July 22nd – Coronavirus News Updates:

Latest UK data:

Total tests: 13,572,759 tests have been taken or mailed out + 150,716

Positive tests: 295,817 have tested positive + 445 in last 24 hours

Loss of life: 45,422 across all settings + 110

*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).

Deaths in the UK return to normal levels
While the fall in the number of new cases of coronavirus appears to have stalled, government-announced deaths have continued to drop since a peak mid-April, though the downward trend has slowed recently. On Monday, a further 11 deaths were reported. This is the joint lowest daily total since March.

Data from the ONS shows that fewer than one in 2,000 now has the virus as the slow decline in case numbers continues.

Excess mortality in England: weekly reports
Weekly excess mortality in England broken down by age, sex, region, ethnic group, level of deprivation, cause of death and place of death.

Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK

The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R number range for the UK is 0.7-0.9 and the growth rate range is -5% to -1% as of 17 July 2020.

UK HEADLINES:

Oxford vaccine triggers immune response
A coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford appears safe and triggers an immune response. Trials involving 1,077 people showed the injection led to them making antibodies and T-cells that can fight coronavirus.

The findings are hugely promising, but it is still too soon to know if this is enough to offer protection and larger trials are under way.
The UK has already ordered 100 million doses of the vaccine.

BCC: Businesses operating at 50% capacity
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) says almost half of UK firms have been unable to fully restart operations despite restrictions being eased. Its coronavirus impact tracker – billed as the largest business survey of its type – found that weak consumer demand and possible local lockdowns were seen as obstacles.

BBC: UK Sees spike in IT job advertisements as lockdown eases
The number of active job postings in the UK topped a million this week, according to the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC). In particular, there has been a significant surge over the last month in job ads for IT professionals.
Demand for web designers and developers skyrocketed 15.5%, compared to June. “We’ve seen two years of digital transformation happening in the space of two weeks,” TechUK’s deputy chief executive Antony Walker told the BBC. “A lot of business leaders we’ve been talking to, and survey data, shows that digital will be more important to their business, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.”

New plans to ensure pubs, restaurants and cafes offer both smoking and non-smoking outdoor options
People using pubs, restaurants and cafes will soon have greater freedom to choose non-smoking outdoor areas following an amendment tabled to legislation in Parliament. The Government will not ban outdoor smoking. Since the existing ban was introduced, businesses have invested heavily in their outdoor areas and banning outdoor smoking would lead to significant closures and job losses. However, today’s amendment will ensure that customers are given more choice by ensuring premises offer separate seating for smokers and non-smokers outside.
Laws already exist making it illegal to smoke in enclosed areas and business owners can already make their own non-smoking policies in places where food is served. This Government has taken great strides in reducing the harms caused by smoking and has committed to do so in the Prevention Green Paper.

Above inflation pay rise for key workers
Almost 900,000 public sector workers, including doctors, teachers and police officers, are to get an above-inflation pay rise. The chancellor said the workers made a “vital contribution” to the country, particularly during the pandemic, and it was right to reward them. But Labour said the rises would not make up for years of real-terms cuts, and economists note that once inflation is stripped out, average pay for public sector workers remains below 2010 levels.

Hermes delivers 10 thousand UK jobs with £100m expansion investment
A UK delivery company has announced that it is creating more than 10 thousand jobs as it invests £100m in its expansion. Hermes UK, which has offices in London and Yorkshire, has announced that it is looking for around 1,500 full time staff, as well as 9,000 self-employed couriers. The company said that it is making the £100m investment to meet the ‘huge’ demand created by people shopping from home during lockdown.

Next stages in the NHS Test and Trace plan
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock spoke about measures to increase testing and support the NHS this winter, and the latest vaccine developments.

How should competition policy react to coronavirus?
IPPR has today published a paper by CMA Chairman Andrew Tyrie, discussing how competition policy can contribute to a robust and sustainable post-crisis recovery.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

Cheshire launches new partnership to coordinate response to local Covid-19 outbreaks
Cheshire leaders have established a new partnership to combat the continue threat from Covid-19 and respond to local outbreaks.

