Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 1,290,195 have tested positive (+ 33,470 new cases)
Loss of life: *50,928 across all settings (+ 563 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Cheshire East: 7,646 confirmed since start of the pandemic, + 842 in the 7 days to 7th 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:
UK economy bounces back from recession with 15.5% growth in July to September, but GDP remains below pre-Covid level.
The UK economy has seen a growth of almost a fifth during the third quarter of the year despite the disruption of the COVID-19 crisis. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported that GDP grew by 15.5% between July and September, in the period between national lockdowns.
According to the ONS, nominal GDP increased by 12.6 per cent in Q3 of 2020 – its largest quarterly expansion on record. The increase marks the first economic uplift after two consecutive quarterly falls, but that the economy has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Jonathan Athow, deputy national statistician for economic statistics, commented: “While all main sectors of the economy continued to recover, the rate of growth slowed again, with the economy still remaining well below its pre-pandemic peak.”
Quarterly ONS figures:
- Jan – Mar: Minus 2,5%
- Apr – June: Minus 19.8%
- July – Sept: Plus 15.5%
The Eat Out to Help Out and an ease out of lockdown for most businesses had a major impact on Q3 figures of +15.5%. However, more closures, either temporary or permanent, low footfall, loss of custom, lockdown for many independents are likely to have more negative impact. But retailers, especially among the independents, argue that retail is safe and current closures are affecting smaller independents as opposed to larger retailers including supermarkets. The hospitality sector also argues that is has safe spaces evidenced during the summer when premises reopened with no resulting spikes. The sectors argue that rises in cases happened when people returned to university and school in September and early October.
Walking and cycling schemes streets ahead with £175m funding
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has today (13 November 2020) given councils across England a further £175 million to create safe space for cycling and walking as surveys and independent polls show strong public support for high-quality schemes.
Robert Jenrick reveals take-up of Kickstart scheme
Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning, Mr Jenrick announced that theer are 19,000 young people now enrolled on the Kickstart scheme. Predominantly these have been in areas that have seen growth since the pandemic outbreak in March where there are good employment opportunities. 4,000 employers are already signed up to the scheme. He also reiterated that one priority for Government is to ensure young people have good career opportunities in sectors that are performing well. For instance, in the housing and construction sector where the market is more robust and resilient; in technology, healthcare and life sciences and in online retail where companies had found new ways of working. The work-based placements are for a minimum 6 months after which it is hoped workers on the Kickstart scheme may be retained. Mr Jenrick added that “after this time, they will have enhanced their CV and be in a better position to gain employment than they would have been without such a scheme.” Without the scheme he said longer-term career prospects would be set back without this opportunity of support into employment.
More than 19,000 jobs created by Kickstart Scheme so far
Over 19,000 job placements for unemployed young people have so far been created under the government’s £2 billion Kickstart Scheme – with tens of thousands more expected in the months ahead.
More than 2 million people reached by NHS Test and Trace
NHS Test and Trace has completed a record number of cases during this reporting week, with 85% of people who have tested positive successfully contacted.
PM hails ‘herculean effort’ of life science companies to defeat coronavirus
Prime Minister Boris Johnson hosted a discussion with heads of leading life science and pharmaceutical companies on coronavirus and the prevention of future pandemics.
NHS urged to harness local government partners in vaccine rollout
Directors of public health and councils are urging the government and the NHS to engage more closely with them on co-ordinating the rollout of a Covid-19 vaccine, amid fears that the sector’s expertise, assets and resources could go to waste. Following news of the preliminary success of the Pfizer and Biontech vaccine earlier this week, NHS England has been tasked with leading the work to administer a Covid vaccine, in anticipation of a rollout expected to begin as soon as next month. As well as using GP practices and pharmacies, health secretary Matt Hancock said yesterday that large vaccination centres would be set up in sports halls and car parks, with the armed forces on standby to help. Vaccines will be taken to care homes whose residents and staff will be a top priority.
Graphic courtesy of BBC
National Restrictions Poster
Graphical poster displaying information about the national restrictions in England.
Slides to accompany coronavirus data briefing: 11 November
Slides on coronavirus presented by Professor Jonathan Van-Tam.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Alderley Park Lighthouse Lab surpasses 4 million test milestone
The Lighthouse Lab has tested the equivalent of the combined populations of Manchester and Liverpool in six months.
Council launches new social value policy to address inequality
Suppliers and providers of council services are expected to meet its core values in areas ranging from climate change to health inequalities.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 12 November 2020
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
HMRC issue briefing: how HMRC will continue to support customers and the economy
This briefing sets out how HMRC will continue to support customers and the economy over the coming months – this has been updated to reflect HMRC’s latest position on supporting taxpayers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus and the impact on output in the UK economy: September 2020
An analysis of monthly growth for the production and services industries between August 2020 and September 2020, highlighting the impact from the coronavirus (COVID-19).
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.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed)) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions.
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.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December 2020.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Eligibility criteria has been made clearer for employees who are made redundant on or after 23 September 2020 and you have re-employed and employees that have a fixed term contract that expired after 23 September. The dates relating to TUPE eligibility have also been corrected.
CONSTRUCTION:
Infrastructure and housing back to pre-pandemic levels
Construction output continued to grow more steadily in September rising by 2.9% compared with last month. The latest figures confirm the rebound has slipped down a gear after big gains in the summer but the industry continues to make steady progress in returning to more normal activity levels.
Monthly output change:
April -41%; May +9%; June +22%; July +17%; August +3%; September +2.9%
Both infrastructure and private housing are leading the recovery with September output finally exceeding pre-pandemic levels in February. All other types of work in September have yet to return to more normal levels, with public new housing the furthest below its February 2020 level at 29.4%. New orders in the third quarter to September are 0.6% up on the same period last year. The highlight in the latest three-month order figures came from the depressed commercial sector which showed signs of stirring back into life, up 16% on last year’s Q3 level.
