
UK DATA
Total UK Cases: 3,466,849 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 33,355 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 37,946 (3,634 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 1,610
Total UK deaths: 91,470
England Cases per 100,000: 506.5 per 100,000
R number in UK: 1.2 – 1.3 as of 15th January
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 4,266,577 up to and including 18 January 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 456,866
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 16,280
New cases in past 7 days: 1,242 to 12 Jan
Total deaths: 598
Cases per 100,000: 323.3 per 100,000
R number in North West: 1.2 – 1.5
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:
Court backlog a cause of ‘great concern’
Jury trials stopped during the first part of the pandemic. Although they have resumed – with social distancing – many crimes committed last year will not reach trial until next year. The number of outstanding crown court cases in England and Wales has grown from 40,000 in March to 54,000 now. In one example, a domestic violence case from summer 2019 was expected to reach trial in spring 2020. It won’t now be heard until spring 2022. “I am so desperate to move on… I feel utterly powerless,” said the victim.
Treasury reveals uptake of government-backed coronavirus loan schemes
More than 1.4 million government-backed loans have been issued to businesses through financial support schemes during the coronavirus pandemic, HM Treasury has revealed. In the North West, over 7,500 businesses have accessed the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), totalling over £1.9 billion in 80% government backed support since the start of the pandemic. The Bounce Back Loan Scheme, to help businesses resume trading after the first lockdown, has supported over 150,000 businesses in the North West, providing 100% government backed financing of over £4.5 billion. Across the two schemes, nationwide the government has provided over £62billion of support, which has largely been distributed across the country in line with the number of businesses located in each region. Businesses remain able to access both schemes until March 2021; those which have already accessed funds through either CBILS or the Bounce Back loan scheme are also able to ‘top-up’ their loans if necessary due to the current lockdown.
UK reports highest death toll yet
Yesterday evening, Tuesday 19th the UK reported its highest daily number of deaths due to the coronavirus – 1,610. Another 33,355 new cases were reported on 8th January, half the amount recorded – 68, 053 – on January 8th. Almost 4.3m people have received their first vaccine.
Pfizer vaccine likely to work against new coronavirus variants
New evidence suggests that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine will likely be effective against the variants of the coronavirus detected in the United Kingdom and South Africa. Both of the variants contain a mutation within the spike protein, called the N501Y mutation, that’s thought to improve the virus’s ability to bind to our cells, making it more infectious. In a new study conducted by scientists from Pfizer and The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, the Pfizer vaccine proved to be effective on strains with the N501Y mutation. The variant first detected in South Africa contains other mutations within the spike protein, which raises concern these mutations could undermine the vaccines.
Supply chain workers crucial to vaccination programme to receive jabs
Up to 2,000 highly trained workers identified by the government will be offered COVID-19 vaccines in the coming days.
New rules for passengers arriving into UK
International passengers must now test negative for coronavirus if they wish to travel to England, Wales and Scotland. Travel corridors – which exempted passengers arriving from some countries from quarantine – will also be suspended.
Similar rules will apply to Northern Ireland from Thursday.
What are the new rules on testing?
People travelling to the UK have to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test before setting off. This may be taken up to three days before their journey begins.
The government says it will accept tests with at least 97% specificity and 80% sensitivity. In practice this could include PCR tests – which are sent to a lab – or lateral flow and Lamp tests, which can give results in an hour.
Those who don’t comply will face a fine of £500, with Border Force officials carrying out spot checks.
COVID-19 vaccines rolled out to people aged 70 years and over
People aged 70 and over and the clinically extremely vulnerable to begin receiving invitations for vaccinations. The move allows the NHS to further accelerate vaccinations of people most at risk although the priority remains to vaccinate top 2 cohorts first, while over 3.8 million people have received their first vaccine dose in the UK. Millions of people aged 70 and over and those clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 will be invited to get their vaccinations from today (Monday 18 January) as the NHS begins roll out of the vaccines to the next 2 priority groups. The NHS has so far been working to vaccinate the first 2 priority cohorts recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which are care home residents and staff, and those aged 80 and over and frontline health and care staff. Vaccinating the first 2 groups will remain the priority, but vaccination sites which have enough supply and capacity for vaccinating further people are allowed to offer vaccinations to the next 2 cohorts – those aged 70 and over and clinically extremely vulnerable people. This will allow areas that have already vaccinated the majority of care home residents, frontline health and care staff and people aged 80 and over to keep up the momentum and start vaccinating further at-risk people, helping the NHS to reach the Prime Minister’s commitment of offering vaccinations to the first 4 priority groups by the middle of February.
