Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 530,113 have tested positive (+ 14,542 new cases)
Loss of life: *42,445 across all settings (+ 76 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Cheshire East: 3,458 confirmed since start of the pandemic, + 442 in the last 7 days
*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.-1.6 and the growth rate range is +5% to +9% per day as of 2 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
UK HEADLINES:
Government invests in UK-developed antibody tests from UK Rapid Test Consortium
Health Minister Lord Bethell has announced the government has signed a deal with the UK Rapid Test Consortium (UK-RTC) for 1 million antibody tests
Chancellor Rishi Sunak defends Eat Out To Help Out scheme in face of UK’s second wave
The chancellor cautions against “jumping to simplistic conclusions” as the government attempts to limit a growing rise in cases.
Disappearing Covid-19 app alerts cause alarm
The Department of Health says it is working on a fix – but warned it could take some time.
‘Long Covid’: Why are some people not recovering?
For most people, Covid-19 is a brief and mild disease but some are left struggling with symptoms including lasting fatigue, persistent pain and breathlessness for months.
16,000 coronavirus cases missed in daily figures after IT error
A technical glitch that meant nearly 16,000 cases of coronavirus went unreported has delayed efforts to trace contacts of people who tested positive.
Government launches £238m scheme for jobseekers
Jobseekers will be offered coaching and advice on moving into “growing sectors” as part of a £238m employment programme, the government has said.
Nick Triggle, BBC correspondent opinion: What’s the risk of the NHS being overwhelmed?
Hospitals in England have seen the number of new admissions jump by a quarter in just one day. During the spring, the threat of the NHS being overwhelmed was one of the prime reasons the UK went into lockdown. So how well-prepared is the health service for the second wave? Hospital cases are still low. The rise in infections in the community is now clearly translating into new cases being admitted to hospital. But we are still a long way from the peak. The increase in admissions means there are now nearly 3,000 patients in hospital with Covid. That represents about 3% of hospital beds. But given the reduced amount of activity – latest figures suggest only about half the number of routine operations are being done than was the case before the pandemic – there is still plenty of available space. The latest occupancy figures suggest there were around 30,000 beds unoccupied across the UK in the summer – three times as many as was normally the case before the pandemic hit.
Coronavirus update on testing and treatments
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock updated Parliament on the government’s response to coronavirus.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Councils’ collective call to government for more resources to fight virus
Cheshire East Council, with Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington Borough Council, has written to the Secretary of State for Health to request additional resources and measures to deal with Covid-19.
The councils have worked together on a detailed document setting out what they feel is necessary to bring the outbreak under control. It sets out the reasoning behind each measure, what is required from government and what additional resources are required.
Covid-19 Local Testing Site in Crewe open to pre-booked appointments
A dedicated walk-through Covid-19 testing site in Crewe is now open to pre-booked appointments. The site is the second largest testing facility to open in the North West.
BREAKING: BT to bring thousands of jobs to North West
BT Group has said it will bring thousands of jobs to Manchester with the announcement of a new “primary home” in the city. The telecoms giant says the Four New Bailey scheme, close to the Spinningfields business district will become a “key hub” with the capacity for up to 2,000 staff – more than four times the current number based in Manchester.
Read more at Business Live
Manchester’s coronavirus infection rate has risen above 500 for the first time.
Manchester’s coronavirus cases soar – last week it registered more positive cases than some countries and the city now has the highest infection rate in the country, in part due to outbreaks in university accommodation.
Greater Manchester night-time economy advisor warns sector could perish
Sacha Lord has warned that without Government intervention, the night-time economy will perish saying the current situation is an “existential threat” to the £70bn sector and is calling for the introduction of a sector-specific support package. “45 per cent of businesses in the sector will be making more than 60 per cent of their workforce redundant imminently as a result of the Winter Economy Plan and current restrictions”, according to the Night Time Industries Association.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
How different circumstances affect the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or member of a partnership find out how your circumstances can affect your eligibility for the scheme.
