Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 337,168 have tested positive + daily 1,295 new cases
Loss of life: 41,504 across all settings + 3
Cases in Cheshire East: 2,398 confirmed since start of the pandemic, + 33 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 0.9-1.1 and the growth rate range is -3% to +1% per day as of 21 August 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 has been reviewed and updated using a measure based on a 28-day limit between the date of a positive lab-confirmed test and date of death.
NHS Test and Trace (England) and coronavirus testing (UK) statistics: 6 August to 12 August 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 11 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England and coronavirus testing (UK).
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:
Changes to Job Retention Scheme – Government reduce contribution to 70% and employers to pay 10%
Changes in the way the Government is supporting employees’ wages come into play today as employers will now make up 10% of their furloughed employees’ wages for the time they are being furloughed. Employers will also continue to pay their National Insurance and pension contributions.
From 1 September the grant currently covers 70% of their usual monthly wage costs for the hours they are being furloughed, up to £2,187.50 a month. You will still need to pay furloughed employees at least 80% of their usual wages for the hours they do not work, up to a cap of £2,500 per month, so you’ll need to fund the difference between this and the CJRS grant yourself. You must also continue to pay the associated Employer National Insurance contributions and pension contributions (up to the level of the minimum automatic enrolment employer pension contribution) on subsidised furlough pay from their own funds. This funding level will remain in place until the end of September 2020. The scheme closed on 30 June to anyone who had not already been furloughed before this date. This may differ where you have an employee returning from statutory parental leave or a military reservist returning from completing a period of active service. For further information refer to the guidance.
Good news for high streets following changes to commercial property use
From 1st September, businesses will be better enabled to find new premises following major changes to commercial property classes. Retail units, cafes, restaurants, offices, clinics, health centres, nurseries, gyms, lots of indoor recreation centres and light industrial units in England will all have the same E classification, meaning they can all be used for other purposes without the need to apply for planning permission. The newly introduced regulations, known as The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020, replace the previous system which had been in place since 1987. Under the new regulations, classes A1, A2, A3, B1, D1 and D2 have all been incorporated into class E.
Kickstart scheme for young workers kicks off today
As part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, a new £2 billion Kickstart Scheme will create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country. Employers will receive funding for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum auto-enrolment pension contributions. https://youtu.be/4hNnTVrMstQ
The 6 month placements are open to those aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long term unemployment. They will be available across a range of different sectors in England, Scotland and Wales. The first placements are likely to be available from November. There will also be extra funding to support young people to build their experience and help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart funded job.
Applications are being accepted now from employers or groups of employers – check the guidance for employers.
Further information regarding the Kickstart scheme:
Check if you can apply for a grant as a representative of a group of employers through the Kickstart Scheme
If you are considering becoming a representative for a group of employers, check what information you need to provide to apply for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Check if you can apply for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme
If you are an employer looking to create job placements for young people, check if you can apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme
If you are an employer looking to create jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Kickstart Scheme: promotional materials
Use these materials to promote the Kickstart Scheme to employers and potential job placement participants.
Love of DIY is the new lockdown legacy!
In National Home Improvement Month / BHETA, new research reveals that 39% of Brits made changes to their house over lockdown. Research conducted by BHETA found that the lockdown has encouraged much of the nation to dabble in DIY. Prior to the months of social isolation, only 1 in 10 Brits felt confident enough to tinker with their homes themselves. That, however, seems to have changed as 39% of the UK have made improvements to their homes over the course of lockdown.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
New internal flights take off as Terminal 2 closes again at Manchester Airport
As the Northern hub approaches the end of the peak summer season, Manchester Airport updates customers on its latest developments, including two new routes from Blue Islands to Exeter and Southampton. Terminal 2 closes due to continued low demand for travel. Karen Smart, MD at Manchester Airport, said:
“In responding to the recent government changes to quarantine, and to efficiently meet the current capacity and demand, we’ve made the decision to close Terminal Two from tomorrow. This will allow us to provide the best possible customer experience for those that want to travel, safely through our other two terminals.
