March 10th – Coronavirus News Updates

UK DATA:

Total UK Cases: 4,228,998 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 5,766 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 9,418 (590 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 231
Total UK deaths: 124,797
England Cases per 100,000: 62.8 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.7 to 0.9

Vaccine data:

Total 1^st doses given: 22,592,528 up to and including 8 March 2021
Total 2^nd doses given: 1,181,431

Latest Cheshire East data:

Total Cheshire East cases: 20,076
New cases in past 7 days: 242 to 4 March
Total deaths: 784
Cases per 100,000: 63 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.7 to 0.9

Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK. The way deaths are reported is based on a 28-day limit between the date of a positive lab-confirmed test and date of death.

Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus

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

Roadmap out of lockdown.

UK NEWS & HEADLINES:

Nightingale Hospitals to close in April
The Nightingale hospitals set up to cope with a surge of Covid-19 cases will close in April, the NHS has said. Established last spring amid fears that the NHS might be overwhelmed, the temporary hospitals in England were largely not needed. Some were used as rehab centres and the sites in London and Sunderland will stay open for vaccinations. Seven Nightingale hospitals were built in England, starting in April 2020 with the 4,000-bed facility at London’s ExCel centre. Another was set up in Belfast, while Scotland and Wales had their own temporary hospitals.

First steps on roadmap out of lockdown
Today, Monday 8 March marks the first step on the Government’s roadmap for coming out of lockdown. From then you will be able to meet one other person socially in the outdoors and children will be going back to school for face-to-face teaching. Even though this is the first stage in the easing of lockdown it is really important that you continue to stay at home where possible and limit your social contacts as much as possible to help reduce the risk of spread. Please continue to socially distance (2 metres), wear face coverings if in enclosed spaces (unless exempt), regularly wash/sanitise your hands and ventilate indoor areas.

Mandatory form for international travel launched to prevent illegal trips
From today, 8 March 2021, passengers travelling abroad will need to carry a new form stating that their trip is permitted under national lockdown rules.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from quarantine, passenger locator form or COVID testing requirements – exemptions for completing the declaration form for overseas travel added.Back to school for children in England
Millions of children in England are going back to school after more than two months studying at home. Many secondary schools will have a phased return during the week, but most primary schools are expected to open for all pupils from Monday. Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the return as a first step towards a “sense of normality”. In Northern Ireland, younger primary pupils return today, but secondary pupils will start going back later this month. In Scotland and Wales, younger primary pupils are already back, with older pupils returning to primary and secondary schools from 15 March.

Schools and colleges to reopen from tomorrow as part of Step One of the roadmap
Step One of the roadmap begins tomorrow with pupils returning to face-to-face education.

Deliveroo reports £223m loss as it aims for London Stock Exchange launch
Food delivery company Deliveroo has reported that it suffered a six-figure loss over the past year. This comes as the company, which is based in London, confirms its intention to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Its loss for 2020 hit £223.7m, compared to £317.3m in 2019 – nearly a £100m improvement.
The company’s gross transaction value increased by 64.3 per cent in the period, from £2.5bn in 2019 to £4.1bn in 2020. The IPO will allow customers and investors to purchase stock in the company.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

North-west research and business secure £98.5 million government UKRI investment
The government’s UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) agency has invested £98.5 million into businesses and researchers in the North-west that are tackling major societal challenges. The UKRI is funding 156 projects in the region that are working towards aims such as decarbonisation and improving agricultural yields.

Small businesses in the North-west invited to start journey to Net Zero
The ‘Your business journey to Net Zero’ event will deliver tools, solutions and ideas for SMEs to plan their first steps towards reducing carbon footprints.

Employers asked to pledge vacancies for virtual job expo
Employers from throughout the North-west are being asked to register to get involved in a virtual jobs expo for local jobseekers. The North West Works 4 U event will be broadcast online live from the 6th to the 8th April.

