Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 965,340 have tested positive (+ 23,065 new cases)
Loss of life: *45,955 across all settings (+ 280 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Cheshire East: 5,917 confirmed since start of the pandemic, + 842 in the 7 days to 24th 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:
Study show early 100,000 catching virus every day – study
Nearly 100,000 people are catching coronavirus every day in England, according to Imperial College London’s latest monthly study. Based on swabs taken from more than 85,000 volunteers, academics estimate the number of people infected is doubling every nine days, raising the prospect of more than a million infections a day by the end of November. We are fast approaching the peak in infections seen in the spring, with cases rising in every age group and region of England. And while infections are highest in the North, they are surging more rapidly in the South, the study indicates.
ONS finds 2m people still on furlough days before scheme ends
Almost one in 13 UK workers, about 2 million people, are still on furlough just days before the government job retention scheme comes to an end on 1st November, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Nottinghamshire is latest region to come under highest Tier 3 alert level
Nottinghamshire has moved into the top tier of Covid-19 restrictions after an overall rise in infection rates. Unlike some other tier three areas, betting shops, saunas, tattoo parlours and nail salons must close. Additionally, alcohol cannot be sold after 21:00 GMT in shops, but can be sold until 22:00 if bought “in hospitality venues where accompanying a substantial meal”.
Local COVID alert level: very high (Nottinghamshire)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Nottinghamshire.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 29 October 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.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Tier 3 restrictions dent business activity levels
According to the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the recent imposition of Tier 3 restrictions in Greater Manchester and the uncertainty around them in the days prior to the rules coming into effect have dented business activity levels. Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s sixth GM COVID-19 Recovery Tracker survey, covering the first three weeks of October, found that customer demand has decreased since September with an associated worsening in cash positions for many businesses.
The latest survey results show that current sales and advance orders from domestic customers have declined significantly when compared with the results of the third quarter’s Economic Survey (Q3 QES). Most of Greater Manchester has been under some form of restrictions since the end of July. Any gains made as national lockdown was eased in June /July has now been negated and the more severe Tier 3 restrictions imposed across the city region are having an adverse impact on economic activity.
The North West saw a 15 per cent surge in the number of companies operating under significant financial distress, according to new data.
The latest Red Flag Alert from Begbies Traynor for Q3 2020 has recorded a year-on-year increase, with Greater Manchester now home to 22,783 troubled businesses. High profile sectors of the North West economy “took a battering” in Q3, with “further pain ahead” as large swathes of businesses enter the most severe level of lockdown measures. Gary Lee, partner at Begbies Traynor in Manchester, said: “These figures are a stark reminder of the challenges business owners face in keeping their business afloat as we head into a period if tighter restrictions. Bars and restaurants which are such an important part of the night-time economy in Manchester and Liverpool continue to face serious pressure.”
Read more at Insider
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
A UK telecommunications company has increased its financial predictions for the year after seeing “strong” operating performance across the first half.
BT said today that its adjusted EBITDA outlook range for 2020/21 has been raised to £7.3bn to £7.5bn, as key performance indicators take a shorter fall than expected in the wake of coronavirus. The company saw its revenue drop by 8 per cent to £10.6m, which it said is primarily due to reduced BT Sport revenue and a reduction in business activity.
Coronavirus guidance for Companies House customers
How we’ve adapted the way we work to maintain our services for the public and protect the welfare of our employees.
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. The guidance is being revised and the Government will publish updated guidance for the Local Restrictions Support Grants within the next week.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme – added ‘Tips for making a successful Kickstart Scheme application’ and ‘Guidance on choosing a Kickstart gateway’.
OPSS coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for business and local authorities
Guidance on how OPSS is supporting businesses and local authorities and protecting consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COMMUNITY:
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.
CONSTRUCTION:
Power cable strikes have spiked since lockdown prompting the supply industry’s trade body to raise the alert in construction.
Underground powerline strikes from July to September alarmingly jumped 20% to 475 incidents compared with the same time last year. The figures for Q3 are running 46% above the previous quarter (April – June 2020) total of 325. It is not clear whether the surge has come from a rise in utility and roadworks or whether workers returning from furlough or shutdown are now neglecting basic safety procedures.
