Latest data:
Total tests: 6,981,493 tests have been carried / posted out (+ 113,107)
Positive tests: 298,136 have tested positive – (+ 1279 on previous day)
Loss of life: 41,969 across all settings, (+ 223 on previous day)
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.
Government daily briefing:
Tuesday 16th June:
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the 16th June 2020 daily press briefing on the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Hospital admissions and the numbers in hospital with Covid-19 are falling
- Announcement of successful clinical trial of drug dexamethasone in treatment of serious Covid-19 cases. The steroid is already widely available in the NHS for treatment of other conditions.
- Boris Johnson confirmed earliest date for further easing of restrictions as 4th July
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 16 June 2020
Press conference slides used by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Sir Patrick Vallance.
Answers to the most common topics asked about by the public for the coronavirus press conference
Monday 15th June:
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab gave the 15 June 2020 daily press briefing on the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Today, there have been 1,056 new cases
- There are 39 5in critical care
- Week-on-week data: 109 fewer daily cases, 161 fewer patients in critical care, 155 fewer deaths
- More high street stores have been allowed to open today plus some outdoor attractions
- Face coverings are now mandatory on public transport
Foreign Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 15 June 2020
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 15 June 2020
Friday 12th to Sunday 14th June:
- SAGE data shows overall R rate unchanged at 0.7 – 0.9
- Regional variances of R rate show estimates sitting at or just above 1
- Formation of a ‘Jet Zero Council’ working to achieve net zero emission flights
- Still cannot confirm whether having antibodies means people are immune
- No extension to transition period for Brexit
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 12 June 2020 Press conference slides and datasets used by The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, Sir Peter Hendy and Professor Stephen Powis.
UK HEADLINES:
Readily available steroid drug – Dexamethasone proves successful for 1 in 8 Covid-19 patients
The biggest medical breakthrough in treating the coronavirus has been made by scientists in the UK – the discovery that Dexamethasone helps reduce the risk of death. Professor Peter Horby, professor of emerging infectious diseases and global health at the University of Oxford, gave more details about the development. About one in eight more will survive thanks to Dexamethasone. Johnson said: ‘We’ve taken steps to ensure we have enough supplies of Dexamethasone, even in the case of a second peak’. The clinical trial that led to this discovery was implemented across all countries of the UK and enrolled 11,500 patients, making it the biggest study in the world. The drug is very cheap, readily available and can save extra lives. Horby said it was the drug in the study that he was most excited about. This is the first medicine that has been shown to reduce death in Covid-19 patients.
Non-essential retailers out of lockdown and re-open for business
More retailers across England are allowed to reopen and welcome back customers to their shops and stores so long as strict measures are introduced in line with Government guidelines following the coronavirus pandemic. High Street stores include Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, JD Sports, Dorothy Perkins and Primark along with John Lewis who will be phasing the re-opening of their stores over the next few days – John Lewis at Cheadle Royal is due to reopen this Wednesday 17th. Animal attractions and many smaller independent shops have also been allowed to reopen so long as a risk assessment has taken place and they are able to keep their customers safe including following the current 2 metre social distancing rule.
BBC: Facemasks mandatory for all users of public transport in England
Anyone travelling on public transport in England must wear a face covering from Monday under a new rule. More than 3,000 extra staff including police officers are being deployed at stations to make sure people comply. Passengers without a covering will be asked to wear one, or will face being refused onboard or fined £100. People with certain health conditions, disabled people and children under the age of 11 will be exempt from the rule. In the coming days, hundreds of thousands of free coverings will be handed out at railway stations. The government says masks can be homemade, such as a scarf or bandana. As well as on transport, all hospital visitors and outpatients also have to wear masks.
Manchester United star prompts Government to extend meal vouchers scheme
Footballer Marcus Rashford says he wants to do more to help those in need after winning a battle to have a free school meal voucher scheme extended. His campaign prompted a government U-turn that will see parents claim vouchers for about 1.3 million children in England during the summer holidays. But he told BBC Breakfast there are “more steps that need to be taken”. Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised the England star’s “contribution to the debate around poverty”.
