UK DATA
Total UK Cases: 3,972,148 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 12,364 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 26,723 (1,987 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 1,052
Total UK deaths: 113,850
England Cases per 100,000: 212.6 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.7 to 1 as of 5 February
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 12,646,486 up to and including 8 February 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 516,392
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 18,642
New cases in past 7 days: 730 to 4 February
Total deaths: 714
Cases per 100,000: 190.0 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.9 to 1.2
Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK. The way deaths are reported is based on a 28-day limit between the date of a positive lab-confirmed test and date of death.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated with latest global case numbers.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten years
Businesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. The Treasury announced over the weekend that companies would be contacted from Monday, with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. Chancellor Rishi Sunak says some £45 billion has been borrowed by over 1.4m small companies getting sums from £2,000 to £50,000.
Over-70s urged to come forward for vaccine
People aged 70 or older in England who have not yet had their coronavirus vaccine but would like to are being asked to contact the NHS. A national booking system can be accessed on line or people can call 119 free of change between 7am and 11pm. Speaking at the Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Dr Nikki Kanani said it was important for those who had missed out to get vaccinated. The GP and medical director for primary care at NHS England, said: “If you are aged 70 and over, and haven’t yet received your vaccine, please come forward and make an appointment as soon as you can.”
Two tests for travellers after UK arrival
People arriving in the UK must have a negative test before entering the country. After arriving, they must self-isolate for up to 10 days – and, from 15 February, people arriving from Covid hotspots must pay to isolate in hotels. Now a third layer is being added – all arrivals will be tested twice during their isolation. It’s not known when the tests will take place – but it’s thought it could be on the second and eighth day of isolation. The government says the tests will “provide a further level of protection” and “give us even more opportunities to detect new variants”.
NHS COVID-19 app alerts 1.7 million contacts to stop spread of COVID-19
Over 1.7 million users have been asked to isolate as a result of a close contact since launch, helping to break chains of transmission.
Surge testing to be deployed in further areas in connection to new variants
More areas will have additional testing made available to control and suppress the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) variants.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Surge testing to be deployed in areas around Manchester in connection to new variants
Further targeted areas will have additional testing made available to control and suppress the spread of COVID-19 variants. Four cases of a new mutation of the Kent coronavirus variant are confirmed in Manchester.
Council distributes more food and energy vouchers ahead of February half term
Cheshire East Council is distributing more food and energy vouchers to vulnerable children and families ahead of the February half term. With the help of schools, colleges, early years settings and other family support services, more than 11,000 vouchers have been distributed to date, funded from Cheshire East’s share of the government’s £170 million Covid Winter Grant Scheme, which launched in December last year. The fund, which ends on 31 March 2021, aims to support those most in need across England with the cost of food, energy, water bills and other essentials.
BREXIT:
If you move goods between the UK and countries in the EU, you need to follow new customs and tax rules.
Your business will be affected by the new rules if you:
- buy goods from an EU seller and bring them into the UK
- send goods you’ve sold to a buyer in an EU country
- haven’t exchanged money but need to move equipment that you use for your business, between the UK and the EU.
We know this means change for many businesses, and HMRC is here to help you in several ways. You can:
- watch our videos on HMRC’s YouTube channel to familiarise yourself with the new customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU
- attend our webinars to help adjust to the new rules and keep your business moving
- use the trader checklist to make sure you’re familiar with the new rules that affect you
- use our updated guides to understand the new customs and VAT requirements when moving goods between the UK and EU countries
- sign-up to the Trader Support Service if moving goods between GB and Northern Ireland and use their suite of educational products – including online training modules and webinars for support with the Northern Ireland Protocol
- watch webinars and videos from other government departmentsto support you
- you can also sign up to our weekly email updates on ‘News and information about importing and exporting with the EU‘, providing hints and tips for businesses like yours, getting used to the new rules for importing and exporting.
Webinars to register for now:
Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – zero-rated VAT, customs declarations, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader, if you choose to use an intermediary to complete import or export declarations for your business. These are complex and an intermediary can save you a lot of time. Please register if you’re planning to import or export.
