Lockdown restrictions on shops, businesses, outdoor visitor attractions and places of worship are gradually relaxed, the city’s director of public health is warning people in Leicester that the coronavirus epidemic is far from over. In the last two weeks, Leicester has seen a sizeable increase in the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 – so it’s vital that everyone in the city continues to stay at home as much as possible, maintains social distancing, and washes their hands regularly to protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus. Latest figures (16 June 2020) from Public Health England show that 2,494 Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in Leicester since the start of the epidemic. Of these, 658 cases were reported in the last two weeks. And while some of this increase could be down to the wider availability of testing, Leicester’s public health team is now looking into what else could be behind the upward trend. Ivan Browne, director of public health at Leicester City Council, said: “Although the overall numbers are relatively small, we are concerned that the number of cases of Covid-19 in Leicester is increasing. “Leicester has high levels of health conditions such as diabetes, pockets of deprivation, and a very significant Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic population – and we know that these factors combine to create a high-risk, more vulnerable, population that’s more susceptible to coronavirus. “That’s why it’s so important that people in Leicester stay at home as much as possible and continue to do what we’ve all been doing for the last few months – and that’s washing our hands regularly throughout the day and keeping two metres away from anyone we don’t live with. “As the rules are gradually relaxed, and people who have been living on their own can ‘bubble up’ with another household, we must not stop taking those basic precautions. Wearing a face covering in confined spaces and on public transport and in hospitals will also help reduce the risk of transmission to others. “And while young people may be at less risk of serious illness from coronavirus themselves, they must understand that they could pass the virus on to elderly or vulnerable members of their families – and the consequences for them could be much more serious. “New data from Public Health England shows that the median age of those infected is now 40 – representing a shift in age to younger working age individuals, compared to the previous period in the outbreak. “It’s very important to remember that the virus hasn’t gone away – and that we’re still in the middle of an epidemic. “If we all stay alert and take sensible precautions, we can help stop the spread of this very contagious virus.” Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus, which can include a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, should request a test immediately. A mobile testing unit is at Evington leisure centre until next week, while a permanent testing facility is available at the Birstall park and ride site. And while the government’s advice continues to be to stay at home as much as possible, those who have to go out, or who want to go out, should make sure they understand what they need to do to keep themselves – and their loved ones – as safe as possible. Sensible precautions that everyone should follow are set out below: Before you set off: If you’re not feeling well, please stay at home. Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, should stay at home and request a test immediately. Please remember that anyone in the extremely vulnerable group who has been shielding must continue to do so until at least the end of June Remember that you can only go shopping with people you live with – or with someone you have formed a new support bubble with. Consider making use of Click & Collect services to avoid having to queue. Take hand sanitiser and a contactless form of payment with you. Take a face covering with you, if you’ll be using public transport or visiting small shops. Avoid public transport, if you can. But if you have to travel by bus, or by train, remember that face coverings must be worn on public transport at all times from Monday 15 June. Follow the advice from the operator and respect social distancing rules, keeping two metres apart from other passengers. Avoid handling cash and use contactless payment where possible. Don’t touch your face until you have been able to wash your hands. Arriving in the city centre or other shopping areas: Use hand sanitiser after using cashpoints or payment machines in car parks Keep 2 metres apart from other pedestrians Use hand sanitiser, if provided, when entering shops – and avoid touching items you’re not planning on buying Respect queuing systems outside shops and businesses and stay 2 metres behind the person in front of you Respect one-way systems inside shops Avoid handling cash – use contactless payment where possible Clean your hands after touching doors, hand-rails, PIN-pads or other surfaces Consider wearing a face covering in small shops where social distancing isn’t possible Practise good personal hygiene at all times: Always cough into a tissue or into your elbow. Do not spit in the street. Avoid touching your face, unless your hands are scrupulously clean Wash your hands frequently (toilets are open at Highcross and on Market Place South) – or use hand sanitiser, if soap and water aren’t available. More information about keeping safe and reducing the spread of the coronavirus is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus Leicester city council news Release