Secondary school pupils to have face-to-face teaching sessions for first time
Some pupils from years 10 and 12 who are facing exams next year are being allowed to return to school from today for face-to-face sessions with their teachers.
UK workers on payrolls has fallen by 612,000 between March & May
As the number of workers who have left the payroll hits over 600,000, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has also said the number of job vacancies in May has fallen to a new, record low. Jonathan Athow, deputy national statistician for economic statistics at the ONS, said: “The slowdown in the economy is now visibly hitting the labour market, especially in terms of hours worked. Early indicators for May show that the number of employees on payrolls were down over 600,000 compared with March. He added that the number of people claiming work related benefits had climbed again, although “not all of these people are necessarily unemployed”.
Furloughed workers help the Government tackle coronavirus
More than 100 people who have been furloughed from their normal day jobs because of coronavirus have been able to volunteer to help the government tackle the crisis. At the beginning of the pandemic, the government launched the Industry Partnering Voluntary Scheme to utilise the skills of people who could no longer do their normal jobs. The project has seen more than 100 people matched to short-term voluntary roles in government, ranging from analytical and digital projects to work focused on the frontline response to the virus.
Staff and volunteers at the forefront of the national coronavirus response across England will be able to access a new Psychological First Aid training course
The free online course enables responders to develop their skills and confidence in providing key psychological support to people affected by coronavirus, including on issues such as job worries, bereavement or isolation as they carry out their vital work as part of the ongoing coronavirus response. It will also help to develop understanding of how emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic can affect us all, how to recognise people who may be at increased risk of distress, and how to offer practical and emotional support.
Primary schools in England are to be given greater flexibility to invite back more pupils, but only if the school has capacity within existing guidelines and if protective measures are in place.
Children in early years, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 began returning to classrooms on 1 June, with over half of primary schools open to at least one of these year groups as of 4 June. Updated guidance published today (15 June) gives heads and school leaders the ability to invite back additional children if – having invited back the pupils in eligible year groups – they are able and feel ready to do so within the existing guidance. Schools will have flexibility to decide which additional pupils to prioritise for return, provided existing guidelines are followed and protective measures are in place, including limiting primary class sizes to no more than 15 pupils.
Institute for Fiscal Studies: The geographic impact of the Covid-19 crisis
“There is a small group of local authorities in England where public health, local jobs and families are all more vulnerable than average. While several of these areas are in the North West, the group includes local authorities from Dorset to Northumberland. But it is Torbay and the Isle of Wight that stand out as the most highly vulnerable, reflecting their elderly populations, reliance on tourism and hospitality, and pockets of socio-economic disadvantage.”
Business Secretary leads economic recovery roundtables
Business Secretary Alok Sharma chaired a series of economic recovery roundtables that brought together businesses, business representative organisations, regulators and leading academics.
Government-funded Imperial College COVID-19 vaccine moves into first human trials
Clinical researchers will begin human trials of a new coronavirus vaccine developed by researchers at Imperial College London. The vaccine has undergone rigorous pre-clinical safety tests and has been shown to be safe and produced encouraging signs of an effective immune response in animal studies. Over the coming weeks, 300 healthy participants will receive two doses of the vaccine. Many traditional vaccines are based on a weakened or modified form of virus, or parts of it, but the Imperial vaccine is based on a new approach. It uses synthetic strands of genetic code (called RNA), based on the virus’s genetic material. If the vaccine shows a promising immune response, then larger Phase III trials would be planned to begin later in the year with around 6000 healthy volunteers to test its effectiveness. Ultimately, the researchers hope that if clinical trials are successful, the vaccine could provide protection against COVID-19 both in the UK and around the world
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Eastern Airways to resume UK flights as Manchester to Southampton first route
UK regional airline, Eastern Airways, will resume its growing network of routes from Manchester Airport initially including a daily service to Southampton from 22nd June. The frequency of services will be increased as appropriate through July, August and September to help restore the business and leisure connections to help the economic recovery of the North-West.