DIGITAL:
Still time for you to have your say in the Digital Skills Audit 2021 and help shape policy-forming research…This important piece of research is used by businesses, policymakers and other regional and national stakeholders to understand which issues need to be prioritised and addressed as well as identifying any new or emerging trends, and it’s not too late for you to have your say. The survey is open to anyone involved in the digital and technology sector, and the information will provide a long-lasting impact on individuals and businesses working in this space.
Complete the survey here
musicMagpie eyes options to support growth
Stockport based musicMagpie, which operates a Macclesfield warehouse, the biggest reseller of physical media and consumer technology in the world and the biggest global seller in ebay’s history, is considering a stock market flotation next year as it examines a number of options to support its plans for growth.
musicMagpie was founded in 2007 by Steve Oliver and Walter Gleeson and employs more than 1,000 people or as Steve prefers to refer them, magpies. The company became a household name after it turned the business of reselling old CDs, DVDs and games into an industrial- scale operation, generating around £10m-per-month in revenues.
EDUCATION:
Modification notice: school registration legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues a seventh notice to modify pupil registration requirements for temporary pupils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘Education Act 1996: school registration modification notice November 2020’.
Disapplication notice: school inspections legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues a seventh notice about changes to state-funded school inspections requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘Education Act 2005: school inspection disapplication notice November 2020’.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
REACT-1 studies: monthly results
Monthly results for the REACT-1 study of coronavirus transmission.
Latest interim findings from COVID-19 study published
Findings from Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI show the number of infections continues to rise across all regions.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – updated both the ‘Testing for coronavirus: privacy information – quick read’ and the ‘Testing for coronavirus: privacy information’ to reflect self-isolation dates not test results are shared with police forces.
NHS Test and Trace: how we test your samples
An overview of the largest diagnostic network in British history, including what happens after you submit your sample and how laboratories process your test.
REACT-1 study of coronavirus transmission: September 2020 final results
Results of real-time assessment of community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) during September 2020.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features updated global case numbers.
JUDICIARY:
Courts and tribunals additional capacity during coronavirus outbreak: Nightingale courts
This page holds a list of additional facilities opening to support the courts and tribunals estate during the coronavirus outbreak.
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.
LEISURE & SPORT:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Providers of grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities – Updated guidance on keeping your customers and users of sports and gym/leisure facilities safe (section 2), social distancing (section 4), changing rooms and showers (section 6.4), and cars, accommodation and visits (section 8).
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Do people enforcing social distancing need an SIA licence?
SIA response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request for clarification on whether individuals enforcing social distancing measures require an SIA licence.
MANUFACTURING:
UK car production fell in September, with output down -5.0%, to register the worst performance for the month in 25 years,1 according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Factories turned out 114,732 cars, a decline of some 6,000 units on the same month in 2019, as companies continued to wrestle with the uncertain economic and political environment and Covid-related challenging global market conditions.
Exports declined -9.7% in September to 87,533 units – some 9,500 fewer vehicles year-on-year, as shipments to key overseas destinations, including China, the EU and US fell -1.2%, -3.3% and -30.0% respectively. Production for the UK, meanwhile, climbed 14.5%, equivalent to a rise of 3,440 vehicles, largely a result of new models that were in ‘run out’ in the same month last year.
TRANSPORT:
Changes to DfT statistics publications due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Department for Transport statistics. Information on the statistical publications due to the coronavirus pandemic has been updated – Air passenger experience of security screening for the year 2020.
Manchester Metrolink to get £17.5m of £67m grant funding for tram services across North & Midlands
Local authorities and operators in Manchester, Sheffield, Tyne and Wear, Nottingham, the West Midlands and Blackpool are set to receive up to £35.4m over the next 12 weeks. Up to a further £32.4m will then be available, subject to a government review informed by local authorities’ plans to move networks onto a more financially sustainable footing, up to the end of March 2021. The funding, announced on 22 October follows three previous rounds of grants. The latest spending round brings the total funding provided for light rail to over £160m since the start of the pandemic.
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 UK has launched winter 2021 and 2022 holidays from Manchester and is set to put summer 2022 holidays on sale from 5th November, with thousands of free kids’ places, low deposits from £75 per person and £0 deposit on direct debit bookings made online on offer. This comes as 86% of customers surveyed in September said they expect to have gone on holiday again by next summer – reinforcing the growing appetite for future travel post Covid-19.
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