July 1st – Coronavirus News Updates:

Latest UK data:

Total tests: 9,426,631 tests + 133,467 on previous day

Positive tests: 312,654 have tested positive + 689 in last 24 hours

Loss of life: 43,730 across all settings, + 155 on previous day

UK HEADLINES:

Changes to the Job retention scheme
From today, millions of furloughed workers can start returning to their jobs part-time. The Government will continue to pay 80% of their wages for now, but it’s the first step towards winding down the Government’s furlough scheme, due to end in October. Read more at the BBC

Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is changing – information box updated to say you can now submit claims for periods starting on or after 1 July.

Stricter lockdown measures have been announced for Leicester after Covid-19 cases have risen in the city.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced yesterday evening that the city of Leicester would return to lockdown after an increase in the number of cases where between 6 and 10 people are being admitted to hospital every day, accounting for 10% of all UK hospital admissions. Non-essential shops will shut on Tuesday and, due to the high number of incidents occurring among children, schools will close for most pupils on Thursday. The loosening of restrictions for pubs and restaurants will also not be taking place in the city on Saturday. Mr Hancock told the House of Commons “ We recommend to people in Leicester, stay at home as much as you can, and we recommend against all but essential travel to, from and within Leicester.” Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning, Mr Hancock said the number of positive coronavirus cases in Leicester were “three times higher than the next highest city”. He said the decision to close non-essential retail was based on clinical advice. Five Leicester schools have closed since the beginning of June because of a number of coronavirus cases. The tightening of lockdown measures in Leicester will also apply to suburbs of the city, such as Oadby, Birstall and Glenfield.

In Leicester, it will be similar to going back to the UK-wide lockdown introduced at the end of March.
Residents will have to stay at home as much as they can, while people in other parts of England will have more freedom.

Non-essential businesses have to shut again
Schools will be closed for all but children of “critical workers” and those classed as vulnerable
Local Covid-19 testing will be stepped up

The reopening of pubs and restaurants, and the relaxation of social distancing across England on 4 July to “one metre plus”, will not apply.
Non-essential travel to, from and within Leicester should be avoided, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said. But a future lockdown in another place might not be so tough. It will depend on the nature of the coronavirus spike.

Boris clears planning red tape on change of use to housing
Boris Johnson is sweeping in radical reforms to the planning system to allow vacant buildings in town centres to be converted to housing. Under the new rules, existing commercial properties, including newly vacant shops, can be converted into residential housing more easily, in a move to kick start the construction industry and speed up rebuilding. He also said the government will launch a planning Policy Paper in July setting out comprehensive reforms to England’s seven-decade old planning system to introduce a new approach that works better for our modern economy and society. The changes which are due to come into force from September will allow a wider range of commercial buildings to change to residential use without the need for a planning application.

Government unveils £200 million package to help innovative businesses bounce back
The Sustainable Innovation Fund will help companies recovering from the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) keep their cutting-edge projects and ideas alive. Funding totalling almost £200 million could go towards developing new technologies focused on making homes and offices more energy efficient to cut bills, creating ground-breaking medical technologies to treat infections and diseases, or reducing the carbon footprint of public transport in our towns and cities.

Government announces £1billion fund for schools rebuilding projects
A new school rebuilding programme will see 50 projects split £1 billion in funding next year, the government has announced. The funding, for projects due to start from September 2021, will form part of a “ten-year school rebuilding programme”. However further information about the level of funding for the scheme will not be confirmed until the next spending review, leading to accusations the announcement is “spin over substance”. The government has only said the new scheme would target schools in the worst condition – including “substantial investment” in the north and Midlands. Rebuilds will also be “greener” and focus on “modern construction methods to create highly-skilled jobs and boost the construction sector”, the government pledged. Details of the projects splitting the £1 billion will be confirmed in the autumn. Meanwhile, ministers have also announced that an additional £560 million will be spent on repairs and upgrades to schools this year, on top of £1.4 billion already allocated.

