UK DATA
Total UK Cases: 3,543,646 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 37,892 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 37,946 (3,709 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 1,290
Total UK deaths: 94,580
England Cases per 100,000: 484 per 100,000
R number in UK: 1.2 – 1.3 as of 15th January
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 4,973,248 up to and including 20 January 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 464,036
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 16,667
New cases in past 7 days: 1,258 to 16 Jan
Total deaths: 612
Cases per 100,000: 327.5 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:
ONS: Government’s December borrowing in 2020 ‘highest since records began’
Government borrowing last month was the highest December borrowing on record according to new figures. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported that public sector borrowing for December 2020 is estimated to have been £34.1bn.
The figure is £28.2bn more than December 2019, and is the highest borrowing for the month of December since records began in 1993. Total borrowing for this financial year has now reached £270.8bn – £212.7bn more than a year ago according to ONS.
Education Secretary hopes schools in England will reopen before Easter
Gavin Williamson has promised teachers that they will be given two weeks’ notice to prepare to reopen but said that while he was hopeful that schools would return before Easter, he could not give any guarantees and that any decision would be based upon scientific advice. The Government is due to review the current closures on 15th February. Speaking on Radio 4 he explained: “Any decision to open schools to all children is based on the best health advice and the best scientific advice. The reason that we were placed in the position to close schools to all but the children of critical workers and vulnerable children was down to the mounting pressure on the NHS.”
£500 infection payment considered to encourage people to ‘stay-at-home’
Ministers wrestling with how to ensure people with coronavirus obey laws to self-isolate are to consider paying £500 to anyone who tests positive. It’s among options drawn up for England by the Department of Health to encourage people to stay at home, amid fears the current support leaves some unable to afford the time away from work. The document was leaked to the Guardian, which refers to government polling indicating only 17% of people with symptoms get tested, a quarter comply with self-isolation rules and 15% continue to go to work.
Home Secretary’s statement on coronavirus: 21 January 2021
The Home Secretary led the Downing Street briefing on coronavirus, where she announced a new £800 fine for people who attend house parties.
KPMG: Administrations fall to historic low
The number of companies falling into administration in 2020 fell to an historic low, reports accountancy firm KPMG, who attribute the fall to the government’s support measures throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Analysis conducted by KPMG’s Restructuring practice found that just 171 firms in the North West entered administration in 2020, down from 284 in the previous year. This trend was also seen nationwide with insolvencies at their lowest since the firm began tracking data in 2005. Unsurprisingly, the sectors most affected by lockdown, such as tourism, leisure and hospitality accounted for a significant share of administrations.
Virus levels ‘may have risen’ and ‘must be brought down’
Scientists tracking the spread of coronavirus in England say infection levels may have risen at the start of the latest lockdown. Swab tests from 143,000 people analysed by Imperial College London indicate 1.58% had the virus during the period 6-15 January. The past few days have seen a clear slowdown in the number of lab-confirmed cases reported by the government, despite the number of Covid-linked deaths hitting a new daily high at 1,820. But the researchers say their data is more up to date because it does not rely on people developing symptoms. Ministers say the report does not yet reflect the impact of the national lockdown in England.
Heavy rain and snow adds to flood crisis
Seemingly relentless rain has left more than 200 flood warnings in place across England and Wales – five of them severe. About 2,000 homes in parts of Manchester, North Wales and Merseyside were being evacuated, with householders assured Covid rules allow them to leave in an emergency. As one says: “Where do you evacuate to? You don’t want to impose yourself on other people.” The prime minister insists Covid-secure facilities will be available. Meanwhile, cold air in the wake of Storm Christoph threatens to bring up to 11.8in (30cm) of snow to Scotland and northern England.
UK house prices soar to all time high
Average UK house prices across the UK have risen to an all-time high of £250,000 as the sector continues to brush off any expected downturn due to the impact of the coronavirus. The stamp duty holiday, which applies in England and Northern Ireland and is due to end on 31st March, means the property tax only applies to purchases above £500,000. It was introduced as a temporary measure to boost the economy in response to Covid-19. Under rules already in force before the pandemic, first-time buyers do not pay the tax on any purchases up to £300,000.
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:
Vaccine roll out continues at Macclesfield care home
Residents of Belong Macclesfield have begun receiving their first doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine as care homes across Cheshire East begin administering the jab.
