July 8th – Coronavirus News Updates:

Latest UK Data:

Total tests: 10,777,399 tests have been taken or mailed out

Positive tests: 286,349 have tested positive + 581 in last 24 hours

Loss of life: 44,391 across all settings +155

New data now shows the results of all testing, Pillar 1 in hospital and Pillar 2 drive through test centres and swab results by post).

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

UK HEADLINES:

BREAKING NEWS: Chancellor to cut VAT for hospitality sector
The Government is to cut VAT for the hospitality industry to 5% and introduce an “eat out to help out” discount scheme for diners as part of its plans to restart the economy. The measures came as part of a wider programme to limit mass unemployment in the months ahead. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said “the job has only just begun” as he unveiled his own “plan for jobs” this lunchtime.

BBC: Government launches £2billion grant scheme as part of £3billion plan to cut emissions
The Government’s new Green Jobs Scheme is launching in September to create new jobs as well as contributing to the greener environment initiative by making homes more energy efficient and helping businesses bounce back from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of homeowners in England will be able to apply for vouchers of up to £5,000 to help cover the cost of installing insulation and other energy saving improvements. It’s part of an ambition to kick-start a green economic recovery and create thousands of jobs. It should also help the country meet its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Applications will open online in September. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has allocated £2bn for the programme – part of a larger £3bn fund to decarbonise public buildings such as schools. BBC environment analyst Roger Harrabin says some campaigners are delighted, but plenty think much more money is needed. Germany, for example, is investing €40bn (£36bn) in green jobs. Labour said there appeared to be nothing for the rental sector, and warned the programme must continue year after year to maximise the benefits

BBC: Chancellor’s statement due to address changes to Stamp Duty thresholds
The chancellor is also expected to announce a temporary stamp duty holiday, with the hope of stimulating the property market. It would exempt the first £500,000 of all sales from the tax. Earlier in the week, we told you about the chancellor’s £2bn plan to subsidise home energy improvements, and it’s likely he still has at least one other headline-grabbing move up his sleeve. The rumours are it could be a temporary VAT cut to help the beleaguered hospitality sector. The BBC’s political editor, Laura Kuenssberg, saysBoris Johnson’s government likes to talk about shaking things up, but Wednesday’s statement will demonstrate just how radical it’s willing to be.

BBC: A £2bn temporary jobs scheme for under 25s will be unveiled by the chancellor later,

The move is designed to address fears that young people will be hit hardest by the economic impact of coronavirus. The “kickstart scheme” will subsidise six-month work placements for an estimated 350,000 16 to 24-year-olds. The government will cover the cost of the National Minimum Wage and employers will be able to top it up. Applications will open in August, with the first jobs expected to start in the autumn.
The scheme will be available in England, Scotland and Wales, with funding provided to Northern Ireland to create something similar. Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who’ll reveal more in a major statement at lunchtime, said young people were particularly at risk during this crisis because they tended to work in the sectors struggling most – such as hospitality and events. Business organisations have broadly welcomed the scheme. Labour, too, said it was a positive step, but more action was needed – for example, creating “tailored support” for older people and those living in the hardest-hit areas. Ahead of the announcement, a selection of young people told the BBC what they wanted to see from Mr Sunak.

NHS Test and Trace contacts more than 130,000 people
More than 130,000 people at risk of unknowingly spreading coronavirus have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

BBC: Government announces £1.57billion support package for Arts & Culture
The UK government has announced a £1.57bn rescue package for arts and cultural industries following the impact of coronavirus. The scheme will provide institutions such as theatres, museums and live music venues with access to emergency grants and loans. Many of these venues remain closed under current restrictions, and the government has said that the package will “help them stay afloat”, as well as supporting employment. The announcement has been warmly welcomed by many in the sector, but BBC arts editor Will Gompertz says the government has not specified how the money will be split between competing art forms or regions. Cultural venues also want to see the rules around social distancing relaxed to allow each of them to have a full auditorium once again. On that front, guidance for the next steps is expected to be published shortly.

British Chambers of Commerce respond to changes to England’s quarantine restrictions
Commenting on the government’s announcement of quarantine-free travel with a specified list of ‘low-risk’ countries, BCC director general Dr Adam Marshall said:
“Businesses will be pleased to see the back of the damaging blanket quarantine policy but they will also be asking a lot of questions about its replacement.” He continued “While these changes will give some companies a fighting chance to make up for months of lost income, the job is not yet done. This isn’t just about summer holidays. Ministers need to focus on restoring connections and confidence with key trading partners across the world.”