Council to restart registration of births
Cheshire East Council is to re-start the registration of births from today – Wednesday 17 June. Restrictions introduced at the start of the Covid-19 lockdown meant birth registrations and other registration team services had to be suspended.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus: driving tests
Driving tests are currently suspended due to coronavirus – but you can apply for an emergency test if you’re a critical worker – updated to confirm that driving tests are still suspended, and that rescheduled dates given for car driving tests will not go ahead – you will be asked to go online and choose a suitable date and time when driving tests can restart.
Coronavirus: theory tests
Theory tests are currently suspended to 3 July 2020 due to coronavirus – but you can apply for an emergency theory test if you’re a critical worker.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice on accessing green spaces safely
Advice on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others from coronavirus – updated with guidance on reopening of animal attractions.
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 with the changes to support bubbles that are in effect from 13 June.
Support for the bereaved
Information to help bereaved families, friends or next of kin make important decisions – addition of translated versions of ‘What to do when someone dies during the COVID-19 pandemic’.
CONSTRUCTION:
Travis Perkins announce job losses among plans to shut 165 branches
The closure programme will see 2,500 job cuts from both the branches and roles in the distribution, administrative and sales functions, amounting to 9% of the total workforce. Branch closures will be concentrated on the Travis Perkins General Merchant operation, focusing on small branches where it is either difficult to implement safe distancing practices, or where marginal profitability will be eroded by reduced trading volumes.
£37bn of work due out for bid by April 2021
Between £29bn and £37bn of contracts across economic and social infrastructure will be brought to market over this financial year.
The Government’s Infrastructure and Project Authority has detailed the work pipeline for this year in a bid to provide much-needed confidence and certainty to the market during the COVID-19 pandemic
EDUCATION:
Guidance for prospective students
SLC issues guidance for prospective students and answers common questions related to the COVID-19 outbreak – added information for part-time undergraduate and postgraduate Master’s students.
Preparing for the wider opening of schools from 1 June
Planning guides for school leaders to help them prepare to open their schools for more pupils during the coronavirus outbreak – added information to ‘Planning guide for primary schools’ on how primary schools can use flexibility to welcome back additional pupils this term. Added information to ‘Guidance for secondary school provision from 15 June 2020’ about how secondary schools can now welcome year 10 and year 12 pupils in for some face-to-face support and where possible, invite pupils in other year groups in for a meeting this 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 – private candidate policy update and Update on summer 2020 GCSEs, AS and A level grades for students in year 10 and below and for private candidates moved to Exceptional arrangements for exam grading and assessment in 2020. Guidance for teachers, students, parents and carers: Summer 2020 results for vocational, technical and other qualifications removed. Superseded by Summer 2020 results for vocational, technical and other qualifications.
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 additional wording to clarify that we would not normally expect adults to be included in the cohort returning to on-site delivery from 15 June and that providers can offer all learners under 19 years old a face-to-face meeting before the end of term, where it would be beneficial. We have also added information on the date traineeship flexibilities run from, supported internships, awarding of vocational qualifications and additional case studies in the toolkit for engaging vulnerable young people.
DfE data sources referenced in SAGE paper
Ad hoc statistics reporting data and methodology for two statistics referenced in SAGE’s paper: SPI-M: the role of children in transmission (16 April 2020).
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus outbreak
A summary of attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April – added latest data and ‘11 June 2020 summary: attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak’.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
IOD: ‘Unparalleled’ GDP figures means action needed
The Institute of Directors has responded to the figures suggesting that GDP fell by 20% in April. Chief Economist Tej Parikh said the Government ‘must now figure out how to stimulate activity. As the furlough scheme winds down, further job losses could be on the cards without additional support for firms’ costs. To help spur business investment, the Government must make good on its commitment to broaden existing tax reliefs for research and development. Waiting until later in the year to act will risk more businesses and jobs being lost.’
