UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 3,998,655 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 13,494 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 25,621 (1,842 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 678
Total UK deaths: 115,529
England Cases per 100,000: 194.6 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.7 to 1 as of 5 February
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 13,509,108 up to and including 10 February 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 524,447
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 18,793
New cases in past 7 days: 680 to 6 February
Total deaths: 728
Cases per 100,000: 177 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.7 to 1
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:
ONS: December up by 1.2% as UK economy record’s record slump in 2020
The UK economy shrank by a record 9.9% last year as coronavirus restrictions hit output, twice as much as the previous largest annual fall on record.
In December, the economy grew by 1.2%, after shrinking by 2.3% in November, as some restrictions eased. Hospitality, car sales and hairdressers recovered some lost ground, the ONS said. December’s growth means the UK economy looks set to avoid what could have been its first double-dip recession since the 1970s.
A double-dip is when the economy briefly recovers from recession, only to quickly sink back. A recession is generally defined as two consecutive quarters where the economy contracts.
Bank of England predicts UK economy ‘firing on all cylinders by Spring’
The Bank of England has shone a ray of hope on the UK economy by predicting that it will bounce back thanks to a sustained vaccination programme and large amounts of ‘pent up financial energy’. Writing in the Daily Mail, Andy Haldane said the economy was like a “coiled spring” and that due to the number of vulnerable people who would have been vaccinated, restrictions could be eased so that people were socialising and spending by the summer. Figures released this morning show the UK economy shrank by a record 9.9% in 2020.
BBC: New quarantine rules in force next week – are they severe enough?
Documents seen by the BBC suggest the quarantine rules for passengers arriving in the UK from coronavirus “red list” countries – which come into effect on Monday will be less strict than in Australia where borders were quickly closed, and new law quickly enforced. That country’s use of hotels to isolate overseas travellers is seen as the “gold standard” internationally, writes the BBC’s science editor, David Shukman.
WHO confirms support for Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccine for over 18s
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a statement confirming the UK-produced Oxford/Astra Zeneca Covid-19 vaccine can be given to all adults over 18. The Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccine has been used alongside as a key part of the mammoth roll out across the UK, alongside vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna. However, certain European nations have declined to use the Astra Zeneca jab due to concerns over its level of immunisation for the over 65 age-bracket, but the WHO have claimed the vaccine can be delivered “without an upper age limit”.
“Significant step forward” for AstraZeneca as revenues climb nearly 10%
The British pharmaceutical company behind a coronavirus vaccine has announced that its revenue has increased by nearly 10 per cent over the past year. AstraZeneca, which received authorisation for the emergency distribution of its Covid-19 vaccine in December last year, has reported that revenues in 2020 grew by 9 per cent to $26,617m. The company reported that new medicines accounted for 52 per cent of its total revenue, compared to 43 per cent in 2019.
BBC: Kent strain of coronavirus set to become dominant strain
The coronavirus variant which was first detected in Kent last year is set to become the world’s dominant strain, according to the head of the UK’s genetic surveillance programme. Prof Sharon Peacock told the BBC that the new variant had “swept the country” and was “going to sweep the world, in all probability”. The Kent variant was originally detected in September 2020 and has since been found in more than 50 countries. But Prof Peacock said vaccines approved for use in the UK appeared to work well against the existing variants of the virus in the country.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 11 February 2021
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.
A record 3 million people tested by NHS Test and Trace this reporting week
More than 3 million people were tested by NHS Test and Trace this reporting week, the highest number ever in a single week.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
North-west exports to China totalled £10 billion since 2015
Exports from the region to the world’s most populous country have remained stable, despite the impact of Covid-19 on both the NW and Chinese economies.
GM leaders support phased national release from lockdown
Greater Manchester’s mayor has announced that the ten leaders of the city-region’s local authorities are unanimous in supporting a phased national release from lockdown. Speaking at his weekly press briefing, Andy Burnham said he had been invited to feed opinions into Government reiterating that, in his opinion, the tier system didn’t work, and that ease of lockdown should go at the pace of the area slowest to recover. Covid-data across Greater Manchester – read more
Royal Assent for HS2 Crewe leg
Construction of the line is now set to begin, with the project supporting up to 5,000 jobs. The first high-speed trains will run from Crewe to London in 2031.