List of 59 ‘air bridge’ countries confirmed by UK Government but some popular destinations omitted

Passengers returning to, or visiting England from those destinations with a “reduced risk” of re-importing coronavirus will no longer need to self-isolate on arrival. The rule change will come into effect from Friday 10 July, slightly later than previously suggested. The devolved nations are due to set out their own rules at a later date.

The Foreign Office’s advisory against all non-essential travel worldwide – in place since March – will also be updated from Saturday (4 July) to allow travel to exempted countries. Click here to see the list. Ireland is already exempt as part of the common travel area, as are the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. In addition, the 14 British Overseas Territories are exempted. This list may be added to over the coming days following further discussions between the UK and “international partners”.

Sri Lanka, Portugal and UAE omitted from ‘air bridge’ list

Draft planning guidance to support the Business and Planning Bill
The Business and Planning Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on Thursday 25 June 2020. This draft guidance has been prepared to be read alongside a number of the planning measures set out in the Bill – added Extension of certain planning permissions: draft guidance

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

Travel corridors, terminal two re-opening, flights resuming and ongoing safety measures.

As flights increase, and more airlines resume services, Manchester Airport continues to keep passengers safe as they travel through the Northern hub. Here is the latest information and advice from the airport to make your journey as seamless, safe and easy as possible.

MAG respond to Governments announcement to introduce ‘air bridges’
Charlie Cornish, Group CEO of MAG, said:

“These travel corridors will open up the chance for people to enjoy a well-earned break abroad and directly benefit the hundreds of thousands of people whose jobs depend on air travel for their livelihoods – whether they work in aviation or for the UK’s tourism and hospitality businesses, which can now welcome the first overseas visitors we will have seen for months.”

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 – update on inspections starting

Coming to the UK for seasonal agricultural work on English farms
Advice for seasonal agricultural workers coming to England to pick fruit and vegetables on farms, and their employers – updated with guidance for travellers coming from countries that are exempt from quarantine rules.

COMMUNITY:

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 that multi-use community facilities can now open.

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 – added easy read document ‘Using direct payments during the coronavirus outbreak: guidance for people receiving direct payments and personal assistants’.

UN Human Rights Council 44: Statement for Interactive Dialogue with UN Working Group on Discrimination Against Women
The UK’s International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, delivered this statement during the Interactive Dialogue with UN Working Group on Discrimination Against Women

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.

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 during the pandemic from 4 July.
This guidance is designed to enable the safe reopening of places of worship for a broader range of activities from 4 July 2020.

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 – fund reopened for bids and successful applicants announced.

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.

Meeting people from outside your household
How you can see people that you do not live with while protecting yourself and others from coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated guidance in line with new regulations

Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice on accessing green spaces safely
Advice on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others from coronavirus – updated with changes that apply from 4 July.

Staying COVID-19 Secure in 2020 notice
Notice to display to show you have made your workplace COVID-secure – updated to reflect the change to the 2m rule.

Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives – updated to reflect changes that come in on 4 July.

CONSTRUCTION:

Mixed messages coming from the construction industry:

Builders stars of the economy as construction rebounds
Construction buyers saw a sharp turnaround in June as “builders were the stars of the UK economy” as lockdown eased. The bellwether IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index jumped to 55.3 in June from 28.9 in May to record the sharpest monthly jump in output since June 2018. Residential work led the way while commercial work and civil engineering activity also returned to growth in June. The index measuring business expectations for the year ahead remained historically subdued, but climbed to its highest since February with 46% of the survey panel anticipating a rise while 31% forecast a reduction.

BAM is cutting around 6.5% of its workforce with up to 150 staff set to lose their jobs.

Consultations will start this week as the contractor is hit by a slowdown in new orders following the Covid-19 pandemic. A company statement said: “BAM Construct UK has begun a process of discussions that could lead to up to 150 redundancies, or around 6.5% of our workforce. “We take this step reluctantly and with deep regret. Our people are what make BAM the most collaborative built environment enterprise in the UK. We will redeploy people if possible to other parts of our business or to roles within the wider group. If we cannot redeploy somebody and redundancy is the only option, then we will support them in the best way we can during the process and as they leave the business.’

