UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,241,677 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 6,753 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,977 (532 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 181
Total UK deaths: 125,168
England Cases per 100,000: 60.3 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.7 to 0.9
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 23,053,716 up to and including 10 March 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 1,351,515
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 20,130
New cases in past 7 days: 240 to 6 March
Total deaths: 786
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.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK economy shrank 2.9% in January amid lockdown
Winter lockdowns across the UK contributed to a 2.9% contraction in the economy in January, according to the Office for National Statistics. Deputy national statistician Jonathan Athow says as well as shops being closed, manufacturing saw its first decline since last April. He called it a “notable hit, albeit smaller than some expected”. The Bank of England had expected the economy to shrink by 5%.
One year ago on March 11th WHO declared officially declared Covid-19 a pandemic
Since then: 116 million cases and 2.5 million deaths across 200 countries
United States has highest number of deaths – 522,818 recorded
Worldwide: More than 150 million vaccines administered
UK: Nearly 23 million vaccine doses given
Morrisons triples online sales despite “severely testing” year
Supermarket brand Morrisons tripled online sales over 12 months. The group has seen its online sales grow threefold due to the increased demand for home delivery during the COVID-19 crisis. The company also bolstered its online presence through a new partnership with Amazon. Morrisons also waived government business rates relief due to the pandemic of £431m.
BBC: John Lewis suffers big losses and warns of more store closures
Retail giant John Lewis has warned of further store closures as it reported huge losses due to Covid-related lockdowns that forced shops to shut.
The group swung to a loss of £517m for the year to January, against profits of £146m the previous year. The retailer said it “does not expect” all of its department stores to reopen once lockdown restrictions ease. It has previously been reported the chain was considering closing up to eight more stores to try to cut costs.
Any further closures would be in addition to eight already announced in 2020. It did not say how many of its 42 John Lewis shops were under threat, but said it was in talks with landlords and would make a final decision at the end of March.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Cheshire East Council praises vaccination staff and volunteers across the borough
The pace at which the Covid-19 vaccination programme has been rolled out in Cheshire East has received unanimous praise from elected members of Cheshire East Council. Led by the mayor, Councillor Barry Burkhill, leaders of all groups on the council have heaped praise on the staff and volunteers, including retired doctors and health workers, members of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and the army, who are continuing to deliver the vaccination programme across Cheshire East.
North West transport webinar to focus on recovery and accessibility
While the region is looking to invest in its transport infrastructure to drive economic recovery and ensure better access to jobs and leisure, TfN’s panel will discuss what needs to be done to ensure everyone can benefit. Discussion will explore how the region can make accessibility a reality, and what the current barriers are to achieving this.
£137m investment in rail connectivity between Manchester and Sheffield
Two of the north’s most important economic centres are about to become better connected thanks to a £137m invest plan that will speed up journey time and see an increased service on the Hope Valley line. Work is expected to begin in 2022 and is due to be completed in 2023. Rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris said:
“I am delighted to confirm £137m for this scheme to remove bottlenecks on the Hope Valley line, transforming journeys between Sheffield and Manchester – two dynamic Northern Powerhouse cities. We are committed to levelling up infrastructure across the North, and these important upgrades will make a huge difference to passengers, providing the punctual, reliable services they deserve, as we build back better from Covid-19.”
North West leads surge in bolt-on acquisitions
The number of private equity buy and build transactions in the North of England rose by 30 per cent during 2020. Research by Rickitt Mitchell, the corporate finance boutique, in partnership with Experian Market iQ, reveals that a total of 63 bolt-on transactions were completed involving Northern businesses in 2020 – up from the 48 in the previous year. The North West was the North’s most active region, with a total of 30 transactions in 2020 – third behind London and the South East nationally.
BUSINESS:
Coronavirus England briefing, 11 March 2021
Epidemiological data and hospitalisation metrics used by the government to brief MPs on local restriction tiers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for homecare workers
Sets out how homecare agencies in England can order regular tests for their homecare (domiciliary care) staff – added guide to registering test kits for homecare workers.
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020. You can pay now or join the VAT deferral new payment scheme – this page was updated on 4 March 2021. If you’re on the VAT Annual Accounting Scheme or the VAT Payment on Account Scheme, you can join the scheme from 10 March 2021.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus and the social impacts on disabled people in Great Britain: February 2020
Indicators from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Opinions and Lifestyle Survey to understand the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on disabled people in Great Britain.
