £340m across its network of UK stores. However, it has confirmed that it is unilaterally waivng the support, saying that the UK Government and devolved administrations, although in Wales larger firms weren’t exempted from business rate reliefs, should redirect the money to support those most in need. Through the height of the pandemic Asda recruited over 22,000 additional staff, with no employees being furloughed.
BBC: Fake vaccine claims will be removed from Facebook & Instagram
The BBC reports that Facebook is accelerating its plans to remove ‘misleading and false information’ about Covid-19 vaccines across its platforms, including Instagram. The company added it was a continuation of its policy ‘to remove misinformation about the virus that could lead to imminent physical harm’ and included removing conspiracy theories which were known to be false. Facebook warned that it would take time to fully role out this change: ‘We will not be able to start enforcing these policies overnight’.
VAT: reduced rate for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions
If you’re a VAT registered business, check if you can temporarily reduce the rate of VAT on supplies relating to hospitality, accommodation, or admission to certain attractions – updated to reflect the extension of the VAT reduced rate for tourism and hospitality from 12 January to 31 March 2021.
COVID-19 vaccine authorised by medicines regulator
The vaccine will be made available across the UK to priority groups from next week.
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – addded ‘Priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination: advice from the JCVI, 2 December 2020’.
Coronavirus Act report: November 2020
The fourth two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Manchester Airport unveils new facility as part of UK’s largest airport testing scheme
Manchester Airport has today launched a new Covid-19 testing facility, as part of a move by its parent company, Manchester Airports Group (MAG). The announcement means the full range of tests – RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, Rapid Antigen and Antibody – will be available to all passengers in a new, purpose-built facility just outside of the main terminal building. They will be delivered in partnership with airport services and travel medical provider, Collinson. MAG, the UK’s largest airport group, also became the first operator to give its passengers the chance to book discounted pre-flight testing appointments on the high street at selected Boots UK stores. Certain governments allow pre-departure tests in order to shorten or completely alleviate quarantine requirements in the destination country. Others require departure testing in order to gain entry such as Spain and Italy, as well as some long-haul destinations. Passengers will also be able to book the tests they need to shorten their self-isolation period upon return under the UK Government’s ‘Test to Release’ scheme.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 3 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.
Help the government increase coronavirus (COVID-19) testing capacity
The government wants help from businesses to increase testing capacity in the UK as part of its strategy to protect the NHS and save lives – updated section ‘closed opportunities’. The call for direct offers to provide laboratory capacity has now closed.
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) you may be eligible to claim the grant.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions – payment period changed from 28 to 14 days.
COMMUNITY:
Jobcentre guidance on COVID-19 Local Restriction Tiers
Jobcentres will remain open, as they have throughout the pandemic, to provide essential services to those we cannot help remotely.
COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
Guidance for people planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England – updated COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships, to reflect introduction of local tier restrictions.
Local restriction tiers: what you need to know – alternative formats
Alternative format versions of the guidance on the local restriction tier system, including what you can and cannot do in each tier – added ‘Local restriction tiers: what you need to know – easy read document.
Coronavirus: driving tests
Find out how driving tests are affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) and what changes to expect when you take your driving test – added a link to information about driving test centre waiting rooms in the ‘When you come for your driving test’ section.
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.
Making a Christmas bubble with friends and family
Meeting friends and family over the Christmas period – forming a Christmas Bubble.
EDUCATION:
Letter from Gavin Williamson to Glenys Stacey
The Secretary of State for Education writes to Ofqual’s Chief Regulator detailing the package of measures for GCSE, AS and A level qualifications in 2021.
Letter from Glenys Stacey to Gavin Williamson, 2 December 2020
Ofqual’s Chief Regulator responds to The Secretary of State for Education about the package of measures for GCSE, AS and A level qualifications in 2021.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Updated guidance on ensuring access to education on-site for students who need it, the expectations for education provided remotely, examinations and assessments, qualification achievement rates and inspections.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): school and college performance measures
Our approach to school and college accountability, performance tables and data during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. – added ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): school and college
Guidance to support the summer 2021 exams
What schools, colleges and students need to know about taking GCSEs, AS and A levels and other qualifications in summer 2021.
Social care plans from September 2020
Guidance for children’s social care providers about Ofsted’s phased return to inspection.
Ofsted: phased return to inspections
Ofsted’s return to inspection in 2021 will happen in phases, with no graded inspections for education or social care providers planned before the summer term.
Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update
Ofsted guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children’s social care and further education and skills providers – added details of our plans from January 2021.