UK hardest hit among leading G7 nations

The UK was the hardest hit of all the G7 major industrialised nations in the weeks leading up to early June, according to BBC analysis of the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Analysis also showed that England fared the worst in Europe, just above Spain. The research compared 11-week periods for each nation as the virus hit its peak in each country.

Prime Minister insists ‘cash is there’ for post-virus recovery

“The cash is there” for long-term investment to help the UK recover from the economic impact of coronavirus, according to Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Speaking while touring a school construction site, the PM promised “an activist approach to the economy”.

Weddings in England are back – but whisper it

The government has published new guidance on weddings in England, allowing ceremonies of up to 30 people – but couples will have to say their vows quietly. Among the rules is a ban on singing and having to wash hands before the exchange of rings while gatherings are limited to 30 people.

County cricket gets a start date
The 2020 county cricket season will begin on 1 August, the England and Wales Cricket Board has confirmed. Final approval of the formats will come next month and discussion about the women’s domestic game is ongoing.

Mandatory MOTs for vehicles to be reintroduced from 1 August

Drivers have been allowed to delay the test for six months due to the coronavirus pandemic, but there are growing concerns about road safety. Roads Minister Baroness Vere said MOTs would be key as restrictions were eased and more people returned to the roads: “Garages across the country are open and I urge drivers who are due for their MOT to book a test,” she said.

In normal circumstances, vehicles must have an MOT on the third anniversary of their registration, and then every 12 months. A number of vehicle parts are checked to ensure they meet safety standards.

Pavement licences: draft guidance
Draft guidance to accompany pavement licensing proposals introduced in the Business and Planning Bill.

Answers to the most common topics asked about by the public for the coronavirus press conference

Coronavirus press conferences quality and methodology information report
Quality and methodology information for data slides presented at the coronavirus press conferences.

Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences

Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk level in the UK.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

Financial impact of Covid-19 revealed as Cheshire East calls on government to ‘cover full costs’
Cheshire East Council has revealed the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and has renewed its call for central government to cover the costs. A report to the borough’s cabinet outlines the council faces additional cost pressures of £70 million this year due to the coronavirus, £10 million more than originally predicted.

Trafford Centre owners in administration
Following several warnings last week, administrators have officially been appointed to Intu, owners of the Trafford Centre and operators of a further 16 sites across the UK. Intu directly employs 2,373 staff and welcomes about 400 million visitors a year. Each of the shopping centres is owned individually by special purpose vehicles, which are outside of any insolvency process and continue to trade as normal under the control of their directors. Jim Tucker, David Pike and Mike Pink from KPMG’s restructuring practice have been appointed joint administrators to Intu Properties plc, in addition to eight Topco subsidiaries. All of the shopping centres will remain open and operational while the joint administrators assess options for the business and assets of the group. Intu has a portfolio nominally valued at £6.6billion but it has been brought down by its complex £4.5billion debt.

Andy Burnham calls on Government: ‘don’t leave the North behind’

A recent poll shows that just 6% of those asked want things to return to as they were pre-Covid-19. Community groups are calling for a recovery plan that creates a stronger, fairer and greener future and take in the whole of the UK. But in the North things aren’t changing fast enough, according to Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham.

Following the Government’s announcement of a £200m Sustainable Innovation Fund and the £1billion schools rebuilding scheme, speaking on Sky News earlier today, Andy said the region is still waiting for funds to be announced citing ‘promises but little delivery’: “we can’t regenerate the North through building projects alone. The North has been hit harder due to the number of people on zero hours contracts, poor quality housing and deep structural issues.” Read more

Wednesday 15^th July: Northern Powerhouse Education, Employment and Skills Summit (NPEESS2020)

The summit will provide an early opportunity to kick start the debate on what the North needs to do to reboot, rebuild, recover and rebalance.

NPEESS2020 brings together policy makers and influencers to look at the impact on education, employment and skills and discuss what the North needs to do to unlock opportunities, deliver growth, boost prosperity and rebalance the economy. Looking ahead to the new normal, what jobs and skills will we need to reboot the labour market and get people back into work? Make sure you are part of this important and timely debate on the future of the North. Join the high-level panel discussions and Q&A, followed by a Mini Summit to be part of the solution to the North’s challenges.

