Latest UK data:
Total tests: 11,286,921 tests have been taken or mailed out + 245,507
Positive tests: 287,621 have tested positive + 642 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 44,602 across all settings +85
*new data now shows the results of all testing, Pillar 1 in hospital and Pillar 2 drive through test centres and swab results by post).
Data from the ONS shows that fewer than one in 2,000 now has the virus as the slow decline in case numbers continues.
Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK
UK HEADLINES:
Chancellor’s statement outlines plans to boost the economy
Rishi Sunak said “the job has only just begun” as he unveiled his own “plan for jobs”
A range of measures include:
- VAT cuts for the hospitality sector from 20% to 5% on food, accommodation and attractions
- Job Retention Bonus for companies – £1,000 for every employee brought back from the furlough scheme from November to January, potentially for 9 million employees at a cost of £9billion
- Stamp Duty cut by increasing the threshold from £125,000 to £500,000 until end of March 2021to boost property market
- “Eat Out to Help Out’ Monday – Wednesday in August. A discount scheme of 50% off food and non-alcoholic drinks up to £10 per head
- £2bn Kickstart Scheme to create six-month work placements aimed at those aged 16-24 who are on Universal Credit and are deemed to be at risk of long-term unemployment.
- Introducing a payment of £2,000 to employers in England for each new apprentice they hire aged under 25
- A £1,500 payment for each new apprentice they hire aged 25 and over, from 1st August 2020 to 31st January 2021.
Firms to get £1,000 for every worker brought off furlough
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has set out ambitious plans to retain construction jobs and give young people a start in the industry. His plan for jobs is promising £1,000 payouts to firms bringing staff off furlough and back to work.
The Jobs Retentions Bonus for furloughed workers will be paid out to employers who still have staff in real full time work from November to the end of January. For businesses to get the bonus, the employee must be paid at least £520 on average in each month. To encourage firms to take on youngsters he pledged to subsidise a six-month work placement programme for people on Universal Credit aged between 16 and 24.
For this new generation of Kickstarters, firms will receive a grant of around £6,500 for each placement. Sunak also pledged to provide £2,000 to employers for each new apprentice they hire aged under 25, between August this year and January 2021. For apprentices aged over 25, employers will receive £1,500 during the same period.
Government announces gyms and pools to reopen safely
Outdoor pools can reopen to the public from 11 July followed by indoor gyms, pools and leisure centres on 25 July.
The Government has outlined the measures that will allow outdoor pools to reopen from 11 July and indoor gyms, swimming pools and sports facilities to reopen from 25 July, ensuring millions of people can get back into more sport and fitness activities.
Hundreds of jobs saved as Ryanair agrees pay cut deal
Budget airline Ryanair has agreed a deal to secure “hundreds” of front line jobs in redundancy consultations. In talks with Unite, the airline confirmed a deal to secure the cabin crew jobs, opting for temporary pay cuts over job losses. Ryanair has negotiated crew pay reductions of between 5 per cent to 10 per cent, with the sums to be restored over a four year period.
John Lewis to permanently close 8 stores
John Lewis has announced plans to close eight of its department stores and cut 1,300 jobs. Stores that will permanently close include a flagship store in Birmingham, as the employee-owned retailer said it is making the move to “secure the business’s long-term future and respond to customers’ shopping needs”. The shops identified for closure include two of the smallest in the estate – travel hub shops at Heathrow and St Pancras, four At Home shops in Croydon, Newbury, Swindon and Tamworth and two full size department stores in Birmingham’s Grand Central shopping centre and Watford.
Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said:
“Closing a shop is always incredibly difficult and today’s announcement will come as very sad news to customers and Partners. However, we believe closures are necessary to help us secure the sustainability of the Partnership – and continue to meet the needs of our customers however and wherever they want to shop. “Redundancies are always an absolute last resort and we will do everything we can to keep as many Partners as possible within our business.
“There are many reasons to be optimistic about the Partnership’s future. Waitrose and John Lewis are two of the UK’s most loved and trusted brands and we have adapted to the challenges of the pandemic by responding to the new needs of customers.
“We will soon announce the output of our strategic review which will ensure our brands stay relevant for future generations of customers.”
