Latest UK data to Thursday 2nd July:
Total tests: 9,662,051 tests have been taken or mailed out
Positive tests: 313,483 have tested positive + 829 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 43,906 across all settings, (+ 176 on previous day)
*new data now shows the results of all testing, Pillar 1 in hospital and Pilar 2 drive through test centres and swab results by post).
Data from the ONS shows that fewer than one in 2,000 now has the virus as the slow decline in case numbers continues.
UK HEADLINES:
50 areas to be revealed as ‘safe’ destinations with no quarantine restrictions
France, Germany, Italy and Spain have been confirmed as destinations where UK travellers can visit and return from with no quarantine restrictions on either border from 10th July. From tomorrow, the Government is also lifting the blanket guidance on ‘only undertaking essential foreign travel’. The new exemptions mean people arriving from selected countries will be able to enter England without needing to self-isolate, unless they have been in or travelled through non-exempt countries in the preceding 14 days. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told the BBC the full list of “50 plus” exempt countries would be published on Friday afternoon.
He said countries on the list would be labelled as either amber or green, in line with a traffic-light system based on their prevalence of coronavirus.
Plan revealed for 7 million children to return to school in September
The Government has revealed its plans for 7 million children to return to school in September for the Autumn term. Children of primary school age will return to full classrooms where there will be no enforced social distancing but where reduced contact will be encouraged. Initially the curriculum will concentrate on core subjects, break times will be staggered and year group ‘bubbles’ will be created. The Government has also said it will impose fines where parents and guardians refrain from sending their children back to school in September. Government Minister Simon Clark reiterated that children should be back in school in September while the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson asked parents with concerns to direct their questions to him. Two Covid-19 cases and pupils will be sent home Read more on the BBC
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Information for parents and carers about the opening of early years providers, schools and colleges, safety in schools, attendance, transport, school meals and exams – added guidance for parents and carers about early years providers, schools and colleges in the autumn term.
Time running out to apply for the Self-Employment income Support Scheme
Time is running out for self-employed people to apply for the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) scheme. Introduced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak in March, the scheme initially allowed the self-employed claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering 3 months’ worth of profits, and capped at £7,500 in total. If you’re eligible and your business has been adversely affected you must make your claim for the first grant on or before 13 July 2020. This scheme is being extended. If you’re eligible for the second and final grant, and your business has been adversely affected on or after 14 July 2020 you’ll be able to make a claim from 17 August 2020. You can make a claim for the second grant if you’re eligible, even if you did not make a claim for the first grant. Find out more about the extension to the scheme.
As of yesterday, 1?? July 2020, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is changing.
Employers will be able to bring previously furloughed employees back to work part time and decide the hours and shift patterns they work to suit the needs of their business. From 1?? August, employers will be asked to contribute towards wage costs.
For the latest information, join the following live webinar:
Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and flexible furloughing – we’ll take you through the changes, flexible furloughing, claim periods and key dates.
Choose a date and time
Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme – you can get the latest on who can claim, who you can claim for, how to make a claim, what you may be entitled to, and more.
Choose a date and time
We will endeavour to bring you the most up-to-date information to keep you fully informed of changes as they develop. Get help. Protect your business. Save jobs.
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.
Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the UK
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the UK – updated testing capacity figures.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Northern leaders reveal how a post-Covid economy will look
At a virtual round-table discussion hosted by NatWest, representatives from the North West business community highlighted skills, education, infrastructure and support for SMEs as some of the key post-coronavirus challenges to be faced by the region. Following the theme of ‘building back better’, it was also highlighted that high unemployment, especially among the young, was a major cause of concern along with the aerospace industry in the North West.
AGRICULTURE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Latest news updated with information for Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier applicants who may not be able to apply by 31 July deadline.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 3 July 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 25 June to 28 June 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
COVID-19: Home Office extraordinary funding for domestic abuse support services
Guidance for the £2 million Home Office fund for domestic abuse charities affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated page to show this is guidance for England and Wales only.
