UK DATA:
Total UK Cases: 4,268,821 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 5,294 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,281 (464 new admissions)
New deaths across UK: 110
Total UK deaths: 125,690
England Cases per 100,000: 58.6 per 100,000
R number in UK: 0.6 to 0.8
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 24,839,906 up to and including 15 March 2021
Total 2nd doses given: 1,663,646
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 20,271
New cases in past 7 days: 202 to 11 March
Total deaths: 789
Cases per 100,000: 52.6 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.6 to 0.8
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:
Oxford-AstraZenica vaccine ‘not linked to clots’ says MHRA
The Netherlands has become the latest country to suspend use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. Ireland has also followed Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria, Iceland and Thailand in halting jabs, after reports of blood-clotting in Norway. However, the World Health Organization says there is no link between the jab and an increased risk of developing a clot, while the UK’s medicines regulator says people “should still go and get their Covid-19 vaccine”. AstraZeneca says 17 million people in the EU and UK have received doses, with 37 incidents related to blood clots reported among those vaccinated – “lower than the hundreds of cases that would be expected among the general population”.
Bus travel across England set for overhaul with £3bn government investment
Bus travel throughout England is set for a full overhaul with new multi-billion pound government investment. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today outlined his 10-point plan to revitalise bus infrastructure across the country. The plan includes the introduction of simpler bus fares with daily price caps, increased evening and weekend services, contactless payments on all buses and integrated services across multiple transport modes. In addition, 4,000 new electric or hydrogen powered buses will be rolled out across England alongside ending the sale of diesel vehicles.
Spike in white collar hires since November and positive signs as lockdown eases
A big spike in white collar hiring since November as data sets reveal positive signs as lockdown eases:
– Hiring up 25% for contract and 15% in permanent since November
– Annual hiring down but percentage fall continues to decrease
– Daily tracking data shows signs of sustained activity
Professional vacancy numbers have seen a major spike since November. That’s according to the latest monthly Recruitment Trends Snapshot report from The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo)
Government seeks views on Covid-19 certification
The Government is seeking views on the role of Covid-status certification in the UK’s recovery from the pandemic, particularly from organisations and individuals with relevant expertise as well as those it would impact.
As set out last month in the Prime Minister’s Covid-19 Roadmap, the Government is looking at whether certification could help to reopen the economy, reduce restrictions on social contact and improve safety. Covid-19 status certification involves using testing or vaccination data to confirm in different settings that people have a lower risk of transmitting Covid-19 to others. The review – which is being led by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster – is considering the ethical, equalities, privacy, legal and operational aspects of a possible certification scheme, and what limits, if any, should be placed on organisations using certification.
The Government has today published a call for evidence to ensure that the review considers a broad range of interests and concerns.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: a year like no other
Analysis of data from a variety of sources on the way life, society and the economy changed during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and how the period compares with other years.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
RHS Flower Show to return to Tatton Park in July
The annual flower show is set to return to Tatton Park in Knutsford in July, organisers have advised. The five-day event, which was cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, is a major draw for visitors to the area and is expected to be welcomed by local hospitality and leisure businesses for its contribution to the economy.
Cheshire East ranked one of England’s healthiest boroughs
Cheshire East has been ranked in the top 20 local council areas in England for overall health in a new index compiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The borough’s position in the new ONS Health Index was boosted by high levels of physical activity among residents, as well as the region’s low pollution and green spaces.
SMEs encouraged to join programme to adopt digital accounting technologies
Cheshire East Council is encouraging SMEs in the borough to take part in a free programme to help them adopt digital accounting technologies to aid their recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Businesses that sign up to the ADAPT programme will gain access to a knowledge hub to help adopt digital accounting and payments technologies.
BREXIT:
Brexit Support Fund opens to support SMEs with changing trade rules
A new £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund has opened to applications for small businesses to access grants to help them adjust to new rules for trading with the EU. The fund allows small businesses to access up to £2,000 in grants to access practical support to adjust to changes in trade caused by Brexit, such as training for new customers, rules of origin and VAT processes. To be eligible for the grants, businesses must import or export goods between Great Britain and the EU, or move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. SMEs who solely trade with the EU and not with other international markets are most encouraged to apply for funding as and the import and export processes will be new.
BUSINESS:
48,000 businesses already registered to offer workplace testing
Workplace testing programme ramps up as 48,000 businesses register for free, regular and rapid tests for their employees.
Update on work of the CMA during the coronavirus pandemic: 15 March 2021
In March 2020, the CMA launched a programme of work to identify, monitor and respond to competition and consumer problems arising from coronavirus and the measures taken to contain it. This report summarises the key issues that have come to the attention of the CMA during the pandemic to date, and the work it has been carrying out in response.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: step by step guide for employers
This guide has been updated to reflect that the scheme has been extended until the end of September 2021. It explains the information that employers need to provide to claim for their employees’ wages.
COMMUNITY:
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Fix Your Bike Voucher Scheme: apply for a voucher
The voucher scheme has been hugely popular, and all vouchers in the first, second and third releases have now been allocated.
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make one
This page explains when to wear a face covering, exemptions from wearing one, and how to make your own face covering.