The new Outbreak Response Co-ordination Group is made up of the Leaders of Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Halton and Warrington Borough councils, as well as the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, and Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, and will work alongside local public health teams and frontline public service staff.

Specialist lender Together to cut 200 jobs
Financial services provider Together has outlined plans to cut about 200 jobs. The company noted that the pandemic is continuing to impact on economies and has created “significant uncertainty” around the nature and extent of any downturn.
“Against this backdrop, while we are cautiously increasing lending volumes it is unlikely we will resume our pre-Covid-19 activity levels for some time,” it said. “At the same time, we are accelerating some of our modernisation and transformation programmes, including further use of digitalisation and enhanced automation to provide additional processing efficiencies and improve the journey for our customers.”

Poynton Relief Road secures funding for work to begin in Autumn
Cheshire East Council has secured funding for work on the planned Poynton Relief Road to begin in Autumn, alongside other minor roadworks postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Funding for the £53 million scheme was agreed by government earlier this year. Local residents have welcomed the news that the scheme can finally begin, following decades of campaigning to ease the burden of high traffic volumes in Poynton.

A design and build contract was awarded to contractor Graham in autumn 2019, which has been undertaking early detailed design and site surveys. Early enabling works on the scheme are due to commence this autumn with the road expected to open to traffic in autumn 2022.

COMMUNITY:

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 – updated to align with latest announcements.

Local lockdown guidance for social distancing
How you can see people you do not live with if there’s a local lockdown during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated shielding guidance in Leicester – advice to shield continues across all geographic areas.

Parenting under lockdown
An article which looks at how parents in Great Britain have been trying to balance caring for their children with working from home.

Coronavirus and homeschooling in Great Britain: April to June 2020
Analysis of home-schooling in Great Britain during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): support for victims of sexual violence and abuse, Funding Allocations
Allocations of funding to Police and Crime Commissioners, Rape Support Centres, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence support organisations.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for people receiving direct payments
Advice for people who buy care and support through a direct payment, as well as local authorities, clinical commissioning groups and those who provide care and support. Page 3 of the document ‘Using direct payments during the coronavirus outbreak: guidance for people receiving direct payments and personal assistants (easy read)’ has been updated to say that if you can’t talk to anyone, you can still use your direct payment in a different way to make sure you still get the care and support you need during COVID-19. Just make sure you keep notes of how you spent your direct payment differently during this time so that the council or clinical commissioning group can understand this.

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 – amended to show that from 1 August, small wedding receptions will be able to take place – this means sit-down meals for no more than 30 people, subject to COVID-19 Secure guidance.

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 – staying alert guidance updated in line with today’s announcements.

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 the guidance on gathering in larger groups and travelling to meet people, and the guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable people.

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 to reflect additional requirements on face coverings, and added guided on outdoor worship. Please note, the updated translated versions of the guidance are to be added.

COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated information on disposal of used face coverings.

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 information on how to request a replacement visa for if your 30 day visa to work, study or join family has expired.

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 – revised to reflect permission to host small wedding receptions from 1 August

CONSTRUCTION:

Four key recommendations for construction businesses survival
The pattern of UK construction activity is being reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, and as construction workloads are rebuilt over the next two years, businesses will need to refocus their efforts on the sectors that will perform well in the future, not necessarily those that were performing prior to the outbreak.

The Glenigan Construction Industry Forecast for 2020 – 2022 released on 30th June provides detailed analysis of projected performance for all construction sectors and regions throughout the UK, and also includes 4 key recommendations that construction businesses should focus on in order to survive the upcoming storm.

