Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 917,575 have tested positive (+ 22,885 new cases)
Loss of life: *45,365 across all settings (+ 367 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Cheshire East: 5,657 confirmed since start of the pandemic, + 763 in the 7 days to 22nd 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. The R number range for the UK is 1.2-1.4 and the growth rate range is +3% to +6% per day as of 23 October 2020.
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:
Royal Mail to deliver 33,000 seasonal jobs amid boom in online shopping
Royal Mail has announced plans to create a ‘record’ number of temporary jobs over the Christmas period this year. The firm aims to recruit 33,000 seasonal workers for the festive period – two thirds more than its usual Christmas temporary staff intake. Royal Mail has made the decision to hire a ‘record’ number of extra staff in order to meet the growing trend for online shopping as a result of COVID-19.
Evictions in Tier 2/3 areas not to be enforced by bailiffs
The government is asking bailiffs not to enforce court possession orders in areas with the highest Coronavirus restrictions. So although evictions can still proceed through the courts, bailiffs will not enforce court orders in Tier 2 and 3 areas – currently London, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Wales and much of the north east of England. Bailiff trade bodies have agreed to a request made by Justice Secretary Robert Buckland who at the end of last week wrote: “We would request that your members should instruct the enforcement agents working under their authorisation not to enter properties that are classified as local alert level 2 (high) or 3 (very high).” Buckland describes the situation as “changing rapidly” and under continual review.
BBC: Boots to offer coronavirus tests with results in 12 minutes
A Covid test that can provide a result in 12 minutes will be made available at high street pharmacy Boots. The nasal swab test, which will cost £120, will be available in selected stores in the UK to people who are not showing symptoms. The company says the aim is to offer customers peace of mind. Anyone in the UK who thinks they have symptoms should stay at home and contact the NHS to book a Covid test in the usual way.
Tough new measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus are being introduced in Italy and Spain.
Madrid has declared a national state of emergency and imposed a night-time curfew country-wide. Restrictions have also been imposed on travel between Spanish regions, although the details will be determined by local leaders. In Italy, bars and restaurants will close for table service at 6pm, and gyms, cinemas and theatres will shut. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told the nation he hoped that “by gritting our teeth” for a month “we’ll be able to breathe again in December.”
Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Evidence considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) – minutes for SAGE meeting 56 and added 9 new papers under September and October
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 updated to reflect that Slough, Stoke-on-Trent and Coventry have moved into ‘local COVID alert level: high’ and Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire have moved into ‘local COVID alert level: very high’.
Lower tier local authority watchlist: epidemiological data, 23 October 2020
Weekly report giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each local authority in England.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
£1 million grant scheme launches for Cheshire and Warrington small businesses
Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has launched a second grant programme to help small businesses meet the costs of Covid-19 restrictions. The package will provide grants of up to £5000 to allow businesses to create more Covid-safe environments and or invest in a shift online.
Decade of exports sees North West firms secure £5.5bn from Japan
North West firms have demonstrated significant appetite to expand into the Japanese market in recent years, with more than £5.5bn of goods exported into the region in the last decade, according to analysis by Deloitte. Research from the business advisory firm, in partnership with MIDAS and GMCA, reveals that between 2010 and 2019, North West firms exported an average of £550m per year to Japan as the region aimed to strengthen trading relationships. In total, four years saw figures in excess of £650m, with 2012 exports the highest during the decade at £795m. As part of this trading relationships have been strengthened across a wide range of sectors. Chemical products accounted for the highest, with the £3.4bn worth of exports during the decade representing 62 per cent of total trade. Behind this, machinery and transport (£1.3bn) and manufacturing (£765m) also saw significant interest.
Manchester-based Revolution Bars Group has launched a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) to reduce its portfolio and rental costs.
It said the CVA will is being sought by one of its subsidiaries, Revolution Bars Ltd (RBL). The move follows the enforced shutdown of bars by the Government in March this year. A review of the RBL portfolio has identified 13 trading sites that are either significantly underperforming due to their location and local trading conditions, significantly over-rented, not expected to generate future profitable returns going forward, or subject to a combination of all three factors. Under the terms of the proposed CVA, RBL expects to exit six bars and obtain materially improved rental terms on seven others.
11 Northern LEPs join forces to launch new employment platform
A new employment platform has been launched to support people in the North who have lost their job as a result of the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic. There has been an estimated decline of 20.7 per cent in GVA in the North between 2019 and Q2 2020. The NP11 – a group of all 11 Northern local enterprise partnerships – has partnered with software specialist PDMS, to launch a pilot innovative online service called SignedUp Skills to help those affected. The pilot will run until the end of the year 2020 and, if successful, could develop into a long-term initiative. Read more at Business Desk
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Job Support Scheme to open on November 1st
The Job Support Scheme (JSS) will open on 1??? ?November and run for six months, until 30??? ?April 2021. The government has said it will review the terms of the scheme in January 2021. There are two variations to JSS – JSS Open and JSS Closed.