AGRICULTURE:
Coming to the UK for seasonal agricultural work on English farms
Advice for seasonal agricultural workers coming to England to pick fruit and vegetables on farms, and their employers – updated with a link to the countries from which travel to the UK is banned.
BUSINESS:
National Apprenticeship Week 2021: building back better with apprentices
Government highlights apprentices and employers across the UK who have been keeping the country running during the pandemic.
Covid-19 key updates – testing, new assets available and the publication of app data???.
Workplace Testing:
The Department for Health has published information about a new drive to increase workplace testing in sectors open during lockdown to detect Coronavirus in people who are not showing symptoms.
COVID-19 Testing for Employees:
Businesses can register to order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests for employees if:
- Your business is registered in England
- You employ 50 people or more
- Your employees cannot work from home
Businesses should register interest to participate in the scheme here: bit.ly/WorkTestNorth Further assets for private and public sector businesses and employees taking part in Workplace Testing are available here. This service is not for employees with symptoms. Anyone with symptoms should order an individual test and stay at home.
???NHS Covid-19 App Data Publication:
To see the first set of new weekly metrics about the use of the NHS Covid-19 app, as well as evidence demonstrating the impact and effectiveness of the app in helping to manage our pandemic response, see here.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from self-isolation, passenger locator form or COVID testing requirements – removed exemption for new domestic elite sportspersons
Alex Brazier to leave Financial Policy Committee
Alex Brazier, Executive Director for Financial Stability Strategy and Risk and a member of the Financial Policy Committee (FPC), has decided to take a career break from the Bank of England to broaden his professional experience.
He will therefore not seek appointment to a third three-year term as a member of the Financial Policy Committee when his current term ends on 31 March. He will also stand down as the Bank’s Executive Director for Financial Stability Strategy and Risk at that point. With a six-month notice period, Alex will begin his career break at the end of September. The Bank will shortly begin a recruitment process to identify Alex’s replacement.
HMRC publish Employer Bulletin including Job Retention scheme and IR35
The latest Employer Bulletin has some important information and updates to help you prepare for the end of the tax year. There’s also guidance about new products and changes which may affect you and gives you access to further information.
This edition of the Employer Bulletin covers:
- Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
- end of tax year reporting and the checks which need to be completed
- VAT reverse charge and changes to off-payroll working (IR35)
- National Insurance holiday for employers of veterans.
You may notice a different look and feel to this edition, this is due to changes in the way the Bulletin is published to enable us to meet the requirements of the Public Sector Accessibility Regulations.
COMMUNITY:
Community testing
Community asymptomatic testing helps identify and isolate individuals who have coronavirus (COVID-19) but do not have symptoms.
CONSTRUCTION:
Confusion over Covid contract liability
Contractors and clients are still in the dark about who is liable for Covid related costs and time delays on projects. Research from consultant Turner & Townsend found one in three firms fear their contracts were not fit to address the effects of the pandemic. The survey showed that the majority of liability arising from Covid-19 events was believed to be held by the client rather than contractor.
But 45% of those surveyed reported an increase in contractual disputes since the start of the pandemic and 63% have sought contractual guidance from the government with another third turning to consulting industry bodies or other industry professionals for advice.
Electricians launch own financial support scheme
A group of electricians have launched their own support fund to ensure that if any of them contract Covid-19 or are forced to self-isolate they will not be left financially destitute. The workers are employed by electrical subcontractor NG Bailey and are working on the new £734m MENSA building at the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermarston, Berkshire. If any are required to self-isolate due to coming into contact with someone with Covid-19, they are only entitled to statutory sick pay of just £95 a week. The workers agreed to establish their own collection system. Each pays £10 a week into the scheme and if a worker is required to self-isolate or develops Covid-19 they are paid £205, which together with the £95 SSP means they receive a total of £300 a week. Up to 120 workers are participating in the scheme and there are 8-10 workers involved in collecting the workers’ money.