Domestic abuse safe accommodation: COVID-19 emergency support fund
This prospectus provides prospective bidders with information on how to apply for funding and how the assessment process will work – added outcome of the second cycle of the rolling fund.
Young carers and young adult carers: providing care during coronavirus
Guidance and information for people under the age of 25 who are providing care for someone during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
CONSTRUCTION:
Site canteens to reopen under latest new guidance
Workers across England have got the all-clear to use their canteens again under revised Site Operating Procedures. The easing of restrictions is outlined in SOP version 5, issued by the Construction Leadership Council following changes to social distancing rules. While much has been made of wider plans to ease social distancing in places like bars and restaurants, workers are being told broadly to continue to maintain 2m social distancing on sites. Where this is not possible, the new regime of ‘one-metre-plus’ social distancing is allowed with risk mitigation. This means the frequency and time workers are within 2m of each other must be kept to a minimum. In specific tasks where it is not possible to maintain 2m, contractors must minimise the number of workers involved in tasks. In these instances, workers should work side by side, or facing away from each other, rather than face to face
EDUCATION:
Proposed changes to the assessment of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2021?
Proposals to modify the assessment requirements for some GCSEs, AS and A levels in response to disruption to education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Updated to set out a change to the protective measures in early years settings that will be effective from 20 July, removing the requirement to keep children in small consistent groups within settings (sections 2.1 and 3.3).Added new content on risk assessment (3.1), supporting staff with increased risk factors (3.2) and system of controls (3.3). Updated content on attendance at settings for those shielding, with changes to the advice effective from 1 August, and removal of content on vulnerable children since settings are open for all children (section 4).Updated content on wraparound care (5.3).Updated Early Years Foundation Stage reforms (7.6) and Reception Baseline Assessment (7.7).
Guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings
Guidance for special educational settings to prepare for the September return of pupils with special education needs and disability (SEND).
Local lockdowns: guidance for education and childcare settings
What schools, colleges, nurseries, childminders, early years and other educational settings need to do if there’s a local lockdown during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Protective measures for providers of community activities, holiday or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings offering provision to children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for parents and carers of children attending community activities, holiday or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings.
Ofqual launches consultation on 2021 exams and assessments
Our proposals for assessing general qualifications in 2021 and the direction ahead for vocational and technical qualifications.
Arrangements for examinations and assessments in 2020/21
Letter from the Secretary of State for Education to Sally Collier, Chief Regulator, Ofqual on policy objectives related to exams and assessments in 2020/21.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Guidance for further education (FE) providers on maintaining education and skills training, changes to funding arrangements, data collections and assessment – added guidance on what FE colleges and providers will need to do from the start of the 2020 autumn term.
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 – Summer 2020 grades for GCSE, AS and A level, Extended Project Qualification and Advanced Extension Award in maths: Guidance for teachers, students, parents and carers document updated to reflect autumn 2020 consultation decision outcomes and 2021 exam series consultation proposals.
Further and higher education: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What colleges and universities and other providers need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added links to guidance on full opening from September 2020.
Guidance for schools: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What school leaders, teachers and school staff need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added links to guidance on full opening from September 2020.
Higher education: reopening buildings and campuses
Guidance for higher education providers in England on when and how to reopen their campuses and buildings – updates on social distancing, demographic, library, social gathering, performing arts and student accommodation guidance.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Flexible furlough scheme starts today (July 1st)
Businesses will have the flexibility to bring furloughed employees back to work part time from today as part of the government’s plan to re-open the UK and kick-start our economy.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: step by step guide for employers
This guide explains the information that employers need to provide to claim for their employees’ wages.
Early assessment of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the UK’s financial accounts: Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2020
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has brought major changes in the financial account in the UK’s Institutional Sector Accounts in the first quarter (Jan to Mar) of 2020. This article focuses on the balance sheet of the financial account where a great deal of volatility was observed in individual financial instruments. The balance sheet captures revaluation and other changes in volume, effects that are not observed in the financial account. Volatility on this level is not observed in the income and expenditure (non-financial accounts) of these sectors.
