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UK STATISTICS
There have been more than 14 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 150,000 people have died, government figures show. Nearly 52 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 90% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 83% have had their second and 62% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 14,732,594 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 120,821 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 19,828
New deaths across UK: 379
Total UK deaths: 150,609
England Cases per 100,000: 1,796
R number in UK: 1.2 – 1.5
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,992,559 – 90% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 83%
Daily 1st doses: 17,954
Daily 2nd doses: 26,728
Daily Booster doses: 149,495
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The R range for England is 1.2 to 1.5 the growth rate range for England is +3% to +6% per day as of 7 January 2022.
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.
Latest Cheshire East data:
Total Cheshire East cases: 84,598
New cases in past 7 days: 7,727 to 6 Jan
Total deaths: 936
Cases per 100,000: 1,998
UK NEWS UPDATES:
PCR tests end for asymptomatic cases in England
People without Covid symptoms no longer need a PCR test to confirm a positive lateral flow in England. The change reflects the high prevalence of coronavirus in the community and the accuracy of rapid tests, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. The surge in Omicron cases has seen many with positive lateral flow tests struggling to book a follow-up PCR. The UK has capacity for more than 800,000 daily lab tests but moved closer to its limit in December. On 23 December, a total of 622,948 PCR tests were taken and on 28 December the figure was 630,768, government figures show. And the demand grew further in the first week of 2022, reaching 698,502 PCR tests on 6 January and 613,496 on Sunday 9 January.
It is hoped the change will improve access to PCR tests for people with symptoms and for healthcare, transport and other key workers required to test regularly.
Deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 31 December 2021
Provisional counts of the number of deaths registered in England and Wales, in the latest weeks for which data are available.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Cheshire East businesses invited to apply for latest round of Covid-19 support grants
Applications have now opened for eligible businesses in the borough to apply to Cheshire East Council to access grants through the government’s Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme. The scheme, announced by the Chancellor before Christmas 2021, will allow rate-paying hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses to secure grants of up to £6,000 if they have experienced difficulties in trading due to the Omicron Covid-19 variant. Organisations eligible include bars, restaurants, wedding and events venues, soft play centres, museums, theatres, tourist attractions, indoor riding centres, caravan parks, hotels and B&Bs.
Applications for the grants will close at midnight on 28th February 2022 and can be submitted via Cheshire East Council’s website. Payments to businesses that successfully apply will be made by 31 March 2022.
Recovery of travel sector sees thousands of jobs on offer at Manchester Airport site
Following the easing of Covid-19 travel restrictions, thousands of jobs are now on offer at Manchester Airport as the travel sector gears up for recovery. Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which operates the airport, is recruiting for security officers, customer service staff, and car park attendants, hospitality and lounge workers, with over 550 positions currently available. Roles are also on offer at its other hubs: East Midlands and London Stansted airports. Companies operating from Manchester Airport, including Jet2.com, Ryanair, Swissport, UK Border Force, Menzies, and ABM, are also preparing for an expected increase in passenger numbers, with a further 1,000 positions on offer.
Very group reports “amazing” Christmas and “strong” trading results
Online retailer The Very Group has reported a strong Christmas performance which it said has been driven by all product categories. The north-west based group operates digital retailer Very.co.uk. For the seven weeks to 24 December 2021 including the Black Friday promotional period, Very retail sales grew strongly at 21.9 per cent year-on-year. Retail sales enjoyed double-digit growth across all four key product categories of electrical, home, fashion and sports and developing categories. The group has also revealed the appointment of Dirk Van den Berghe as non-executive chairman. Henry Birch, chief executive at The Very Group, noted the “amazing Christmas” and “strong” trading results and said they were down to the hardwork and commitment of its people.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
HMRC: Full customs controls came into effect on 1?? ?January?? ?2022. You might be affected if you move goods between Great Britain (GB) and countries in the European Union (EU).
If you have a specific question about importing, exporting or customs reliefs:
Call HMRC Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300??? ?322??? ?9434. The helpline is open from?? ?8am to 10pm??? ?Monday to??? ?Friday and from?? ?8am to??? ?4pm at weekends. You can also send us your questions or contact us by webchat.