Guidance updated for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)
The revised guidance includes:
- changes to the scheme and key dates that you need to be aware of
- how you can claim if you bring previously furloughed employees back to work part-time from 1st July (known as flexible furloughing) and how many employees you can claim for in any one claim
- how to claim, and the information you’ll need to do so
- how to work out how much you can claim, including an online calculator to help you
- more information on amending your claim.
Webinars offering more support on changes to the scheme and how they impact you are now available to book online – go to GOV.UK and search ‘help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus’.
What you need to do from July
- start your flexible furloughing of employees from 1st July onwards. You can decide the hours and shift patterns they work to suit the needs of your business – you’ll pay their wages for the time they’re in work and can apply for a job retention scheme grant to cover any of their usual hours they are still furloughed for. You can still keep employees on full furlough if you need to
- claim for periods ending on or before 30th June, by 31st July – this is the last date you can make those claims
- claim for further furlough periods as needed – the first time you will be able to make a claim for days in July will be 1st July.
UK Finance: Covid-19 loan schemes reaching firms in most need
A survey of 1,200 firms finds that the government-backed coronavirus lending schemes are reaching the businesses which need it most. Those firms who have secured funding through the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) or Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) say they have lower cash reserves than the national average and have owners who are more likely to use personal funds to support their business. In turn, these firms have used the funds to adapt to the new business environment, with 45 per cent allowing for more online and telephone orders in response to the social distancing restrictions introduced during lockdown.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
The YouTube video for ‘Running your business through the coronavirus pandemic’ has been updated.
Coronavirus: letter from DVSA Chief Executive to driver and rider trainers about restarting instruction and tests
Letters from Gareth Llewellyn, Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) about restarting instruction and tests.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic – vehicles: updated to reflect industry feedback, removal of coverage of taxis as superseded by additional guidance issued by Department for Transport, guidance on test and trace service, guidance on safer travel and to provide guidance on managing security risks.
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 – updated to reflect current, revised regulations.
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.
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 14 June) for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – added guidance on support bubbles.
Businesses still confident despite coronavirus lockdown, says research by Airbase
Research by Airbase, the sales and marketing automation specialists, shows businesses remain confident about their prospects despite the coronavirus pandemic. The study conducted during UK lockdown in May 2020 reveals a high degree of confidence and optimism despite the challenges of the current crisis.
However, low adoption of digital tools to allow consistent sales and marketing activity is both the biggest threat and the biggest opportunity for many businesses
Critical workers who can access schools or educational settings
List of critical workers (key workers) who can send their children to school or other educational settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added information on how primary schools can use flexibility to welcome back additional pupils this term, where they have capacity.
Actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020
Next steps for the phased wider opening of educational and childcare settings – added information on how primary schools can use flexibility to welcome back additional pupils this term, where they have capacity.
ENVIRONMENT:
Environment Agency waterways: Coronavirus (Covid-19) update
Updated guidance for users of all Environment Agency waterways, including the River Thames, Anglian waterways and the Upper Medway Navigation
Group to measure for coronavirus prevalence in waste water
New working group includes a range of water companies and experts across the UK
Transmission licence exemptions for offshore wind farm generators affected by COVID-19
The Government is seeking views on a proposed exemption order, for wind farm generators in tender rounds 5 and 6 of the OFTO regime affected by COVID-19.
HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:
World first coronavirus treatment approved for NHS use by government
The government has immediately authorised the NHS to use the world’s first coronavirus treatment proven to reduce the risk of death.
MHRA suspends recruitment to COVID-19 hydroxychloroquine trials
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has instructed UK clinical trialists using hydroxychloroquine to treat or prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) to suspend recruitment of further participants.
Special feature: GAD supports the coronavirus response
People from GAD support the government’s fight against coronavirus by continuing to engage with our clients to deal with issues caused by COVID-19.
COVID-19: guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing
Advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added guidance on support bubbles.
Guidance updated for employers, businesses and workers on the NHS test and trace service
This guidance explains how employers and businesses can play their part in the NHS test and trace programme to slow the spread of the virus, protect the health and care system and save lives. This guidance should be used in conjunction with Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19). By following the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) guidance, employers can reduce the risk of co-workers having to self-isolate if a member of staff tests positive for COVID-19. This guidance is for England only. There are equivalent arrangements for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
NHS Providers has called on the government to commit to a set of protocols for all future announcements affecting the operations of NHS trusts.