Latest update from CMA COVID-19 taskforce
The CMA has published a third update from its COVID-19 taskforce, which monitors and responds to competition and consumer problems arising from the pandemic.
CMA and trade bodies’ joint statement against price gouging
This joint warning comes as the CMA and various trade associations remain concerned that some retailers have been raising prices unfairly.
CMA coronavirus taskforce update: 3 July 2020
An update from the CMA coronavirus taskforce.
The Department for International Trade launches modelling review to support economic recovery
To enhance its trade negotiation capability and support economic recovery DIT is launching a model review
Deferral of VAT payments due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
The VAT payments deferral scheme ended on 30 June 2020 as previously set out – information about the VAT payments deferral scheme ending on 30 June 2020 has been added.
Coronavirus guidance for Companies House customers, employees and suppliers
Companies House has robust plans in place to maintain services for our customers and protect the welfare of our employees during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – link added to guidance for private companies and other company types on the changes that came into effect on Saturday 27 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 – link added to guidance for private companies and other company types on the changes that came into effect on Saturday 27 June.
Coronavirus: driving tests (England)
Car driving tests will restart in England on 22 July 2020 with safety precautions in place – other types of tests will restart before then – updated the guide so that it only applies to England, and added information about car driving tests restarting in England from 22 July 2020.
Coronavirus and the economic impacts on UK: 2 July 2020
New experimental data on the UK economy detailing the impact on businesses from the coronavirus (COVID-19).Data is from the Business Impact of Coronavirus Survey; a 2-weekly survey designed to estimate the impact over the previous 2 weeks and the expectations for the following 2 weeks.
How different circumstances affect the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or member of a partnership find out how your circumstances can affect your eligibility for the scheme – information for military reservists has been added. More information about if having a new child affected the trading profits you reported for the tax year 2018 to 2019 has been added. Included another example on how your business could be adversely affected by coronavirus.
Check if you can claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been adversely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) find out if you can use this scheme to claim a grant – new examples for how a business could be adversely affected by coronavirus have been added.
Driving lessons, theory tests and driving tests to restart in England
Driving lessons and theory tests will restart on Saturday 4 July 2020 in England, and car driving tests will restart from Wednesday 22 July 2020.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 2 July 2020
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society, including online price changes data. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
Treasury Direction made by the Chancellor under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020
The Chancellor has made a further Treasury Direction under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 – updated with a further Treasury Direction under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what to do if you’re self-employed and getting less work or no work
Guidance for people who are self-employed and getting less work or no work because of coronavirus (COVID-19) – interviews and assessments will be done by telephone. You should only go to a jobcentre when asked to do so.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what to do if you’re employed and cannot work
Guidance for people who are employed and cannot work due to coronavirus (COVID-19) – interviews and assessments are by telephone. You should only go to a jobcentre if asked to do so.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what to do if you were employed and have lost your job
Guidance for people who were employed and have lost their job due to coronavirus (COVID-19) – added that interviews and assessments will be done by telephone. You should only go to a jobcentre when asked to do so.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what to do if you’re already getting benefits
Guidance for people who were receiving benefits before the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added that interviews and assessments are done by telephone. You should only go to a jobcentre when asked to do so.
UK statement to the WTO Committee on Trade and the Environment
The UK’s Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva, Julian Braithwaite, delivered this statement at a meeting of the WTO Committee on Trade and the Environment on 3 July 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 – new section on water safety added.
HEALTH, HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
COVID-19: exceedances in Leicester
A summary of the descriptive epidemiology of COVID-19 in Leicester following a preliminary investigation into COVID-19 exceedances during June 2020.
Deaths Registered in Northern Ireland – Week ending 26th June 2020
Deaths Registered in Northern Ireland – Weekly Statistics -Week ending 26th June 2020
Impact of coronavirus in Care Homes in England (Vivaldi): 26 May to 19 June 2020
First results of the Vivaldi study on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic across 9,000 care homes in England between 26 May and 19 June 2020. The publication provides estimates of staff and care home residents testing positive for COVID-19 across this group of care homes, and will highlight some risk factors that may increase the risk of infection in the setting.