MPs to debate stamp duty as Chancellor considers an extension
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is considering an extension to the current stamp duty holiday according to media reports today – and the House of Commons has confirmed there will be a debate on the issue. Sunday Times political editor Tim Shipman – regarded as one of the best informed political journalists with multiple contacts in government – writes: “Contrary to some reports [Sunak] is considering an extension to stamp duty cuts.” However, this may be tempered by the possibility of other property taxes emerging in the future. Shipman says the upcoming Budget on March 3 is unlikely to produce permanent changes to property taxation but he warns that the Treasury is considering long-term radical options.
Billions of pounds of support helps businesses up and down the country
Businesses in all regions and nations of the UK have benefitted from billions of pounds in government-backed loans, according to new figures released today, 18 January. More than 1.4 billion loans have supported businesses and protected jobs across all sectors. The figures show that the retail and construction sectors have benefitted the most, demonstrating how government support is helping those impacted hardest by the pandemic. Support has been spread across the country, with regions receiving loans proportionately to the amount of businesses located there. This shows that government support is helping those who need it. These loans are in addition to furlough, the self-employment income support scheme and business grants, as part of the government’s unprecedented £280 billion support package to protect jobs during the pandemic. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said: “Throughout this crisis, we have provided more than £280billion of support to protect jobs and livelihoods up and down the country. We are committed to continuing to ensure jobs are protected and opportunity is created.”
Read more HERE
AI at the forefront of efforts to treat coronavirus patients
Patients with COVID-19 are set to benefit from faster treatment, improved outcomes and shorter hospital stays thanks to the use of the latest artificial intelligence.
Social care to receive £269 million to boost staff levels and testing
Funding to protect and support staff and residents in care homes and those receiving help in their own homes
Health and Social Care Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 18 January 2021
Speech by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock at the Downing Street coronavirus briefing.
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated in line with latest government guidance.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Council sign £4.5 million contract with Airband to roll out full-fibre broadband to residents
Cheshire East is set to receive a much needed connectivity boost from leading broadband provider, Airband. The Covid-19 pandemic has made us more reliant than ever on technology, particularly broadband connectivity. With much of the Cheshire East population working from their homes, the importance of a reliable broadband connection has been thrust into the spotlight.
Census Day is Coming!
Households in Cheshire East will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021, which takes place on Sunday 21 March
BREXIT:
What are customs import declarations?: Wednesday 20th January 11.45am
If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Supreme Court backs claims for Business Interruption Insurance
There’s good news for thousands of businesses including estate agencies awaiting pay outs under Business Interruption Insurance schemes, as reported by estateagenttoday.co.uk The agents are amongst 370,000 businesses whose claims had been disputed by their insurance firms; the insurers stated that the Coronavirus pandemic was not covered in the policies. But last week a Supreme Court ruling appears set to force insurers to pay out on the disputed claims. In November a Supreme Court appeal completed a four day hearing on the issue, which in turn had followed a High Court ruling back in September favouring policy-holders against insurers who claimed their BI policies did not include Coronavirus. The test case involved a sample of 17 insurance policy wordings collated by the FCA, and which it said captured the majority of key issues in dispute between insurers and policy holders.
Bank of England: Key elements of the 2021 stress test
The 2021 solvency stress test will assess the major UK banks and building societies against a UK and global scenario that reflects a severe path for the current macroeconomic outlook. The Bank’s approach to concurrent solvency stress testing aims to use periods when the economy is growing to build up banks’ buffers of capital, ready to be drawn on to support the economy in a stress. Once the economy enters a real stress the focus changes. At this point stress tests are used to assess whether the buffers of capital that banks have built up are large enough to deal with how the prevailing stress could unfold.