Expert physio leading the way to recovery
Jeff Ross, physiotherapist from Wilmslow-based Harris & Ross, spoke to Marketing WAM members on how to keep moving during lockdown.
Council unveils plans for Victoria Park, Macclesfield
Proposals include new tree planting, a community garden and orchard and restoration of Victorian features, as well as creating new facilities.
Business Live: 60,000 North West firms in ‘significant financial stress’
More than 60,000 North West firms are now in ‘significant financial distress’, new research from Begbies Traynor shows. The firm’s latest Red Flag Alert research for Q4 2020 has recorded 61,596 businesses in significant distress – a 14% increase from 54,207 in Q3 2020. The new figures come as the UK economy battles the third nationwide lockdown, and they also confirmed a 29% year-on-year increase in significantly distressed companies since Q4 2019 (47,653 – Q4 2019, 61,596 – Q4 2020). 25,783 firms are based in Greater Manchester with 8,805 in Merseyside.
ANIMAL WELFARE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Apply for the Zoo Animals Fund
Apply for an animal welfare grant of up to £730,000 for your zoo or aquarium affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated application deadline to 26 February 2021.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG (Closed) Addendum) support businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions – updated with details of grants available during the national restriction period from 5 January 2021 onwards. The subsidy control / state aid conditions for this scheme have not changed following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020: more information will be available shortly.
Check if your business is eligible for the coronavirus Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment
The Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP) supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions beginning 5 January 2021.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed. The subsidy control / state aid conditions for this scheme have not changed following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020: more information will be available shortly.
Check if your nightclub, dance hall or adult entertainment business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Sector)) supports businesses that have been closed due to the national restrictions. The subsidy control / state aid conditions for this scheme have not changed following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020: more information will be available shortly.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG (Closed) and LRSG (Closed) Addendum: Tier 4) support businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions. The subsidy control / state aid conditions for this scheme have not changed following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020: more information will be available shortly.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions. The subsidy control / state aid conditions for this scheme have not changed following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020: more information will be available shortly.
Check if you’re eligible for the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs
The Christmas Support Payment (CSP) supports wet-led pubs that have been severely impacted over the Christmas period due to temporary local restrictions. The subsidy control / state aid conditions for this scheme have not changed following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020: more information will be available shortly.
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out what financial support you can get for your business. Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment guidance for business added.
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 opt in to the VAT deferral new payment scheme – added new section on ‘Correcting errors on your VAT returns relating to the VAT payments deferral scheme’. Including information on how to defer any extra payments resulting error corrections and HMRC VAT assessments.
Claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) are currently open for pay periods in January?? ?2021. Claims for December are now closed, but if you find you need to make a change because you didn’t claim enough you can do this until Thursday?? ?28 January. Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar, which includes:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to calculate what you can claim
- how to make a claim.
We are also running monthly webinars on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. 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.
Register hereDuring these interactive webinars you can ask questions using the on-screen text box and download handouts giving detailed examples and links to more information. Afterwards we’ll also send you a link to a video recording of the webinars, in case you’d like to see any of it again. We will continue to update our webinars to reflect the latest information as it becomes available.
DCMS Rapid Economic Indicators
This series brings together all documents relating to more timely economic indicators (employment, etc.) for the DCMS sectors.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 21 January 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.
COMMUNITY:
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Guidance for contacts of a person with a positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19) who do not live with that person.
NHS Test and Trace meets new year surge in demand with faster turnaround times
85% of in-person test results were returned the next day after the test was taken, compared with 63% the week before.
CONSTRUCTION:
Construction set to grow by 14% this year
Experts at the Construction Products Association now believe the industry will see a ‘W’-shaped recession and recovery. The CPA’s latest scenarios take into account the current lockdown and are a downgrade on last summer’s numbers when an 18% increase was predicted this year before the second Covid wave hit. The 14.0% rise in 2021 follows an estimated contraction of 14.3% overall last year caused by the sharp fall during the first lockdown.
EDUCATION:
January 2021: further education and skills providers
An operational note for Her Majesty’s Inspectors carrying out inspection activity of further education and skills providers from January 2021 – updated in light of the national lockdown to clarify that our inspection activity will be remote by default until February; to set out how we will carry out progress monitoring visits; and to confirm that we will continue to carry out emergency monitoring visits or inspections if we have a significant cause for concern.