Vivaldi 1: coronavirus (COVID-19) care homes study report
This study provides a summary of antigen testing in all care homes for those over 65 years old in England and survey results of managers of those homes.
Regular retesting rolled out for care home staff and residents
Staff and residents in care homes for over 65s and those with dementia will receive regular coronavirus tests from next week as part of a new social care testing strategy.
The Health Service and Social Care Workers (Scrutiny of Coronavirus-related Deaths) Directions 2020
Directions to NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts in England to ensure the scrutiny of deaths of health service and adult social care staff from coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19: guidance for taking swab samples
Videos and instructions for how to take swab samples for COVID-19 testing – added 2 new how to swab for COVID-19 testing videos for social care staff.
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems – added week 27 report, infographic and data table
COVID-19: number of outbreaks in care homes – management information
Weekly number and percentage of care homes reporting a suspected or confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 to PHE by local authorities, regions and PHE centres – added latest weekly data and infographic.
NHS test and trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact tracing data in its weekly reports – updates have been made throughout the methodology document, including new sections added: ‘People tested compared to tests’ and ‘Time taken to receive a COVID-19 test result’.
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 – ‘Using direct payments during the coronavirus outbreak: full guidance for people receiving direct payments and personal assistants’. Added information about keeping a temporary record of the shift patterns of PAs for 21 days.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey pilot: England, 2 July 2020
This release provides initial data from the COVID-19 Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester and Public Health England.
NHS test and trace statistics (England): 18 June to 24 June 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 4 of NHS test and trace contact tracing in England.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Public asked to leave a name and number with venues to help stop the spread of COVID-19
Executive Chair of NHS Test and Trace encourages public, businesses and organisations to “play their part in new national effort” by providing names and phone numbers with venues and businesses they visit from this Saturday
Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
Organisations in certain sectors should collect details and maintain records of staff, customers and visitors on their premises to support NHS Test and Trace.
Pavement licences: draft guidance
Draft guidance to accompany pavement licensing proposals introduced in the Business and Planning Bill.
JUDICIARY:
New video tech to increase remote hearings in civil and family courts
A new video platform enabling more remote cases to be heard safely and securely is being rolled out to the civil and family courts, Ministers have confirmed.
Court and tribunal recovery update in response to coronavirus
An update setting out the work being undertaken by HMCTS in the short and medium terms in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
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
LEGAL:
Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can still do so while observing government guidance on social distancing, self-isolating and shielding – changes made in line with updated Covid regulations
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Office of the Public Guardian response
This page provides guidance on how OPG is responding to the coronavirus outbreak. It will be updated when new information is available – Contact Centre has changed opening times and Visits information has change
LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added links to: Safe use of multi-purpose community facilities; Safe use of council buildings; Funding for emergency accommodation and support for EEA rough sleepers; Making traffic regulation orders; Reopening of public toilets; Safe use of places of worship from 4 July; Small marriages and civil partnerships; Walk through local testing sites now offering appointments; Draft guidance: Pavement licenses; Government outlines support for pubs, cafes and restaurants; COVID Summer Food Fund
Local Government Association annual conference 2020
Speech by Secretary of State Robert Jenrick MP at the Local Government Association’s annual conference 2020.
Local authority children’s services: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What local authority children’s services need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘Guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings’.
Emergency active travel fund: local transport authority allocations
Funding allocations for emergency active travel schemes for local authorities in the region of the United Kingdom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comprehensive new funding package for councils to help address coronavirus pressures and cover lost income during the pandemic
Major new support package to help councils respond to coronavirus announced as part of comprehensive plan to ensure councils’ financial sustainability for the future.