Glenigan: How will the industry recover?
Although the value of underlying project starts fell by an estimated 62% during the second quarter, a sharp rebound in construction output and project starts is forecast for the third quarter following the lifting of lockdown restrictions. A more gradual, but sustained recovery is anticipated for the remainder of the forecast period. By 2022, the value of underlying project starts is forecast to total £52.4 billion, just 1% below 2019 levels. The Glenigan Construction Industry Forecast for 2020 – 2022 details which sectors will benefit from strong investment and future work pipelines, as well as identifying where risks are most prevalent.

Wates resumes full pay for all staff not on furlough
Wates is reinstating full pay for all non-furloughed staff with immediate effect.

Chief executive David Allen said the decision had been made possible by the “amazing efforts” colleagues made to keep the business performing through the challenging conditions of lockdown. Wates took swift action as the coronavirus crisis hit, placing around a quarter of its 4,000 staff on furlough and slashing board pay by a third with many staff also taking pay cuts. The private building firm was also the first to announce redundancy plans of around 8% of the workforce in anticipation of falling workloads.

Top contractors orders down 44% over three months
Total new orders among the industry’s top 100 contractors nosedived 44% during the Covid-19 stricken second quarter of the year. Latest contract award figures shows the value of new contracts slumped to £5.4bn between April and June, sharply down from £9.8bn in the same period last year.

EDUCATION:

PE and sport premium for primary schools
Updated – How much PE and sport premium funding schools receive and advice on how it should be spent.

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 announcement on 2 July that, unless the evidence changes, we will not be issuing further national notices to modify section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014.

Managing school premises during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for schools and other educational settings on managing premises during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Requirements for the calculation of results in summer 2020
Requirements and guidance to exam boards in relation to the calculation of results to be issued for general qualifications in summer 2020.

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 1 July 2020’.

EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:

Sending your forms to Companies House during the coronavirus outbreak
As an emergency response to coronavirus (COVID-19), we’ve developed a temporary online service to upload a number of completed forms and send them to Companies House digitally – the latest release of the Upload a document service is now live. It will allow users to upload more form types, including Scottish limited and qualifying partnerships, articles and resolutions.

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.

The Sustainable Innovation Fund: round 1 (temporary framework). Deadline: 29^th July 2020
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £55 million for new projects focusing on sustainable economic recovery from COVID-19. For more information click here.

The Sustainable Innovation Fund: SBRI phase 1. Deadline: 5 August 2020.
Organisations can apply for a share of up to £10 million, including VAT, to help UK businesses and the public sector recover from COVID-19 in a sustainable manner. For more information click here.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation
Guidance for the public, providers of outdoor sport facilities, elite athletes, personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation.

Homeworking in April 2020
Results from the online Labour Market Survey for homeworking in April 2020.

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 – the YouTube video about ‘Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and flexible furloughing’ has been updated.

How to treat certain expenses and benefits provided to employees during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out about taxable expenses and benefits when they are paid to employees because of coronavirus and how to report them to HMRC -information about ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19) tests’ has been removed.

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 ERDF and ESF Q&A has been updated to provide clarity to a number of existing questions. See the dates next to the questions for updates.

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 – published updated weekly data (up to end of Sunday 5 July) for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

How to treat certain expenses and benefits provided to employees during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out about taxable expenses and benefits when they are paid to employees because of coronavirus and how to report them to HMRC.
Information about ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19) tests’ and ‘Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)’ has been added.

Coronavirus: driving tests (England)
Car driving tests will restart in England on 22 July 2020 with safety precautions in place – other types of tests will restart before then -updated the guide to make it clear that driving tests are still suspended in areas under local lockdown in England. Updated the section about when you must not come for your driving test to explain that from 10 July, you will not have to self-isolate if you’re arriving in England from a country or territory on the travel corridors list.

Coronavirus: theory tests (England)
Theory tests restarted in England on 4 July 2020 with social distancing and safety precautions in place – updated the guide to make it clear that theory tests are still suspended in areas under local lockdown in England. Updated the section about when you must not come for your theory test to explain that from 10 July, you will not have to self-isolate if you’re arriving in England from a country or territory on the travel corridors list.

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure – the visitor economy – Guidance added on keeping records of staff, customers and visitors (sections 2.1 & 7.1).

Staying COVID-19 Secure in 2020 notice
Notice to display to show you have made your workplace COVID-secure – updated to reflect the change to the 2m rule.