“In what would normally be our busiest time of the year, it is pleasing to see carriers like Blue Islands launching services from Manchester, offering vital domestic connectivity and also access to our wider route network.
“I’d like to thank all our passengers for continuing to abide by the measures in place during these uncertain times, and also thank all our staff who have gone above and beyond to ensure safe travel for all.”
Restrictions lifted in parts of Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire
Locally led approach seeing results as COVID-19 cases drop in some hotspot areas in northern England. From today, local restrictions have been lifted in Stockport, Trafford and Bolton in Greater Manchester, Burnley and Hyndburn in Lancashire, and Kirlees, Calderdale and parts of Bradford in West Yorkshire.
This interactive map shows the number of UK cases.
COMMUNITY
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 – added guidance on face coverings
Changes to the adoption and children regulations: coronavirus (COVID-19)
We are seeking views on proposed changes to the Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020.
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Our online services have not been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are running as normal – updated driving licence extension information
CONSTRUCTION:
Clients urged to bring projects to market
Cost consultant Turner + Townsend is urging clients to bring building projects to market after forecasting a tender price fall of 1% this year.
The firm said that a short window of opportunity now exists to work collaboratively with supply chains, before a slowdown in work triggers more serious structural problems among contractors.
Barratt restores build rate as sales surge
Chief Executive David Thomas said the firm has enjoyed a surged in demand for homes since the lockdown ended and had ramped up production rates.
He said Barratt had also re-entered the land market looking to pick up bargains. Thomas said: “We are pleased that since the start of the new financial year we have seen our production increase, constructing the equivalent of 347 homes in the week ending 23 August and we are on track to deliver our planned output.”
CULTURE, DIGITAL & SPORT:
Taking Part Web Panel Data: Engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic
Estimates of cultural, digital and sporting engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic
Taking Part Web Panel Data: Engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic – data tables
Data tables containing estimates for engagement in DCMS sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic
EDUCATION:
School attendance: guidance for schools
Covers registers and attendance codes (including circumstances due to coronavirus (COVID-19)), school hours and term dates, and improving school attendance – added ‘Securing full attendance: support for schools and local authorities’ and updated details text to clarify how these documents can be used.
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Information for parents and carers about going back to schools, nurseries and colleges in the autumn term – updated information about the use of face coverings.
Written statement from Chair of Ofqual to the Education Select Committee
Statement on this year’s GCSE, AS, A level, extended project and advanced extension award qualification results.
Modification notice: school registration legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues a fifth notice to modify pupil registration requirements for temporary pupils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
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 – updated information on school food from September 2020, universal infant free school meals, additional costs incurred before summer 2020, school food contracts and free school meals eligibility. Also includes guidance on providing water in school and support for pupils who have to stay at home due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term – updated guidance to reflect the actions schools need to take before the start of the autumn term – the changes are described within the document and cover the use of face coverings in schools.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Sets out what further education (FE) providers need to know for the autumn term so that students of all ages can benefit from their education and training in full – updated content on implementing risk assessments, face coverings, ventilation, managing confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), managing local outbreaks, public transport, music, performing arts and physical activity, remote and blended learning, health and safety and equalities duties, educational visits, the 16 to 19 tuition support fund and funding audits.
All possible measures to be taken before schools and colleges close
New contingency planning guidance published for education settings in local lockdown areas
How schools can plan for tier 2 local restrictions
This guidance is for decision makers at mainstream schools with secondary year groups, to help them plan a tier 2 rota model if required.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March to 27 August 2020.
Awarding organisation appeals and complaints links
Contact details for complaints to awarding organisations offering vocational and technical qualifications in England.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what to do if you’re employed and cannot work
Guidance for people who are employed and cannot work due to coronavirus (COVID-19). Published updated guidance on when you must stay at home and may be able to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Sending your forms to Companies House during the coronavirus outbreak
The Government has developed a service to upload certain Companies House forms digitally, instead of sending them on paper.