Test and Trace Support Payment scheme: claiming financial support
Who can claim the support and how to apply – updated ‘eligibility’ section: you can make a claim for the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme or a discretionary payment up to 28 days after the first day of your period of self-isolation.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – claims open for January
You can now submit your claims for periods in January. These must be made by Monday?? ?15 February. You can claim before, during or after you process your payroll. If you can, it’s best to make a claim once you’re sure of the exact number of hours your employees will work so you don’t have to amend your claim at a later date. You and your employees do not need to have benefitted from the scheme before to make a claim.
European Structural and Investment Funds: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
A series of documents and updates regarding the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programme and the response to COVID-19. The EAFRD Q&A has been updated to provide clarity to a number of existing questions. See the dates next to the questions for updates.
How to treat certain expenses and benefits provided to employees during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out about taxable expenses and benefits when they are paid to employees because of coronavirus and how to report them to HMRC.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from self-isolation, passenger locator form or COVID testing requirements – added information on sector exemptions being removed for travel ban countries.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: why you are being asked to wait
Information about COVID-19 eligibility and vaccine supplies.
COVID-19 vaccination: what to expect after vaccination
Information for people who have had their first COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
COVID-19: letter to clinically extremely vulnerable people
Reference-only version of letter from the government to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Accessing food and essential supplies
How to get food and other essential supplies during the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for older adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what to do if you’re already getting benefits
Guidance for people who were receiving benefits before the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
CONSTRUCTION:
Debate: Should the construction sector remain open in lockdown?
With Britain, and many other parts of the world, currently undergoing the worst months of the Covid-19 pandemic, some have called for tighter restrictions and lockdowns – questioning whether things like construction work is indeed essential. Equally, question marks have been raised about whether Covid protocols and social distancing are being adequately adhered to on construction sites. Is it really possible for distancing to be in play on a busy housebuilding site? Is mandatory mask-wearing happening? And what is being done to ensure Covid-19 doesn’t spread like wildfire among the workforce? Read more at Property Investor Today
Galiford Try set to return to profitability
In a trading statement this morning covering its first-half trading, chief executive Bill Hocking said the contractor had built up a strong order book of £3.3bn slightly ahead of a year ago. He said the return to profitability would also see Galliford Try resume dividend payments to shareholders. Galliford Try, which sold its housebuilding businesses to Bovis Homes a year ago to receive a £300m cash injection, said average month-end cash now stood at £158m.
Prompt Payment Code invoice target 30 days to help ‘build back better’
The Prompt Payment Code has been toughened-up with signatories now obliged to pay small firms within 30 days. The halving of the current 60-day period comes after a string of firms – including big name contractors – were suspended from the scheme for failing to pay suppliers on time. Despite almost 3,000 companies signing the Code, poor payment practices are still rife, with many payments delayed well beyond the current 60-day target required for 95% of invoices. Small Business Minister Paul Scully said:
“Today, we are relieving some of the pressure on small business owners by introducing significant reforms to the UK payments regime – pushing big businesses to pay their suppliers on time. By signing up to the Prompt Payment Code and sticking to its rules, large firms can help Britain to build back better, protecting the jobs, innovation and growth which small businesses drive right across the UK.”
DIGITAL & IT:
Lockdown accelerates use on CRM in lockdown
The number of small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) looking to adopt a CRM system rose by 16% on the previous year, according to a survey by business software firm, Workbooks. The survey also found that many small businesses had changed priorities as a result of the pandemic, with as many as 60% reporting a radical transformation due to lockdown and ongoing social distancing. Workbooks found that due to increased home working, both of customers and employees, SMEs could expect communication improvements from adopting a CRM system to manage customer records.
Laptops and tablets progress data as of 19 January 2021
Information about how many laptops and tablets that have been delivered or dispatched to local authorities and academy trusts.
EDUCATION:
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 14 January 2021’
Coronavirus (COVID-19) asymptomatic testing for staff in primary schools and nurseries
Information on rapid asymptomatic coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for staff in primary schools, school-based nurseries and maintained nursery schools.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for education, early years and children’s social care
Funding and financial support available for education, childcare and children’s social care organisations.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey: antibody data for the UK, January 2021
This release provides antibody data by UK country and English regions from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester, and Public Health England.
Social care sector to receive £269 million to boost staffing levels and testing
The funding is to protect and support staff and residents in care homes and those receiving help in their own homes.
