November 11th – Coronavirus News Updates

Latest UK data:

Positive tests: 1,233,775 have tested positive (+ 20,412 new cases)

Loss of life: *49,770 across all settings (+ 532 in last 24 hours)

Cases in Cheshire East: 7,304 confirmed since start of the pandemic, + 819 in the 7 days to 5th November

*Daily reported COVID deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the first laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test

The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK.

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.

Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.

UK HEADLINES:

ONS: UK’s unemployment rate rises to 4.8%

The UK’s unemployment rate rises to 4.8% as coronavirus continues to hit the jobs market, latest figures show. From July to September the number of people out of work rose to 1.62m from 1.5m. There are currently 2.6m benefit claims ad redundancies rose by a record 181,000 to 314,000 people, a record for 3 month period. The figures also showed a drop in employment of 16 – 24 year olds.

New vaccine could be administered early to mid-December
Preliminary findings show a vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech can prevent more than 90% of people from getting Covid-19 and is one of 11 vaccines that are currently in the final stages of testing.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, BBC Medical Editor Fergus Walsh said it is hoped the new vaccine could be approved in two weeks and there are no immediate safety concerns. The immunization programme could begin early to mid-December and consist of two doses administered three weeks apart. The RNA vaccine – the first ever produced in this way – takes a part of the virus genetic code that tells cells what to build and coats it in a lipid so it can enter the body’s cells. The vaccine stimulates a coronavirus spike protein prompting the body to produce antibodies, activating T cells to destroy infected cells.

Older people will be vaccinated first, including care home staff. The vaccine has to stored at minus 80 degrees and once left the cold store, it can’t be put back in.

This new vaccine is the fastest ever to go from lab to use with no compromise on safety and testament to the round the clock dedication of scientists. Oxford Astra Zeneca are also using spike protein to create immunity. Fergus Walsh went on to say that it isn’t yet known whether the vaccine stops transmission too. All data shows so far that it stops people getting ill but scientists can’t confirm how long immunity lasts so a booster may be required. The vaccine is apparently easy to produce and the immunization programme may be carried out in central hubs – sports halls etc – to retain social distancing and vaccinate in larger numbers. The British Medical Association said mass vaccination centres could be used “in a similar way to testing centres”.

But Boris Johnson warned people not to “rely on this news as a solution” – and it is still “very, very early days”.

On Monday, the news was announced that the world’s first effective coronavirus vaccine had shown positive results in its preliminary tests on 43,500 people.

The UK has already ordered 40 million doses – enough to vaccinate up to 20 million people as each person will need two doses for it to work effectively.
What is the new vaccine and how effective is it?

UK government response to Pfizer/BioNTech’s publication of efficacy data of their COVID-19 vaccine
Pfizer/BioNTech published positive efficacy results from Phase 3 studies of their potential COVID-19 vaccine.

Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 9 November 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement at the coronavirus press conference.

High Street retailer, Edinburgh Woolen Mill, collapses
Almost 900 jobs have been lost with the collapse into administration of Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Ponden Home. Carlisle-based group EWM, owned by Stockport born Philip Day, filed a notice to appoint administrators on October 9, putting up to 24,000 jobs at risk, including its other brands Peacocks, Bonmarche and Jaeger.

But today it was confirmed that the Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Ponden businesses have been put into administration with the loss of 750 Edinburgh Woollen Mill staff and 116 at Ponden. Hundreds of jobs had already been lost after 64 stores were shut last month.

Student mass-testing programme ahead of returning home at Christmas
A mass student testing programme has been revealed in a bid to get students home safely for Christmas. The testing schedule will enable students a travel window between 3rd to 9th December. Universities will be expected to move almost all teaching online by the end of those seven days so students can study from home. The aim is to spread out and carefully manage their departure to avoid a sudden exodus. The test is not mandatory but will allow any students who test positive on 9^th December to isolate for 14days and still be home in time for Christmas. The Government is committed to a return to universities in January when there may be a rapid test to ensure students a safe return in January.
Read the full story on the BBC

