UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,154,562 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 9,985 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 16,059 (1,142 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 323
Total UK deaths: 122,070
England Cases per 100,000: 118.3 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.6 to 0.9
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 18,691,835 up to and including 24 February 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 700,718
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 19,611
New cases in past 7 days: 399 to 20 February
Total deaths: 773
Cases per 100,000: 103.9 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.6 to 0.9
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:
Business support schemes from local councils total £7.8 billion
Latest government data has revealed that local councils across England have made a total of £7.8 billion available in business support grants. Since the start of the pandemic, Cheshire East Council has paid out over £105 million in business support.
Teachers to grade pupils in England
Teachers will decide the grades of pupils in England whose GCSEs and A-levels have been cancelled because of the pandemic. Exams watchdog Ofqual says schools will be able to use a combination of mock exams, coursework and essays to determine grades. Exam boards will still set test papers for each subject but these are optional for schools, intended to inform teachers’ judgement and will not decide the final grades. Teachers had already been placed centrally to arrangements set out for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 25 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.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Regional Labour market update reveals continued Covid-19 impact on employment
Unemployment in the North-west rose to 4.8% in the three months to December 2020, slightly below the nation figure of 5.1%, according to ONS figures, in part attributed to government support schemes to protect jobs; GMCA reported that 12% of people were furloughed in Greater Manchester in January. Government support has also been attributed to the relatively low levels of redundancies made in Greater Manchester so far in 2020. The city-region authority expressed concerns of the risk of a sharp rise in joblessness should the scheme not be extended in the coming Budget.
Last chance to comment on Wilmslow and Macclesfield active travel proposals
The council is calling for local businesses and residents to have their say on five schemes to make towns safer and healthier, and help meet climate goals, including in Tytherington, Macclesfield and Wilmslow and Handforth.
BUSINESS:
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme statistics: February 2021
The number of individuals claiming the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant up to 31 January 2021 by age, gender, industry sector and geography.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: February 2021
Time series and statistics as at 31 January 2020 on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, with analysis by scheme size, sector, geography, gender and flexible furlough.
Reopening businesses and venues in England
This guidance details the steps to reopen certain businesses and venues in England.
Closing certain businesses and venues in England
This guidance sets out restrictions on certain businesses and venues in England during National Lockdown.
February claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) are now open for pay periods in February ?2021.
Claims for January are now closed, but if you find you need to make a change because you didn’t claim enough you can do this until 1 ?March. Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar, Register here which includes:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to calculate what you can claim
- how to make a claim.
HMRC are also running monthly webinars on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Register here get the latest information on:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to make a claim
- what you may be entitled to, and more.
During these interactive webinars you can ask questions using the on-screen text box and download handouts giving detailed examples and links to more information.
HM Treasury coronavirus (COVID-19) business loan scheme statistics
HMT management information about the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and Future Fund Scheme.
Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Find out how apprenticeships will continue during the coronavirus (COVD-19) outbreak – Updated to show eligible apprentices can now start their EPA before they achieve their functional skills qualifications, if they have been prevented from doing so by coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
COMMUNITY:
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19 PCR home test kit instructions
Step-by-step guide available in different formats on how to use and return your PCR home test kit to test yourself for COVID-19.
How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
The different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers.
Community testing for people without symptoms of coronavirus
Community asymptomatic testing helps identify and isolate individuals who have coronavirus (COVID-19) but do not have symptoms – added to the list of community testing programme areas in the East Midlands, East of England, North West, South East and South West.
EDUCATION:
Direction issued to Ofqual
Direction from the Secretary of State for Education to Ofqual’s Chief Regulator about how GCSE, AS, A level and vocational and technical qualifications should be awarded in 2021.
Awarding qualifications in summer 2021
What schools, colleges and students need to know about the arrangements for awarding GCSEs, AS and A levels, VTQs and other qualifications in summer 2021.
Awarding of functional skills in 2021
Details, by awarding organisation, of the different assessment options available for functional skills in 2021.
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 – updated the ‘Current activity’ section to reflect our plans from 8 March.
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19
Information for parents and carers about attending schools, nurseries and colleges in the spring term 2021 – changed the guidance document ‘What parents need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19’ to an accessible version.
Consultation on how GCSE, AS and A level grades should be awarded in summer 2021
The approach to awarding GCSE, AS and A level grades in 2021 following the cancellation of exams – decisions and analysis of responses published.
New education recovery package for children and young people
New £700 million plan laid out to help young people in England catch up on lost learning due to the pandemic
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 – guidance has been updated to confirm the 2020 to 2021 accountability position.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): antibody testing
Information about the government’s coronavirus antibody testing programme. Antibody tests are to check whether a person has had the virus – guidance added for people taking part in antibody research surveys or studies.
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 number of lateral flow device (LFD) tests conducted in education settings.
LOCAL AUTHORITIES:
Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data, 25 February 2021
Weekly watchlist giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each lower-tier local authority (LTLA) in England.
Reallocating road space in response to COVID-19: statutory guidance for local authorities
Guidance for local authorities on managing their road networks in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – replaced ‘Temporary signs to guide traffic to vaccination centres: guidance’ PDF, which shows 4 new sign examples.
RETAIL:
Primark set to lose £1.1billion in first-half sales
As Primark forecasts huge losses, Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium warns: “England’s third lockdown cut retail spending this month, as high street footfall remained down by over three quarters. Large non-food stores saw their thirteenth month of decline, increasing the risk of yet more retail stores being permanently shuttered. January’s lockdown has hit non-essential retailers harder than in November, with the new variant hampering consumer confidence and leading customers to limit spending, especially on fashion and textiles. Meanwhile, retailers have invested heavily in their online offering and click and collect services to ensure shoppers will still be able to access vital goods.”
TRANSPORT:
235,000 haulier tests completed as lorry drivers urged to get tested away from border
HGV drivers reminded to get tested for COVID-19 early in their journey at one of 37 UK haulier advice sites providing tests.
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.
Confidence using transport during COVID-19
Research into public transport, aviation and maritime users’ confidence in returning to domestic and international transport during the coronavirus pandemic.
TRAVEL:
Home Secretary: “it’s too soon to book foreign holidays”
Home secretary Priti Patel has said it is too early to book holidays – only a day after the industry saw booming sales as the 17 May restart was pencilled in. “Well, it’s too early, it’s far too early. We have to look at the data at every single stage and the roadmap outlined by the prime minister makes that abundantly clear.”
Statistics relating to passenger arrivals since the COVID-19 outbreak, February 2021
A statistical report showing the impact of Covid-19 on the immigration system, up to January 2021.
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 yearsBusinesses 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