Wates restructures to target public buildings and housing
The new operating structure will be headed by four new divisional MDs at construction, property services, development and residential. The refocus brings several senior appointments across the divisions and a new dedicated public sector director to concentrate on the Government’s Build, Build, Build plans for schools and hospitals. The shake-up follows more than 300 redundancies across the business to adjust to lower activity levels.

Construction leaders launch Covid-19 cost forecasting tool
The new toolkit arms contractors with a standard methodology that sets out cost implications of restricted working that allows clients to compare potential outturn costs against previous expectations. This should also help clients to make informed investment decisions on viability, improving robustness of pipeline and driving long term economic growth. The CLC said the unprecedented nature of the pandemic was affecting the progress and productivity of existing and future contracts, meaning that the information upon which estimates were usually prepared no longer applied.

Contractor Beard to cut workforce by 12%
General contractor Beard is cutting staff numbers by 12% as workloads are expected to fall by up to 20% due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Staff were told on Friday that up to 35 roles are at risk. Beard said that number could fall as the company “is putting all of its efforts into work winning and, as the business secures more projects, the number of redundancies may well be reduced.” Chairman Mark Beard is also the current Chartered Institute of Building president.

Construction working hours: draft guidance
This draft guidance sets out further detail on the proposed new route for applicants seeking to extend construction site working hours introduced in the Business and Planning Bill. This proposed draft guidance was amended on 20/07/20 following debate of the Business and Planning Bill at House of Lords Committee Stage.

EDUCATION:

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 17 July 2020’.

Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March to 17 July 2020
A summary of attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April.

Guidance for schools: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What school leaders, teachers and school staff need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19) catch-up premium’.

Use of free early education entitlements funding during the coronavirus outbreak
This guidance has been updated to set out the government’s plans for funding local authorities and providers in the 2020 autumn term – this is in section 1. The previously published guidance on early years funding is still valid until the beginning of the autumn term – this is in section 2. Section 2 has been updated to clarify that it refers to the period from the beginning of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak until the start of the autumn term, and certain paragraphs have been removed to avoid duplication with other, more up to date guidance.

Initial teacher training (ITT): criteria and supporting advice
Mandatory guidance on the criteria that organisations must meet to provide initial teacher training (ITT) – temporary guidance changes due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

Early years ITT requirements and supporting advice
Advice for providers looking to offer early years initial teacher training (ITT).

Tri-service regulations for expenses and allowances (JSP 752)
JSP 752 is the policy document for expenses and allowances for regular and reserve UK armed forces personnel – addition of: Directed letter – continuity of education allowance (CEA) – detailed advice for the administration of repayments of CEA brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Student number controls
The measures to protect students and universities during the coronavirus outbreak, including temporary student number controls and additional places.

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 with the collections which are due to continue – the full details are presented in the summary of changes.

School governance update
Important news and communications from the Department for Education (DfE) relating to governance in maintained schools and academy trusts in England – added ‘Local authority maintained schools: school governance update July 2020’ and ‘Academy trusts: school governance update July 2020’.

Claiming exceptional costs associated with coronavirus (COVID-19)
Instructions on how to claim exceptional costs related to coronavirus (COVID-19) – closure of the first claims window

Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care
Preventing and controlling infection, including the use of PPE, in education, childcare and children’s social care settings during the coronavirus outbreak – updated guidance to clarify advice on the system of controls measures including PPE and the NHS test and trace process.

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 to clarify that all local authorities and academy trusts have been invited to order, the majority of devices have been delivered and to set out the delivery timeline going forward.

Ofqual Summer Symposium 2020
Our annual event for stakeholders covering arrangements for awarding this summer and detail on how we’re standardising grades in GCSEs, AS and A levels.

Awarding qualifications in summer 2020
Information for schools, students and parents on how GCSE, AS, A level, vocational and technical qualifications will be graded and awarded in summer 2020 – updated links to include content from Ofqual’s Summer Symposium, held on Tuesday 21 July 2020 and a factsheet & video for centres on awarding grades in summer 2020.

Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated to reflect that early years settings can return to normal group sizes. Includes content from the Planning guide so that all information is in one place from now on and the Planning guide is deleted. Guidance also includes updated information about autumn funding, wraparound care, managing requests for site visits for new admissions in September, data collection changes and reporting to Ofsted.

EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:

Key dates for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and actions you might need to take

Submit your CJRS claim for periods ending on or before 30??? ?June 2020 by 31??? ?July 2020. This is the last date you can make those claims. You need to have made a claim at any point on or before 31??? ?July to be able to make a claim for future months.
From 1??? ?August 2020 the scheme will no longer fund employers’ National Insurance (NI) and pensions contributions for furloughed employees. You will have to make these payments from your own resources.
From 1??? ?September 2020 you will have to start contributing to the wages of your furloughed employees. Grants will be for 70% of usual wages in September and 60% in October, but furloughed employees will continue to be entitled to receive at least 80% of their usual wages. You will have to make up the difference from your own resources.

Live webinars offering more support on changes to the scheme, and how they impact you, are available to book online – go to GOV????.UK and search ‘help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus’. Please check GOV???.UK and join one of our webinars if you need further help. This will leave our phone lines open for those who need them most.

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure – hotels and other guest accommodation – Updated to include guidance on business events and meetings (section 2.3.2).

Changes to working time requirements for Enterprise Management Incentives
This measure introduces amendments to working time requirements for Enterprise Management Initiatives (EMIs).

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.

EY: Slower decline in UK labour market does not mask challenge to recovery
Latest labour market data is not as bad as had been feared and indicates that the rate of decline slowed. However, unemployment still a challenge to the UK’s Covid-19 recovery. The jobs market is under pressure. A significant number of redundancies have been announced in July across a number of sectors, particularly retail. Impact on the labour market has been limited by companies’ ability to furlough workers. However, this scheme is starting to be tapered in August and will end in October – this seems to be increasingly influencing companies’ decisions. Claimant count unemployment fell by 28,100 in June to 2.6308 million from a high of 2.6589 million in May. This followed large increases in May (566,400) and, especially, April (852,900). Claimant count unemployment is still up 1.3912 million (112.2%) since March. HMRC and ONS Pay as You Earn Real Time Information data indicates that the number of paid employees in June was down 649,000 (2.2%) from March. The ONS observed that the largest falls were seen at the start of the pandemic and, while the number of payroll employees is still falling, the decline is slowing

Business Interruption Insurance scandal case begins
An eight day court hearing kicks off this morning as the Financial Conduct Authority begins a test case regarding Business Interruption Insurance. The test case involves a sample of 17 insurance policy wordings that have been collated by the FCA, and which it says capture the majority of the key issues that could be in dispute between insurers and policy holders. Many estate agencies are believed to be amongst the thousands of companies disputing their insurers’ interpretations of liability under different Business Interruption policies; many insurers claim such policies do not cover closures forced by pandemics such as Coronavirus.
The FCA’s 184-page claim names eight companies – Arch Insurance (UK); Argenta Syndicate Management; Ecclesiastical Insurance Office; Hiscox Insurance Company; MS Amlin Underwriting; QBE UK; Royal and Sun Alliance; and Zurich Insurance. The case will be heard this week from today until Thursday, and again for the same four days of next week.

Business events and conferences given go ahead to resume from 1 October
Business events and conferences will be permitted to resume from 1 October provided rates of infection remain at current levels

National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems – added week 29 report, infographic and data table.

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. The visitor economy – Updated to include guidance on business events and meetings (section 2.3.2).

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 YouTube video about the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has been added.

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 in July and August 2020 – updated to show further easing of restrictions for more businesses and venues to reopen from 25 July and 1 August.

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 weekly data (up to end of Sunday 19 July) for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and published new data for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.

European Structural and Investment Funds: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
A series of documents and updates regarding the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programme and the response to COVID-19. The EAFRD Q&A has been updated – see the dates next to the questions for updates.

NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers. The guidance has been redrafted for clarity. In addition, there is a new section on collecting customer and visitor data for NHS Test and Trace. The following information has been added to the section headed ‘If a worker develops symptoms and orders a test’: Where an interaction between 2 people has taken place through a Perspex (or equivalent) screen, this would not be considered sufficient contact. Contact tracers will not consider the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) as a mitigation when assessing whether a recent contact is likely to have risked transmitting the virus.

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: driving tests
Check when driving tests and motorcycle tests restart in England, Scotland and Wales, and find out what changes to expect when you take your test – updated the section on when you come for your test to say that you must make sure the inside of the vehicle is cleaned before your test.

Coronavirus: restarting driver and rider training and tests
Guidance for driving instructors and motorcycle trainers about the restart of driver and rider training and tests, including working safely and timescales – updated section 3 about car driving tests to confirm that the link that is emailed to pupils to arrange their test does not expire. Added information about what DVSA will do if the email address given for the booking does not work.

ENVIRONMENTAL:

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 – sections on bathing water sampling and angling updated.

HEALTH, HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:

PPE deliveries (England): 13 July to 19 July 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.

COVID-19: how to work safely in care homes
Guidance for those working in care homes providing information on how to work safely during this period of sustained transmission of COVID-19 – updated guidance to include recommendation for the use of face masks and coverings in care homes.

COVID-19: how to work safely in domiciliary care in England
A resource for those working in domiciliary care providing information on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on isolation for residential educational settings
Guidance to support management of children and young people in residential educational settings, including boarding schools, residential special schools and children’s social care – explained how wearing a face covering may affect communication with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested – updated 2 documents in section ‘Documents for care homes using the online application portal’: ‘guidance on Randox testing’ and ‘guidance on non-Randox testing’. These have been updated to reflect changes to clinical guidelines that people testing positive will need to be retested after 6 weeks. The ‘guidance on Randox testing’ document also includes a note to say that Randox test kits should not be used for testing until further notice.

New production lines will make millions of face coverings each week
A government drive to increase UK production of face coverings has started at two sites in England and Wales, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove has announced today.

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 – bulletin updated to correct an error in the text for satellite test centre turnaround times. Several table heading cells corrected from ‘number of tests’ to ‘number of people’.

Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE): Coronavirus (COVID-19) response – participants
List of participants of SAGE and related sub-groups – Dr Atiya Kamal (Birmingham City University) joined SPI-B in the week commencing Monday 13 July 2020.

Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Evidence considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). We have added 10 new papers under the June and July SAGE meetings.

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

Tests for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, 2 July 2020
Paper prepared by academics.

DSTL: Reliability of R estimates – progress report, 2 July 2020
Papers prepared by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

Serial testing to minimise false negatives, 16 June 2020
Paper prepared by academics on optimising COVID-19 testing.

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 – we have updated the list of evidence provided to SAGE with 10 new papers.

NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): 2 July to 8 July 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 6 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England.

HOSPITALITY:

VAT: reduced rate for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions
If you’re a VAT registered business, check if you can temporarily reduce the rate of VAT on supplies relating to hospitality, accommodation, or admission to certain attractions. A new section about Retail Schemes has been added to the guide

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 webinar has been added about the Eat Out to Help Out scheme

Get a discount with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
From 3 to 31 August, get a 50% discount when you eat in at restaurants that are registered with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.

JUDICIARY:

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. Updated Friday 17^th July at 5pm.

LOCAL AUTHORITY:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Added links to: Guidance: Containing and managing local coronavirus outbreaks; Announcement: Government confirms allocations of £500 million additional funding for councils; Statement: Update on Randox test kits; Guidance: Face coverings; Statement: Face coverings to be mandatory in shops and supermarkets from 24 July; Q&A: Planning update on cultural venues and holiday parks; Guidance: Register your establishment for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme; Guidance: Types and uses of coronavirus tests; Guidance: Managing beaches, the countryside and coastal areas; Guidance: Reduced VAT rate for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions; Guidance for public health officers: Potentially infectious persons

Local authority powers to impose restrictions under coronavirus regulations
Supports the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No.3) Regulations 2020 that come into force on 18 July 2020.