Closing certain businesses and venues in England
This document provides guidance on the closure of certain businesses and venues as part of further social distancing measures, and on the further easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions from 4 July 2020. Guidance on closing certain businesses and venues in England updated following the announcement of further easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions from 4 July 2020.

Privacy notice for maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
This privacy notice describes how the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will process personal data from venues and establishments to support contact tracing.

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: JSP 752 -Tri-Service regulations for expenses and allowances.

Coronavirus: theory tests (England)
Theory tests will restart in England on 4 July 2020 with social distancing and safety precautions in place – added new photographs to show what to expect when you take your theory test.

Don’t rely on temperature screening products for detection of coronavirus (COVID-19), says MHRA
Warning that thermal cameras and other such “temperature screening” products, some of which make direct claims to screen for COVID-19, are not a reliable way to detect if people have the virus.

VAT payments on account
Find out who has to pay VAT payments on account, how HMRC works out your payments, the alternatives and how and when to pay.
The option to defer VAT payments during coronavirus has come to an end and businesses can no longer defer VAT.

HM Treasury extends tax cut to PPE costs
The temporary scrapping of VAT on PPE has been extended until the end of October – saving care homes and businesses dealing with the coronavirus outbreak £155 million, the government announced today.

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 bathing water updated.

HEALTH, HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:

Majority of children no longer need to shield
The majority of children currently considered extremely clinical vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19) will be able to be removed from the shielded patient list.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested – updated. Replaced 2 attachments: ‘guidance on Randox testing’ and ‘guidance on non-Randox testing’. The changes reflect the new retesting programme for care homes, including how often staff and residents should retest. The sections in the guidance that talk about next steps for positive testing patients have been removed. Instead, people are directed to Public Health England guidance in the ‘Future advice’ section.

Diabetic eye screening: invitation and result letter templates
Local NHS diabetic eye screening (DES) providers must use these letters to invite people for screening and inform them of their results – updated diabetic eye screening invitation and result letter templates. Added links and QR codes to digital versions of information leaflets, and COVID-19 guidance insert.

COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – updated guidance with changes that apply from 6 July 2020.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) infections in the community in England: July 2020
Provides data about the characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 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.

COVID-19: head to head laboratory evaluation of 4 commercial serological assays
An independent appraisal of assay performance to determine performance metrics with precision using a large, well-characterised sample set.

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 – edited to include a link to local lockdown information

Dynamic CO-CIN report to SAGE and NERVTAG, 10 June 2020
Clinical information provided to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG).

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 – new devices have been added and several have been removed.

COVID-19: guidance for sampling and for diagnostic laboratories
Information for clinical diagnostic laboratories regarding safety, sampling and packaging specimens associated with COVID-19 – updated section 3 of ‘laboratory investigations and sample requirements for diagnosis’.

Steps to take following the death of a person who worked in adult social care in England
Actions for local authorities and social care providers following a coronavirus (COVID-19) related death of an employee or volunteer in adult social care – added a new section on informing the coroner in the document ‘Steps to take following the death of a person who worked in adult social care in England’.

COVID-19: PHE laboratory assessments of molecular tests
PHE has undertaken rapid assessments of commercially provided diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection with further evaluations ongoing.

HOSPITALITY:

A restaurant chain which specialises in pizza, pasta and salads has been rescued following the appointment of administrators.
Vapiano was a subsidiary of German franchise Vapiano SE, which was first established in 2002. The eateries are known for being set in landmark locations. Allan Graham and Matthew Ingram of Duff & Phelps were appointed on 6 July before concluding two transactions: the sale of three restaurants in London to UK VAP, a subsidiary of LOVE & Food Restaurant Holding, and a further site in Manchester to Naveen Handa of the Cairn Hotel Group. The deals secured the future of 209 jobs.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for accommodation providers
Guidance and advice for those providing hotel and other accommodation in England – updated with changes from 4 July 2020.

“Events, Dear Boy”: managing incidents before they become crises
Speech by Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, to the Whitehall and Industry Group, 7 July 2020

JUDICIARY:

Going to a court or tribunal during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Use this guide if you’ve been asked to attend a hearing in person at a court or tribunal during the coronavirus outbreak – face coverings guidance updated.

Keeping court and tribunal buildings safe, secure and clean
This page provides details about security, cleaning and social-distancing arrangements in court and tribunal buildings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – face coverings advice 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.