The latest release of the service went live on Tuesday 1 September, which introduces the 2nd phase of insolvency documents.
Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This document sets out guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers and assessment organisations in response to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated information on routine funding audits. Added resources about redundancy for employers and apprentices and information on the use of face coverings.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: step by step guide for employers
This guide explains the information that employers need to provide to claim for their employees’ wages and has been updated to reflect changes to the scheme from Tuesday 1 September.
Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
Organisations in certain sectors should collect details and maintain records of staff, customers and visitors on their premises to support NHS Test and Trace – removed line saying that NHS Test and Trace will ask for records when someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 has listed a premises as a place they visited recently.
Reporting outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for businesses and organisations on how to recognise, contain and report incidents of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated with details and links to the latest ‘action cards’ for different types of workplace.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
UK announces funding to boost COVID-19 preparedness in Pacific
UK Minister for the Pacific, Lord Zac Goldsmith announces £1.8m funding to strengthen COVID-19 health sector preparedness and response in the Pacific.
PPE deliveries (England): 24 August to 30 August 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.
PPE portal: how to order emergency personal protective equipment
Healthcare providers can order additional personal protective equipment (PPE) through the portal to top up their existing supplies for COVID-19 in an emergency – added children’s care homes and secure homes and children’s residential special schools to the categories of provider that can order from the portal. Updated the order limits for GPs and pharmacies.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): reuse of medicines in a care home or hospice
Standard operating procedure on how to run a safe and effective medicines reuse scheme in a care home or hospice during the coronavirus outbreak.
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems.
Added week 35 report, infographic, contain framework and data tables.
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.
COVID-19: how to work safely in domiciliary care in England
A resource for those working in domiciliary care providing information on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
COVID-19: how to work safely in care homes
Guidance for those working in care homes providing information on how to work safely during this period of sustained transmission of COVID-19.
Technical specifications for personal protective equipment (PPE)
The documents attached define the technical and regulatory standards for PPE – added the following 3 attachments:’ Essential technical requirements for new high-volume manufacture of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical devices (MD) during COVID-19’, ‘Essential technical requirements for PPE and medical devices: further information for manufacturers and suppliers’ and ‘Essential technical requirements for PPE and medical devices: further information for health and social care providers’. These replaced 2 existing guidance documents, 2 technical specification documents and 4 apron documents.
HOSPITALITY / LEISURE:
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.
IT & TECHNOLOGY:
Implementing norms in cyberspace
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) works with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to launch new material promoting the implementation of norms in cyberspace.
JUDICIARY:
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. We will aim to update this every Friday at 5pm. Update for week commencing 31 August 2020 published.
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page held a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak – list of Crown Courts resuming jury trials updated.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services
Advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) for local authorities and their partners to help support and protect vulnerable children – updated to include new provisional guidance on the Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2020, which come into force on 25 September 2020. The update to existing guidance reflects the latest changes on social distancing and shielding and that schools, colleges and nurseries will fully reopen in the autumn term.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): changes to the Care Act 2014
Changes to the Care Act 2014 to help local authorities prioritise care and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Change made: ‘Care Act easements: guidance for local authorities’ has been updated to include reference to advocates, introduce the Care Act easements notification form and reflect changes to other published guidance. The Care Act easements notification form and ‘Care Act easements: supporting guidance’ have been added to the page.
Containing and managing local coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks
Guidance for local authorities and local decision-makers on containing and managing COVID-19 outbreaks at a local level – added annex 3: information on tiers of national restriction for education and childcare.
PROPERTY:
Negative equity threat “far lower” than after the 2008 recession
There’s good news from the think-tank the Resolution Foundation, which says the threat of negative equity because of the Coronavirus crisis is far lower than after the global financial crash of 2008. A report released with the support of the Nuffield Foundation considers the risk of families falling into negative equity during the current crisis, and who is most at risk. It warns that the recent surge in house prices post-lockdown may end this autumn and it examines the impact of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s central scenario of a likely eight per cent fall in house prices, and its downside risk of a 16 per cent fall. The report finds that under the OBR’s central scenario, just six per cent of homeowners would fall into low or negative equity – defined as less than a 10 per cent equity stake. This would rise to 11 per cent under its downside risk scenario. During the last recession, 15 per cent of homeowners fell into low or negative equity following a 17 per cent fall in house prices.
