Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 416,363 have tested positive (+ 6,634 new cases)
Loss of life: *41,902 across all settings (+ 40 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Cheshire East: 2,767 confirmed since start of the pandemic, + 136 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 1.1-1.4 and the growth rate range is +2% to +7% per day as of 18 September 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.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announces new support for business and workers:
Rishi Sunak’s post-furlough plan at a glance
It includes plans for a job support scheme to replace furlough, help for the self- employed, business loans and VAT cuts. From the BBC’s summary:
Job Support Scheme
- Under the scheme, the government will subsidise the pay of employees who are working fewer than normal hours due to lower demand
- Workers must do at least a third of their normal hours
- Employers will pay staff for the hours they work
- The government and the employer will pay a third each for the hours they can’t work
- It means someone working a third of their hours would receive 77% of their pay
- The grant will be capped at £697.92 per month
- All small and medium sized businesses will be eligible for the scheme
- Larger business will be eligible if their turnover has fallen during the crisis
- It will be open to employers across the UK even if they have not previously used the furlough scheme
- The scheme will run for six months starting in November and replaces the “furlough” scheme
- It means the government will pay a maximum of 22% of someone’s wages, down from 80% at the start of the furlough policy
Support for the self-employed
- The chancellor is extending the self-employed grant on similar terms to the Job Support Scheme
- A grant will be available to those eligible for the Self Employment Income Support Scheme Grant
- The grant will cover three months’ worth of profits for the period from November to the end of January
- It will cover 20% of average monthly profits up to a total of £1,875
- A further grant may be available to the self-employed to cover February 2021 to the end of April, depending on circumstances
Business loans
- Bounce Back Loans will be extended from six years to 10, cutting monthly repayments by nearly half
- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme lenders will also be able to extend the length of loans from the current maximum of six years to 10 years
- The chancellor is also extending the deadline for the government’s coronavirus loan schemes to the end of November
- Businesses struggling can choose to make interest only payments for six months and those “in real trouble” can apply to suspend repayments altogether for six months
- Businesses will not see their credit rating fall as a result, the chancellor says
Taxes
- The 15% emergency VAT cut for the tourism and hospitality industries will be extended from January 2021 to 31 March
- Businesses who deferred their VAT bills will be able to pay back their taxes in 11 smaller interest-free instalments
- Self-assessment income taxpayers who need to will be given more time to pay
UK HEADLINES:
New Covid-19 Smartphone Contact Trace App for over 16’s in England & Wales
NHS Covid-19 instructs users to self-isolate for 14 days if it detects they were nearby someone who has the virus. It also has a check-in scanner to alert owners if a venue they have visited is found to be an outbreak hotspot. Anyone aged 16 and over is being asked to install the app on to their smartphone.
How the new contact-trace app works
UK borrowing soars as Government Covid costs mount
The UK government borrowed £35.9bn in August as tackling the economic fallout of pandemic took its toll on the public finances, official figures show. The figure – the difference between spending and tax income – was £30.5bn more than it borrowed in August last year. The increase meant that the borrowing figure hit its highest amount for August since records began in 1993. Borrowing between April and August totalled £173.7bn – also a record.
Government announces further ‘cash flow’ help for businesses
Following his announcement of jobs protection measures, yesterday Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed four steps intended to help businesses with their cash flow.
’Pay as you grow’ will enable those with Bounce Back loans to extend their repayment from six to 10 years, nearly halving the average monthly repayment. Businesses that are struggling can choose to make interest only payments, and those “in real trouble” can apply to suspend repayments for up to six months. Their credit rating will not be affected.
The Treasury is also changing the terms of other loan schemes. For Coronavirus Business Interruption loans, the government is extending the government guarantee for up to 10 years, making it easier for lenders to give more people more time to repay. “We are also extending the deadline of all our loan schemes to the end of this year and starting work on a new successor loan guarantee programme set to begin in January,” said Sunak. Sunak will also give businesses more time and flexibility over their deferred tax bills. “I will allow businesses to spread that VAT bill over 11 smaller repayments with no interest to pay,” he said. “Any of the millions of self-assessed income tax payers can also extend their tax bill over 12 months from January.” Sunak mentioned hospitality and tourism as “two of the most affected” sectors. Under current plans VAT for these sectors will increase from a reduced 5% back to 20% in January. The government is cancelling the planned increase in VAT and will keep the lower 5% VAT rate until 31 March.
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.
Highest number of cases in a single day since mass testing began
At 6,634, the latest daily number of confirmed coronavirus cases was the highest since mass testing began. While official records may show new cases hitting a daily high, BBC health correspondent Nick Triggle says in reality it is “nothing of the sort”, given the limited testing capacity at the peak of the pandemic in the spring. “Estimates have suggested there may have been as many 100,000 cases a day at the peak,” he adds. Currently, half of the population in northern England and a fifth of people in the Midlands face extra restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. But no local authority in England south of Solihull is currently imposing these measures.
Joint statement on COVID-19
A joint statement from the UK Government, the Northern Ireland Executive, the Scottish Government, and the Welsh Government.
NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information, early adopter trial
Privacy notice and data protection impact assessment for the NHS COVID-19 mobile app early adopter trial.
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.
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own
Updated: this page explains when to wear a face covering, exemptions from wearing one, and how to make your own face covering.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) in 10 charts
The wide-ranging impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the UK so far.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
North West leaders react to Chancellor’s Winter Economy Plan
Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Thursday outlined plans to protect jobs after cancelling this year’s budget. Mr Sunak, addressing MPs on the Commons, unveiled his ‘Winter Economy Plan’ which include a new Jobs Support Scheme, an extension to the cut in VAT for some sectors, and support for businesses and workers.