COMMUNITY:

COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
This guidance is designed to assist people planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England.

COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of places of worship from 4 July
This guidance is designed to assist places of worship to prepare to open for a broader range of activities on 4 July.

COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
Guidance for those managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities on safely re-opening multi-purpose buildings.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): letter to councils on the re-opening of public toilets and tips
Letter to councils on the re-opening of public toilets and tips.

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 to clarify information for those in the UK whose visa will expire after 31 July 2020 but need to urgently make a new application.

Domestic abuse: get help during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse – added more specific information about how to get help during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

YouGov/CO COVID-19 Public Attitude Research, 18 March 2020
Paper prepared by YouGov and the Cabinet Office.

COVID-19 immunology research: What do we know and what are the research priorities, 1 May 2020
Paper prepared by academics on what we know on COVID-19 immunology research and what the research priorities are.

CONSTRUCTION:

Boris new deal injects £5billion to speed-up infrastructure
His new deal includes £1.5bn for hospital maintenance, eradicating mental health dormitories, enabling hospital building and improving A&E capacity. £100m for 29 road projects and £10m for development work to unblock Manchester’s rail bottleneck, all beginning later this year.

Project Speed Plan set to accelerate infrastructure projects and rebuild the economy
Boris Johnson will unveil a new taskforce, chaired by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, that will be charged with accelerating the modernisation of schools, hospitals, road and rail infrastructure. His programme will rely on motoring ahead with the Conservative infrastructure election pledge to invest £250bn and get projects finished ahead of time by removing bottlenecks. This includes 40 upgraded and new hospitals, four new prisons costing £2.4bn, stepping up the school modernisation programme and green lighting fast delivery of the £25bn roads programme. Northern Power Rail is expected to crank up a gear with £40bn of spending.

Conversely, the announcement will intensify fears among general contractors that they are being forgotten. One construction director said: “We work mainly in the commercial sector and nothing is happening in terms of a bounce back. All the talk is about infrastructure spending and that was a sector which wasn’t hit so badly in terms of shutting down sites.”

Government to protect UK research jobs with major support package
Two support packages will give greater job protection to thousands of researchers, scientists and technicians working at UK universities during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Kier eyes rights issue as debt rises to £440m
This morning chief executive Andrew Davies said the reduction in revenue due to Covid-19 had resulted in a lower-level of working capital inflow taking forecast average month-end net debt for the year to £440m. This is up from the monthly average of £395m at the end of the first half in December before Covid-19 hit and means that second-half debt could be as high as £485m. In a year-end trading statement this morning he said: “Before COVID-19, the group had made good progress in implementing a number of measures to reduce its net debt and strengthen its balance sheet. “As a result of COVID-19, over the next 12-18 months, further actions will be taken, including: continuing to implement a range of self-help measures, driving a further increase in the group’s operating cashflows, continuing the process to sell Living and a potential equity issue.”

EDUCATION:

Universities Minister calls for true social mobility
Speaking to the NEON summit on widening access and mobility, Universities Minister Michelle Donelan, outlines a new approach to social mobility.

Support for university research and innovation during coronavirus (COVID-19)
The UK’s research work plays a vital role in our economic prosperity but is at risk from a range of income losses as a result of coronavirus.

Student number controls
The measures to protect students and universities during the coronavirus outbreak, including temporary student number controls and additional places – updated details on how to apply for places – applications for nursing, midwifery and allied healthcare have been extended until 17 July 2020 and applications for initial teacher training (ITT) and courses of strategic importance have now closed.

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 – updated the current status of data collections and services – full changes for this update are listed in the summary section of the document.

TFC: Comments on sequencing of social distancing measures (schools), 20 May 2020
Paper prepared by the Children’s Task and Finish Group (TFC) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

Get technology support for children and schools during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for local authorities, academy trusts and schools on how to get digital devices, internet access and support to provide remote education and access to children’s social care during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated with various clarifications, including emphasising that devices are for education and social care, adding information on protecting children and young people online, and linking to guidance on loaning or gifting devices.