PROPERTY:
Eviction ban set to end in late August
The government appears to have confirmed that the evictions ban will end in late August and courts will resume hearing possession cases from that time. Responding to a series of parliamentary questions, Lord Greenhalgh – a junior minister at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government – has said that from August 24 “the courts will begin to process possession cases again”. After what would be a five month suspension, the minister argued that this would be “an important step towards ending the lockdown and will protect landlords’ important right to regain their property.”
Half of all commercial rents for June quarter still due
Commercial tenants in the UK have paid 46% of the rent owed for the June quarter, up from 18.2% a week ago. Roughly 54% of rent is still due, with retail rental collections remaining the lowest out of any sector amid the downturn on the high street, according to data from Re-Leased. The updated 46% average on 1 July is slightly down compared to the 47% recorded at the seven day mark after the March quarter rent day. Retail rent collections have so far reached 40% on average. The industrial sector is proving to be most resilient of any sector and is trending upwards compared to the March quarter while rent collection in the office sector has decreased by 1% compared to the last quarter.
Lettings market stronger than a year ago as pandemic ‘recedes’
The UK average rental cost, per property, now stands at £892.72 per month. This is up from £862.48 in May. The latest snapshot of the lettings market from PropTech firm Goodlord suggests that activity is much stronger now than a year ago, with rents rising in most regions and typical void periods on the way down. Looking at June the company says that the average cost of rent has risen by an average of three per cent annually. The biggest rise was seen in the South West, which saw average prices increase by 11 per cent from £859 per month to £965. Wales wasn’t far behind, posting a nine per cent rise in average rental costs. The only region which saw a dip in prices was the East Midlands, which saw average rental costs decrease by 4 per cent from £825 to £795.
Zoopla: Younger buyers’ moving plans hit by mortgage changes
The availability of 90 per cent LTV mortgages plummeted from 386 in January to just 14 last week, Zoopla says. This survey is also the latest to show a shift in priorities amongst home hunters as a result of the pandemic. Some 44 per cent of those whose criteria have changed are now looking to move closer to the countryside, parks or the coast. Under 35s have recorded the biggest change in priorities, with one in five saying they’re more likely to prioritise private outdoor space over an additional bedroom, or expand their location search if it means being able to afford a garden.
Estate Agent Today: Fraud risks facing property sector as a result of Covid-19
Businesses across all sectors have struggled to adapt to the changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. One group that have bucked the trend to benefit from the pandemic, however, are fraudsters, and unfortunately the property industry is a prime target. The sector represents a range of opportunities for fraudsters, from protection rackets, through to large scale money laundering and very lucrative one-off scams.
Zoopla: Top 3 trends in the housing market right now
With the UK housing market now largely open – there are still restrictions in some areas on home moves to occupied properties – some key trends are emerging post-lockdown. Zoopla’s head of research, Grainne Gilmore, outlines the three main factors in the UK market at present: demand, supply and post-Covid moves
Coronavirus and housing indicators in England and Wales
An article examining recent housing indicators during the COVID-19 period. It brings together a number of statistics which provide insights on housing.
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term.
RETAIL:
ABF outlines profit expectations for Primark
Primark owner Associated British Food has outlined its profit expectations for its latest financial year in a summary of “significant trading developments” throughout the coronavirus crisis. In a trading update for the 40 weeks to 20 June 2020, the company said revenues had slumped by 13 per cent. For the full year, Associated British Foods added that it expects “strong progress” in the aggregate adjusted operating profit of its sugar, grocery, agriculture and ingredients businesses.
Read more
Casual Dining Group, whose brands include Las Iguanas, Bella Italia and Café Rouge, has gone into administrations and made almost a third of its 6,000-strong workforce redundant.
As a result of the process, 91 of 250 sites will close including nine in the North West, with 1,909 jobs impacted. James Spragg, chief executive of Casual Dining Group, said: “After reviewing all our options with advisors, it became clear that we needed to take this action in order to protect the business and secure the best possible future for Casual Dining Group as we look to conclude a potential sale. We are acutely aware of our duty to all employees and recognise that this is an incredibly difficult time for them. Working alongside the administrators we will do everything we can to support them through this process with a view to preserving as much employment as we are able to.”