CONSTRUCTION:
Construction on the rise after December dip
New work increased by 1.7% in January driven by private commercial and infrastructure, which grew by 4.5% and 3.1% respectively, according to fresh data from the Office of National Statistics. But small falls in repair and maintenance activity reduced the overall monthly growth rate to 0.9%. Construction is the only sector of the economy still growing according to the new economic data. The industry still has some ground to cover to return to pre-Covid new work levels, which are 6.4% down on the benchmark February 2020 level, although the infrastructure sector passed this point last August.
Strong demand for labour drives self-employed earnings
According to the industry’s biggest payer of subcontractors, Hudson Contract, average weekly earnings for freelance trades increased by 6.1% last month after the annual fall in January. Ian Anfield, managing director, said:
“We are seeing growing demand for skilled labour on building sites across England and Wales. Many of our clients are in the house building sector and are reporting full order books.”
Freelances working for steel and timber frame erectors had the best month with weekly earnings growing by 17% to £934 in February, followed by joiners (up 13% to £1,038) and electricians (up 13% to £1,088).
EDUCATION:
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information on the return of students for the spring term and HE operational guidance – updated section on ‘Face coverings’ to include providers’ duty to make reasonable adjustments. Both documents have been updated.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out what you’ll need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to maintain provision – updated FE operational guidance on face coverings and on Ofsted inspections to bring in line with Ofsted guidance.
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated operational guidance on face coverings and on safety for transport users.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
New analysis of lateral flow tests shows specificity of at least 99.9%
New analysis reinforces that lateral flow tests are accurate and reliable and have extremely low false positive rates.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated both lists of providers.
COVID-19: laboratory evaluations of serological assays
PHE has undertaken a number of rapid evaluations of commercial serological assays for their suitability for detecting the production of COVID-19 antibodies.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England)
Experimental statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service and related documents – added the latest report and an interactive map in the ‘Supporting information’ group.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine adverse reactions
A weekly report covering adverse reactions to approved COVID-19 vaccines – updated pages and PDF attachments to include data from 9 December 2020 to 28 February 2021.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of elite sport
Guidance for elite athletes and coaches on the phased return of elite sport – addition of declaration form for overseas travel from England
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS weekly management information during coronavirus outbreak
The management information used by HMCTS for understanding the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on workload volumes and activity at a national level on a weekly basis – HMCTS weekly management information during coronavirus – March 2020 to February 2021 added
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data, 11 March 2021
Weekly watchlist giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each lower-tier local authority (LTLA) in England.
PROPERTY:
Further support for commercial and residential tenants
Ban on commercial evictions extended to 30 June and bailiff enforced eviction ban extended to 31 May to protect residential tenants.
BTL and BTR win big investment despite pandemic
Some £3.5 billion of investment was placed in the growing Build To Rent sector in 2020, despite concerns over the pandemic and future patterns of renting. By the end of the year the total BTR pipeline stood at 126,085 units, a 17 per cent increase on late 2019. The figures come from property consultancy Colliers, which says that overall UK residential investment volumes (BTR and other property investment) in 2020 hit £6.1 billion, matching 2018’s all-time high.
MIPIM cancelled for second year running
The organisers of the annual MIPIM property conference in Cannes have been forced to postpone it again because of the ongoing global pandemic. They said it did not make sense for the international real estate and construction showcase to go ahead this summer given the continuing spread of the virus. As many as 26,000 investors, developers, land owners, property agents, lawyers and planning consultants had been due to fly in to the South of France between Monday, June 7 to Thursday, June 10. They would have included thousands of representatives from the UK. Instead this year’s event will now run for just two days in Cannes from September 7-8. It is hoped the 2022 event will be back to normal, running from March 15-18.
TRANSPORT:
Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests.
TRAVEL:
Trainline revenues shrink by 75% as refunds and reduced traffic impact figures
A UK travel service has today announced that its revenue shrank by nearly 75 per cent over the last year. Trainline, an online ticketing service, reported that its group revenues for its 2021 financial year dropped to £67m, a 74 per cent fall from the previous year’s £261m. It also recorded a drop in net ticket sales, which decreased from £3,727m in 2020 to £783m. The company said that as well as reduced traffic due to the pandemic, the low figures were partially driven by a high number of refunds as travel plans were cancelled early in the year.
Mauritius enters two-week total lockdown
The government of Mauritius on Wednesday (10 March) confirmed all 1.4 million of the country’s citizens and residents would be ordered to stay at home, or their accommodation, for two weeks. All international and domestic flights have been suspended until 25 March. Public health officials have traced all those understood to have been close contact with the 15 people who tested positive, and they are now isolating.
How to quarantine when you arrive in England
What to do before and after you arrive in England, including staying at home and ordering coronavirus (COVID-19) tests – updated to include a link to the list of providers for Day 2 and Day 8 testing and book a travel test package.
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 31st 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 24th 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 – 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.