Customs Import Declarations: An overview: If your business or a business you represent, needs to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and on non-controlled goods by the end of June 2021, our webinar helps you to understand what’s needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing:What you need to know about Staged Controls: This webinar takes you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Insider Events: How can you avoid paying extra taxes on trade with the EU
We’ve only been out of Europe for a few weeks, but already there are problems. How can you ensure your business is not caught up in small print, delays and new customs red tape? Insider’s forum will focus on the new practicalities of trade with Europe. Our experts will take you through the fundamentals, answer questions on specific issues and suggest how to overcome them. We’ll look at important topics such as Incoterms, documentation, tariffs, taxes and rules of origin. We’ll also look at the practicalities of transporting goods across these new borders. This is your opportunity to discover how to maintain a simple and prosperous trading relationship with the EU. Registration is FREE here
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
6th February: News from John Ashcroft, Saturday Economist
No more talk of QE, the target for the stock of purchases is currently set at £875 billion. The Chancellor’s £1trillion pound bank note is in reach. Monetary financing of the fiscal deficit is set to continue.
The Bank upgraded the expected out turn for 2020 slightly with an estimated drop in GDP of 10% from a previous 11%. Forecasts for the current year were downgraded, as a result of the lock down in the first quarter. The Bank now expects a progressive recovery from the second quarter onward. Growth in the year as a whole, is expected to be 5% this year and over 7% in 2022.
The unemployment rate is expected to peak at around 6.5% this year before falling to current levels by the end of the following year. Inflation is expected to move to the 2% target by the end of the year, pushing slightly above target range in 2022.
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 join the VAT deferral new payment scheme – information added about how to join the VAT deferral new payment scheme – the online service is open between 23 February and 21 June 2021.
HMRC: Making claims for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
January claims– submit your claims by the deadline of Monday?? ?15 February.
As a reminder, the UK Government will pay 80% of employees’ usual wages for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £2,500 per month. You and your employees do not need to have benefitted from the scheme before to make a claim, if you and your employees meet the eligibility criteria.
Frequently asked questions about the CJRS
Where can I get further support?
Apply for a coronavirus Bounce Back Loan
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) enables smaller businesses to access finance more quickly during the coronavirus outbreak – a repayment holiday of up to 6 months is now possible once at any point during the term of a Bounce Back Loan.
Making your Self Assessment payments including Class 2 National Insurance contributions
Check how to pay your Self-Assessment payments including your Class 2 National Insurance contributions – information about payment of Class 2 National insurance contributions through a Time to Pay arrangement has been added and the Pay in instalments section has been updated.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing unpaid care
Information for people who are caring, unpaid, for friends or family during the coronavirus outbreak – updated the personal protective equipment (PPE) section with guidance about recommended PPE for unpaid carers who do not live with the person or people they care for.
Public urged to consider work in adult social care
The public are being called upon to apply for short-term and long-term opportunities in the adult social care sector.
Short-term paid work in adult social care
How to register your interest in taking up short-term paid work in adult social care.
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Our online services have not been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are running as normal.
Information on what to do if your driving licence expires on or after 1 January 2021.
CONSTRUCTION:
Build to Rent project pipeline jumps up 22%
Every region of the UK recorded positive growth in future supply. With 32,395 build-to-rent homes – complete, under construction or in planning – the North West still boasts the largest number of build-to-rent homes outside of London. While build-to-rent homes under construction in the North East, North West and South West slowed in the final quarter significant increases in the number of homes in planning, suggests a healthy future pipeline for the sector in these regions.
SME contractors targeted in Covid testing drive
Construction companies employing more than 50 employees are being encouraged to offer regular testing for workers. The government is expanding its offer of rapid workplace testing for people who are not showing symptoms beyond the current minimum of 250 employees. The offer is open to “organisations across different sectors that are vital to the running of our country and where employees cannot work from home during lockdown” An online portal has been set up here for companies to order rapid lateral flow tests for employees.
EDUCATION:
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 ‘Introduction’ section to reflect correct position for early years provision over half-term and ‘Remote education’ section to reflect a duty for schools to publish their remote education offer on their websites by 12 February.
Disapplication notice: school attendance legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues seventh notice to disapply offences for non-attendance in schools during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added the disapplication notice and cancellation of disapplication notice February 2021.
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information on the return of students and NHS Test and Trace channels – removed ‘Student movement and plans for the end of term’ HTML document – this guidance no longer applies as the winter break has now ended.
COVID-19 vaccination: British Sign Language resources
British Sign Language (BSL) videos on COVID-19 vaccination.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April – added ‘Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March 2020 to 4 February 2021’.
Laptops and tablets progress data as of 9 February 2021
Information about how many laptops and tablets that have been delivered or dispatched to local authorities and academy trusts.