Quarantine rules end for travellers arriving in the UK
From today, travellers arriving into the UK from many countries and overseas territories will no longer be required to self-isolate for two weeks although the list of countries varies slightly in Scotland where travellers arriving from Spain will be required to quarantine.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
New skills programme launches to Accelerate Cheshire’s economic bounce back
Three organisations in Cheshire have coordinated to launch a new programme, Accelerate, aimed at plugging the region’s skills gap to support growth following the coronavirus pandemic.
The Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub, Cheshire and Warrington LEP and the University of Chester have launched the £30 million Accelerate training programme, supporting businesses to re-skill and upskill staff members. The scheme has been partly funded by the European Social Fund, designed to support businesses to upskill their workforces.
MAG confident of funding position even in light of a second Covid wave Manchester Airports Group (MAG) is confident it has established a “strong liquidity position” to get through the next year, even in the event of a second wave of coronavirus. The group, which also owns Stansted and East Midlands airports, had raised £300m from shareholders during lockdown and it now believes it has adequate levels of funding past summer 2021. The 10 borough councils of Greater Manchester own nearly two-thirds of the business, with Australian fund IFM Investors owning the remaining stake.
Northern leaders respond to Chancellor’s coronavirus stimulus announcements
Business and political leaders from the North of England have responded to Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement of £30billion of economic stimulus measures following the coronavirus pandemic.
The Chancellor outlined a number of economic stimulus measures to support the hospitality and leisure sector, as well as attempt to limit rising unemployment levels due to the coronavirus lockdown. While proposed measures have been broadly welcomed, some of the North’s have expressed concern over the measures.
Sarah Longlands, Director of think-tank IPPR North questioned the centralised approach of delivering schemes:
“I welcome the Chancellors announcements today particularly his focus on jobs which will be crucial for the many businesses across the North who are struggling at the current time. But given that we have one of the most centralised Government’s in the developed world, I fear that he has too much confidence in the power of Whitehall to deliver this plan.
“Covid-19 has shown us the real value of devolved and local authorities working hard to support their communities. The Chancellor must now commit to working in partnership with them to deliver the economic recovery.
“Getting our economy back up and running cannot be achieved from Whitehall alone. The Chancellor talked today about the value of endurance. In the North and across the regions of England, businesses, communities and local councils have had to endure years of centralised decision making, which has seen them become poorer, sicker and with fewer job opportunities. They have had to endure ten years of austerity which has seen the most vulnerable in society, our children, those living with disabilities and older people in care disproportionately affected”.
Northern Powerhouse Partnership Director, Henri Murchison particularly welcomed support for youth unemployment:
“The numbers of unemployed 16-24 year olds in the Northern Powerhouse are some of the highest in the country – the worst being the North East, followed by Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West half way down the list.
“We need to see businesses in the Northern Powerhouse step up and offer opportunities through the Kickstart Scheme as we have greater demand for it here.
“We as a Partnership will ourselves commit to do this, because we need to see the young unemployed getting experience in leading capabilities like energy, health innovation, advanced manufacturing and digital as well as creative industries that have secure longer-term prospects.
“There is still a need for a patient capital fund for Northern businesses to grow, and more local investment capabilities for our Metro Mayors to draw on.
“We will be steadfast on both those fronts alongside accelerating major infrastructure investment – such as HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail – in the impending Autumn spending review, because we need an economic stimulus that supports a transition to a fundamentally more-productive economy.”
Chief Executive of Transport for the North, Barry White, also welcomed greater detail on previously announced infrastructure investment proposals:
“The Chancellor’s update today is welcome news, demonstrating the Government’s will to create jobs and support economic recovery.
“The commitments to creating green jobs and supporting young workers into skilled roles are particularly essential to ensure the UK bounces back in a sustainable way. Transport and other infrastructure projects will play a vital role in making that a reality.
“We welcome the Government’s ongoing commitment to levelling up and continue to stress the need for confirmed funding for a Northern Infrastructure Pipeline of road and rail projects, including the delivery of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail in full. It is vital that the Spending Review and National Infrastructure Strategy later this year set out a sustained pipeline of investment to breathe life into our Northern economy and form the bedrock of job creation, closing the productivity gap.”
COMMUNITY:
Personal information charter
We need to handle personal data about you as part of our regulatory activities and so we can provide services for you – updated Personal Data Protection policy and Appropriate Policy documents added.