Evaluation Sub Group: Note on the Joint Biosecurity Centre, 20 May 2020
Paper prepared by the Evaluation Sub Group for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

COVID-19: Guidance for managing playgrounds and outdoor gyms
Guidance for owners and operators of playgrounds and outdoor gyms to enable their use from 4 July while minimising the transmission risk of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Consultation on an additional GCSE, AS and A level exam series in autumn 2020
Proposals for an additional exam series in autumn 2020 in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: consultation decisions and analysis of responses documents added to page.

Consultation on statutory guidance in relation to the GQCovid regulatory framework
Proposals on statutory guidance in relation to the GQCovid regulatory framework.

Ofqual publishes more details on appeals and confirms autumn exam arrangements
Our consultation on draft statutory guidance on exam boards’ arrangements for appeals this summer and decisions on GCSE, AS and A level autumn exams.

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 to 25 June 2020’.

Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March to 25 June 2020
A summary of attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April.

Changes to the law on education, health and care needs assessments and plans due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance on temporary changes to special educational needs and disability legislation during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – guidance updated to reflect the issue by the Secretary of State of a further notice, relating to the month of July 2020.

Modification notice: school registration legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues a third notice to modify pupil registration requirements when providing education on a temporary basis during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added a third notice for July 2020.

Disapplication notice: school attendance legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues a third notice to disapply offences for non-attendance in schools during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added a third notice covering July 2020.

Modification notice: education, health and care plans legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues a third notice to modify the duty relating to education, health and care (EHC) plans during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Disapplication notice: school inspections legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues a third notice about changes to state-funded school inspections requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:

Lots of updates to the Job Retention / Furlough scheme with some changes effective as of today, 1^st July, including bringing a furloughed employee back to work on part-time hours.

Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is changing – information box updated to say you can now submit claims for periods starting on or after 1 July.

Major changes to insolvency law come into force
The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act has received Royal Assent and came into force on 26 June 2020.

Guide to help financial industry address climate-related financial risks
Today the Climate Financial Risk Forum (CFRF) has published a guide written by industry for industry to help firms approach and address climate-related financial risks. The guide, the first of its kind, provides practical recommendations to firms of all sizes on disclosure of climate-related financial risks; effective risk management; scenario analysis, and opportunities for innovation in the interest of consumers. The CFRF was jointly established in March 2019 by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), reflecting the importance of climate change to their respective strategic objectives. Its aim is to build capacity and share best practice across financial regulators and industry to advance the sector’s responses to the financial risks from climate change. Membership is drawn from a wide range of industry participants, to ensure the perspective of a broad range of firms is represented. The objective of the guide is to help firms understand the risks that arise from climate change, and to provide support on how to integrate these risks into their strategy and decision-making processes. Each chapter within the guide provides practical tools, experience, knowledge and case studies, which firms can use as they develop their strategies, processes and approaches. The key areas can be found here

HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and the VAT payments deferral scheme – updated data (up to end of Sunday 28 June) for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and published updated data for the VAT payments deferral scheme (for the filing and payment due date of 7 June).

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 new figures for: CBILS, CLBILS, BBLS, Future Fund.

More firms can now benefit from the Future Fund
More start-ups and innovative firms will be able to apply for investment from the government’s Future Fund from Tuesday 30 June.

Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill receives royal assent
New measures will help to relieve the burden on businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – measures came into effect on Saturday 27 June with secondary legislation, more guidance for private companies and other company types will be published in due course.

Managing infection risk in high contact occupations, 11 June 2020
Two papers on reducing transmission in high connectivity occupations.

Coronavirus guidance for Companies House customers, employees and suppliers
The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 came into effect on 26 June 2020. Companies and other types of business registered at Companies House will get more time to file accounts. Link added to guidance.

Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill receives royal assent
New measures will help to relieve the burden on businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020
How the measures introduced by the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act will affect your filings at Companies House.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): support for UK businesses that trade internationally
Guidance for UK businesses trading internationally – updated as you no longer need to apply for an export licence to export personal protective equipment (PPE).

Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus – a new YouTube video has been added about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, including flexible furloughing.

COVID-19: guidance for food businesses
Advice for food businesses in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK – updated guidance to include new section on prevention of infection and revised section on management of outbreaks including contact details for health protection teams.

Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 23 June 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a statement at the coronavirus press conference on 23 June 2020.

ENVIRONMENT:

Coronavirus: Environment Agency update
The Environment Agency’s priority is to protect people and the environment, and to support those we regulate during the coronavirus pandemic – section on waterways updated and new section added for restarting private sewage treatment plants.

Environment Agency waterways: Coronavirus (Covid-19) update
Guidance for users of all Environment Agency waterways, including the River Thames, Anglian waterways and the Upper Medway Navigation – Environment Agency waterways: coronavirus (Covid-19) update 25 June 2020 added.

HEALTH, HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:

Insufficient evidence for vitamin D preventing or treating ARTIs
NICE and SACN have reviewed available evidence on vitamin D and the risk of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) and COVID-19.

Coronavirus and shielding of clinically extremely vulnerable people in England: 9 June to 18 June 202
Information about individuals that are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable to coronavirus in England. How has their health condition, healthcare and mental health changed since being advised to shield? Are they, and those they live with, following guidance and what support is helping, or is needed, to help shield?

PPE portal: how to order emergency personal protective equipment
Healthcare providers can order additional personal protective equipment (PPE) through the portal to top up their existing supplies for COVID-19 in an emergency.

Shielding update: letter to patients, 22 June 2020
Translations and accessible formats of a letter from the government sent to patients who are shielding.

Green light for COVID-19 trial recruitment
The MHRA has approved the recruitment of further participants for a clinical trial by the University of Oxford

Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine not licensed for coronavirus (COVID-19) treatment
Recent media reports have suggested that chloroquine can protect patients from coronavirus or treat COVID-19, the illness caused by a coronavirus.
Box on MHRA suspends recruitment to COVID-19 hydroxychloroquine trials deleted, as our guidelines have changed.

Prime Minister’s virtual summit on Hidden Harms
The Prime Minister led a virtual summit on Hidden Harms.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): scientific evidence supporting the UK government response
The national and global response to the spread of COVID-19 continues to develop quickly and our collective knowledge of the virus is growing by the second – updated the list of evidence provided to SAGE with 31 new papers.

CO-CIN case fatality in hospitalised patients, 11 June 2020
Paper prepared by academics.

SAGE 39 minutes: Coronavirus (COVID-19) response, 28 May 2020
Record of the discussion that took place at SAGE’s thirty-ninth meeting.

HDR UK: COVID-19 Health Data Research: Weekly update, 9 June 2020
Update paper by Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) on COVID-19.

NERVTAG: Viral dynamics of infectiousness, 3 June 2020
Paper prepared by the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG).

Dstl release research on stability of COVID-19 in the air
Dstl research on the stability of the COVID-19 virus in the air also supports the scientific advice provided to the Government on COVID-19 control measures

COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.

PPE deliveries (England): 22 June to 28 June 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.

PPE deliveries statistics (England): weekly reports
Experimental statistics about PPE (personal protective equipment) deliveries and related documents.

MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
We are producing guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added link to page on ‘Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic’, in the ‘Medical devices’ section.

Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA

Regulatory status of equipment being used to help prevent coronavirus (COVID-19)
There are different regulations which apply to devices and equipment including hand gels and PPE (personal protective equipment) – added explanations about the regulations around face coverings.

HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:

Cineworld push back reopening to end of July
UK cinema operator Cineworld has delayed its plans to reopen until the end of July rather than on 10^th July as previously planned due to the rescheduling of upcoming movie releases.