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

How to join telephone and video hearings during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Use this guide if you’ve been asked to join a hearing by telephone or video using BT MeetMe, Skype for Business or Cloud Video Platform (CVP) during the coronavirus outbreak

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.

LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS:

COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of council buildings
Guidance for those managing council buildings – added new section on gatherings

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 – updated as of 5 July.

Local Government Association annual conference 2020: Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government’s speech
Speech by Simon Clarke MP at the Local Government Association’s annual conference 2020.

MEDIA & THE ARTS:

Reach, the publisher of the Liverpool Echo and Manchester Evening News, among other North West titles, is set to make 550 job cuts.
The number equates to some 12% of Reach’s entire workforce and comes after Q2 Group revenue at the listed company declined by 27.5%, impacted by reductions in circulation and advertising compared with the 2019. The news means that Reach’s editorial department will move to a more centralised structure bringing together national and regional teams across print and digital. The firm said it will also operate from fewer locations and a simpler management structure.

Selected sporting events, TV and film exempt from quarantine
Culture Secretary announces agreements to allow selected sporting events and production on film and television to get underway safely

PROPERTY:

Stamp duty changes being considered to boost property sector
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is to unveil his latest Coronavirus recovery measures on Wednesday and some sources claim they will include a six month stamp duty holiday – other sources suggest that with estate agents currently reporting good business, such a measure may be delayed until the autumn. Another option under consideration is to lift the threshold at which stamp duty starts to between £300,000 and £500,000. That would mean hundreds of thousands of properties in the ‘Blue Wall’ Midlands and north of England area – which helped the Conservatives to a General Election victory in December – would be lifted out of the duty completely.

Could the changes to UK planning laws lead to more opportunities for investors
Boris Johnson outlined a number of proposed changes to Britain’s seven-decades old planning system. This included a relaxation of planning rules to make it easier for land and buildings to be converted quickly, with developers granted the ability to change vacant shops to homes, and builders able to demolish vacant shops and build homes in their place, without planning permission. New regulations will be implemented which will allow for buildings and land in town centres to change use without requesting planning consent, while new homes will be able to be created from empty buildings. As an example, struggling high street stores that due to the coronavirus crisis have been forced to shut their doors permanently could be transformed without needing permission from the authorities. These changes are set to come into effect by September. Some believe this represents a huge opportunity for investors and developers.

Mortgage enquiries surge as prices dip slightly in latest index
Mortgage enquiries in June surged to double the rate of the previous month according to the latest halifax house price index. Although average house prices dipped by 0.1 per cent last month, following a 0.2 per cent drop in May, they remain 2.5 per cent higher than a year ago and less than one per cent below the immediate pre-lockdown level. Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent and a former RICS residential chairman, says: “On the one hand, prices have fallen for the fourth consecutive month but new mortgage enquiries are surging as buyers and sellers emerge from lockdown. The direction of travel in coming months will depend on the degree of support offered by the government and how quickly the economy can recover when furlough in particular is withdrawn.

Prolific North: How might Covid-19 change the future of shared workspaces?
The coronavirus pandemic looks set to change our relationship with the office forever! George Lancaster and Jesse Stott, University Business Centre Coordinators at Leeds Beckett University look at how companies might react

Could changes to UK Planning laws open opportunities for investors?
Boris Johnson has outlined a number of proposed changes to Britain’s seven-decades old planning system. This included a relaxation of planning rules to make it easier for land and buildings to be converted quickly, with developers granted the ability to change vacant shops to homes, and builders able to demolish vacant shops and build homes in their place, without planning permission. New regulations will be implemented which will allow for buildings and land in town centres to change use without requesting planning consent, while new homes will be able to be created from empty buildings. As an example, struggling high street stores that due to the coronavirus crisis have been forced to shut their doors permanently could be transformed without needing permission from the authorities. These changes are set to come into effect by September. Some believe this represents a huge opportunity for investors and developers, with potentially transformative changes to the nation’s high streets which have been so badly damaged by the coronavirus crisis. In the last week, the economic toll of the pandemic has started to show, with many companies beginning to lay off staff despite the ongoing support of the furlough scheme.

Reasonable worst-case planning scenario, 29 March 2020
Paper prepared by Cabinet Office.