Responsibility for exams
Guidance for schools and colleges on who should enter students for exams, the health arrangements for exams and the support DfE is providing – added information to ‘Public health guidance to support exams from January 2021’ about scheduled assessments in February and March.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Vaccine rollout and variant mitigation
Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi explains why the current vaccine rollout is vitally important for protecting the healthcare system.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey: characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 in England, 9 February 2021
This release provides data about the characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 from the COVID-19 Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester, and Public Health England.
PPE deliveries (England): 1 February to 7 February 2021
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added British Sign Language resources.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
HOSPITALITY:
PM in favour of scrapping ‘substantial meal’ rule when pubs reopen
Rules which force pubs to serve ‘substantial meals’ with alcohol could be scrapped when lockdown restrictions are eased, it has been reported. Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to get rid of the rule, which has left customers and landlords angry and confused, according to The Times. The turnaround in the tight restriction on the hospitality trade has emerged as the Mr Johnson prepares to lay out his roadmap for lifting restrictions – set to begin with reopening schools at the start of March.
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS online event, 21 January 2021: Court safety for legal professionals
This event provides information on the arrangements in place at courts and tribunals to meet the Government’s COVID-secure requirements and Public Health guidelines.
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 Monday 8 February 2021 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.
LEGAL:
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 – added information about consent and medical treatment such as the COVID-19 vaccination
MANUFACTURING:
British manufacturer SureScreen Diagnostics to supply 20 million rapid lateral flow
New contract secured with Derby-based manufacturer for validated lateral flow antigen tests, ensuring supply for UK over coming months – amended to say that the tests are MHRA registered.
PROPERTY:
Covid is forcing rental market into a ‘once in a lifetime’ change
The fallout from Coronavirus is forcing the rental market into a once in a lifetime change as tenants reassess priorities. This is the view from Zoopla which says the consequence is felt most acutely in the growing disparity between inner city and outer city residential rents. The portal, in its latest lettings sector snapshot, says changing patterns in working and commuting, leisure and tourism, have eased rental demand in city centres across the UK, building on a fall in rents that actually began before the pandemic.
Free online academy launched to help agents create video viewings
A free digital training academy has been launched to guide agents on getting the best out of virtual viewings. Holofy Spaces, a PropTech supplier of an app which agents can use to help them create video tours via a smartphone, says its academy is split into three modules – basic, advanced and expert. The basic covers the fundamentals of successful video creation – essential preparations like clearing space before filming, turning on lights and making sure the phone’s camera lens is clean and the microphone unobstructed. It goes on to discuss how to pick a ‘hero video’ – a short preview which packs the biggest punch – before graduating to an accomplished two-minute tour.
RETAIL:
Boohoo acquires Arcadia Group’s Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Burton
The deal is worth £25.2m and includes the brands’ digital and online assets. Up to 2,500 jobs will be lost as the deal does not include any of its physical stores.
John Lyttle, CEO of boohoo, commented: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of the assets associated with the online businesses of the three established brands Burton, Dorothy Perkins and Wallis. Acquiring these well-known brands in British fashion out of administration ensures their heritage is sustained, while our investment aims to transform them into brands that are fit for the current market environment. We have a successful track record of integrating British heritage fashion brands onto our proven multi-brand platform, and we are looking forward to bringing these brands on board.” The brands will be integrated into the group’s platform by the end of February.
Dramatic growth for Ocado as demand for online deliveries booms
Online grocery retailer Ocado has announced a revenue increase of more than a third in its latest annual report. In its full year results for the 52 weeks ended November 29th, 2020, Ocado saw retail revenue growth of 35 per cent. The rise in online shopping as a result of the pandemic has enabled the firm to gain a strong foothold in the groceries market, with online grocery market share in the UK nearly doubling over the last year according to Kantar.
TRAVEL:
Foreign travel insurance
From 15 February you will need to quarantine in a government-approved hotel if you arrive in the UK from countries on the travel ban list.
Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, if they are legally permitted to travel internationally – from 15 February you will need to quarantine in a government-approved hotel if you arrive in the UK from countries on the travel ban list.
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 – updated guidance for ‘If you’re applying for a visitor visa, visa in transit or direct airside transit visa (DAT)’. Added guidance for ‘If you’ve remained outside the UK for over 2 years and due to coronavirus travel restrictions, your indefinite leave has lapsed’. Added guidance for those who have already obtained a Returning Resident visa because their indefinite leave lapsed on or after 24 January 2020.
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