JSS Open will provide support to businesses that are open where employees are working shorter hours due to reduced demand.
JSS Closed will provide support to businesses whose premises are legally required to close as a direct result of coronavirus restrictions set by one of the four governments of the UK.
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. To do this you must have submitted PAYE information for the period up to 5??? ?February 2021 on time.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – closes on 31??? ?October
Please note that this scheme closes on 31??? ?October and employers will need to make any final claims on or before 30??? ?November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30??? ?November.
Help employers apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant (Kickstart gateway)
Information for organisations who want to be a Kickstart gateway and help employers apply for the Kickstart Scheme – added link to new ‘find a Kickstart gateway’ online service.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from self-isolation or passenger locator form requirements – Offshore oil and gas workers added to exempt jobs list.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Hotels and other guest accommodation – Updated guidance on managing risk (section 1.1), keeping your customers, visitors and contractors safe (section 2), and who should go to work (section 3).
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
Guidance on NHS Test and Trace for employers, businesses and workers – updated to reflect employers’ legal duties around staff who are self-isolating.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated guidance for households with grandparents, parents and children living together with information on how COVID-19 is spread and on financial support and the enforcement of self-isolation. All translations have been removed while awaiting update.
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Updated guidance with information on financial support available, and the requirement to stay at home when identified as a contact. Temporarily removed translations.
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 – updated guidance in line with the latest Health Protection Regulations 2020. Guidance for those managing a funeral is published elsewhere.
CONSTRUCTION:
Seven towns share £180m of Government’s levelling up Town Fund
Barrow-in-Furness, Blackpool, Darlington, Peterborough, Norwich, Torquay and Warrington are the first of 101 places to be granted a share of the Government’s new £3.6bn Town Fund to regenerate centres. The seven towns and cities will share nearly £180m in the first Town Deal awards to create jobs and drive growth across the country. Forming a cornerstone of this government’s levelling up agenda, these landmark deals will see millions invested in projects across the country. All 101 towns selected to work towards a Town Deal were given a funding allocation with proposals being submitted to the MHCLG. The first cohort of towns submitted proposals in July, before being reviewed by officials and a final decision made by ministers. Further Town Deals are due to be announced in November.
CBRE: Warehouse space rental has reached record levels in the past three months, with online retailers taking the lion’s share.
Warehouse space take-up in Q3 was more than double that in the same period last year, reaching 13.3 million sq ft, breaking the previous record, set in Q2 this year, of 12.8 million sq ft. A total of 45 deals were completed in Q3, compared with 21 in Q3 2019. CBRE said pure online accounted for the largest proportion at a sector level, at 33%, but third party logistics operators, general retailers and food providers also saw a significant rise in activity during the quarter. “The past six months’ take-up exceeds the annual total for eight of the past 10 years,” said CBRE UK industrial & logistics senior director Jonathan Compton.
CREATIVE & DIGITAL:
How creative & digital businesses grow through post-Covid uncertainty
Growth Hub & Business Desk host The Covid-19 crisis has put huge pressure on businesses in all sectors, but the disruption has also accelerated change and created opportunities. Even those that have grown, have often done so reactively.
This webinar on November 4th at 9.30am by TheBusinessDesk.com and GC Business Growth Hub will look at how digital, creative and tech businesses can start to take control of growth proactively again, even during ongoing uncertainty in the post-Covid economy.
EDUCATION:
Full-time enrolment of 14 to 16 year olds in further education and sixth-form colleges
Information for further education and sixth-form colleges when directly enrolling 14 to 16 year olds for academic year 2020 to 2021 – updated page with information on catch-up premium in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Survey of childcare and early years providers and COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Research with childcare providers in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Example lessons for remote teaching
Lesson plans shared by schools to help teachers adapt their practice for remote education following the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Remote education good practice
Good practice to support school leaders in developing their remote education contingency plans – added references to Isaac Physics, who provides free online teaching resources in physics.
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 to 22 October 2020’.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March to 22 October 2020
A summary of attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April 2020.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey: characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 in England, October 2020
Data about the characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 from the COVID-19 Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester and Public Health England.
REACT-2: real-time assessment of community transmission – antibody waning
Results of real-time assessment of community transmission – prevalence of coronavirus (COVID-19) antibodies in 2020.