Restaurants, pubs and cafes will get automatic freedoms to?provide takeaway services?for?another year, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced today (11 November 2020). ???
The measures help give these businesses the confidence they need to continue to serve customers and retain their staff. It will also help them adapt to longer-term changes they may wish to introduce, such as serving their customers from market stalls.? From March, businesses could offer a takeaway service during the pandemic, without having to go through a planning application process. This was due to end on?23 March 2021 but will now be extended by another year. The government will also consider whether to make these reforms permanent. The freedoms introduced in March and extended today mean pubs and restaurants can focus on selling food takeaways if they choose to, while being able to return to operating as a pub or restaurant from 2 December. The government also helped businesses offer more alfresco dining by making it easier and less expensive to get an outdoor seating licence and is similarly keeping this under review. Under the national restrictions currently in place, markets can sell takeaways from stalls. However, the stalls must not have seating areas.? These measures build on the extra government support provided to help businesses and protect jobs. Including an extension of the furlough scheme at 80% until the end of March, grants of up to £3,000 for premises that must close, and £1.1 billion for councils to enable them to support businesses in their area

Hundreds of jobs to be created as government invests millions in aviation sector Funding has been awarded to 20 aviation projects across the UK as part of a government initiative to “build back better” from Covid-19 and support new enterprises. The £7m of funding represents the first wave of a £33.5m investment in the sector and is expected to create hundreds of jobs. The investment comes from the Future Flight Challenge, which aims to increase mobility, reduce reliance on road travel and increase UK manufacturing opportunities.

Ofsted: Children hardest hit by COVID-19 pandemic are regressing in basic skills and learning
Ofsted has today published its second report on the effects of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic across the sectors it inspects and regulates.

More rapid COVID-19 tests to be rolled out across England
600,000 lateral flow tests to be sent out this week to kick-start the significant expansion of testing, followed by weekly local allocations.

Graphic courtesy of BBC

National Restrictions Poster
Graphical poster displaying information about the national restrictions in England.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

Manchester Airport to operate only from Terminal 1 after lockdown travel ban
The reintroduction of restrictions for a minimum of four weeks from November 5th have led to a collapse in passenger numbers using the Northern hub.

GM Mayor criticises government air travel strategy
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has criticised the Government’s coronavirus response in regards to the air travel sector, as he warns in a Sunday Telegraph article of 70,000 jobs at risk in and around Manchester Airport.
The city-region mayor called for urgent support for the aviation sector; he cited the potential impact on communities around Manchester Airport in South Manchester and Stockport, for which the Northern hub is a key centre of employment. Mr Burnham warned that 25,000 jobs on the site were at risk, along with a further 45,000 in associated industries, with the coronavirus pandemic’s impact likely to be felt disproportionately by regional airports. Manchester Airports Group has already warned of around 450 job losses in the North, and a further 450 at its other UK airports, due to the collapse in passenger numbers brought about by the pandemic.

NatWest PMI survey shows slow rate of North West growth
Business activity rose at the slowest rate for four months in October – despite local manufacturers’ order book volumes continuing to soar.
The latest NatWest PMI survey released today shows Covid-19 concerns weighed heavily on business confidence in the region with inflows of new business increasing at a slower rate. The regional PMI surveys monitor the monthly change in the output of goods and services across the private sector, with any reading below 50 showing contraction and higher numbers showing faster growth. For October, the North West’s index stood at 52.0 – the lowest since June, and down from September’s 56.8, but broadly in line with the UK’s overall reading.

Fabric-IT to Kickstart opportunities for young people
Fabric is planning to recruit four young people through the scheme in IT, marketing and administration roles at the Macclesfield office.

Staff at North West hi-tech engineering firm volunteer to trial COVID-19 saliva test
he entire workforce of a specialist engineering firm in Rochdale have volunteered to take part in a trial with Manchester-based COVID testing company Medusa 19 as a potential way to know they and their colleagues are free from the virus. Trelleborg is one of the first UK companies to host such a trial. Medusa 19’s Rapid Saliva Protein Test (RSPT) is unique in that it is non-invasive, can detect IgM and IgG antibodies in a saliva sample, and provides a result on the spot within 10 minutes.

Four Seasons creates 80 roles in the North West
Wilmslow-based national care home provider has created 1,000 jobs as part of a “refresh” of its services in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Four Seasons Health Care has created the jobs at its 140 homes throughout England and Scotland, including 80 roles available in the region.