HMRC: Reminder and webinar updates to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from 1?? October mean that employers will need to fund 20% of furloughed employees’ usual wages for the hours they do not work and continue to pay their National Insurance and pension contributions. The scheme closes on 31?? October and you will need to make any final claims on or before 3?0 November. You can ask questions during all live webinars using the on-screen text box. HMRC webinars are constantly updated to provide the latest government guidance on changes as they develop.
Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live webinar: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: an overview of the scheme, including flexible furloughing, examples of how to work out the amount you can claim and the changes for October. The latest information on the Job Retention Bonus, including how to check if your employees are eligible, when you can claim and what you need to do now to prepare.
If you haven’t been able to join the webinar about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, there are still some places available. Get the latest information on:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to make a claim
- what you may be entitled to, and more.
Register here
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services – updated guidance on the operation of soft play and indoor play areas (section 2.1) and taking payment in licensed venues (section 2.2).
Treasury Direction made under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020
Treasury Direction in relation to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Job Retention Bonus.
Find an example of employees and the minimum income threshold for the Job Retention Bonus
Check an example to help you decide which employees will meet the minimum income threshold for Job Retention Bonus claims.
Check if you can claim the Job Retention Bonus from 15 February 2021
Find out if you’re eligible to claim the Job Retention Bonus and what you need to do to claim it. You will be able to claim it between 15 February 2021 and 31 March 2021.
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to coronavirus (COVID-19). 30 November 2020 is the last day employers can submit or change claims for periods ending on or before 30 October 2020.
Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out what steps you need to take before you calculate how much you can claim for furloughed and flexibly furloughed employees.
30 November 2020 is the last day employers can submit or change claims for periods ending on or before 30 October 2020.
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you have to pay your furloughed employees for hours on furlough, how much you can claim for employer NICs and pension contributions and how much you can claim back. 30 November 2020 is the last day employers can submit or change claims for periods ending on or before 30 October 2020.
COMMUNITY:
Council urges residents emotionally affected by pandemic to seek help and not suffer alone!
Cheshire East Council is urging any residents affected by the emotional strain of the Covid-19 pandemic, to seek help and not to suffer alone. The council’s plea comes as the Samaritans in Macclesfield revealed a big increase in the number of calls during the crisis.
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems.
Added Contain framework lower tier local authority watchlist – maps by LSOA.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Meeting with others safely (social distancing)
When seeing friends and family you do not live with you should meet in groups of 6 or less. In England, this limit of 6 includes children of any age.
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic
Guidance to enable the safe reopening of places of worship for a broader range of activities and includes a checklist for special religious services and gatherings – updated the Special religious services and gatherings COVID-19 checklist – to incorporate changes in regulations, as they affect special religious services and gatherings, announced by the Prime Minister on 22 September 2020.
CONSTRUCTION:
Industry leaders call for £10billion ‘Build Back Greener’ fund
The proposed Greener Regeneration Investment Fund (GRIF) would accelerate construction jobs for the next three years stimulating the post-Covid build back while delivering long-term benefits for communities. Research from the Construction Leadership Council argues the low-interest fund would leverage £30bn of investment from the private sector. The GRIF would overcome present funding shortcomings which favour assets over places; short term over long term; capital returns over holistic social betterment; and – crucially – successful economic locations over less prosperous areas, says the report.
Construction buyers report September Work Surge
Purchasing activity increased at the quickest pace for nearly five years as the bellwether IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index registered 56.8 in September up from 54.6 in August. Confidence about future prospects was also the brightest for seven months. House building led the way while the commercial sector also rebounded strongly as civil engineering activity fell for the second month running. Duncan Brock, Group Director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply said: “UK Construction took off in September, soaring ahead of both the manufacturing and service sectors in terms of output growth and recording the fastest rise in purchasing activity since October 2015.”
EDUCATION
School leaders determined pupils won’t become ‘the COVID generation’
Ofsted has published the first reports on how schools and children’s homes are addressing the needs of children at this time.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
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 information on pharmacy order limits.
PHE data series on deaths in people with COVID-19: technical summary
A summary of the PHE data series on deaths in people with COVID-19, outlining what the changes mean and how the data compare to other COVID-19 death data series.
Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA updated The list also includes manufacturers whose exemption expired or was cancelled. This information will be listed for 2 months after expiry or cancellation.
NERVTAG/EMG: Duration of wearing of face coverings, 15 September 2020
Paper prepared by the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) and the Environmental and Modelling group (EMG).
SPI-B/EMG: COVID-19 housing impacts, 10 September 2020
Paper prepared by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) and the Environmental and Modelling group (EMG).
SAGE meetings, September 2020
Minutes and papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) meetings held in August 2020 – added 2 papers on housing impacts (SAGE 56) and wearing face coverings (SAGE 57).
Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Evidence considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) – added 2 new papers under September.
COVID-19: investigation and initial clinical management of possible cases
Information on case definitions, and the initial assessment and investigation of possible cases of COVID-19 infection.
1 in 8 people in England have now been tested for coronavirus
1 in 8 people have now received a coronavirus test at least once since the launch of NHS Test and Trace on 28 May.
HOSPITALITY
Greene King announce 800 job losses and closure of sites
Sky News is reporting that Greene King has begun a redundancy consultation with 800 employees and is looking to close 25 sites permanently following the fallout from the 10pm Covid curfew. In total 75 closures with approximately a third permanent.
Night-time economy pleads for further support after curfew prompts mass redundancies
60% of late night business sector have already started to make redundancies
Wagamama owner confident following restructure
The Restaurant Group (TRG), which owns Wagamama, said that the chain has seen an 11 per cent increase in sales post-lockdown compared to the same period last year.
JUDICIARY:
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page held a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak. Full list of Crown Courts assessed to hold jury trials updated.
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.
PROPERTY
Homebuyer demand soars during Q3
According to new figures released by GetAgent, the stamp duty holiday has helped accelerate UK buyer demand to the highest levels since the start of last year
Nearly £20billion of Capital waiting to invest in UK BTR sector
More than £19B of capital is looking to invest in UK build-to-rent residential schemes with planning permission, and the sector is set to see a record level of investment this year. In its 2020 Multifamily Housing report, broker Knight Frank said £2.7B has been invested in the UK BTR sector so far this year and it expects £4B to be invested overall in 2020, with £19B sat on the side-lines waiting to get in the game.
An investment of £4B this year would take the total invested in professionally managed UK residential to £41B. While this might sound like a big number, Knight Frank said BTR only represents 2% of the overall UK rental housing stock, which may indicate huge growth potential for the sector.
Read more at Bisnow Manchester
End of mortgage holiday – a disaster for many?
A new paper from a think tank warns that many low income owner occupiers risk losing their homes when the mortgage holiday arrangements end. Even with the Job Support Scheme replacing the furlough system, many could struggle to pay mortgages without reform to the support available, claims the Centre for Policy Studies. Despite a third of those in poverty being owner-occupiers, housing benefit only covers renters. Owners can only get help with their mortgage interest payments, and even then must wait nine months to qualify – and the whole amount is withdrawn if they take on any work at all.
RETAIL:
Tesco profits surge as online orders double
Supermarket giant Tesco has seen first-half profits rise by more than a quarter as customers bought more food during the pandemic and online orders doubled.
Pre-tax profit for the 26 weeks to 29 August was £551m, 28.7% up on 2019.
It is Tesco’s first set of results under its new chief executive, Ken Murphy, who started last week. With more customers turning to online shopping, Tesco more than doubled delivery capacity to 1.5 million slots a week during the first half, including serving 674,000 vulnerable customers.
TRAVEL:
Jet2 holidays suspend Canary Islands programme until start of November
Flights are slated to recommence from 1 November, which Jet2 said would be “subject to our new flying programme”. Also subject to Jet2’s flying schedule is a return to Turkey from 18 October, while the operator halted city break sales to Amsterdam, Barcelona and Lisbon on Monday (5 October). Jet2CityBreaks from Leeds Bradford to Amsterdam up to 25 November have been cancelled as well as Barcelona holidays from Birmingham and Glasgow. All city breaks to Lisbon have also axed.
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