COVID-19: guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic
Guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated to reflect changes regarding overnight stays, instructions for testing and holding post-funeral rituals.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – added local lockdowns guidance link to guidance for households with grandparents, parents and children living together where someone is at increased risk or has possible or confirmed coronavirus infection.
Impact of COVID-19 on working household incomes: distributional analysis as of May 2020
This document sets out the estimated distributional impacts of COVID-19 on working households’ incomes, as of the end of May 2020, according to emerging household survey data.
Deaths of homeless people involving COVID-19, England and Wales: deaths registered up to 26 June 2020
Deaths of homeless people that involved the coronavirus (COVID-19) registered in England and Wales between 26 March and 26 June 2020.
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 10 July 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 2 July to 5 July 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
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 advice on 9 July 2020.
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship during the pandemic
This guidance is designed to enable the safe reopening of places of worship for a broader range of activities – updated section on singing, chanting and the use of musical instruments.
CONSTRUCTION:
House builders returning to full productivity on site
Leading house builders Vistry and Persimmon are returning to full site productivity as sales rates return to normal levels and prices stabilise. Both firms issued upbeat first-half trading statements this morning reporting a recovery in the market over the last eight weeks.
Digital exclusion causes loneliness – we must act
Rates of loneliness in the UK have grown from 10% pre-lockdown, to 24% in the weeks that followed. As our world becomes more digital there are a rising number of people who remain unconnected and left behind
EDUCATION:
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Guidance for further education (FE) providers on maintaining education and skills training, changes to funding arrangements, data collections and assessment – updated guidance on what FE colleges and providers will need to do from the start of the 2020 autumn term to confirm that from 13 July, providers can welcome back priority 19+ learners.
Local lockdowns: guidance for education and childcare settings
What schools, colleges, nurseries, childminders, early years and other educational settings need to do if there’s a local lockdown during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – update confirms the circumstances in which holiday, after school clubs, and other out of school settings, can operate in Leicester, and the affected surrounding areas, during the lockdown period.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): reducing burdens on educational and care settings
List of data collections, services or requests which will be cancelled, paused or will continue – moved ‘ITT Trainee Number Census’ from deferred collections and services to data collections which will continue.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Chancellor introduces the Job Retention Bonus.
This is a one-off payment of £1,000 to employers that have used the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for each furloughed employee who remains continuously employed until 31??? ?January 2021. The bonus will provide additional support to retain employees. To be eligible, employees will need to:
- earn at least £520 per month (above the Lower Earnings Limit) on average for November, December and January
- have been furloughed by you at any point and legitimately claimed for under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
- have been continuously employed by you up until at least 31??? ?January 2021.
Employers will be able to claim the bonus from February 2021 once accurate RTI data to 31??? ?January has been received. More information about this scheme will be available by 31??? ?July and full guidance will be published in the Autumn.
Defer your Self Assessment payment on account due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Choose how and when you can delay making your second payment on account for the 2019 to 2020 tax year – more information about the July 2020 payment on account deferment has been added.
Competition law exclusion orders relating to coronavirus (COVID-19)
A register of agreements relating to exclusion orders made by powers under paragraph 7 of Schedule 3 to The Competition Act 1998.
Closing certain businesses and venues in England
Guidance on the closure of certain businesses and venues as part of further social distancing measures, and on the further easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions from 11 and 13 July 2020 – updated to include easing of restrictions applying from 11 and 13 July
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure –
Performing arts – Performing arts guide added.
Coronavirus: driving tests (England)
Car driving tests will restart in England on 22 July 2020 with safety precautions in place – other types of tests will restart before then – updated the section about coming for your test to explain that the driving test centre waiting room will be closed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, but the toilets will be available on request.
Forestry Commission operational update: coronavirus
This update provides details on the Forestry Commission’s working practices during the coronavirus outbreak – update to our operational guidelines for Coronavirus.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice on COVID-19 virus testing for critical workers and their household members who are self-isolating because they’re showing symptoms. In the privacy information and quick read: changed “if it is confirmed that that you contracted COVID-19 from a work-related exposure your employer is obliged to report this to the Health and Safety Executive” to “if there is reasonable evidence that you contracted COVID-19 from a work-related exposure your employer is obliged to report this to the Health and Safety Executive”. Added “contacting you (if you test positive) as part of the government contact tracing programme” and “sharing your coronavirus test result with your local hospital, if you are booked in for elective surgery” to the lists of purposes your data and information will be used for. In the privacy information, updated NHS Digital’s role under ‘List of data controllers and data processors’ and in Annex 2. Updated Deloitte’s role in Annex 2.