The organisation that represents every NHS hospital, community, mental health and ambulance trust in England says there has been a succession of announcements where frontline leaders have had no notice of, or input into, key decisions affecting their organisations, patients and staff. Examples include two announcements late last week on the use of face masks in hospitals and visiting policy; the announcement of NHS Test and Trace on 27 May including the potential need to isolate whole teams of NHS staff with immediate effect: a series of tactical announcements changing the approach to testing NHS staff and patients during April and the original lockdown announcement of 23 March which contained instructions on which NHS staff should leave work immediately to go into isolation.
Psychological first aid in emergencies training for frontline staff and volunteers
Staff and volunteers at the forefront of the national coronavirus response across England will be able to access a new Psychological First Aid training course.
Mind have made the Mental Health Awareness for Sport & Physical Activity training FREE until 31 August. One in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. Completing this course will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to better understand and support people living with mental health problems, and create a positive environment that ensures they enjoy the benefits of being active and keep coming back for more. UK Coaching, 1st4sport and partners – Mind & Sport England – have taken the decision to make this online course free to access until 31st August for the whole coaching community.
PPE portal: how to order emergency personal protective equipment
Healthcare providers can order additional personal protective equipment (PPE) through the portal to top up their existing supplies for COVID-19 in an emergency – updated with increased order limits for type IIR masks.
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) – updated ‘Personal protective equipment (PPE): a resource for care workers delivering homecare (domiciliary care) in England’ document to provide important updates as set out on page 2.
European supply deal struck for potential COVID-19 vaccine
Drugs giant Astrazeneca has reached an agreement with Europe’s Inclusive Vaccines Alliance (IVA), spearheaded by Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands, to supply up to 400 million doses of the University of Oxford’s COVID-19 vaccine, with deliveries starting by the end of 2020. With yesterday’s (June 15) agreement, the IVA aims to accelerate the supply of the vaccine and to make it available to other European countries that wish to participate in the initiative. The IVA is committed to providing equitable access to all participating countries across Europe.
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 – updated testing capacity figures.
COVID-19: understanding the impact on BAME communities
A summary of stakeholder insights into factors affecting the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Guidance on the management of staff, patients and residents who have been exposed to COVID-19.
OPSS coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for business and local authorities
Guidance on how OPSS is supporting businesses and local authorities and protecting consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic updated enforcement guidance for local authorities added on face masks and coverings.
New rules on face coverings coming in on Monday will help keep passengers safe
Passengers that don’t follow the new rules on face coverings will be prevented from travelling.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and Mitigating Measures – update, 4 June 2020
Update paper prepared by Environmental and Modelling Group (EMG) on transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and mitigating measures.
The R number in the UK
The reproduction number (R) is the average number of secondary infections produced by 1 infected person. The R number range for the UK is 0.7-0.9 as of 12 June 2020.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice on COVID-19 virus testing for critical workers and their household members who are self-isolating because they’re showing symptoms – updated privacy notice and quick read to say that if you test positive, you may be contacted by text message to see whether you wish to donate blood plasma, as part of the potential treatment for coronavirus. Updated the Department of Health and Social Care’s data protection officer to Ian Stone.
HOSPITALITY:
BBC: Restaurant bosses in plea to Prime Minister for help
Bosses at restaurant and food chains including Wagamama and Pizza Hut warned the prime minister that if the two-metre social distancing rule remains in place they’ll need much more help to avoid massive job losses. The government has commissioned a review into the rule, but some want action much more quickly.
Cineworld has announced it will reopen its UK cinemas on Friday 10 July.
In a statement, the company added that the move is subject to final clarifications and confirmation in relation to various government Covid-19 restrictions. The company has made several operational changes and invested in new technology to ensure a safe but enjoyable cinematic experience for all our visitors. Among the new measures introduced is an updated booking system to ensure social distancing within and throughout the auditoriums; adapted daily movie schedules to manage queues and avoid the build-up of crowds in lobbies; and enhanced cleanliness and sanitation procedures across all of our sites.”