Largest COVID-19 antibody testing programme publishes findings on antibody response over time
Findings from Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI show the number of people with antibodies fell by 26.5% over 3 months.
National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports
National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses – added case rates and positivity by age group for those aged 60 and above in figures 4 and 6 tab in week 43 data report.
COVID-19 and influenza point of care testing results: how to report
Notifications of COVID-19 and influenza point of care testing (POCT) results: legal duties for providers of POCT.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
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 limits for domiciliary care providers and residential care homes.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): local contacts for care providers
A list of local contacts for care providers who are not on the PPE portal. Providers can get PPE through their local authority or local resilience forum.
CO-CIN: COVID-19 – Time from symptom onset until death in UK hospitalised patients, 7 October 2020
Paper prepared by the COVID-19 Clinical Information Network (CO-CIN).
Adherence to the test, trace and isolate system: results from a time series of 21 nationally representative surveys in the UK, 3 September 2020
The COVID-19 Rapid Survey of Adherence to Interventions and Responses (CORSAIR) study.
SAGE meetings, October 2020
Minutes and papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) meetings held in October 2020.
EMG: Role of ventilation in controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission, 30 September 2020
Paper prepared by the Environmental and Modelling group (EMG)
Dynamic CO-CIN report to SAGE and NERVTAG (all cases), 7 October 2020
Clinical information provided to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG).
SPI-M-O: Summary of SAGE advice on segmentation, 15 October 2020
Paper prepared by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O).
HOSPITALITY:
Manchester-based Revolution Bars Group has launched a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) to reduce its portfolio and rental costs.
It said the CVA will is being sought by one of its subsidiaries, Revolution Bars Ltd (RBL). The move follows the enforced shutdown of bars by the Government in March this year.
JUDICIARY:
Keeping court and tribunal buildings safe, secure and clean
This page provides details about security, cleaning and social-distancing arrangements in court and tribunal buildings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated: custody suites in courts guidance updated.
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 – updated with translation
Going to a court or tribunal during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Use this guide if you’ve been asked to attend a hearing in person at a court or tribunal during the coronavirus outbreak.
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.
LEISURE & SPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation
Guidance for the public, providers of outdoor sport facilities, elite athletes, personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation – updated return to recreational team sport framework.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers progress data
Information about how many laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers we have delivered or dispatched to local authorities and academy trusts – ‘Devices and 4G wireless routers progress data as of 23 October 2020’.
MANUFACTURING:
Aerospace sector sees “worst ever” period with 91.4 per cent decline
A UK trade body has reported that aerospace manufacturers received no new orders for commercial aircraft last month. ADS Group said that only 13 orders were placed worldwide in the third quarter of the year, reflecting the sector’s “worst ever” period. The period saw a decline of 91.4 per cent on the same quarter last year, according to ADS, which represents and supports more than 1,100 UK businesses in aerospace.
PROPERTY:
Covid puts pressure on for more pet-loving rentals
Pressure appears to be building for more pet-friendly lettings properties with two Build To Rent operators promoting animal-friendly tenancies following a surge in demand as more join in home-working.
”One in three enquiries we receive are from pet owners and, certainly over recent months, animals have been lifelines for so many. Owning pets is proven to provide so many benefits to both physical and mental health, and we don’t see why living in rented accommodation should be an obstacle to that” says Harry Downes, Fizzy Living’s managing director.
A new survey reveals the uphill struggle first time buyers appear to be having in securing a mortgage.
A study of 1,000 prospective first time buyers by Aldermore Bank reveals that 35 per cent have been rejected once for a mortgage, and a further 10 per cent have been rejected more than once. The most common reason for rejection is being self-employed or a contract worker, with one in four saying they have chosen to give up their self-employed status to secure a mortgage.
CBRE report says Build to Rent rebounds strongly in Q3
Investment in the fast-growing Build to Rent (BTR) market bounced back significantly in Q3 2020, according to CBRE’s latest Marketview report.
Following subdued activity in Q2, as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, a total of £1.43billion of investment was recorded in the last quarter. CBRE has tracked investment into UK BTR, known as multifamily housing in more mature markets such as the US and Germany, since the sector started to properly emerge in 2015. The latest figures mean the BTR sector is now worth nearly £14 billion.
TRAVEL:
Airline operator adds thousands of seats to the Canaries as travel corridor opens
EasyJet has placed more than 180,000 extra seats to the Canaries on sale and launched new services to the Spanish islands from Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate – the Canary Islands, Denmark, Maldives and Mykonos added to the list 4am 25 October. Liechtenstein removed from the list 4am 25 October.
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