£100m funding boost for England’s zoos and aquariums
Animal Welfare Minister Lord Goldsmith announced this weekend that a new £100m fund will be made available to zoos and aquariums to support them throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Establishments covered by the Zoo Licensing Act, which have been able to reopen from June 15, will be able to bid for a portion of the £100m that has been made available.

Virtual Events remain for now; greater flexibility of events to be offered in future
Our top priority is supporting the nation’s economic recovery by moving casework forward as much as possible and ensuring customers continue to receive a service that is fair, open and impartial, and in a timely way.

INVESTORS:

Reacting to the Covid-19 crisis – what should I be investing in?
“There are two factors which I thinks affect things: Firstly, the government is pushing out a lot of money. For people who have built up funds from not spending during lockdown they may have more money to put into property. Add that to the fact that transactions were on hold, leading to pent-up demand (buyers buying at a later point in time via postponing sales), we could have a bubble on the way. Secondly …

IT & TECHNOLOGY:

Laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers progress data
Information about how many laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers we have delivered or dispatched to local authorities and academy trusts – updated to show latest figures up to 30 June 2020.

Genuine HMRC contact and recognising phishing emails and texts
Find out how to recognise when contact from HMRC is genuine, and how to recognise phishing or bogus emails and text messages.
The following sections have been updated 1.2 Goverment support for self-employed people affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) – survey results and 3.5 Tax credits – SMS campaign.

JUDICIARY:

Video enabled criminal hearings: guidance for defence practitioners
Guidance for defence practitioners when participating in video enabled criminal hearings – overview and defence practitioner’s responsibilities updated.

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 – update for week commencing Monday 29 June 2020 published

Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page holds a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak – updated tracker published.

LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS:

Coronavirus grant funding: local authority payments to small and medium businesses
Local authorities have received and distributed funding to support small and medium businesses in England during coronavirus.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added: COVID-19: Guidance for managing playgrounds and outdoor gyms.

COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of council buildings
Guidance for those managing council buildings.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services
Advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) for local authorities and their partners to help support and protect vulnerable children – updated this guidance to clarify that all primary and most secondary legislation remains unchanged and that we have made temporary and time-limited amendments to secondary legislation. We have added content on missing children, testing, technology initiatives and social care services for disabled children and young people and their families. We have also revised the sections on court, fostering and adoption to provide further information.

MANUFACTURING:

Destroying spoilt beer, cider, wine or made-wine during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out about temporary changes to the destruction of spoilt beer, cider, wine or made-wine if you’re a brewer, cider producer, wine maker or publican – additional guidance has been added for publicans destroying spoilt beer.

1,700 Airbus jobs have been placed at risk in the UK
as part of the aerospace giant’s plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 15,000 in response to the fall-out from the coronavirus crisis. The cuts are expected to take effect by no later than summer 2021 and has started a consultation process with its social partners with a view to reaching agreements for implementation starting in autumn 2020. Airbus said commercial aircraft business activity had dropped by close to 40 per cent in recent months as the industry faces an unprecedented crisis. Commercial aircraft production rates have been adapted accordingly. With traffic not expected to recover to pre-Covid levels before 2023 and potentially as late as 2025, Airbus is taking steps to reflect the post Covid-19 industry outlook. Airbus has commercial aircraft operations in Broughton and Filton.
Read more

MEDIA & MARKETING:

Newsquest to make redundancies following ‘very heavy declines’
Newsquest, publishers of 160 titles including the Northern Echo and Carlisle News is planning to make redundancies as the business declared it was unable to support current staffing levels. In March a number of staff were put on furlough while those on a salary of more than £18,000 took a 15% wage cut

PROPERTY:

New-build market bouncing back quicker than second-hand market
Buyer demand for new-build property has bounced back 66 per cent in the six weeks since the resumption of the housing market according to research from Zoopla. The portal says this recovery is a continuation of the upsurge in demand recorded at the start of 2020 – following the December General Election – when the property market recorded its strongest start to a new year since 2016. While resale properties have also registered a significant recovery in demand, the rebound is currently tracking at 46 per cent in the week to June 21. The recovery in demand for new homes follows a less significant fall in demand, compared to resale properties, in the immediate aftermath of the COVID lockdown and subsequent market suspension. In the week to April 5, demand for new homes had fallen by 53 per cent compared to a 71 per cent drop in demand for resale properties.