Updates on CJRS scheme – Key dates on the CJRS scheme that might affect you:
Claiming for employees furloughed on or before 30??? ?June:
You need to claim by 31??? ?July for employees furloughed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for periods ending on or before 30??? ?June.
Get ready for changes from 1??? ?August:
You will no longer be able to use a CJRS grant to cover National Insurance (NI) and pension contributions for furloughed employees from 1??? ?August. You can submit your August claim in advance, from 20?????? ?July.
Working out your claims:
You can use our online examples and calculator to help you work out what you can claim, for claims ending on or before 31??? ?July. From 10??? ?July you will also be able to use these to help you work out claims ending on or before 31??? ?August. Search for ‘calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’ on GOV??????.UK.
Made a mistake on your claim?
You can now delete a claim online within 72 hours of submitting it. Search ‘claim for wages through Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’ on GOV???.UK.
Coronavirus support for business from outside government
Public bodies, organisations and charities have produced additional resources that may be useful to employers and employees – added details about free recovery advice for businesses delivered by Enterprise Nation.
DCMS Economic Estimates: Ad-hoc statistical releases
This page lists links to ad hoc statistical analyses on Economic Estimates that have not been included in our standard publications.
Published new estimates of number of businesses and GVA by annual turnover in DCMS sectprs, 2018
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 9 July 2020
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society, including online price changes data. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
The Sustainable Innovation Fund: round 1 (temporary framework). Deadline: 29th July 2020
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £55 million for new projects focusing on sustainable economic recovery from COVID-19. For more information click here.
The Sustainable Innovation Fund: SBRI phase 1. Deadline: 5 August 2020.
Organisations can apply for a share of up to £10 million, including VAT, to help UK businesses and the public sector recover from COVID-19 in a sustainable manner. For more information click here.
HEALTH, HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – added link to local lockdowns guidance.
The impact of COVID19 on Caring
This article explores who has been caring during the COVID-19 Pandemic and how caring responsibilities and accessibility to care has changed since lockdown. Furthermore, the article discusses the impact of these changes on both the carer and those in receipt of care.
COVID-19: potentially infectious people
How public health officers apply Schedule 21 to the Coronavirus Act 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
NHS test and trace statistics (England): methodology
The methodology document has been updated to reflect the changes in the methodology for calculating the time taken to receive a COVID-19 test result from time of test for home testing kits. More details about pillar 1 test turnaround times and the reasoning behind the percentage of people testing positive being removed from the publication has also been added.
Number of people tested for coronavirus (England): 30 January to 27 May 2020
Historic data for the number of people tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) from 30 January to 27 May 2020, before the launch of NHS test and trace.
Space Agency backs space-enabled drones to deliver Covid-19 testing kits
Drones delivering COVID-19 test kits and technology using space data to support vulnerable people are among the projects backed by new UK Space Agency funding.
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 – ‘For patients, the public and professional users: a guide to COVID-19 tests and testing kits’ to make it clearer how the different types of tests work, and who can use them.
NHS test and trace statistics (England): 25 June to 1 July 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 5 of NHS test and trace contact tracing in England.
Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives – updated to reflect changes to guidance.
HOSPITALITY:
Register your establishment for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Find out how to register your restaurant or establishment for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
Get more information about the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Get more help with registration, eligibility and how to offer the discount for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
Treasury Direction made under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020: Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
The Chancellor has made a Treasury Direction in relation to the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure – restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services – Guidance added on entertainment permitted in venues (section 4.5) and fire risk assessments for repurposed spaces (section 4.8).
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-outlines-support-for-pubs-cafes-and-restaurants
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS weekly management information during coronavirus – March to June 2020
The weekly management information used by HMCTS for understanding workload volumes and timeliness at a national level during coronavirus (COVID-19), March 2020 to June 2020.