John Lewis to close stores and part of London HQ as high street hit again
John Lewis’ new chairman Dame Sharon White told its 80,000 staff in a letter that some department stores will remain closed after lockdown, though none have been named yet. According to the Evening Standard, the group warned of the unlikelihood that all 50 branches would reopen following the easing of lockdown restrictions. The letter said: “The difficult reality is that we have too much store space for the way people want to shop now. As difficult as it is, we now know that it is highly unlikely that we will reopen all our John Lewis stores. Regrettably, it is likely that there will implications for some partners’ jobs. We are in active discussions with landlords about ending some leases and renegotiating others to make the terms more flexible.”
Around 20 shops have reopened since 15 June and plans for a further 10 to reopen were unveiled. Its flagship store on London’s Oxford Street will open on 16 July.
SPORT & LEISURE:
Taking Part Web Panel Data: Engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic
Estimates of cultural, digital and sporting engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic
Taking Part Web Panel Data: Engagment during the COVID-19 pandemic – data tables
Data tables containing estimates for engagement in DCMS sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode, published every Wednesday – latest data added.
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
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 link to guidance for applicants in New Zealand who applied through an enrolment location operated by Immigration New Zealand. Added information on concessions for Global Talent visa applicants who are working on coronavirus research.
Travel sector reports summer sales boost as restart nears
Respondents to a tracker survey making sales for summer 2020 more than doubled week-on-week from just 11% to 27% during Week 12, with sales for autumn and winter also increasing; some 18.5% of respondents took autumn bookings (up 5%) and 30% winter bookings (up 6.5%). It comes after the government gave its first firm signal outbound leisure travel will be allowed to resume this month, announcing a traffic light system for destinations while hinting at the UK’s first air bridge agreements. Week 12 Tracker data reveals 80% of respondents took new holiday enquiries last week, up 4% on Week 11 and up 13% on Week 8 (week ending 29 May). Moreover, 60% of respondents reported a week-on-week increase in enquiries, up from 49% in Week 11 – a record week-on-week increase in enquiries.
Self-isolation lifted for lower risk countries in time for holidays this summer
From 10 July 2020 you will be able to travel to many countries without having to self-isolate on return to the UK.
British Airways to expand long haul operations this month
British Airways will expand its long-haul operations this month, starting with the restoration of a number of US and Caribbean routes. T the carrier has revealed it is ready to return to a “small number” of its “normal” long-haul routes by the end of July. These include flights to Bermuda, Dallas, Miami, Seattle and Toronto. Returning Caribbean destinations, meanwhile, include Barbados and Kingston. BA will also expand its short-haul UK and European flight programme this month, with dozens of countries set to return to BA’s schedule.
Insight: Why UK holiday rentals are still a good bet
On June 23, the day that Boris announced July 4 as the date for the easing of lockdown in England, Sykes Holiday Cottages, the UK’s leading and fastest-growing independent holiday cottage rental agency, registered over 276,000 sessions on its booking platform and took a staggering 400 real-time bookings each hour. Sykes was not alone in this surge. According to a report in the Telegraph Travel, holiday rental bookings have quadrupled across popular UK destinations with many of us keen to have some respite from being stuck at home for the last three months. Coronavirus and the subsequent global lockdown hit many industries hard, with travel and tourism perhaps being one of the worst impacted sectors. It’s been tough out there with no guests. In a revised forecast for 2020, VisitBritain anticipates inbound tourism spend to drop 63% this year, with a £19.7 billion economic loss, whilst domestic tourism (overnight stays and day visits) in Britain will lose out on £22 billion
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 process on biometric information.
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 – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – Financial Support: HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Shielding the most vulnerable https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Media and Marketing:
Travel: https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit: http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Small businesses received £21.3 billion in COVID-19 support from local authority grants 
Two year extension announced for Covid Recovery Loan scheme 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market