Rolls-Royce leads consortium to deliver 6,000 jobs
A new consortium led by Rolls-Royce says it will create 6,000 regional jobs over the next five years after revealing plans to build 16 mini nuclear power stations. The UK SMR consortium says it wants to build the small scale facilities over the next 20 years in an effort to help secure the UK’s net zero commitments affordably, revitalise its regional industrial base and secure exports of at least £250bn. Up to 80% (by value) of the power station components will be made in factories in the Midlands and North of England, before being transported to existing nuclear sites around the country for rapid assembly inside weatherproof canopies.
Read more at Business Desk

BUSINESS & FINANCE:

Lenders to offer BBLS top-up
Lenders participating in the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) are now able to extend their offering. From this week, smaller businesses will have access to a top-up to their existing loan if they originally borrowed less than the maximum amount available. This will be provided by several large lenders, with others anticipated to make the offer available in due course. The BBLS is one of three core government-backed coronavirus lending schemes, with the others being the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme. Millions of companies have been backed.

HMRC Webinars to explain changes to the CJRS / furlough scheme:
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has now been extended until the end of March for all parts of the UK, with claims opening this week. You will still need to submit all final claims for periods up to 31 October on or before 30 November. Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar, which includes:

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

and a reminder of how to claim for periods up to 31 October. We will continue to update our webinars to reflect the latest information as it becomes available. Register here

HMRC are also running monthly webinars on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Get 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.

Register here

You can ask questions during all our live webinars using the on-screen text box.
Our webinars are constantly updated to provide the latest government guidance on changes as they develop.

European Structural and Investment Funds: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
A series of documents and updates regarding the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programme and the response to COVID-19.

Apply for a coronavirus Bounce Back Loan
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) enables smaller businesses to access finance more quickly during the coronavirus outbreak. New options available to top up existing loans, extend the loan period, make interest-only repayments, or pause repayments.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from self-isolation or passenger locator form requirements.

Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This document sets out guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers and assessment organisations in response to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).

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.

COMMUNITY:

COVID-19: guidance for arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic
Guidance for arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Getting support outside of your home
If you need support while outside your home, this guide explains what you and the people helping you should do to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
Guidance for people planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England – updated following national restrictions from 5 November under which wedding and civil partnership receptions and celebrations are not permitted to take place.

COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic
Guidance to provide advice on how places of worship can open, for limited permitted activities, in a manner that is safe and in line with national restrictions.

Making a support bubble with another household
How you can safely expand the group of people you have close contact with during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – amended the definition of ‘what a support bubble is’. Added information about childcare bubbles. Added guidance about forming or maintaining a support bubble if you’re clinically extremely vulnerable.

Making a childcare bubble with another household
How you can get informal childcare for children aged 13 or under from friends and family you do not live with.

CONSTRUCTION:

Redrow receives 800 applications for construction degree
The house builder revealed that more than 800 people applied for places this summer when the course was opened-up to non-employees for the first time. The degree programme is run in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and Coleg Cambria with students splitting their time between studying and working in one of Redrow’s divisions across England and Wales.

Skanska introduces flexible working system
The initiative has moved up the agenda in the wake of Covid -19 because it “allows scope for people to optimise their personal productivity, for example by reducing unnecessary travel time.” Skanska UK’s Executive Vice President, Harvey Francis said; “Flex-it gives us greater agility and flexibility that will allow people to perform at their best and marks a significant shift in working patterns for many of our people.

Construction sector massive Meet the Buyer event goes virtual
Constructionline will hold its first virtual Meet the Buyer event next week with work up for grabs from a host of major contractors and clients.

The event will take place across two full-scale interactive virtual exhibition halls, crafted to emulate real-life event spaces. Constructionline LIVE on November 19 will feature big names including Balfour Beatty, Wates, Kier and Seddon.

EDUCATION:

Support for university research and innovation during coronavirus (COVID-19)
The UK’s research work plays a vital role in our economic prosperity but is at risk from a range of income losses as a result of coronavirus.

Use of the NHS COVID-19 app in education and childcare settings
Actions for leaders and staff when using the NHS COVID-19 app in education and childcare settings. The requirements on displaying QR codes have been updated alongside the information classified as necessary or required. Links to wraparound care and early years providers guidance have also been added.

What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Information for parents and carers about going back to schools, nurseries and colleges in the autumn term.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for boarding schools with international students
Guidance for residential educational settings with international students under the age of 18 entering and travelling to the UK.

COVID-19 series: briefing on local areas’ SEND provision, October 2020
Evidence from 6 visits to local areas, looking at their special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision between 5 and 14 October 2020.

Ofsted COVID-19 series
Briefing notes and commentaries from Amanda Spielman about providers that we have visited or spoken to during the interim phase of our return to routine inspection – added briefing notes for October together with a commentary from Amanda Spielman.

COVID-19 series: briefing on further education and skills, October 2020
Evidence from visits to further education and skills providers between 1 and 16 October.