BELVOIR FRUIT FARMS, the family-ran cordial and presséproducer, has announced that it has surpassed its target of fresh elderflowers within just two weeks of its planned month-long harvesting season. Demand for its premium elderflower cordial soared by 15% in the grocery sector during the coronavirus lockdown, and the drinks company estimated it needed between 15 and 20 tonnes of picked elderflowers during June to last until the 2021 harvest, calling on willing volunteers across Leicestershire to lend their support to pick the volume of product needed. The local community responded in their droves, and within two weeks the company recorded 23 tonnes of picked elderflowers at its Bottesford-based factory, which is more than enough to produce the drink for the next 12 months. As a result, the company has now closed its harvest drop-off at the factory in record time. Pev Manners, managing director of Belvoir Fruit Farms, said: “This is undoubtedly a year like no other and we’ve been blown away by the willingness from the local community to still lend their support to this year’s harvest. “I think it’s fair to say that - given the circumstances surrounding this year’s harvest and social distancing measures - we were cautious in our tonnage targets, but to not only meet it but exceed it in the space of two weeks is truly humbling. “We put stringent social distancing measures in place at the start of the harvest and I couldn’t be more grateful to our dedicated pickers for wholeheartedly following them. Of course, a special mention must also go to our staff, who were outstanding in their operation of the factory drop-off process and ensured that, despite this year’s challenging conditions, we have made it a year to remember.” Elderflowers used to create the company’s much-loved cordials and pressés are comprised of both organic elderflowers from the 60-acres of company-owned plantations and from the miles of wild hedgerows across the county. The elderflower cordial and pressé drinks are still based on the Manners family’s original recipe, developed more than four decades ago. To find out more about Belvoir Fruit Farms, visit https://www.belvoirfruitfarms.co.uk/.

Rick Taylor, Chief Fire and Rescue Officer at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, is stepping down from his role after almost 35 years in the fire and rescue service. Rick became Chief Fire and Rescue Officer of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service in January 2018, and has led the Service through some huge events, such as the devastating Hinckley Road explosion in February 2018 and the shocking Leicester City Football Club helicopter tragedy in October 2018. He was also at the helm whilst the Service prepared for its first inspection from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) in over a decade. His fire and rescue service career began in Cambridgeshire in 1986, and during his time there he served in a variety of roles, from firefighter at Cambridge, Station Commander at Wisbech and Cambridge, to Divisional Commander of Peterborough district. He transferred to Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service in February 2008. Chief Fire and Rescue Officer, Rick Taylor, said: “It has been a real privilege leading Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service over the past few years. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, as the leader of such a hardworking, tremendous organisation. “It has been fantastic to work alongside so many inspirational and committed people, who really have the best interests of the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland at the centre of everything they do. “However, I feel it’s the right time to move on to pastures new. I will miss my valued colleagues and the partner agencies across the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. “I am confident that the Service will continue to adapt, improve and will excel in their 2021 HMICFRS inspection. We are there for everyone and anyone in their time of need.” Nick Rushton, Chair of the Combined Fire Authority, said: “Rick took over as Chief Officer at a difficult time for the Service. He had to stabilise it and make some necessary changes. I am grateful to him for all that he has done for the Service, not just as Chief Officer, and wish him all the best for the future.” Rick’s last day in the Service will be on Friday 4 September 2020. #LFRS