Call for down-sizing and second home buyers stamp duty cuts to kick-start economy
A leading property market commentator suggests that an urgent review of Stamp Duty Land Tax is needed to kickstart the UK economy following the Covid-19 pandemic. David Alexander, joint managing director of apropos, points to the latest HMRC transactions figures, which show 46,230 transactions took place in May, 52% lower than the one recorded during the same month in 2019. Alexander, who argues that the state of the housing market is an accurate indicator of the UK economy, says a review of stamp duty could strengthen the economy and push through more transactions. He specifically challenges the rate of tax on second properties, which can vary from 3%-4% depending on which part of the country you are in. “It is important to remember that not everybody who purchases a property is a multi-millionaire. For example, there are many people who have worked extremely hard and have an aspiration to buy a second property to supplement their pension, the additional tax can be very restrictive and is often a real deterrent.” He is also calling for the tax on people making their final property transaction – most likely to be downsizing – to be reduced.

North west housebuilder issue`s profit warning as Covid-19 hits results Housebuilder Redrow said the coronavirus pandemic has prevented it from reporting another year of record results, and warned profits will be “substantially below” last year’s levels.

In a trading update for the year ended June 28, this morning the group, based in Ewloe, near Chester, said the timing of site closures due to COVID-19 towards the end of March had a profound impact on its results in a year which was budgeted to be disproportionately weighted to the end of the second-half. Adapting to new ways of working also limited the number of homes that were completed in the last few weeks of the financial year after construction activities were able to resume.

Economist calls for immediate 20% rent reduction for tenants
Richard Murphy, a chartered accountant and political economist who works as Professor of Practice in International Political Economy at the University of London, writes on the website of the think tank Tax Research UK that such a statutory rent reduction would be “a minimum”. And he adds: “I’d also suggest rent roll up with liability due over a period eight times longer than the length of the period over which deferral takes place would also be appropriate. I would match this with a right to claim a mortgage payment holiday to match. Landlords could survive this. Their tenants cannot.” Earlier this year, as the Coronavirus outbreak became widespread in the UK, Murphy advocated rent-free periods for tenants and made it clear that he believed landlords could survive the costs.

RETAIL:

Food travel company to cut 5,000 UK jobs as 80 per cent of units remain closed
A food travel company has today announced that it will be cutting approximately 5,000 jobs in the UK as it reorganises after lockdown. SSP Group, which is headquartered in London, operates more than 2,800 branded eateries and retail units at airports and railway stations across the world, including Upper Crust and Ritazza. The company said that it expects only 20 per cent of its UK units to be open by autumn, and is restructuring to ensure that the business survives past the pandemic.

Footfall in England: COVID-19 and reopening of retail (video)

Here, Professor Cathy Parker, Research Lead for the Task Force, talks through footfall data provided by Task Force Partner Springboard, taken from the week following the reopening of non-essential retail (15 June). She asks:
Which towns and cities have seen the biggest footfall recovery? What does footfall tell us about how people are using places? And how far does the recovery have to go to return to pre-COVID-19 levels.
Watch the video

High Street Insights: June
This month’s collection of insights from the High Streets Task Force Professional Research and Data Group includes a detailed breakdown of footfall and consumer sentiment following the easing of the lockdown in England. Which places saw the biggest recovery and how will COVID-19 change the way we use high streets?
Read more

1,900 jobs saved as deal confirmed for Bensons for Beds
Zelf Hussain, joint administrator and PwC deals partner, said:
“The group had been facing increasingly challenging trading conditions in recent months, in particular the Harveys furniture business. This has resulted in cash flow pressures, exacerbated by the effects of coronavirus on the supply chain and customer sales. It has not been possible to secure further investment to continue to trade the group in its current form. Following our appointment, we immediately completed a sales process for certain business and assets of the group. This sale puts the ongoing business on a firmer financial footing in its restructured form as Bensons for Beds only model, whilst preserving 1,899 jobs. The purchasers will be working with the existing management team to continue to grow and develop the business.”