RETAIL:

UK footfall recovery remains sluggish – covering the week 28 June – 04 July 2020

UK footfall decreased 49.6% year on year during the third week of reopening in England and NI. This compares to a decrease of 53.4% year on year for the previous week.
Footfall on High Streets declined by 55.7% year on year. This compares to a decrease of 58.1% year on year for the previous week. Retail Parks saw footfall decrease by 24.6% year on year. This compares to a decrease of 28.4% year on year for the previous week.
Shopping Centre footfall declined by 56.1% year on year. This compares to a decrease of 60.7% year on year for the previous week.
Total Retail footfall for the week increased 15.3% week on week, with High Streets and Shopping Centres showing higher rises than for Retail Parks.
Saturday 4th July, as pubs and restaurants reopened in England, saw UK footfall (for shops) rise 9.2% on the previous week, the smallest week on week rise for any day that week (average rise was 15.3%, as in bullet above).

Go Outdoors set for ‘limited’ store closures as JD Sports plan future for retailer
Retailer JD Sports has unveiled plans to restructure recently bought-back struggling business Go Outdoors. The outdoor brand, which went into administration last month, was bought back by the group in a £56.5m deal. JD Sports plans to integrate the Go Outdoors brand with its existing assets in order to boost its capabilities for online sales. JD Sports Fashion, the Bury-based sports and athleisurewear group, posted record results for the year to February 1, 2020. Revenues jumped 30% from £4.717bn to £6.11bn, while pre-tax profits increased three per cent from £339.9m in 2019 to £348.5m this year, even after an exceptional items charge of £90.3m which included the impairment of goodwill from the acquisition of Go Outdoors and Choice, and costs from the integration of IT systems and warehousing systems.

Insider: Creditors have approved Poundstretcher’s plans for a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) as part of a turnaround plan for the business. The discount retailer set out plans for the CVA in June 2020. The Huddersfield-headquartered company currently has 450 stores across the UK, and a distribution centre in Leicester, employing about 5,500 staff. It is seeking to restructure its UK store portfolio, stemming losses from underperforming outlets, realigning head office costs and paving the way for investment in its core estate and product offering.

Wetherspoons agrees to defer rent payments until 2021 or go monthly
Wetherspoons, which operates 875 pubs across the UK, has unveiled plans to reopen 750 branches in England on 4 July after the UK lockdown forced them to close on 20 March. “We have contacted all our landlords and have agreed individual deals,” a spokesperson from JD Wetherspoons told Property Week. “In some cases, we’ve agreed zero rents while pubs are closed. In other cases, especially involving smaller landlords, we’ve asked for rent deferrals to be paid back in 2021, sometimes with interest. “We’ve usually asked for monthly rents for the next 18 months or so. Landlords have generally been helpful and cooperative, for which we are grateful.”

TRAVEL & TOURISM:

Jet2 outlines new Covid-19 safety policies
Jet2holidays has released a YouTube video outlining the Covid-19 safeguards it will be employing when it resumes operations on 15 July. It asks passengers to check in using the Jet2.com app and to take only light hand luggage. Passengers are shown donning masks before entering the airport and keeping them on, only removing them briefly for passport checks.

Travel corridors
Passengers will not be required to self-isolate when they arrive in England from a number of exempt countries and territories.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): how to self-isolate when you travel to the UK
Sets out how to self-isolate when you arrive in the UK. You will not be allowed to leave the place you’re staying for the first 14 days you’re in the UK – changes have been made to make clear who now needs to self-isolate when travelling to the UK. Links to an exempt countries list have also been added.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): travellers exempt from border rules in the UK
This guidance explains who will be exempt from new border rules in the UK introduced due to coronavirus – updated travel details and new Coronavirus (COVID-19 guidance for travellers exempt from border rules in England.

Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated with a new checklist following the change in travel advice, where some countries will be exempted from the global advisory against non-essential international travel from 4 July.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): countries and territories exempt from advice against ‘all but essential’ international travel
The FCO updated its global advisory against ‘all but essential’ travel, exempting destinations that no longer pose an unacceptably high risk for British travellers – updated as the travel exemptions come into effect

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – linking to the list of countries and territories on the travel corridors exemption list.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – linking to the list of countries and territories on the travel corridors exemption list.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations – linking to the list of countries and territories on the travel corridors exemption list.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer aviation guidance for operators
Safer travel and working principles for airports and aviation operators – linking to the list of countries and territories on the travel corridors exemption list.

Useful Links:

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.