The ICU Therapy Team at Leicester Royal Infirmary has collectively set themselves the goal to travel the equivalent distance of 4,156km from Leicester to the North Pole. Their efforts aim to raise funds for a charity working in Leicester and on a national level to address loneliness and social isolation among older people. A team of eleven clinicians who are on the NHS frontline during the Covid-19 crisis, was keen to regain their fitness levels after the challenges of the past weeks. They decided to carry out a June Challenge and aim to collectively reach the equivalent distance from Leicester to the North Pole in 30 days. This will be achieved by walking, running or cycling a total distance of 4,156km which, for 11 team members, is 12.5 km each per day. Not content with just taking on the physical challenge, they have also set themselves a fundraising target to support Linking Lives, a charity that provides companionship and comfort to those who feel alone. One member of the ICU team at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Philip Sykes, explains that ‘We felt that as a team addressing loneliness is very important during the COVID pandemic with older people having to shield themselves. We were also keen to give back to the community for the support they have given us over the last few months through donations, such as food and toiletries, which made a big difference to our morale.’ During Covid 19, many of us have experienced loneliness and isolation as we remained in our homes, yet for thousands of people across the country this feeling is sadly normal. Linking Lives UK works with churches to set up befriending projects to support socially isolated older people. The charity has had a local project based in Leicester Western Ward since March 2017.Volunteers visit older people on a weekly basis and there are opportunities to attend local community events and activities. Since the Covid-19 lockdown began, regular phone calls have been made to those most in need of regular contact, particularly those who are being shielded at this time. Research published this week by the Office for National Statistics shows that almost a third of people - the equivalent of 7.4m Brits - said their wellbeing had been affected by feelings of loneliness in the first month of the coronavirus lockdown. Sarah Tavener, the coordinator of Leicester Western Ward Linking Lives – who comes from a nursing background herself – was delighted to hear about the challenge. ‘We work with some very isolated people in New Parks and to know that this amazing team at the Leicester Royal Infirmary are not only working hard within the hospital dealing with the current pandemic but also wanted to reach out and support those we engage with is incredibly heart-warming.’ Money raised during this challenge will be split between the vital ongoing work of Leicester Western Ward Linking Lives and the national work of the charity to set up new befriending projects across the UK. Jeremy Sharpe, National Director of Linking Lives UK, adds that ‘there are currently over 40 visiting or telephone projects across the UK. Contact with socially isolated older people is particularly critical at this time, as many people will not have had direct contact with others for many weeks.’ Those wishing to contribute towards this campaign can do so by going to www.virginmoneygiving.com and search for ‘ICU Therapy Explorers’. Linking Lives UK Linking Lives UK works with churches and across the UK to support the establishment of befriending schemes aimed at isolated older people. Local schemes use our tried and tested approach which includes access to key documents and procedures. Other activities and social events can also be developed in local communities. www.linkinglives.uk

Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) released an emotive video at the culmination of National Volunteers Week on Sunday 7th June 2020 to say “Thank You” to all the volunteers who have given their time, not just in the last few weeks, but over the previous months when local communities have needed it the most. A combination of well-known faces from city and county, including Sir Peter Soulsby and Rupal Rajani, recite a poem that was specially written for the video by Leicestershire local and Creative Director at FU Media, Jonathan Fraser-Urquhart. Kevin Allen-Khimani, Executive Manager – Public Sector Contracts & Projects at VAL, said: “We are incredibly proud of the work all our volunteers have done over the years, but this year in particular has seen us all face challenges we never thought we would, and so many have relied completely on the support of volunteers to get them through. “For National Volunteers Week 2020, we thought it only right to say a special thank you to those who have stepped up and I challenge anyone watching the video not to be wiping away a little tear of pride by the end – I know I certainly was!” Alongside the estimated 6,000 charities and community groups across Leicester and Leicestershire, the current pandemic has seen an ‘army’ of over 2,500 people sign up to support their local community following VAL’s recent outreach campaign, run in conjunction with Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council. The team are hopeful that those who have pledged their time more recently throughout the pandemic, will continue to find the opportunity to support others through volunteering as things move back to “normal”. You can watch the Voluntary Action LeicesterShire Thank You video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE1mJdaB5kw

Despite the easing of the current Covid-19 lockdown the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership (LLRRSP) is reminding road users to stick to the speed limits. Current traffic levels are, on average, about two thirds their normal level, however, Leicestershire Police is receiving many complaints of excessive speeds from across the Police force area. Almost 1500 motorists have been issued with speeding tickets despite a recent two week NPCC (National Police Chiefs Council) speeding campaign. The campaign saw Police officers and Special Constables reacting to community concerns by visiting problem areas and collision hotspots. Jonathan Clarkson, LLRRSP spokesperson, “Between Monday 25th May and Sunday 7thJune we have recorded 1497 speeding offences including one vehicle travelling at 105mph, over twice the speed limit, on the A607 Newark Road. We also saw high speeds in Leicester, including 66mph on King Richards Road West and 68mph on the A563 Thurmaston Lane.” “I’d like to take this opportunity to remind drivers that Police patrols maintain a visible and pro-active presence and our speed camera network is operational in order to keep everyone safe.” “As more road users take advantage of the lighter evenings and the summer weather it is worth reminding road users to share the road and drive more considerately around cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders and motorcyclists.”

