UK DATA
Total UK Cases: 3,689,746 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 20,089 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 37,561 (3,341 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 1,631
Total UK deaths: 100,162
England Cases per 100,000: 403.9 per 100,000
R number in UK: 1.2 – 1.3 as of 15th January
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 6,853,327 up to and including 25 January 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 472,446
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 17,224
New cases in past 7 days: 1,057 to 21 Jan
Total deaths: 638
Cases per 100,000: 275.2 per 100,000
R number in North West: 1.2 – 1.5
Health and Social Care Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 25 January 2021
Speech by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock at the Downing Street coronavirus briefing – “Today we’re funding councils to enhance their vital efforts to engage those who are hardest to reach through our Community Champions scheme. As of today, 6.6 million have now received a vaccine against COVID-19. That’s more than 1 in 9 of the adult population. On Saturday alone, we gave nearly half a million jabs. In the last week, 2.5 million people have been vaccinated across the UK. That’s a rate of more than 250 people a minute. We’re on track to offer everyone in the top 4 priority groups a jab by the 15 February. If you’re in one of those groups, one of the top 4 priority groups, and you haven’t had the call yet, don’t worry: the NHS will be in touch.”
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:
UK coronavirus death toll passes 100,000
Boris Johnson has expressed his condolences to families after the UK’s coronavirus death toll surpassed 100,000. The Prime Minister said in a Downing Street press conference on 26th January:
I am deeply sorry for every life that has been lost and, of course, as I was Prime Minister I take full responsibility for everything that the Government has done.
“What I can tell you is that we truly did everything we could, and continue to do everything that we can, to minimise loss of life and to minimise suffering in what has been a very, very difficult stage, and a very, very difficult crisis for our country, and we will continue to do that, just as every government that is affected by this crisis around the world is continuing to do the same.”
Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 26 January 2021
Unemployment hits 5% – 1.72 million people
The latest unemployment figures covering the 3-month period from September to November 2020 shows 5% of the working population, equivalent to 1.72 million people, are now registered unemployed, the largest increase since 2009.
2.6 million are now registered for benefits, up 117% from 1.2 million pre-pandemic.
Those aged 25 to 34 face the biggest risk of losing their jobs.
Home Secretary set to unveil hotel quarantine scheme for arrivals at risk from new Covid-19 variants
Home Secretary Priti Patel is today expected to announce new rules requiring arrivals from countries where new Covid-19 variants emerging, such as Brazil and South Africa, to quarantine in hotels. The restrictions are likely to only effect British nationals returning to the UK, as travel bans are in place for these countries and much of South America.
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:
A34 improvements planned to reduce congestion for Cheshire commuters
In addition to walking and cycling routes planned for Handforth and Wilmslow, Stockport Council is set to move forward with £35 million of improvements along the A34 corridor.
Cheshire East Council sets out spending plans
Following a consultation on its Corporate Plan, the Council will vote on full spending plans on 17th February. Proposals include the maximum rise in Council Tax for financial year 2021/22 in part due to increased costs of delivering services during the pandemic.
Hundreds of jobs are to be created across the North West after an independent accident repair group opened a large facility in Manchester.
HB Accident Repair Network has been incorporated by three former directors of fellow repair firm Howard Basford. The firm opened its first body shop site – a 23,000sq ft facility in Swinton this week, where it has created 45 jobs, with plans to create more than 200 in the North West over the next three years. The trio plan to demonstrate their commitment to the region by expanding the HB Accident Repair Network to five sites over the next three years – and will focus on building the business in the North West.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
What role can private investment in infrastructure play in the economic recovery?