Average UK rent a whisker under a £1,000 per month
The average rent across the UK is now £985 per calendar month, up some 2.1 per cent on four weeks ago and 1.5 per cent higher than a year ago.
That’s the headline from HomeLet’s latest rental market snapshot. When London is excluded, the average rent in the UK is now £825. Eleven of the 12 regions monitored show an increase in rental values between August last year and two, with two of those regions seeing an increase of more than five per cent.
All the new tenancy notice periods and rules
Agents and landlords must now give tenants six months’ notice before they can evict, except in the most serious of cases, such as incidents of anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse. On Friday, 28th August, the government made the announcement – just a few hours ahead of the start of the Bank Holiday weekend – and the new rules came into effect the next day, Saturday.
So from now until March next year landlords and agents must provide at least six months’ notice period prior to seeking possession through the courts in most cases, including? section 21 evictions and rent arrears under six months. Notices served on and before August 28 are not affected by these changes, and must be at least three months.
Government has changed the law so most renters have a 6 month notice period
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to reflect amended regulations and wider government public health advice.
Stamp duty cut sees number of houses sold reach 13-year high
An average of 13 house sales were agreed per branch in July – the highest figure recorded since June 2007, according to NAEA Propertymark’s July Housing Report. Number of sales agreed soars – the average number of sales agreed per estate agent branch stood at 13 in July following the Chancellor’s announcement of a stamp duty holiday. The trade body says this is the highest figure recorded since June 2007 when 13 sales were also recorded per member branch. Year-on-year, the number of sales per branch has increased by 44%, rising from nine recorded in July last year.
Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This guidance applies to people moving into homes in England, whether as owner-occupiers, private or social renters – updated guidance to include information on face coverings, shielding and repossessions.
RETAIL:
Dunelm sees “pent up demand” as summer sales figures rise by 60%
A British home furnishings retailer has reported that its sales in July were up by more than 50 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Dunelm, which has 172 stores across the country, saw total year on year sales up by 59 per cent in July. The company said that the increased sales were the result of “pent up demand” following lockdown, as well as its summer sale.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations. Changes made to the sections about risk assessments and protecting people who are at higher risk.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries and territories from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate. Czech Republic, Jamaica and Switzerland removed from the travel corridor list at 4am Saturday 29 August 2020. Cuba added to the list at 4am Saturday 29 August.
BBC: Scotland and Wales introduce travel restrictions to and from Greece
The UK government and the devolved administrations will hold urgent discussions later about introducing new quarantine measures for travellers. Scotland and Wales have already set out different rules for people arriving from Greece, and travel firm Tui has cancelled all holidays to a party resort on the island of Zante because of customers flouting virus safety measures. Ministers are also concerned about a rise in cases in Portugal, less than two weeks after travel to the country was opened up.
Virgin Atlantic has confirmed dates for the return of five key routes this month
Services to Delhi have now recommenced, with three flights a week from Heathrow Terminal 2. Tel Aviv begins on 6 September, also three times a week, followed by Lagos on 10 September, which will operate four times a week. It will be followed by Atlanta on 15 September three times a week and, a day later, Mumbai, four times a week. All will operate from Terminal 2 until further notice.
FCDO privacy notice: coronavirus emergency loans abroad
How the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office processes your data if you apply for an emergency loan to return to the UK, or if you are waiting to return during coronavirus.
FCDO privacy notice: visitors to diplomatic missions and residences during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
How the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) processes your data if you visit our embassies, high commissions, residences and other offices abroad during coronavirus.
FCDO privacy notice: coronavirus (COVID-19) repatriation support
How the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office processes personal data when we are supporting British people travelling to return to the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Useful Links:
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