Assurance inspections 2021: registered early years providers
An operational note for Ofsted inspectors carrying out assurance inspections of registered early years providers – updated to clarify that we will not carry out assurance inspections until national restrictions allow us to inspect on site.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) asymptomatic testing in schools and colleges
Information for schools and colleges about how they can start to test pupils and students from January.
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges
Information for parents and carers about going back to schools, nurseries and colleges in January 2021 – added information about updates coming shortly.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out what you’ll need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to maintain provision – added information about updates coming shortly.
Admission appeals for school places
These guides will help admission authorities advise those involved with school admission appeals to understand their roles and responsibilities – changes to school admission appeals due to coronavirus have been extended until 30 September 2021.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
January 2021 findings from COVID-19 study published
Initial findings from Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI show infections increased by 50% from early December, with 1 in 63 people infected.
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 – published a link to the National technical validation process for manufacturers of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) tests, from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – under ‘What personal data we collect’, added: ‘recent travel history (for example, whether you travelled overseas in the last 14 days and the country you spent most time in)’.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Community testing
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 and South West regions.
Asymptomatic testing to be rolled out across the country starting this week
Community testing offer to be expanded across all local authorities in England to test people without symptoms – updated number of lower-tier local authorities from 317 to 314.
JUDICIARY:
Reporting COVID-19 incidents to court and tribunal staff and professional court users
HMCTS processes for dealing with coronavirus cases which impact our courts and tribunals, including how information about incidents can be shared with staff, judiciary and professional court users.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
COVID-19 vaccinations and community-based social care workers
A letter from the Minister for Social Care to local authority chief executives and directors of adult social services care providers.
MEDIA:
UK media group reports 15 per cent drop in revenue for the first quarter of the year.
Daily Mail General Trust (DMGT), saw group revenue drop to £304m, largely pulled down by the 92 per cent reduction in its events and exhibitions division. The company also saw a 13 per cent drop in consumer media revenues, with circulation of its titles taking a 7 per cent tumble and advertising revenue falling by 16 per cent.
PROPERTY:
Buyers travelling hundreds of miles to view properties, despite lockdown
The BBC says some buyers are taking advantage of lockdown rules to travel hundreds of miles to view homes. The story suggests that because the housing market is still open and viewings are permitted – so long as they abide by government guidelines – people are taking advantage to have ‘days out’ away from local areas. It says the problem is worsened because of pressure on buyers to beat the stamp duty deadline and because few people accept virtual viewings as an effective way of seeing a property.
RETAIL:
BBC: Worst year on record for retail sales
Shoppers bought far fewer clothes last year as lockdowns meant people had less opportunity to socialise and go out. Clothes sales slumped 25%, the biggest drop in 23 years when records began, official figures suggest.
While shops have reported demand for certain clothing such as pyjamas and loungewear has risen, demand for going-out items has fallen sharply.
And despite a pick-up in December, clothing sales remain lower than before the pandemic struck.
“With few opportunities to socialise during lockdown and many people working from home, the clothing sector has been one of the “worst-affected by restrictions”, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. Growing numbers of High Street shops have faced financial difficulties due to the temporary store closures imposed during lockdowns. Topshop-owner Arcadia and competitors Debenhams, Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group, Oasis and Warehouse have all slid into insolvency since lockdown measures were first imposed last March. The inability to try clothes on in bricks-and-mortar shops, as well as restrictions on eating out meaning consumers are going out less, have all affected sales, the ONS suggested.
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.
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.
TRAVEL:
Jet2 increases summer 2022 capacity
Jet2 has added to more seats to their summer schedule for passengers flying from Manchester, Stansted, Birmingham and Bristol after encouraging enquiries.
At Manchester, 10 additional destinations include Iceland, Vienna and the reintroduction of Tivat. Seven additional city destinations have also gone on sale – Barcelona, Budapest, Rome, Krakow, Nice, Prague and Venice – meaning 56 sun and city destinations will be offered from the airport.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): restrictions on travel and transport to England
Travel bans, coronavirus testing and self-isolating on arrival in England.
Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania added to travel ban list.
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