The UK government has set out its intentions to address the geographical economic divide in the UK, with an assembled taskforce dedicated to levelling up. The £4.2bn fund announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer aims to improve the business environment and drive success in the North of England. Mr Kirk will be joined by Lord Jim O’Neill, former UK Chief Economist at Goldman Sachs, and Natalie Winterfrost, director of the Law Debenture’s Pension Trust Corporation and a professional pension trustee, to discuss “What Role Can Private Investment in Infrastructure Play in the Economic Recovery?”. The webinar will explore the role of private capital in infrastructure investment and how that can support both the national economic recovery and the Government’s key policy goals, notably action on climate change and the levelling up of the UK economy. You can register for the event at https://www.squirepattonboggs.com/en/insights/events/2021/01/what-role-can-private-investment-in-infrastructure-play-in-the-economic-recovery
CONSTRUCTION:
Glenigan: Infrastructure construction paving the way for post-pandemic recovery
As the coronavirus vaccines start to roll out across the country, it’s heartening to know that infrastructure construction projects are going ahead which will help make our, soon to be regained freedom, more enjoyable, easier to travel through, and more connected. With an optimistic view to the future, here we look at some of the bigger infrastructure construction projects – outside of HS2 – due to start construction this year, that will help us all get connected again.
EDUCATION:
Early years ITT requirements and supporting advice
Advice for providers looking to offer early years initial teacher training (ITT) – updated information on student support and background checks.
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 21 January 2021.’
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March 2020 to 21 January 2021
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April.
Laptops and tablets progress data as of 26 January 2021
Information about how many laptops and tablets that have been delivered or dispatched to local authorities and academy trusts.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Designated settings for people discharged to a care home
Guidance on the designated settings scheme for people discharged from hospital to a care home with a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test – updated ‘Discharge into care homes: designated settings’ to remove line from section 3.16 on ‘As a last resort, one option could be for COVID-19 positive individuals to be temporarily discharged under existing arrangements, to a non-designated care home, with sufficient IPC arrangements, that is willing to receive the individual.’
COVID-19 vaccination: care home and healthcare settings posters
Information and promotional resources to support the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – updated the COVID-19 vaccination first phase priority groups leaflet and poster.
Test and Trace Support Payment scheme: claiming financial support
Who can claim the support and how to apply – updated to delete the ‘Background’ section as its information was either out of date or is in the ‘Eligibility’ section.
PPE portal: how to order COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)
Eligible health and social care providers can order PPE through the portal to meet the increased need that has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – updated to remove ‘children’s‘ qualifier from residential special schools and non-residential special schools; updated order limits for pharmacies, optometrists, children’s care homes and secure homes, residential and non-residential special schools, and community drug and alcohol services; added order limits for non-residential special schools (who do not conduct aerosol-generating procedures).
COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination information for public health professionals – updated clarification around allergies.
Deaths registered monthly in England and Wales, Provisional: December 2020
Number of deaths registered in a calendar month by area of usual residence.
UK to support rest of the world to find COVID-19 virus variants
The UK will offer its world-leading genomics expertise to identify new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 to countries who do not have the resources to do so.
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 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.
TRANSPORT:
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 – added warning to expect delays at busiest information and advice sites.
TRAVEL:
How can the travel industry get back to business?
That’s the question TTG editor Sophie Griffiths will be asking our line-up of senior industry experts LIVE onWednesday (27 January). Find out how the latest lockdown has impacted peaks, and what the travel landscape will look like for the remainder of 2021 – with a focus on the cruise and ski sectors.
Saga introduces vaccination requirement ahead of anticipated holiday boom
Over-50s insurance and travel specialist Saga is set to introduce a vaccination requirement for its travel customers. Saga will require customers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before travelling on its holidays and cruises.
The news comes as the firm announced a trading update for the period August 1 to January 25, which showed a slower cash burn than previously expected as well as retention rates in its cruise and tour operations businesses of 69 per cent and 41 per cent respectively.
Hays Travel to close 89 former Thomas Cook stores
It is offering options for alternative work to 388 staff affected. The company had deferred reviewing the performance of the former Thomas Cook shops it acquired in October 2019 to see if business returned in 2021. The shops that will close are all former Thomas Cook stores, apart from one which was formerly a Tailormade Travel branch. The premises were reviewed having come to the end of their licence period. The third national lockdown and travel ban leading to major holiday operators suspending flights and holidays, meant the company had to act, it said.
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