EDUCATION:
Tell Ofsted if you have a COVID-19 incident at your childcare business
You must tell Ofsted if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 at your nursery, childminder business or other day care. You should also tell us if you have to close your setting as a result.
Reported coronavirus (COVID-19) cases 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 – updated the figures for the weeks commencing 5/10/2020 and 12/10/2020 to correct an error in the number of reported cases.
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 – updated guidance to include information on the national restrictions by adding a ‘national restrictions’ section and updating the relevant information about face coverings, clinically extremely vulnerable children and extra-curricular activities.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – updates to the documents ‘Testing for coronavirus: privacy information’ and ‘Testing for coronavirus: privacy information – quick read’ to reflect changes to the contact process of research organisations and to mirror updates to the wider testing programme.
Vulnerable children and young people survey
A summary of local authority survey in England to help understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on children’s social care – added ‘Vulnerable children and young people survey: waves 1 to 12’.
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.
Oxford University and PHE confirm high-sensitivity of lateral flow tests
Extensive clinical evaluation shows lateral flow tests are accurate and sensitive enough to be used in the community, including for asymptomatic people.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): looking after people who lack mental capacity
Guidance for health and social care staff who are caring for, or treating, a person who lacks the relevant mental capacity. Updated 2 attachments to reflect the latest guidance and advice for professional visits during the national lockdown, which began on 5 November 2020. The attachment ‘The Mental Capacity Act (2005) (MCA) and the deprivation of liberty safeguards (DoLS) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic’ has been updated in the section ‘Supervisory bodies (local authorities in England, and local health boards and local authorities in Wales’ and a summary of these changes is reflected at the end of the ‘Summary of key points’. The attachment ‘The Mental Capacity Act (2005) (MCA) and the deprivation of liberty safeguards (DoLS) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: additional guidance’ has been updated in the section ‘Continuing to carry out your role as a DoLS independent mental capacity advocate (IMCA) or relevant person’s representative (RPR)’.
NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information
Privacy notice and data protection impact assessment for the NHS COVID-19 mobile app. – updated ‘privacy notice for young people, Welsh language’ to reflect the changes in the app and work to support digital contact tracing apps across England, Gibraltar, Jersey, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
COVID-19: deaths of people with learning disabilities
Review of available data on the deaths of people identified as having learning disabilities in England during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact-tracing data in its weekly report – updated with additional detail for how testing capacity is calculated.
NHS Test and Trace (England) and coronavirus testing (UK) statistics: 29 October to 4 November
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 23 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England and coronavirus testing (UK).
HOSPITALITY:
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 (LSRG (Sector)) supports businesses that have been closed due to the national restrictions.
JUDICIARY:
HM Courts and Tribunals Service engagement groups
Professional and public user groups working with HMCTS on aspects of the reform programme, including collaboration on new development proposals – COVID-19 engagement groups updated.
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.
HMCTS weekly management information during coronavirus – March to October 2020
The weekly management information used by HMCTS for understanding workload volumes and timeliness at a national level during coronavirus (COVID-19), March 2020 to October 2020.
PROPERTY:
Coronavirus barely dented sales and rental markets – RICS
The latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors review of sales and rentals, often amongst the most pessimistic of analyses, says Covid 19 has “barely dented” the market. The data, released this morning, says demand for properties and the flow of new homes listed for sale across the UK remained strong over the past month.
During October, the number of people looking to buy property increased for the fifth consecutive month, with a net balance of 46 per cent of surveyors citing an increase in new buyer enquiries. In keeping with the rise in demand, the number of new properties being listed for sale also increased for the fifth successive month with a net balance of 32 per cent of respondents reporting a rise in new instructions. This constitutes the longest run of growth seen in the RICS monthly survey since 2013. The institution notes that the number of properties sitting on estate agents’ books remains relatively low in the historical context, although October saw average stock levels move up from 42 to 43 per branch.
RETAIL:
BBC asks are retailers facing Covid-19 on a level playing field
Six weeks out from Christmas, with most retailers forced to shut, some stores deemed ‘essential’ seem to be exploiting a loophole and accused of taking advantage of smaller store closures to cash in on seasonal demand.
One retail chain boss complains “rushed legislation” has left a “very unfair playing field” and Sheffield toy store owner Hellen Stirling Baker agrees. She says her local supermarket is packed with children’s playthings. “Big supermarkets are capitalising on the fact they are able to sell non-essential goods alongside their essentials,” she tells us. Similarly, while bookshops are shut, large newsagents such as WH Smith can continue trading in line with government guidance. However, it argues it isn’t really benefiting, since lockdown has left fewer shoppers on the High Street. The government insists restrictions are necessary to slow the spread of coronavirus and says those forced to close can access financial help.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode.
TRAVEL:
TUI Commercial Chief optimistic despite Government’s ‘slow’ testing response
Speaking during a WTM Virtual session, Richard Sofer, Tui UK and Ireland commercial and business development director, said the constant change of messages from the government had caused issues.
“A decision taken on the Monday, very quickly, you might need to reverse on Tuesday.”
An example was the brief reopening of the Canaries. “We were able to put flights back on two days later; then only 10 days later, to be undone by lockdown. It’s meant you have constantly had to make quick decisions.”
Coronavirus (COVID-19): how to self-isolate when you travel to the UK
When you arrive in the UK, you must travel directly to the place you are staying and not leave until 14 days have passed since you were last in a non-exempt country or territory – changes refer to the new national restrictions and how they affect the requirements on international arrivals when returning from exempt and non-exempt destinations.
Useful Links:
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