Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 1,123,197 have tested positive (+ 24,141 new cases)
Loss of life: *48,120 across all settings (+ 378 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Cheshire East: 6,718 confirmed since start of the pandemic, + 810 in the 7 days to 31th October
*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:
Bank of England injects £150billion into the economy
The Bank of England will pump an extra £150bn into the economy as it warned the resurgence of Covid-19 will lead to a slower, bumpier recovery.
Tighter lockdown rules, including new restrictions in England, are expected to push the UK into another downturn.
While it is expected to avoid another recession, the Bank believes unemployment will rise sharply as government support schemes wind down.
Policymakers also kept interest rates on hold at a record low of 0.1%.
The Bank expects the economy to shrink 2% in the final three months of 2020, before bouncing back at the start of 2021, assuming current restrictions loosen.
JRS – 80% furlough scheme extended to end of March 2021
Chancellor Rishi Sunak says the policy will be reviewed in January “to decide whether economic circumstances are improving enough to ask employers to contribute more”. He says this means the incentive of the Job Retention bonus falls away.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme increased
Mr Sunak also told the Commons the Government will increase the support for millions more workers through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. The third grant covering November to January will now be calculated at 80% of average trading profits, up to a maximum of £7,500, he said.
England now in lockdown until December 2nd
As MPs voted to back the latest lockdown proposals, non-essential shops, gyms, pubs, restaurants and cafés have been forced to close. Garden centres and homeware shops will stay open. People across the country must not mix with other households, they must return to working from home where possible and will only be allowed to leave their homes for specific reasons..
Graphic courtesy of BBC
But there are some differences to the rules imposed in the first lockdown.
- Dentist & opticians are staying open
- Click & collect services are available
- Unlimited outdoor exercise is allowed including travelling to a suitable area
- Vulnerable people will no longer be forced to shield
- You can meet one other outside in a public place; children of pre-school age are not included in the numbers
- Schools and universities will remain open
- Public toilets will remain open
- Support bubbles will continue:
- an adult living alone can form a ‘bubble’ with one other household of any size
- an informal childcare bubble can be formed with another household where the children are under 13
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told business leaders the lockdown will not be extended beyond December 2nd.
National Restrictions Poster
Graphical poster displaying information about the national restrictions in England.
Steep fines imposed for breaches of the lockdown restrictions:
£200 for each breach, doubling at each offence to a maximum of £6,400
Organisers of large gatherings face fines of £10,000
Coronavirus and the economic impacts on UK: 5 November 2020
New experimental data on the UK economy detailing the impact on businesses from the coronavirus (COVID-19).Data is from the Business Impact of Coronavirus Survey; a 2-weekly survey designed to estimate the impact over the previous 2 weeks and the expectations for the following 2 weeks.
Main points:
- The accommodation and food service activities industry had the lowest percentage of businesses currently trading, at 75%, compared with 85% across all industries.
- Between Wave 12 (10 to 23 August 2020) and Wave 16 (5 to 18 October 2020), the trend in the percentages of businesses experiencing a decrease in turnover has flattened.
- In Wave 16 (5 to 18 October 2020), 8% of the workforce were on furlough leave, compared with 30% in Wave 7 (1 to 14 June 2020).
- The accommodation and food service activities industry had the highest percentage of businesses with no cash reserves, at 6%, compared with 3% across all industries.
- The accommodation and food service activities industry had the highest percentage of businesses with no or low confidence that their businesses would survive the next three months, at 32%.
- Of businesses not permanently stopped trading, 17% intend to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model in the future.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 5 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.
The BBC new lockdown rules for England Wales Scotland & Northern Ireland
New National Restrictions from 5 November
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Council opens consultation on corporate plan
Consultation on Cheshire East Council’s vision for the next four years runs until 27th November. The plan aims to deliver a fairer future for all in the borough.
Cheshire employers sign up to Kickstart scheme
Macclesfield based Fabric IT is among employers increasing local job opportunities for young people with the Kickstart scheme. Fabric IT has expressed strong support for the Kickstart scheme in recent meetings with local MP, David Rutley. Mr Carl Enser, Sales Director at Fabric-IT, explained to David how he is planning to recruit four young people to IT, marketing and administration roles in his IT outsourcing business, which was established locally in 1993.