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information on student movements in December 2020, the return of students from January 2021 and NHS Test and Trace channels – added ‘Students returning to higher education for January 2021’.
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated guidance on Ofsted inspections, parent and child groups, and local restriction tiers and contingency framework, and changed hyperlinks for 30 hours entitlement and tax-free childcare.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
An update on the coronavirus vaccine, 2 December 2020
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock gave a statement to the House of Commons about the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.
Coronavirus cases in England: 26 November 2020
Epidemiological data and projection models used by the government to brief MPs on local restriction tiers – added new data set: Weekly case detection rates and tiers.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact-tracing data in its weekly reports – updated to include information on the operational change regarding household contacts under 18.
Regulatory approval of Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19
Information for healthcare professionals and the public about the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine – added new document: Conditions of Authorisation for Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19: letter to clinically extremely vulnerable people
Reference-only version of letter from the government to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
Designated venues in certain sectors must have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff to help break the chains of transmission of coronavirus. If your venue can open in the tier it is in, you must continue to follow the guidance on this page. If your venue must close in the tier it is in, you must follow this guidance when you are allowed to reopen.
Quality of mortality data following the coronavirus pandemic, England and Wales
During the first wave of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic period (March 2020 to present) there have been a variety of changes to the processes in which deaths are certified and registered under the Coronavirus Act 2020. We describe what these changes are and how they may have affected the quality of death registration data.
NHS Test and Trace (England) and coronavirus testing (UK) statistics: 19 November to 25 November
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 26 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England and coronavirus testing (UK).
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
VAT on admission charges to attractions
Check which attractions are eligible for the temporary reduced rate of VAT from 15 July 2020 – this notice has been updated to reflect that the VAT reduced rate for tourism and hospitality has been extended to 31 March 2021
Second Pubs Code Declaration ends today
The Declaration put in place to pause and protect Pubs Code rights ceases after 02 December.
JUDICIARY:
Visit someone in prison during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Information and guidance about visiting prisons in England and Wales – updated as a result of local restriction tiers.
MOD:
Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces 2020
A summary of statistics on the number of defence personnel who have had a COVID-19 test; and for the UK Armed Forces, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 – addition of: Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces as of 3 December 2020.
PROPERTY:
Agency network sees business storm back and repays furlough money
An extremely upbeat trading statement from Stock Market-quoted agency Belvoir suggests business has been ahead of even its pre-Coronavirus expectations in the first 10 months of the year. The franchise network, which handles sales but mostly lettings, says gross profit in its property and financial services divisions grew year-on-year by 10 and 11 per cent respectively, with sales in particular running ahead of expectations. “The group has continued to benefit from the prompt action taken to reduce its cost base at the start of the pandemic, such that overheads are now significantly below the original budget” the company says.
Over 10 lettings agencies a week closing down, claims protection scheme
One of the government’s approved client money protection schemes claims over 10 lettings agencies a week are closing. Client Money Protect makes the claim on the basis of figures from the Property Redress Scheme; both are operated by the Hamilton Fraser parent company. According to the Property Redress Scheme, in part of the time since the pandemic started – from mid-March to mid-July – there has been a 66 per cent increase in letting agents ending their redress membership because they have ceased trading. This was compared to the previous eight months. “This means, on average, more than 10 letting agents a week are closing down” says Client Money Protect.
RETAIL:
Womenswear retailer Bonmarché enters administration
Administrators have been appointed at the company behind womenswear fashion chain Bonmarché but no redundancies or store closes have been made. Damian Webb and Gordon Thomson of RSM Restructuring Advisory were appointed as joint administrators of BM Retail Ltd, which trades as Bonmarché from 225 stores across the UK, on Monday 30 November 2020. Bonmarché previously entered administration in October 2019, with a number of underperforming and unsustainable stores closed. The Wakefield-headquartered retailer was acquired out of administration by Philip Day, owner of The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group, in February.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Shops and branches – Updated guidance covering items that have been returned, donated, or brought in for repair. See the ‘What’s changed’ section for further information.
SPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): grassroots sports guidance for the public and sport providers
This guidance sets out information for the public and sport providers on how to participate in grassroots sport and physical activity during COVID restrictions – update to clarify personal training in tier 3 and under-18 age limit exemptions.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): grassroots sports guidance for safe provision including team sport, contact combat sport and organised sport events
This guidance sets out information on grassroots sport and physical activity during COVID restrictions including the team sport framework, contact combat sport framework, and advice on organised sport participation events – updated to include clarification on personal training in Tier 3
TRANSPORT:
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.
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