New powers and framework to help contain coronavirus (COVID-19) locally
A new framework setting out how to manage COVID-19 outbreaks through the use of national and local expertise has been published by the government.

Jenrick launches £266 million housing fund for vulnerable people
Next Steps Accommodation Programme launched today makes resources available to councils to help ensure 15,000 people continue to have a safe place to stay.

PROPERTY:

Relaxed planning regulations adds 2 storeys and releases pressure on greenbelt
Home owners in England will be entitled to add up to two storeys to the height of their home via a fast-tracked planning process starting in September.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick claims this will help to reduce pressure to build on greenfield sites and deliver more homes that fit the character of their local area.
Full planning consent will no longer be required to demolish or rebuild unused buildings as homes or commercial and retail properties. Shops no longer in use will also be able to be converted into housing without a full planning application. It means that unused commercial properties can be quickly repurposed to support the growing need for housing.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government says this will provide much-needed new homes and revitalise town centres across England. “These changes will help transform boarded up, unused buildings safely into high-quality homes at the heart of their communities” says Jenrick.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): impact on HM Land Registry’s services
How we are delivering our services during the coronavirus outbreak.

Covid-19: Support and tax implications for short-term let landlords
There is barely a sector that has been more affected by the coronavirus pandemic than the travel industry. Globally, countries have closed their borders to visitors, and nationally, restrictions have been placed on non-essential movement. Although restrictions have been easing, and the travel sector was allowed to reopen on July 4 when hotels, Airbnbs and holiday cottages were allowed to take bookings again, there are some changes which will affect Airbnb hosts and short-let landlords for a long time to come. In the months since lockdown was imposed, holiday let landlords have been forced to ‘shut up shop’ or adapt. With mortgages and running costs to pay for, they have been faced with the decision to either claim government support or modify their business model by offering long-term lets. But both avenues have tax implications which need to be considered and planned for.

TRAVEL & TOURISM:

Coach operators descend on London to protest at lack of Government support
Organisers said 500 vehicles were expected to converge on Whitehall after an aid package proposed by the Confederation of Passenger Transport was rejected by ministers last week. The CPT was told no help was available beyond those schemes that capture the wider economy. In addition, coach operators in England are still not considered eligible for the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF). The sector has already seen the high profile collapse of Shearings’ parent Specialist Leisure Group in May and caused David Urquhart Travel to fold its coach business.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – latest advice on using transport and information on upcoming changes to face covering rules in shops and supermarkets

Diversity and sustainability to be major post-Covid-19 issues for travel
“We want to change the industry to include more black people in travel. We want to diversify the travel industry working with travel brands. Our aim is to help the black community to get out and see the world.”

Sustainability will be the major issue as the industry comes out of the Covid crisis, added Gerrett.

“Sustainability in travel is still a big focus that’s going to be the one thing that businesses are going to have to jump on very quickly once travellers and businesses have got their appetite back for travel,” he said.

Tracker: Holiday bookings surge ahead
The number of TTG Travel Agent Tracker respondents taking summer 2020 bookings surpassed 40% for the first time last week as agents continue to capitalise on the resumption of international travel.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations – latest advice on communications and information on upcoming changes to face covering rules in shops and supermarkets.

VCSE:

Financial support for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to respond to coronavirus (COVID-19)
The government has pledged £750 million to ensure VCSE can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with an additional £150 million from dormant bank and building society accounts – edited- ‘Other Source of funding’ – Voluntary and Communities Sector Emergencies Partnership – £4.8 million added ‘Other Source of funding’ – Community Match Challenge – £85 million added

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 – 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.