The most notable new measure will see the government top up the wages of workers forced to cut their hours due to the pandemic, effectively replacing the furlough scheme. Responding to the announcement, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce said the announcement of a new Job Support Scheme (JSS)was “a partial answer” to their call for employment support to continue beyond the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), “albeit a far less generous answer”. Jane Parry, managing partner at North West accountancy firm PM+M , said, on the face of it, the announcement today must be applauded. However, the “devil is in the detail so we need to wait for more information” to fully understand its impact.
Yodel to create 3,000 jobs ahead of Christmas
North West-headquartered delivery giant Yodel has announced plans to create almost 3,000 new jobs ahead of Christmas. The independent parcel carrier said it will recruit for 2,500 self-employed and 450 employed roles, as it prepares for what it expects to be the “busiest festive period in recent history”. The new roles for the Liverpool-headquartered firm will include couriers and parcel sorters at one of Yodel’s 50 locations nationwide. Yodel said its recruitment drive is in response to the demand for online retail, which has increased “dramatically” this year.
Rail reform measures welcomed by Northern transport leaders
Support put in place to aid rail companies after Covid-19’s impact on passenger numbers puts an end to the franchising system.
Eastern Airways Manchester to Newquay flights take off from October
The first flights will take off ahead of the autumn half-term week, saving holidaymakers a seven hour drive or train journey to the Cornish seaside resort.
ARMED FORCES:
Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces 2020
A summary 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.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Coronavirus and the economic impacts on the UK: 24 September 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.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 24 September 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.
Closing certain businesses and venues in England
Guidance on the closure of certain businesses and venues as part of further social distancing measures – updated following new measures announced by the Prime Minister on 22 September 2020.
OPSS coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for business and local authorities
Version 4 of the guidance for manufacturers and makers of face coverings on complying with the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 published, amended in the light of the alignment of approach across the UK, and with a warning against claiming that face coverings containing particulate material 2.5 filters or other hygiene filters give protection from COVID-19.
Coronavirus Act analysis
How the Coronavirus Act has helped the government’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic
Updated 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.
COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
Guidance for people planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England – updated to incorporate changes in regulations, as they affect marriages and civil partnerships, announced by the Prime Minister on 22 September 2020.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection updated to include new legal requirements for self-isolation due to come into effect on 28 September 2020.
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own
Updated: this page explains when to wear a face covering, exemptions from wearing one, and how to make your own face covering.
Staying alert and safe
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives updated in line with the latest government guidance.
Flu Season – Stockport: Make sure you are protected
Stockport Council and its health partners are urging residents eligible for a free flu vaccination to make sure they book their annual vaccination. By getting the flu vaccine, you’ll be able to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling ill, and protect outbreaks in the community.
Taking Part 2019/20: statistical release
The Taking Part Survey has run since 2005 and is the key evidence source for DCMS – data tables for Charitable Giving and Volunteering estimated have now been added.
CONSTRUCTION:
From 1st March 2021, the way VAT is collected in the construction industry is changing.
Find out how your construction business will be affected and what you need to do about it now by joining this live HMRC webinar. You can ask questions using the on-screen textbox. How to apply the VAT reverse charge for construction services
Find out when to apply the VAT reverse charge, how to show the reverse charge on your invoices, how your business may be affected and what to do if you make a mistake when applying the reverse charge. Choose a date and time
EDUCATION:
Package of support for students who have to defer their studies
Details on a range of opportunities to gain new skills, undertake work placements, additional learning and career development support – updated document to explain that the virtual work experience opportunity is unavailable until further notice.
Providing school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for schools and local authorities on school meals arrangements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak including guidance on free school meals from the Lead Association for Catering in Education.
Tier 4 students – Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus – added guidance if you’re a Tier 4 student applicant in the UK and have given your fingerprints before.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
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 – updated related deaths time series spreadsheet with latest figures.
Assessment and procurement of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests
How the government assesses offers of COVID-19 tests from developers for procurement and use in the UK – updated to reflect the new process for validating new COVID-19 viral detection tests. Previously these were assessed by a group called the Viral Detection Test Advisory Group (VTAG) but this process has changed.
Coronavirus antibody home test kit: taking a blood sample
Guidance and video to help you do your antibody test correctly, post your sample and get your results.
NHS Test and Trace: how it works
An overview of the NHS Test and Trace service, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive.
NHS Test and Trace (England) and coronavirus testing (UK) statistics: 10 September to 16 September 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 16 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
Daily tests processed and testing capacity (UK): 20 March to 22 September 2020
Historic data for the daily number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests processed and testing capacity in the UK, split by swab and antibody tests.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
COVID-19: reducing transmission – what you can do to help
Advice on how you can help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
HOSPITALITY, SPORT & LEISURE:
Forestry Commission operational update: coronavirus
Updated to include the latest information on our office openings and changes specific to Forest Research and Forestry England.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Number of coronavirus tests processed by local authority (England): 28 May to 16 September 2020
The number of pillar 2 (swab) tests processed daily by lower tier local authorities.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode – latest data added
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations – updated guidance on working from home and on wearing face coverings in retail and hospitality venues located within transport hubs.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak. Fines for not wearing a face covering on public transport or in enclosed areas of transport hubs have increased.
Useful Links:
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.