COVID-19 series: briefing on schools, October 2020
Evidence from visits to schools between 29 September and 23 October 2020.

COVID-19 series: briefing on early years, October 2020
Evidence from research interviews with 208 registered early years providers and maintained nursery schools between 5 and 16 October.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on isolation for residential educational settings
Guidance to support management of children and young people in residential educational settings, including boarding schools, residential special schools and children’s social care.

ENVIRONMENT:

Cheshire children get chance to tell world leaders how they feel about climate change
The borough’s library service is running a project for children, the results from which will be shared with organisers of COP26 – the United Nations climate change conference.

COVID-19 regulatory position statements
Environment Agency regulatory response to coronavirus (COVID-19).

HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:

COVID-19: impact on vaccination programmes
Reports assessing the impact of COVID-19-related physical distancing measures on delivery of childhood vaccination programmes in England.

Adult Social Care Infection Control Fund: round 2
Sets out the infection control measures that the new infection control fund will support, including information on the distribution of funds and reporting requirements – updated ‘Annex E: local authority reporting template: reporting point 1 – October 2020 spending’ to correct cell validation rules in the spreadsheet.

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: investigation and management of travellers returning from Denmark and their household contacts’.

PPE deliveries (England): 2 November to 8 November 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.

Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA. The list also includes manufacturers whose exemption expired or was cancelled. This information will be listed for 2 months after expiry or cancellation.

Evaluating detection of SARS-CoV-2: AntiBodies at Home study
The EDSAB-HOME research study is evaluating the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using home testing kits.

SAGE meetings, October 2020
Minutes and papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) meetings held in October 2020.

SPI-B: Increasing adherence to COVID-19 preventative behaviours among young people, 22 October 2020
Paper prepared by SPI-B on increasing adherence to COVID-19 preventative behaviours among young people.

SPI-B: Positive strategies for sustaining adherence to infection control behaviours, 22 October 2020
Paper prepared by SPI-B on positive strategies for sustaining adherence to infection control behaviours.

National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports
National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
Updated the uptake percentage for pregnant women in the 2020 to 2021 season from 30.7% to 25.3% in week 45 report. This is due to the addition of available data.

COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – updated information on the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (on furlough).

Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019: Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS)
Legislation and guidance on the Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) and the latest information on progress towards their implementation.

Coronavirus and the social impacts on disabled people in Great Britain: October 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on disabled people in Great Britain.

HOSPITALITY:

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services – Updated guidance during national restrictions from 5 November: Hospitality venues like restaurants, barsand pubs must close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery services. Sale of alcohol is permitted via pre-order for collection or delivery services only. Anyone who can work from home, should (section 1.1) and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals should not attend work if they can’t work from home for this period of restrictions (section 2.1).

Boost for restaurants, pubs and cafes as Jenrick extends takeaway services
Restaurants, pubs and cafes will get automatic freedoms to?provide takeaway services?for?another year.

JUDICIARY:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals planning and preparation
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be updated when new advice is available.

COVID-19: HMCTS publishes Civil, Family & Tribunals Recovery Plan
Detailed plan outlines how the civil and family courts, and our tribunals are increasing capacity to hear cases and maintain operations during COVID-19.

Court and tribunal recovery update in response to coronavirus
An update setting out the work being undertaken by HMCTS in the short and medium terms in response to coronavirus (COVID-19). Overview of HMCTS recovery for civil and family courts and tribunals published.

LOCAL AUTHORITY:

More rapid COVID-19 tests to be rolled out across England
600,000 lateral flow tests to be sent out this week to kick-start the significant expansion of testing, followed by weekly local allocations – added list of local authorities where directors of public health will be issued with lateral flow devices. Stoke on Trent, Liverpool and Lancashire have already been provided with lateral flow tests before this week.

COVID-19 series: briefing on children’s social care, October 2020
Evidence from assurance visits to social care providers and focused visits to local authorities between 8 September and 15 October.

Local authority preparations for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day
Information for councils in England on how to ensure those hosting local Remembrance events can do so safely – guidance updated to include Armistice Day.

MANUFACTURING:

Hope of new vaccine by Christmas from Pfizer and BioNTech
Pfizer and BioNTech have announced positive efficacy results from the third phase, late-stage study of their potential Covid-19 vaccine, which was found to be more than 90 per cent effective.
Pfizer chairman and chief executive Albert Bourla hailed “a first but critical step” in the project to “deliver a safe and effective vaccine”.

