News

Main points from today Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, led the briefing. He confirmed, as per the announcement from the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, that 21,000 contact tracers (one third of which are doctors and nurses) have been recruited in England. From today anyone age 5 or over, with symptoms, is entitled to a test. Anosmia … Read more

Main points from today Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, led the briefing. The R rate was revised to between 0.7-1.0. More testing for residents and staff in care homes. 133,784 tests yesterday. 236,711 positive tests, an increase of 3,560 from yesterday.  33,998 deaths, an increase of 384 from yesterday. Latest Guidance (employment and business) As from … Read more

Main points from today Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, led the briefing. Downing St spokesperson has said today that those with Covid-19 antibodies could obtain a Health Certificate but more needs to be understood about immunology. 126.064 test yesterday. 233,151 positive tests, an increase of 3,446 from yesterday.  33,614 deaths, an increase of 428 from yesterday. … Read more

Main points from today Housing and Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick, led the briefing. From today anyone in England can move house, subject to new guidance published by the Government. Estate Agents’ offices can open; viewings – both virtual and in person – are permitted. 229.705 positive tests, an increase of 3,242 from yesterday.  33,186 deaths, … Read more

Main points from today Apologies, there was a news conference yesterday that took place at 7pm that focused on the 60 page guidance. Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced in the House of Commons that the furlough scheme would be extended until the end of October. From … Read more

Main points from today Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, returned from self-isolation to lead the briefing today. 33,718 confirmed cases, 12,949 admitted to hospital, 2,921 deaths with 569 new deaths. Rate of infection is doubling every 3 to 4 days. 45 million pieces of PPE delivered yesterday. £300 million announced for community pharmacies. £13.4 billion of … Read more

Main points from today Cabinet Minister, Michael Gove announced that 1000’s of new ventilators are being manufactured in the UK and will be delivered to the NHS next week. RAF helicopters are standing by to assist the NHS. NHS Medical Director, Stephen Powis, said it was ‘early days’ but there had been a plateau in … Read more

These details are from a FAQ document released by Dr Luke Evans MP for Bosworth, who is a backbench MP.  This is NOT an official government document but gives more detail about what to expect. Any large or small employer can apply to put workers on temporary leave or “furloughed” status. The government will then … Read more

Agency Workers The basic position is that under the Agency Work Regulations 2010, after 12 weeks, an Agency worker is entitled to “the same basic working and employment conditions” as an employee.  Pay is included for these purposes but occupational sick pay is excluded.  If the Agency worker is off sick (and this would include … Read more

The government has released new guidance on calculating statutory holiday pay for workers without fixed hours or pay in anticipation of changes coming into effect on 6th April 2020. The guidance is focussed on the legal minimum entitlement of 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday. Many individuals will have contracts entitling them to additional paid holiday beyond … Read more