COVID-19 Update 28th October 2020

• Ensuring All Businesses are Eligible for Business Grants

With the announcement of the revised Job Support Scheme and the additional cash grants of up to £2,100 per month for businesses in the hospitality, accommodation and leisure sector who may be adversely impacted by the restrictions in high-alert level areas, we have written to the Secretary of State to ask him to ensure that these grants are available to all components of the tourism industry.

• Update to Guidance for Grassroots Sport and Gym/Leisure Facilities

The primary guidance for businesses that have gym and leisure facilities has been updated to include new guidance on:

• • keeping users of sports and gym/leisure facilities safe (section 2)
  • social distancing (section 4)
  • managing changing rooms and showers (section 6.4)
  • protecting staff not able to work at home (section 8).

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/providers-of-grassroots-sport-and-gym-leisure-facilities

• Claiming Back Statutory Sick Pay

The Guidance on who can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees’ coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay has been updated so employers can ask for a ‘shielding note’ or a letter from their doctor or health authority advising them to shield because they’re at high risk of severe illness from coronavirus.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-back-statutory-sick-pay-paid-to-employees-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19

• ONS Compendium on Coronavirus Research

The ONS has produced a useful compendium of the research that they have undertaken on the impacts of Coronavirus which is well worth bookmarking. The compendium includes research on:

• • Levels of infection and preventative measures
  • Deaths
  • Natural environment
  • Impact on mental health
  • Household and community impact
  • Social impacts
  • Mobility and trade
  • Labour market impact
  • UK output and productivity
  • Inflation and retail sales
  • Sector accounts and government finance
  • Business impact

https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/conditionsanddiseases/articles/coronaviruscovid19reviewdataandanalysismarchtooctober2020/2020-10-28

• Transport Use

The Department for transport’s weekly figures for transport use indicate that public transport use is starting to decline again with National Rail down to 30% of usual capacity (a level last seen in July), while bus use is also starting to show signs of weakening. There is also signs that private vehicle use is also falling with average car use over the last week falling below 85% of usual for the first time since July. None of which is particularly good news for destinations and attractions.

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/transport-use-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic

Oliver Dowden Letter (final)