PPE deliveries (England): 11 January to 17 January 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: a guide for social care staff
Information for frontline social care workers on COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for healthcare workers
Information for frontline healthcare workers on COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: women of childbearing age, currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Information for all women of childbearing age, those currently pregnant or breastfeeding on coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic.
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 – updated guidance on giving evidence as a witness
PROPERTY:
Ban on repossessions extended for mortgage borrowers
The Financial Conduct Authority is extending the ban on repossessions by two months until April 1, in light of the pandemic. The regulator says lenders should not enforce repossessions before that date, citing the “worsening Coronavirus situation and the government’s tighter Coronavirus-related restrictions which mean that consumers could experience significant harm if forced to move home at this time as a result of repossession proceedings.”
RETAIL:
North West based AO delivers 2020 sales up 67%
The online electrical retailer reports “10 years of change in 10 months” with 67% sales increase. In the three months to 31 December 2020 the company recorded year on year UK revenue growth of 67.2 per cent to £457.3m and of 77.4 per cent to €73.6m in Germany.
WH Smith upbeat after good Christmas trading performance
WH Smith has announced that the Group delivered a good performance over the Christmas trading period, ahead of expectations adapting well to the evolving trading environment on the high street. The retailer said the Group had delivered a good performance despite reduced footfall, with revenue in High Street in December at 92% of 2019 levels. For the 20 weeks to 16 January 2021, total Group revenue was 59% of 2019 revenue for the period. WH Smith Group Chief Executive, Carl Cowling, commented:
Covid-19 continues to have a significant impact on the WH Smith Group, however we are pleased with our performance over the Christmas period which was better than anticipated.
“Our key priority is the health and wellbeing of both our colleagues and our customers and continuing to provide a safe environment for them.
“In our High Street business, we worked hard to navigate our way through the evolving Covid restrictions as we approached the Christmas trading period. This positioned us well, resulting in a better than expected Christmas with sales in December at 92% of 2019 levels. Our online businesses continued to deliver significant year on year growth in the period.
“In our Travel business, we saw little change in the environment prior to the current lockdown, as expected, with sales in December at 36% of 2019 levels. I am pleased with the progress we are making, particularly given the backdrop of significantly reduced passenger numbers.
“We remain well placed to navigate our way through this ongoing period of uncertainty and benefit from the recovery of our key markets in due course.”
HSBC to close 80 branches
Seven North West HSBC branches to close as the bank announces aims to reduce its total number of sites to 511, down by 82. HSBC in Bramhall will close in August. In a statement, HSBC said it is making the move to “reflect local market trends, customer behaviour and branch usage”. Head of network Jackie Uhi said: “Over the last few months, we’ve been conducting a number of pilots to test out a range of potential future branch formats at different locations to make sure we are giving customers what they want where they want it. Our findings have led us to create four new and distinctive formats that we believe will be well-suited to serve the different local markets that we operate in, with a branch network that is fit for the future. “We know there will always be a need for face-to-face customer support and the evolution of our branches very much takes that into account.” Read more
TRANSPORT:
COVID-19 testing for HGV drivers using the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel
Hauliers need a negative COVID-19 test result before travelling to France, Denmark and the Netherlands.
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where drivers and crew of HGVs, LGVs, coaches and vans can get free COVID-19 tests and border readiness checks before transporting goods to the EU.
International road haulage: HGV driver documents
Check which documents you need to carry if you’re the driver or a passenger in a lorry or other heavy goods vehicle (HGV) that crosses international borders – updated the section on coronavirus (COVID-19) testing to link through to a list of countries which require negative test results before you enter them.
TRAVEL:
Agent reports best booking week for three months
“All of the bookings came from clients who had had trips cancelled last year. One was a lady in her 70s who had her Vietnam tour cut short, but wanted to go out again and see the parts she missed,”
Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from self-isolation, passenger locator form or COVID testing requirements – added information on sector exemptions being removed for travel ban countries.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
All travel corridors for people arriving in England are suspended.
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.
Test to Release for international travel: minimum standards for testing
Sets out the minimum standards that private sector providers of COVID-19 testing for ‘Test to Release for international travel’ must meet – updated to add the list of countries not eligible for Test to Release
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.