LSH Auto rolls out rapid workplace Coronavirus testing
LSH Auto, part of LSH International, one of the largest dealer groups for Mercedes-Benz cars worldwide, has begun offering rapid Covid tests to colleagues across its eight UK dealerships in the Midlands and the North West. “The testing programme, led by Ian Williams, Head of Human Resources, will now be rolled out to colleagues at LSH Auto’s Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Tamworth, Stockport, Macclesfield and Whitehead with plans in place to offer regular workplace tests at all eight dealerships from next week. Martyn Webb, Managing Director of LSH Auto, said:
“Workplace testing can play an important role in our fight against this virus. It gives us the means to identify asymptomatic colleagues before they pass it on unknowingly. By offering regular tests in the workplace, we can help to protect our colleagues, their families and the wider community.”
To date, five members of staff from the HR, Health & Safety and IT departments at LSH Auto have undergone NHS training to administer the lateral flow tests and plans are in place to train more colleagues to manage the ongoing testing programme.

BREXIT:

Understanding the statistical implications of coronavirus (Covid-19) and EU Exit on the compilation of UK Trade statistics
How the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the end of the EU Exit transition period impacted on the compilation of UK trade.

BUSINESS:

Free rapid tests for all businesses for regular workplace testing
All businesses in England are now able to sign up to the government’s free COVID-19 workplace testing programme.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – February claims to be made by 15^th March
You have until 15?? ?March to claim under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for pay periods in February ?2021. Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar: Register here

who can claim
who you can claim for
how to calculate what you can claim
how to make a claim.

HMRC are also running webinars on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Register hereGet the latest information on:

who can claim
who you can claim for
how to make a claim
what you may be entitled to, and more.

During these interactive webinars you can ask questions using the on-screen text box and download handouts giving detailed examples and links to more information. Afterwards HMRC will also send you a link to a video recording of the webinars, in case you’d like to see any of it again. HMRC will continue to update our webinars to reflect the latest information as it becomes available

Check if your business is eligible for the coronavirus Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment
The Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP) supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national lockdown that began 5 January 2021 – grant scheme closing date and details of new subsidy allowance confirmed.

Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national lockdowns (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG (Closed) Addendum) support businesses that have been required to close due to national lockdowns – grant scheme closing date and details of new subsidy allowance confirmed.

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed – details of new subsidy allowance confirmed.

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions – grant scheme closing date and details of new subsidy allowance confirmed.

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG (Closed) and LRSG (Closed) Addendum: Tier 4) support businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions – grant scheme closing date and details of new subsidy allowance confirmed.

Late payment penalties for Self-Assessment waived until 1 April
HMRC has announced that Self-Assessment taxpayers will not be charged a 5% late payment penalty if they pay their tax or set up a payment plan by 1 April.
Click here for the full story

Online service opens for VAT deferral scheme
HMRC has announced that businesses that deferred VAT payments last year can now join the new online VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme to pay it in smaller monthly instalments.
Click here for the full story

HMRC clarifies off-payroll rules
HMRC has published a briefing on its approach to the changes to off-payroll working rules, commonly known as IR35, which will be introduced on 6 April 2021.
Click here for the full story

HMRC are running webinars on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Register here

COMMUNITY:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for homecare workers
Sets out how homecare agencies in England can order regular tests for their homecare (domiciliary care) staff – updated ‘A testing service for homecare workers in England’, to add that directly employed or self-employed personal assistants who provide care that requires them to come within 2 metres of the person they support and who support adults over the age of 18 are eligible for regular testing. Replaced ‘A testing service for homecare workers in England (PDF version)’ with latest version of document.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice on accessing green spaces safely
Advice on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others from coronavirus.

What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19
Information for parents and carers about attending schools, nurseries and colleges in the spring term 2021 – added information on asymptomatic testing for parents and adults in households with children at school or college.

