UK DATA
Total UK Cases: 3,743,734 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 28,680 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 36,931 (3,088 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 1,239
Total UK deaths: 103,126
England Cases per 100,000: 373.2 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1 as of 22 January
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 7,447,199 up to and including 27 January 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 476,298
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 17,473
New cases in past 7 days: 930 to 23 Jan
Total deaths: 655
Cases per 100,000: 242.1 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.9 to 1.2
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:
Lockdown to continue until at least early March
The Prime Minister has stated that lockdown will remain in effect until early March at the earliest. He told the House of Commons that schools would be the first part of society to reopen, and that they would not do so until “at least” March 8. Other activities in the economy will remain under the current restrictions until at least that time; when they reopen they will be “gradual and phased.” In the week beginning February 22 there will be a route-map out of restrictions published by the government, but with no changes to current lockdown being implemented until March 8 or later. The currentthird national lockdown – which we now know will last another six weeks at least – was described by Zoopla as creating a ‘perfect storm’ for the property market.
BBC: 4th vaccine set for approval as tests show nearly 90% efficacy
A new coronavirus vaccine has been shown to be 89.3% effective in large-scale UK trials. The Novavax jab, manufactured in England, is the first to show in trials that it is effective against the new virus variant found in the UK. The doses are expected to be delivered in the second half of this year, if approved for use by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The UK has secured 60 million doses of the jab, which will be made in Stockton-on-Tees in north-east England.
The UK has so far approved three coronavirus vaccines for emergency use – one from Oxford University and AstraZeneca, another by Pfizer and BioNTech, and a third from drug firm Moderna.
Novavax publishes positive efficacy data for its COVID-19 vaccine
Novavax today published positive data from the UK phase 3 study of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, showing it to be 89.3% effective in preventing coronavirus in participants.
Large-scale coronavirus vaccine manufacturing begins in Scotland
Speciality vaccine company Valneva has started commercial manufacturing of its promising COVID-19 vaccine candidate in Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland.
Latest findings from COVID-19 study published: January 2021
The findings from Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI show infections remained very high throughout this period with 1 in 64 people infected.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Council continues to accept new business support grants applications
£118 million has already be paid out by Cheshire East Council, with thousands of additional payments expected in the coming weeks due to the ongoing lockdown.
Macclesfield station upgrades get underway
£400,000 of investment will ensure the station has reliable step-free access to both platforms as part of the Great North Rail Project.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you have to pay your furloughed employees for hours on furlough and how much you can claim back – the information has been updated regarding contacting HMRC.
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you have to pay your furloughed employees for hours on furlough and how much you can claim back – the information has been updated regarding contacting HMRC.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 28 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.
HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, and the VAT payments deferral scheme.
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 – updated with business loan statistics up to close of business on 24 January.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: January 2021
Time series and statistics as at 31 December 2020 on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, with analysis by scheme size, sector, geography, gender and flexible furlough.
Companies House to pause voluntary and compulsory strike off processes for one month
We’ve temporarily paused our voluntary and compulsory strike off processes for one month from 21 January until 21 February 2021
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme statistics: January 2021
The number of individuals claiming the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant up to 31 December 2020 by age, gender, industry sector and geography.
Help employers apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant (Kickstart gateway)
Information for organisations who want to be a Kickstart gateway and help employers apply for the Kickstart Scheme – added message in ‘How to apply on behalf of a group of employers’ to say that applications from new Kickstart gateways closed at 0:01am on 28 January 2021.
COMMUNITY:
Resources for raising awareness about vaccine fraud
Resources for raising awareness about vaccine fraud and what to look for to protect against scams.
CONSTRUCTION:
Concern mounts over key materials bottlenecks
A shortage of construction products including roofing materials and timber is starting to impact on the building industry. Both product manufacturers and builders’ merchants have raised concerns about growing supply side issues in key materials for the industry. The Builders Merchants Federation said that some firms had reported August availability for some roofing products, while timber prices are surging by an average of 20%.
EDUCATION:
Education attendance restrictions to remain in place
Prime Minister confirms schools and colleges will not return to full face-to-face education after February half-term
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Understanding Lateral Flow antigen testing for people without symptoms
An explanation of the technology behind asymptomatic testing and the role these tests play in the national COVID-19 testing programme.
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 poster.
Resources for raising awareness about vaccine fraud
Resources for raising awareness about vaccine fraud and what to look for to protect against scams.
NHS Test and Trace (England) statistics: 14 January to 20 January 2021
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 34 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England.
Coronavirus England briefing, 28 January 2021
Epidemiological data and hospitalisation metrics used by the government to brief MPs on local restriction tiers.
Regulatory approval of COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna
Information for healthcare professionals and the public about the COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna – published new versions of the Conditions of Authorisation documents, with an additional clause relating to off-label prescribing.
Regulatory approval of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca
Information for healthcare professionals and the public about the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca – published new versions of the Conditions of Authorisation documents, with an additional clause relating to off-label prescribing
Regulatory approval of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19
Information for healthcare professionals and the public about the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine – published new versions of the Conditions of Authorisation documents, with an additional clause relating to off-label prescribing
9 in 10 test results returned next day by NHS Test and Trace
93.8% of in-person test results were returned the next day after the test was taken, compared with 84.8% the week before.
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
REACT-1 study of coronavirus transmission: January 2021 final results
Results of real-time assessment of community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) during January 2021.
HOSPITALITY:
Eat Out to Help Out statistics – geographic breakdown
Eat Out to Help Out scheme statistics generated from HMRC claims data.
RETAIL:
Boohoo in talks to acquire Arcadia brands
Boohoo is in exclusive discussions with the administrators of Arcadia over the acquisition of a trio of well-known brands. In an update to shareholders, the company confirmed reports that it is eyeing a deal for Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Burton.
It noted that such discussions “may or may not result in agreement of a transaction”. “A further announcement will be made when appropriate.” Arcadia called in administrators from Deloitte in December 2020, putting 13,000 jobs at risk. Earlier this month Boohoo announced their intention to buy the Debenhams brand.
TRANSPORT:
Transport and transport technology: public attitudes tracker
Tracking public attitudes to and awareness of transport technologies in England.
Published Wave 6 summary report, data dictionary and tables.
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV and coach drivers can get free COVID-19 tests and check their documents to transport goods to the EU.
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.
Coronavirus: driver and rider trainer guidance
How driving instructors and motorcycle trainers should work safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), business support, and restrictions on driving lessons.
Added a new section 3 about approved driving instructor (ADI) qualification and registration. Added a link in section 5 to sign up for email alerts about new or updated business and self-employed support.
TRAVEL:
National Travel Attitudes Study, England: pre-release access
Post holders given access to National Travel Attitudes Study up to 24 hours prior to release.
Tougher border controls to protect public health
Further action to minimise travel across international borders.
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 – updated ‘If you’re outside the UK’ section to include information about applying for a visa to the UK.
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