AGRICULTURE, FARMING & FISHERIES:
Forestry Commission operational update: coronavirus
This update provides details on the Forestry Commission’s working practices during the coronavirus outbreak.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Vehicles – updated guidance during national restrictions from 5 November: anyone who can work from home, should (section 1.1) and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals not attending work for this period of restrictions (section 2.1).
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Hotels and other guest accommodation – Updated guidance on the impact of national restrictions in England from 5 November.
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
Guidance on NHS Test and Trace for employers, businesses and workers – updated to show that everyone should work from home where possible during the increased national restrictions from 5 November 2020.
COVID-19: Guidance for managing playgrounds and outdoor gyms
Guidance for owners and operators of playgrounds and outdoor gyms to enable their use while minimising the transmission risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to reflect new national restrictions in England from 5 November.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Letter from Kelly Tolhurst to caravan and park home owners
Letter from Kelly Tolhurst, Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, to trade bodies representing caravan and park home site owners.
BEIS: From 5th November: Financial support for jobs and businesses
COMMUNITY:
Remembrance Sunday commemoration in Cheshire East will be held virtually
With traditional Remembrance Sunday events being severely limited this year, the council has prepared a short virtual service for people to view.
Restrictions in England from 5 November: Take care at the coast
Take care when visiting your local coastline and help reduce pressure on the NHS and emergency services, including HM Coastguard
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for people in England with animals
Advice for pet owners and livestock keepers on looking after the welfare of animals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This advice applies to England only – updated with guidance on caring for animals during lockdown.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Accessing food and essential supplies
How to get food and other essential supplies during the coronavirus pandemic – updated with guidance on accessing food during the lockdown.
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own
This page explains when to wear a face covering, exemptions from wearing one, and how to make your own face covering.
CONSTRUCTION:
Graham upbeat with latest order book
Graham construction is reporting record levels of secured work for the year ahead on the back of growth in profit and turnover in the year to March 2020.
EDUCATION:
GCSE MFL spoken language assessment criteria and approach
Pass, merit and distinction criteria for 2021 published, with flexible approach to assessment in class or on a one-to-one basis.
Conditions and requirements for the assessment of MFL GCSEs in 2021
Proposals to modify the assessment requirements for GCSEs in modern foreign languages in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – added decisions and analysis of consultation responses
GCSE subject-level conditions for 2021
Conditions and requirements, and corresponding guidance, applying to GCSE qualifications being awarded in 2021.
GCE subject-level conditions for 2021
Conditions and requirements, and corresponding guidance, applying to AS and A level qualifications being awarded in 2021.
Education and childcare settings: New National Restrictions from 5 November 2020
How New National Restrictions to control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) impact education, childcare and children’s social care settings.
ENVIRONMENT:
Environment Agency waterways: Coronavirus (Covid-19) update
Guidance for users of all Environment Agency waterways, including the River Thames, Anglian waterways and the Upper Medway Navigation.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: guidance for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs or alcohol
Guidance for commissioners and service providers for those dependent on drugs or alcohol – updated guidance in line with national restrictions commencing 5 November 2020.
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 order limit information for all sectors to reflect changes to visor orders; updated order limit information for GPs, domiciliary care providers, residential care homes, dentists, orthodontists, community drug and alcohol services and residential drug and alcohol services to reflect recent increases; added FFP mask order limits for dentists and orthodontists.
NHS Test and Trace (England) and coronavirus testing (UK) statistics: 22 October to 28 October
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 22 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England and coronavirus testing (UK).
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 reports – updated to better reflect the terminology for reaching cases and contacts, and to provide more information on some pillar 4 studies
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of council buildings
Guidance for those managing council buildings – updated to reflect new national restrictions in force from 5 November 2020
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.
MILITARY:
Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces 2020
A summary of statistics on the number of defence personnel who have had a COVID-19 test; and for the UK Armed Forces, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 as of 5 November 2020.
RETAIL:
Sainsburys to cut 3,500 jobs and close 420 Argos stores
The 420 standalone Argos stores will close by March 2024, although Sainsbury’s said it would open 150 Argos outlets in its supermarkets.
Boss Simon Roberts said Sainsbury’s was responding to changing consumer habits and the growth of online shopping.
He said the counter closures was a response to lower customer demand and a desire to reduce food waste.
The supermarket also reported half-year results, revealing a £137m loss which it blamed on closures and “market changes”.
TRAVEL:
Foreign travel insurance
Updated to reflect the 5 November national restrictions for England relating to travel
Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations.
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 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