CONSTRUCTION:
Wates order book soars 14% to record £6.6bn
During 2020, Wates managed to just remain in the black with pre-tax profit including contributions from joint ventures at £1.7m on revenue down by around 11% to £1.4bn. Strong cash management has left room to invest £100m over coming years, which will mainly be deployed to grow Wates Residential and strengthen the group’s new integrated service division.
EDUCATION:
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.
Private candidate support grant: information for exam centres
Exam centre guidance on the private support grant, eligibility and making a claim.
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated to reflect changes in parent and child groups and in the system of controls.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April – added ‘Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March 2020 to 11 March 2021’.
Laptops and tablets progress data as of 16 March 2021
Information about how many laptops and tablets that have been delivered or dispatched to local authorities and academy trusts.
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 the FE coronavirus (COVID-19) operational guidance to remove references to 8 March and convert it to HTML to make it more accessible.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Assessment and procurement of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests
How the government assesses offers of COVID-19 tests from developers for procurement and use in the UK – added new document: ‘National standardised test performance process for manufacturers of SARS-CoV-2 virus antibody tests’.
PPE portal: how to order COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)
Eligible health and social care providers can order PPE through the portal to meet the increased need that has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
We are producing guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added “MHRA response to Irish authorities’ action to temporarily suspend the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine” to the section on vaccines & vaccine safety
Health charities back vaccines drive for those at risk
People with underlying conditions including cancer, diabetes and heart disease are encouraged to come forward for a Covid-19 vaccine by leading UK health charities.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 variants identified in UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in UK.
NHS Test and Trace public advisory group: taking part
Find out about the role of the Public Advisory Group and how members of the public are selected to take part.
COVID-19: guidance for health professionals
Information on COVID-19, including guidance on the assessment and management of suspected UK cases – added ‘COVID-19: investigation and management of suspected SARS-CoV-2 reinfections’.
PPE portal: how to order COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)
Eligible health and social care providers can order PPE through the portal to meet the increased need that has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – updated information on domiciliary care and non-residential special schools order limits.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey: antibody data for the UK, 16 March 2021
Antibody data by UK country and English regions from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England and Wellcome Trust.
Surge testing for new coronavirus (COVID-19) variants
How ‘surge testing’ and genomic sequencing is being used in locations in England where COVID-19 variants have been identified.
HOSPITALITY:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Hotels and other guest accommodation – New shorter format focussing on actions to make your workplace COVID-Secure, as well as updated guidance covering Step 1 of the roadmap out of lockdown.
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 Monday 15 March 2021 published.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Containing and managing local coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks
Guidance for local authorities and local decision-makers on containing and managing COVID-19 outbreaks at a local level.
MANUFACTURING:
UK government announces partnership with British rapid test manufacturers
Two major contracts secured with British manufacturers to ensure the supply of COVID-19 lateral flow tests.
PERFORMIMG ARTS:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Performing arts – New shorter format focussing on actions to make your workplace COVID-Secure, as well as updated guidance covering Step 1 of the roadmap out of lockdown.
PROPERTY:
Spring price rises expected as demand outstrips supply
The average selling price for houses in the UK is set to receive a boost of over £2,000 this month, with the market experiencing record demands. Demand for new homes is outstripping supply at the moment by more than any point in the last 10 years, with the number of new buyers making enquiries also at record levels, according to property website Rightmove. The start of the traditional spring selling period has seen the number of sales agreed for the first week in March up by 12% on 2020 despite the current shortage of available stock. According to this latest data, two out of three properties currently on agents’ books have sales agreed subject to contract.
RETAIL:
600 jobs at risk as High Street retailer set to close
Chocolatiers Thorntons is planning to close all of its High Street shops putting over 600 jobs at risk. The company is planning to continue its franchisee partnerships. In a statement, the historic chocolate company founded in 1911 by Joseph Thornton in Sheffield, said it had taken the ‘difficult decision’ to go into full consultation to start the ‘permanent closure of our retail store estate’ – thought to include 61 outlets due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19. Thorntons has been owned by the Italian firm Ferrero since 2015.
Greggs planning expansion despite big annual losses
High Street food store Greggs has announced annual losses of £13.7m from a turnover of £1.2billion across its estate of 2,000 shops. The group employs more than 23,000. Despite its losses, Greggs is looking to exploit the impact of the pandemic by expanding its portfolio to open more out of town shops. Greggs’ total sales for the period were £811.3m, down from £1.1bn in 2019. Like-for-like sales in company-managed shops dropped by 36.2 per cent compared with 2019, a decrease the business attributed to the pandemic and subsequent disruption.
TRANSPORT:
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.
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV and coach drivers can get free COVID-19 tests and check their documents to transport goods to the EU.
TRAVEL:
Providers of day 2 and day 8 coronavirus testing for international arrivals
Information on the 2 tests you must book, pay for and take during your mandatory 10-day quarantine period after arriving in England, including how to book.
More countries added to red list to protect UK vaccination programme against variants of concern
Ethiopia, Oman, Somalia and Qatar to be added to England’s red list.
Portugal (including Madeira and the Azores) and Mauritius to be removed from England’s red list.
Travel demand management toolkit for local authorities
Help for local authorities in England outside London to manage a range of pressures on their transport networks during times of higher demand or reduced capacity.
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.
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