The Export Support Service is a new helpline for UK businesses to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. The service is a ‘one-stop shop’ and brings together UK government information, making it easier for exporters to access advice and support. HMRC’s YouTube channel has videos and recorded webinars about customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU.
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus – updated ‘get tested and self isolate if required’ chapter with new guidance that most people who do not have COVID-19 symptoms but get a positive rapid lateral flow test result will not need to take a PCR test to confirm it.
CARE:
Adult Social Care Omicron Support Fund
Provides information on the Adult Social Care Omicron Support Fund, including distribution of funds, reporting requirements and guidance on how this funding can be used by local authorities.
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Updated to remove requirement for people testing positive on an LFD test to have a confirmatory PCR test.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated to remove requirement for people testing positive on an LFD test to have a confirmatory PCR test.
Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need – updated the general list of providers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – updated ‘Antibody testing for coronavirus: privacy information’.
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services – update to processing dates table.
CONSTRUCTION:
The Glenigan UK Construction Industry Forecast 2022-2023 paints a positive picture for construction over the next two years.
Despite disruptions, the sector’s rebound is still on track with the value of underlying project starts set to rise 7% in 2022 and by a further 5% in 2023. This 34-page report is a must-read for anyone looking for expert and dependable insight into the opportunities and threats that will face all sectors of the construction industry over the next two years. Download your free 34-page copy here
EDUCATION:
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March 2020 and early years settings since Thursday 16 April 2020 – added ‘Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: 23 March 2020 to 6 January 2022’.
Laptops, tablets and connectivity data as of 11 January 2022
The government is providing an additional 500,000 devices in AY2021/22 to schools, colleges, academy trusts (trusts) and local authorities (LAs) via our Get Help With Technology programme. This is following the successful delivery of over 1.3 million laptops and tablets in AY19/20 and AY20/21 to help schools, colleges and LAs throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
People with a positive lateral flow test no longer required to take confirmatory PCR test
From 11 January, most people with a positive lateral flow test do not need to take a confirmatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to confirm they have COVID-19.
First published.
COVID-19: estimated administrative vaccine uptake for people aged 18 and over
Daily percentage of the UK population aged 18 and over who have received a first dose, second dose, or third or booster dose to date – added data for 10 January and updated versions of the 6 and 7 January spreadsheets.
LEGAL:
Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can as long as you follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolating – update to government guideline dates.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Office of the Public Guardian response
This page provides guidance on how OPG is responding to the coronavirus pandemic. It will be updated when new information is available – edited date of government update.
Being a deputy or attorney during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out how you can continue to act in the best interests of the client or donor, during the pandemic – update to government guideline dates
PROPERTY:
New Normal means fewer house sales and less lending
Mortgage lenders serving the housing market are set for a quieter 2022 after the unprecedented levels of activity seen in 2021, according to the latest report from the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association. IMLA estimates that the total value of housing transactions reached a record of nearly £370 billion in 2021. However, IMLA’s 2022 New Normal report predicts a decrease in gross mortgage lending to £275 billion this year, with a further fall to £265 billion in 2023. The report, which makes a series of predictions about the mortgage market over the coming year, observes that the remortgage market will be stronger in 2022, reaching £89 billion, compared to £82 billion in 2021. This is a result of lenders prioritising house purchase lending during last year’s stamp duty holiday, with lower predicted house purchase volumes going forward encouraging lenders to focus more heavily on the remortgage market.
RETAIL:
Christmas Revenue Rise for Hotter Shoes despite Covid and supply chain disruption
Hotter Shoes’ revenue jumped by almost 10% in the lead up to Christmas ahead of its newly rebranded parent company relisting on AIM at the end of the month.
The Lancashire-headquartered company added its gross margin continued to perform positively at 65.5% during November and December.
In a statement, the firm said its “robust performance” was achieved “despite supply chain cost and availability issues, coupled with the negative impact of Omicron suppressing high street demand in the latter weeks of December is encouraging”.
TRAVEL:
COVID-19: guidance for providers of accommodation for asylum seekers
Guidance aimed at all staff involved in the support of asylum seekers in all accommodation settings – guidance updated to reflect changes to testing requirements for incoming travellers to England.
Useful links:
Publishing information about your claimsIn January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV.UK.
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten yearsBusinesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.
Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31st October, would now be extended until December.
Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31 January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15 February and 31 March.
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
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