Understanding lateral flow antigen testing for people without symptoms
An explanation of the technology behind asymptomatic testing and the role these tests play in the national COVID-19 testing programme – updated to add video ‘Introduction to Rapid Lateral Flow testing’.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): disposing of waste
How to dispose of your personal or business waste, including face coverings, personal protective equipment (PPE) and from lateral flow tests, during the coronavirus pandemic – added guidance on how to dispose of lateral flow tests.

Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19)
This guidance aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccination: British Sign Language resources
British Sign Language (BSL) videos on COVID-19 vaccination.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing unpaid care
Information for people who are caring, unpaid, for friends or family during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to include guidance for young carers.

COVID-19: letter to people identified as high risk – aged 70 and over
Reference-only version of letter to people identified as high risk by COVID-19 population risk assessment model, aged 70 and over.

CONSTRUCTION:

Glenigan: Construction projects to aid Covid recovery
Following the investment and opportunities for the construction industry announced in the budget last week, here we dive into the detail of what some the investment will actually deliver and provide unique Glenigan insight into the detail of projects that we know about now.
– The first ever UK Infrastructure Bank, located in Leeds, will finance the “green industrial revolution”. It will launch this spring with £12bn and should support at least £40bn of total investment in infrastructure
– The Treasury will establish a “new economic campus” in Darlington, and said there would be more than £1 billion for 45 new towns deals.
– The Treasury North hub is expected to see 750 jobs relocate from London to the town, saying: “redrawing our economic map means rebalancing our economic investment”.

Structural steel prices rises again
British Steel has increased the price of structural steel for the sixth time since July. The latest £30 rise has been imposed with immediate effect and means that steel prices have risen by £260 a tonne since last July. The speed of the rise is unprecedented and has been blamed on sharp rises in raw material costs, quotas and scrap availability. Rebar prices are also being pushed through the roof in the concrete frame sector.

All construction companies can get free testing
Construction companies of all sizes can now register to order free lateral flow Covid tests for their employees from the government. The tests detect positive cases in under 30 minutes and firms can find out more online here where businesses will be provided with all the information they need to plan and deliver their testing programme, along with promotional materials. Companies have until the 31 March to register for the government’s workplace testing scheme which will remain free until the end of June.

EDUCATION:

Reported coronavirus (COVID-19) notifications by registered early years and childcare settings
This data is published fortnightly. It gives the number of registered early years and childcare providers reporting one or more confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) by week.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) local restrictions in education and childcare settings
How settings can prepare for restrictions to help contain community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Awarding of functional skills in 2021
Details, by awarding organisation, of the different assessment options available for functional skills in 2021.

How to complete the educational setting status form
This data will help the government monitor the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on settings, focus support more effectively and keep children safe.

Households and bubbles of pupils, students and staff of schools and colleges: get rapid lateral flow tests
Find out who is eligible for twice-weekly testing and how to get tested if you do not have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). This guidance is for people without symptoms – updated to reflect that guidance also applies to colleges.

Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update
Ofsted guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children’s social care and further education and skills providers – updated the ‘Early years and childcare’ section to inform providers that notifications of confirmed cases of COVID-19 will not prompt a regulatory visit.

Critical workers and vulnerable children who can access schools or educational settings
List of critical workers (key workers) and vulnerable children and young people who can access full-time education provision in the case of future restrictions on education during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – information updated to confirm the return of pupils and students to school and college from 8 March. The list of vulnerable children and critical workers remains the same.

January 2021: further education and skills providers
An operational note for Her Majesty’s Inspectors carrying out inspection activity of further education and skills providers from January 2021 – updated to reflect changes coming into force from 15 March. Ofsted will carry out new provider monitoring visits to new providers that have not yet received one. We will discontinue progress monitoring visits except in exceptional cases.

Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information on the return of students for the spring term and HE operational guidance – updated the guidance on ‘students returning to, and starting, higher education in the spring term’ to include advice on students travelling home for their Easter break and updated guidance for new and returning students travelling from overseas.

Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – removed the guidance ‘Restricting attendance during the national lockdown: schools (applies until 8 March)’ as no longer applies.

Face coverings in education
Guidance on the use of face coverings for schools and other education institutions that teach people in years 7 and above in England – guidance updated to clarify FE sector guidance and the use of reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils and students.

Laptops and tablets progress data as of 9 March 2021
Information about how many laptops and tablets that have been delivered or dispatched to local authorities and academy trusts.

HEALTH & WELLBEING:

COVID-19 regulatory position statements
Environment Agency regulatory response to coronavirus (COVID-19) – added regulatory position statement ‘Managing lateral flow device (LFD) testing waste: RPS C25’.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 variants identified in UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in UK.

Coronavirus and vaccine hesitancy by sub-group, Great Britain: 13 January to 7 February 2021
Analysis of differences in hesitancy to the Coronavirus vaccine between sub-groups of the population in Great Britain, based on the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 13 January to 7 February 2021.

NHS Test and Trace: what to do if you are contacted
An overview of NHS Test and Trace, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive – updated to reflect the COVID-19 response – spring 2021 roadmap changes starting on 8 March.

Arrangements for visiting out of the care home
Sets out how care homes can support residents of working age on visits outside of the care home – updated to reflect information published in the ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’ roadmap on 22 February.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) lateral flow testing in adult social care settings
Sets out how adult social care services can carry out rapid lateral flow tests on site.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance
Find guidance about coronavirus (COVID-19) for health and social care settings, other non-clinical settings, and for the general public – added ‘COVID-19: ventilation of indoor spaces to stop the spread of coronavirus’ and amended household isolation to 10 days.

COVID-19 vaccination: consent form and letter for adults
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination consent form and letter templates for adults who are able to consent.

Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).

COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added ‘Priority groups for phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccination programme: advice from the JCVI’.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) made in the UK as at 1 December 2020
The volume of PPE supply that the Department of Health and Social Care sourced from UK manufacturing for the 3 months from 1 December 2020.

HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:

COVID-19: Guidance for managing playgrounds and outdoor gyms
Guidance for owners and operators of playgrounds and outdoor gyms to enable their use while minimising the transmission risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to reflect publication of the roadmap.

COVID-19: Guidance for managing beaches, the countryside and coastal areas
Guidance for the owners and operators of beach, countryside and coastal destinations during COVID-19.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Supporting the reopening of outdoor hospitality
Letter from Secretary of State Robert Jenrick to local authorities on government measures to support hospitality businesses to reopen safely.

Check if your nightclub, dance hall or adult entertainment business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Sector)) supports businesses that have been closed due to the national restrictions – grant scheme closing date and details of new subsidy allowance confirmed.

How the National Theatre tackled the COVID-19 challenge
As part of the British High Commission Cyprus’ webinar series, senior producer Flo Buckeridge discusses how the National Theatre (NT) managed to keep in touch with their audience.

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. Operational update for week commencing Monday 8 March 2021 published.

LOCAL AUTHORITY:

Exceptional financial support for local authorities: capitalisation directions
Details of capitalisation directions granted to local authorities that have requested exceptional financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 2021 Elections – Joint statement from the UK Government, Scottish Government and Welsh Government
A joint statement from the UK Government, Scottish Government and Welsh Government on the elections taking place in England, Scotland and Wales on 6 May 2021.

MEDIA:

ITV revenue hit by impact of coronavirus
ITV’s full year revenues have been hit by the pandemic but CEO Carolyn McCall, remains positive. Total external revenue was down 16 per cent to £2.7bn for the year to December 31, 2020. This includes a 25 per cent drop in revenues at ITV Studios, impacted by the disruption to the majority of ITV productions from March 2020 when the first UK lockdown was declared. However, online viewing was down 5 per cent due to the lack of big hitters including Love Island, fewer soaps and no major sporting events.