IT & TECHNOLOGY:
Laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers progress data
Information about how many laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers we have delivered or dispatched to local authorities and academy trusts.
Crowdfunding platform releases app to help investors post-Covid-19
A Dutch company has released an app that allows investors across the globe to access real estate investments, as Covid-19 continues to restrict close physical content and travel, and increasingly forces people online instead. Max Crowdfund enables registered investors to access high-quality real estate investment opportunities in a matter of minutes, from any computer or mobile device, ‘with the security of AML procedures and blockchain technology’.
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 – Update for week commencing 15 June 2020 published.
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page holds a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak – tracker updated with Crown Courts assessed to hold jury trials.
MANUFACTURING:
Britain’s manufacturers are calling for a National Recovery Plan.
The sector is also calling for an immediate stimulus package, to boost investment and help save jobs on the back of a major survey showing that output in the sector plunged to a record low as the full impact of the crisis hit home. The Make UK/BDO Manufacturing Outlook Q2 survey comes on the back of the historic fall in GDP and shows the balance for output reached the lowest level in the thirty year history of the survey, surpassing the previous record lows seen during the worst of the financial crisis. Looking forward the survey shows the prospect for the next quarter and the rest of the year looks little better.
MILITARY:
Reservists returning to civilian work eligible for government support schemes
Military reservists will be able to access the government’s self- employment scheme and those returning to work in the coming months will be eligible for the job retention scheme, the Chancellor announced on 15 June.
PROPERTY:
Covid-19 impact – will modular housing and self-build homes thrive post-pandemic?Two of the biggest emerging trends pre-pandemic, from a housebuilding and investment perspective, were the rise of modern methods of construction (including modular housing) and self-build homes. In recent years, self-builds have become more popular as house prices have continued to soar and people have struggled to find the homes they want in the right areas.
RETAIL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): letter to the retail sector
Letter from the Minister for Small Business, Consumers & Labour Markets, Paul Scully, to those working in retail.
Boohoo swoops for Oasis and Warehouse online business
The Manchester online retailer paid restructuring firm Hilco, the owner of the Homebase DIY chain, £5.25m in cash for the brands which closed their doors in April as the coronavirus pandemic took its toll.
The deal sees Boohoo take over the online businesses and IP of the brands. The latest acquisitions wraps up a strong three months for Boohoo. Sales for the three months to 31 May were up 45 per cent to £367.8m, that’s up from £254.3m for the same period last year.
Greggs set to open remaining 1000 stores within weeks
Now the firm has unveiled new-look stores, with floor markings, protective clothes for staff and screens at counters among several measures to protect against coronavirus spreading. There will also be a reduced menu to ensure social distancing in kitchens and workspaces. Greggs warned sales are likely to remain subdued as the chain copes with fewer customers allowed in stores at any one time, following a series of small-scale trials near its offices.
TRANSPORT:
Temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the drivers’ hours rules: all sectors carriage of goods by road
Temporary relaxation of the GB drivers’ hours rules for drivers carrying goods by road – rules ended 23:59 Sunday 14 June.
TRAVEL:
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 information on Service and Support Centres, English language tests, and 90 day validity of replacement visas.
The company said it was looking to reshape the business in order to “grow and thrive in the future”. Der Touristik UK chief executive Derek Jones praised staff for their “unswerving support and commitment over the past three months, a time which has tested the company to the limit”. In a letter to staff, Jones outlined every step that has been taken to try to rule out compulsory job losses, including voluntary redundancy, reduced working hours and recruitment freezes in addition to maximising the support of the job retention scheme. “In the short term we will be a smaller business, but by taking these actions now we can see our way through it and emerge stronger in the future,” he said.
Taiwan travel during coronavirus (COVID-19): information about available flights and routes
Information about available flights and routes and English-language travel agents for British people in Taiwan during the coronavirus restrictions.
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