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page holds a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak. Tracker updated to show all probate offices are open.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and prisons
This page provides guidance for families and friends of those in prison in England and Wales during the coronavirus pandemic – update to information on prison visits
How to join telephone and video hearings during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Use this guide if you’ve been asked to join a hearing by telephone or video using BT MeetMe, Skype for Business or Cloud Video Platform (CVP) during the coronavirus outbreak
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Reopening High Streets Safely Fund guidance
Guidance to help local authorities and partners to deliver activities supported through the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund – FAQ for the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund has been updated to reflect latest positions and developments.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Local authority Emergency Assistance Grant for Food and Essential Supplies
Guidance for local authorities on how to use your allocation of the Local Authority Emergency Assistance Grant for Food and Essential Supplies
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice to local authorities on prioritising waste collections
A guide to help waste collectors prioritise their collection services during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes managing household waste recycling centres – updated with guidelines on social distancing.
PROPERTY:
Build to Rent tipped for long-term success despite dip in 2020
Property consultancy CBRE claims that Build To Rent is likely to be the most resilient sector of the UK property industry in the coming years – and this is despite a downturn in 2020. CBRE has tracked investment into BTR since the sector emerged in 2015.
After a strong start to the year, with over £1 billion of investment in new projects in the first quarter of this year, it has joined all other sectors of the property industry in seeing a major downturn in the second quarter. Even so, CBRE says some schemes are moving forward. The consultancy says there is a substantial investment pipeline with just over £1.4bn worth of deals currently under offer. This is broadly equivalent to the investment pipeline at the end of 2019, which then translated into £1 billion of investment in Q1 2020.
RETAIL:
Wagamama owner reveals 10 per cent of restaurants won’t reopen before 2021
A UK restaurant chain owner has announced that 40 of its venues are “not expected” to reopen this year. The Restaurant Group, which owns chains including Wagamama and Frankie & Benny’s, outlined its plans to reopen its 400 restaurants, saying that 10 per cent won’t open this calendar year. This comes after the announcement that it will likely be closing more than 100 restaurants across the country, affecting 3,000 jobs.
Six agency branches are being closed as a result of a partnership between franchise giant Belvoir and the Nottingham Building Society.
Under the new agreement, the vast majority of The Nottingham’s estate agency and lettings activity will transfer over to the Belvoir Group, with The Nottingham ceasing trading for new estate agency and lettings operations at the end of August.
“This will regrettably result in the closure of three standalone estate agency branches and three combined building society and estate agency branches which are more focused on estate agency at the end of July, as well as impacting a number of field based and central support roles” says a statement issued this morning by the building society.
Beauty salons set to reopen for some services next week under new government guidelines
Businesses including beauty salons, nail bars and tattoo studios can reopen safely from Monday 13 July.
SPORT:
Meeting people from outside your household
How you can see people that you do not live with while protecting yourself and others from coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated guidance for team sport
COVID-19: Guidance for managing playgrounds and outdoor gyms
Guidance for owners and operators of playgrounds and outdoor gyms to enable their use while minimising the transmission risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) – added link to Department for Culture, Media and Sport guidance for the providers of grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities to help them prepare ahead of reopening.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation
Guidance for the public, providers of outdoor sport facilities, elite athletes, personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation – added the Return to recreational team sport framework and added a link to guidance for providers of grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure.
Providers of grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities – Providers of grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities guide added.
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
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, published every Wednesday.
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 – added Pearson Test of English to the list of English Testing Centres.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): cruise ship travel
Guidance for British people about cruise ship holidays during the coronavirus pandemic – updated advice against cruise travel following the changes to the global advisory against non-essential travel
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries and territories from where you can return to England and may not have to self-isolate – arrivals from Serbia to England removed from the exempt list.
CMA open letter to all package holiday businesses
The CMA has published an open letter to all businesses involved in organising package holidays for UK consumers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): countries and territories exempt from advice against ‘all but essential’ international travel
The FCO updated its global advisory against ‘all but essential’ travel, exempting destinations that no longer pose an unacceptably high risk for British travellers.
Useful Links:
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
Cheshire East Council – Discretionary Fund
Businesses that have been unable to access other forms of Covid-19 support can apply for grants from a £4.68 million fund.
http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covidDGS
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.
Cheshire East Council – Business rates grants
https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/business/business_rates/business-rates-relief/coronavirus-covid-19-help-for-business-rates-customers.aspx
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