PROPERTY:

Buy-to-Let purchase surge likely thanks to extension to Stamp Duty holiday
A property lawyer is forecasting a surge in buy to let purchasing in the coming months as the stamp duty extension and the promise of low interest rates form an irresistible combination for investors. That’s the view of property law firm Wilsons which believes Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget will spur new investors.
In the fourth quarter of 2020, 61,800 buy to let properties were purchased, the highest quarterly figure since 2017. Wilsons says the SDLT holiday was a significant contributor to this upturn in property transactions. Buy to-let investors have purchased 102,267 properties since the SDLT holiday came into effect in July 2020.

Transactions and prices to boom over next five years – forecastTransactions and house price forecasts for the mainstream housing market are being revised upwards by Savills following the Budget. The new predictions follow an unexpectedly strong market in 2020, which Savills says was the first time in modern history that house prices rose in a recession. After a 7.3 per cent mainstream housing market price rise in 2020, Savills now forecasts: a 4.0 per cent rise in 2021, followed by 5.0 per cent in 2022, then 4.0 per cent again in 2023, then 3.5 per cent in 2024 and finally 3.0 per cent in 2025. That means the average price of a UK home, currently at £230,920, will soar to £279,644 after five years.

TRANSPORT:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer aviation guidance for operators
Safer travel and working principles for airports and aviation operators – link to declaration form for international travel from England added.

Coronavirus: driving tests
Find out how driving tests are affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) and what changes to expect when you take your driving test – corrected the dates in the table under Dates when driving lessons and tests can restart in England for the following types of test: Car and trailer driving tests – 12 April at the earliest. Tractor and specialist vehicle training – 29 March at the earliest Tractor and specialist vehicle tests – 29 March at the earliest.

Coronavirus: driving theory tests
Find out how theory tests are affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) and what changes to expect when you take your theory test – updated with information about the earliest date theory tests will restart in England.

Get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test if you’re an HGV or van driver
You must take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test before you leave the UK for some countries – check which countries require them and how to get a free test – added information on COVID-19 test timeframes for round-trips between the UK and France, and the time-stamped document you’ll receive to help verify how much time you’ve spent in the UK.

TRAVEL:

Johnson: Vaccine certificates could be a ‘feature of our lives’
Johnson made the comments during a government coronavirus briefing on Monday afternoon (8 March), acknowledging the concept wouldn’t be new to some international travellers. However, he said the government was still getting its head round how vaccine certification would work domestically, with a review being led by Michael Gove. Taking questions from the public, Phoebe from Leeds asked the prime minister: “I’ve been hearing a lot about vaccine passports to allow British tourists to travel again. But I’m just wondering how this is going to work for under-16s? I can imagine this is a question on a lot of people’s minds, and we’re all just so eager to start booking our holidays again.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19): declaration form for international travel
Complete a travel declaration form to confirm that you are legally allowed to travel abroad from England.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreaks – link to declaration form for international travel from England added.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – link to declaration form for international travel from England added.

Foreign travel insurance
Wherever you’re travelling, it’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance before you go – new link to the declaration form for international travel (for England), from 8 March.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): requirements to provide public health information to passengers travelling to England
Information that transport operators must ensure is provided to passengers and how to provide it. New requirements to provide public health information to passengers departing from England.

Useful Links:

Publishing information about your claimsIn January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV.UK.

Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten yearsBusinesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:

1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;

2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;

3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.

COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.

Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31^st October, would now be extended until December.

Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.

Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31 January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15 February and 31 March.

Become a Green Homes Grant Supplier II – Trustmark and PAS 2030The new Green Homes Grant will give over 600,000 homeowners in England up to £10,000 to install insulation, heat pumps, draft proofing and more to help households cut energy bills.

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.

Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law

NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24^th September

Claim money back through the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Find out how to claim the reimbursement for discounts given to diners with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme. The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme closed on 31 August 2020 – the page updated with removal of registration links.

Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.

Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.

Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.

Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July

Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures

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.

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.