DIGITAL & IT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): keeping children safe online
Advice and guidance to help parents and carers to keep children safe online during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated SafeToNet licensing information.
EDUCATION:
New Commissioner appointed to oversee education catch-up
Prime Minister and the Education Secretary appoint Sir Kevan Collins as Education Recovery Commissioner – added ‘Education Recovery Commissioner: role specification and terms of reference’.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): initial teacher training (ITT)
Information for providers about managing initial teacher training courses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated the critical workers section and added a section about legal requirements and planned amendments to regulation. We have also updated the remote observations, moderation and assessment section with information on the Assessment Only (AO) route.
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information on the return of students and NHS Test and Trace channels.
Updates made to ‘Higher education: reopening buildings and campuses’ including renaming it ‘Higher education: operational guidance’ to reflect that it is no longer about the start of the 2020/21 academic year and ensure that it is consistent with other published guidance.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme.
COVID-19 vaccination training slide set updated.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested – added details on getting instructions on home tests for the blind or visually impaired, and changed the length of time for lateral flow test results (from 2 hours to 30 minutes).
COVID-19: reported SARS-CoV-2 deaths in England
Monthly report presenting the latest data on COVID-19 mortality in England in people with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2.
COVID-19: background information
Information enclosed on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): notification to organisations to share information
Notification to healthcare organisations, GPs, local authorities and arm’s length bodies that they should share information to support efforts against coronavirus (COVID-19).
NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information
Privacy notice and data protection impact assessment for the NHS COVID-19 mobile app. – updated the privacy notice to reflect changes to the app to align with testing policy for the user’s country (England or Wales), based on their local authority, which includes confirmatory testing. Added more detail about the service monitoring of the app’s functionality (in the section ‘Function: all features’).
Updated estimates of coronavirus (COVID-19) related deaths by disability status, England: 24 January to 20 November 2020
Estimates of differences in COVID-19 mortality risk by self-reported disability status and diagnosed learning disability status for deaths occurring up to 20 November 2020, using linked data from the 2011 Census, death registrations, and primary care and hospital records.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine adverse reactions
A weekly report covering adverse reactions to approved COVID-19 vaccines
Published latest ADR (adverse drug reaction) data, covering the period up to 31 January 2021.
NHS Test and Trace (England) statistics: 28 January to 3 February 2021
Experimental statistics on NHS Test and Trace since its launch on 28 May 2020. Includes reports on NHS Test and Trace (people tested and contact tracing) and rapid (lateral flow device) testing for people without symptoms.
JUDICIARY:
Courts and tribunals additional capacity during coronavirus outbreak: Nightingale courts
This page holds a list of additional facilities opening to support the courts and tribunals estate during the coronavirus outbreak.
HMCTS weekly management information during coronavirus outbreak
The management information used by HMCTS for understanding the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on workload volumes and activity at a national level on a weekly basis – HMCTS weekly management information during coronavirus – March 2020 to January 2021
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Exceptional financial support for local authorities: capitalisation directions
Details of capitalisation directions granted to local authorities that have requested exceptional financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): emergency funding for local government in 2020 to 2021 and additional support in 2021 to 2022
Allocations of additional funding to local authorities in financial year 2020 to 2021 and additional support for local government in financial year 2021 to 2022 – added policy paper: COVID-19 funding for local government in 2021 to 2022.
PROPERTY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): temporary measures to support customers
How we are delivering our services during the coronavirus outbreak – updated the timescales for register queries, updates to the register, complex changes and new entries.
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.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Vehicles: Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure – added guidance on tests and vaccinations. See the ‘What’s changed’ section for more information.
TRAVEL:
Prime Minister: more information on roadmap to book summer holidays on 22nd
The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg asked the PM whether people should be booking summer holidays or not, at home or abroad, at the government’s coronavirus briefing on Wednesday (10 February). Prime minister Boris Johnson has promised further details on summer holidays in the government’s Covid road map announcement, fixed for the week beginning 22 February. It comes after transport secretary Grant Shapps said holidays would likely be dependent on the progress of the UK’s vaccination programme by the summer, and efforts overseas too.
Useful Links:
Publishing information about your claimsIn January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV.UK.
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. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
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