Main points from today
- Environment Secretary, George Eustice, led the briefing.
- He urged furloughed workers to take a second job picking fruit or harvesting crops as only one third of the usual seasonal agricultural workforce from abroad was available.
- In response to a question regarding schools he said the Government ‘was working very closely with trade unions and school leaders.’
- Around 8 million workers currently furloughed. The Chancellor has said the UK Is facing a severe recession ‘the likes of which we haven’t seen.’
- 89,784 tests yesterday.
- 248,818 positive tests, an increase of 2,412 from yesterday. 35,341 deaths, an increase of 545
Latest Guidance (employment and business)
CJRS guidance can now be found here:-
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
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. First published. 12:15am, 19 May 2020
Latest figures show millions benefitting from Treasury coronavirus support schemes
New figures on the UK-wide government support schemes for individuals and businesses have been published today, Tuesday 19 May 2020.
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme guidance is here:-
Check if you can claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
Latest Guidance (health)
Nothing new today. This from yesterday:-
Statement from the UK Chief Medical Officers on an update to coronavirus symptoms: 18 March 2020
11:01am, 18 May 2020. From today, all individuals should self-isolate if they develop a new continuous cough or fever or anosmia. Anosmia is the loss of or a change in your normal sense of smell. It can also affect your sense of taste as the two are closely linked.
Schools
Coronavirus (COVID-19): attendance in education and early years settings – Updated COVID-19 attendance in education settings data and added Coronavirus (COVID-19) attendance in education settings: 15 May 2020 summary. Time updated 2:43pm, 19 May 2020
Managing school premises during the coronavirus outbreak – Added information on preparing for the wider opening of schools including guidance on water systems, ventilation, fire safety and cleaning. 7:03pm, 18 May 2020
The general school guidance starts here:-
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
General Guidance
The general coronavirus guidance starts here:-
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