MILITARY:

Tri-service regulations for expenses and allowances (JSP 752)
JSP 752 is the policy document for expenses and allowances for regular and reserve UK armed forces personnel.

COVID Support Force: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response
Military personnel are supporting public services across the UK to assist with the response to COVID-19. This page has the latest information on the MOD’s activities.

Tri-service regulations for expenses and allowances (JSP 752)
JSP 752 is the policy document for expenses and allowances for regular and reserve UK armed forces personnel.

PROPERTY:

How are tenants changing their outlook in the coronavirus
A large-scale survey of private tenants has attempted to uncover what renters feel about the sector and their individual properties in light of the Coronavirus crisis.
The survey was of 3,100 tenants aged 18 to 65 and was undertaken by Vaboo, a PropTech platform that creates and manages tenant rewards and engagement platforms for letting agents. Vaboo asked if Covid-19 meant that renters would stay in their current property longer: some 43 per cent of respondents answered No and a further 29 per cent hadn’t decided. A big majority – over 66 per cent of tenants responding – were worried about the idea of renting for life.

Where homeowners are desperate to sell by 2021
The coronavirus pandemic has altered the lives of many. Every industry has been affected one way or another, including the UK property market, which has been turbulent over the past few months. With England entering its second national lockdown, and a potential no deal Brexit also pending, it’s unsurprising that homeowners across the UK are wary. There is a fear of a huge drop in value of their homes, fear of losing their jobs, and being unable to maintain mortgage payments, and fear of where the pandemic is heading.

Blow to agents – anger over latest eviction ban
The main trade body representing lettings agents has described the government’s latest eviction ban as “a further blow” for the sector. At the end of last week the government formally announced a pause in evictions in England until January 11 at the earliest. The only exceptions to this will be what the government calls “the most egregious cases” including where tenants have demonstrated anti-social behaviour or are the perpetrator of domestic abuse in social housing, and the landlord rightly would like to re-let their property to another tenant. Large scale arrears accumulated before the Coronavirus will also be an appropriate reason for an eviction to go ahead.

Will Covid-19 change how residential property is used and located?
A new report from international law firm Withers claims that Covid-19 is accelerating rapid change in what people want from their homes and how housing developments are designed. The report, featuring insight from fifteen world-leading real estate, business and investment experts, discusses the impact of the pandemic on how residential properties are used, and where they are located. An increased demand for more flexible living space, a greater focus on a home’s locality and nearby amenities, a heightened aspiration for ‘community’ and a greater emphasis on more sustainable and environmentally-friendly construction methods are all key considerations that are driving a rapid shift in where and how new homes are developed in the post-Covid world, according to the experts.

Surveyors report slow-down in market
The first monthly market monitor to show activity in the housing market tailing off has appeared – and it says momentum has “slowed significantly.” The e.surv monthly house price index comes with a warning from director Richard Sexton: “House prices continued to rise month on month through October, however the momentum has slowed significantly. Between September and October, average house prices increased by 0.9 per cent, the slightest monthly increase since prices began to rise in June this year.”

TRANSPORT:

Speech to Airport Operators Association, November 2020
Address to the Airport Operators Association covering Covid pandemic, recovery works, support, regional connectivity, longer term working and Brexit.

Measures to protect England from new COVID-19 strain extended
Freight exemption removed so UK haulage drivers arriving from Denmark are now required to self-isolate on entry to England.

TRAVEL:

Greece ready to bounce back with help of UK Tourism
Speaking during WTM Virtual, Harry Theoharis, Greece’s tourism minister, said he had “high expectations for 2021”.

“The UK tourism market will play a leading role in consolidating this goal and we will hold a series of workshops to which the UK market professionals will be invited to participate. At the same time, we believe the British market can support new destinations in other Greek regions, such as western Epirus with the airport of Aktion, the Peloponnese and the north Aegean. We will work with tour operators and travel agents in this direction.”

COVID-19: investigation and management of travellers returning from Denmark and their household contacts
Guidance for the investigation and management of coronavirus (COVID-19) in travellers returning from Denmark and their household contacts.

Travel ban implemented to protect public health following Denmark COVID-19 mink outbreak
The Home Office has announced that visitors from Denmark arriving in the UK will be denied entry.

Germany and Sweden removed from England’s quarantine-free travel corridor list.
Passengers arriving into the UK from Germany and Sweden will need to self-isolate for two weeks before following domestic lockdown rules.

Useful Links:

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.