TRANSPORT:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations – social distancing guidance updated.

Making traffic regulation orders during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Assistance and clarifying information regarding the traffic orders procedure regulations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Mandatory MOT testing to be reintroduced from 1 August
Move will help ensure that vehicles are kept safe to drive.

Coronavirus: MOTs due from 30 March 2020
Your car, van or motorcycle’s MOT expiry date will be extended by 6 months if it’s due between 30 March 2020 and 31 July 2020 – added information that MOT extensions will only be applied for MOTs due between 30 March 2020 and 31 July 2020. Added information on what to do if your MOT is due on or after 1 August 2020.

TRAVEL & TOURISM:

Air industry hit by redundancies and sector call for support
More redundancies have been announced concerning many aspects of the air industry and associated businesses, from manufacturing and servicing at Airbus, from suppliers and from the tourism sector as planes remain grounded, airports are empty and job cuts are announced by more airlines.

easyJet to close three UK bases and cut thousands of jobs
The airline is proposing to close its bases at Stansted, Southend and Newcastle. All three would, however, remain part of its route network. easyJet said it had taken “decisive action” to reduce costs and non-critical expenditure “at every level” of the business, while securing cash headroom worth in excess of £2 billion, including a £600 million commercial loan from the government’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility. Balpa said it was “shocked” at the size of potential job losses, branding it an “excessive over-reaction”, but easyJet said it did not expect demand to recover to 2019 levels until 2023, citing projections from Iata.

Eurostar to launch flexible fares from restart
Passengers will be able to change their travel plans, for free, up to 14 days before departure. Flexible fares lead in from £39pp one-way and will be available until the end of the year, building on the flexibility offered to those with existing bookings. It comes as Eurostar prepares to restart Dutch services later this month, and Disneyland Paris services in August. From 9 July, Eurostar will resume London-Amsterdam and London-Rotterdam services from St Pancras, with fares from £40pp; alternative destinations accessible via short onward connections include Utrecht, The Hague, Haarlem and Delft.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) banned from the UK for six months over concerns about some of its pilots’ licences.

PIA serves Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham and now faces a ban after the European Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) – which the UK remains a member of until the end of this year – suspended its authorisation for the remainder of 2020. PIA confirmed:“Easa has temporarily suspended PIA’s authorisation to operate to the EU member states for a period of six months effective 1 July 2020 with the right to appeal against this decision.” Investigations will centre on 141 pilots whose credentials are suspect. Enquiries follow an accident last month when a PIA aircraft crashed on approach to Karachi, killing 97 onboard and a child on the ground. The aircraft had made a second attempt to land, but investigators concluded the crew had omitted to lower the landing gear.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – social distancing guidance updated.

British nationals stranded in Chile returned to the UK
People travelled from all over the country, including from Easter Island and towns 2,000 km away from Santiago, to take the charter flight.

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 to clarify that the reopening of VAC locations remains subject to local circumstances.

Greece extends ban on UK flights due to heightened risk of Covid-19
The ban was due to end on 1 July, but Greek officials have cited the continued high level of Covid-19 cases in the UK for its extension. Greece has registered fewer than 200 Covid-19 deaths compared with the UK’s 43,500 – the highest in Europe. Flights from Sweden have also been subject to an extended ban over Covid fears.

Greece was set to be included among those countries with an air bridge approved by the UK government, but Greek officials have now put the brakes on this.

The Greek government has said the situation will be “constantly evaluated”. Flights may be resumed after 15^th July but this has still to be confirmed.

Easing coronavirus health measures at the UK border
Exempting passengers from self-isolation requirements in certain circumstances on arrival in the UK.

Useful Links:

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 – 11^th 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:

Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries

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.