Around 400 small businesses and charities across Leicester who are eligible for Government grants of £10,000 to £25,000 have still not claimed the financial help. Leicester City Council has paid out grants totalling nearly £65million to 5,624 businesses under the Government’s Small Business Grants Fund, and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund scheme. While about 89 per cent of eligible businesses have claimed the grants, up to 400 have still not done so, and the city council is reminding those to make a claim before it is too late. The grants, which do not have to be repaid, are designed to help firms whose income has suffered during the coronavirus lockdown. Businesses, charities and other organisations which benefit from small business rate relief are entitled to receive a non-repayable £10,000 grant. Businesses in larger premises and charities may be entitled to a non-repayable retail, hospitality and leisure grant of £10,000 or £25,000. These ratepayers are being encouraged to visit the city council’s website to check their eligibility and submit their claim. Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “The response to the small business grant funding has been very good, and has provided much-needed financial support for a great many businesses across the city. “However, there are still as many as 400 businesses which appear on our records which have not the money to which they are entitled. It may be that some of these are no longer trading, or have decided not to claim, but I’d urge anyone who hasn’t claimed yet to do so while the help is still on offer. “This is money which the Government has made available to help businesses affected by coronavirus, and it would be good to see it put to good use to help struggling local firms.” Earlier this week a second pot of funding was announced for some businesses and charities which are not eligible for the Small Business Grants Fund, or the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund. Under the new Discretionary Business Grants scheme, £3.5million has been made available to help businesses in Leicester. Most grants will be for £7,000 to £10,000, depending on the type of business. Market traders can receive up to £2,000. The deadline for the first round of applications under the Discretionary Business Grant scheme is June 22. Details of all business grant schemes are available here. Additional information on advice and support for businesses is available on the website of the Business Gateway Growth Hub – a support network for businesses in the city, run by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP). The pages bring together the most relevant national Government information with the guidance and advice of various teams working across the city centre and beyond, focusing on retail, hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, service and other sectors. Leicester City Council is working with the LLEP – an organisation involving the city, county and district councils and local business leaders – to coordinate a citywide information service and has a steadily-growing team of advisers already liaising with businesses, who can all be accessed via the Business Gateway Growth Hub. The LLEP has made a wide range of help and advice available online, and has been working with small local businesses concerned about their future. Up-to-date information on help for businesses is available at: www.bizgateway.org.uk

Two new pop-up schemes to create pedestrian and cycle-friendly areas linking Leicester’s West End and De Montfort University campus are due to be put into place this week. Changes are due to be made at Braunstone Gate and nearby Mill Lane to help enable greater social distancing among pedestrians, reduced traffic and safer cycling routes, amid a rise in cycling and walking in response to the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus lockdown. The schemes are the latest in a wide-ranging programme of improvements to help the city’s economy, businesses and transport recover as lockdown conditions began ease across the UK for the first time since March 2020. Braunstone Gate will see a pop-up “Mini Holland” – a scheme creating public space which gives more priority to cycles and pedestrians, by limiting vehicle access and closing the road to unnecessary traffic, and also creating wider pavement areas to help visitors to shops, bars and cafes maintain social distancing as businesses start to reopen. It includes restricting access from Duns Lane and New Park Street into Braunstone Gate to buses, taxis and cycles only, and also removing the left turn from Western Boulevard into Braunstone Gate except for cycles. Traffic flow coming from the Narborough Road end will also have to give way to oncoming traffic traveling south. The work, which is being done on an experimental basis, is designed to reduce through traffic flow in the area. An advisory 20mph zone is also being introduced in the area. On-street parking on Braunstone Gate itself will also be removed, with the extra space used to make pavements wider. Businesses will also be able to apply for street cafe licenses and outside seating areas. Permanent Mini Holland schemes have been installed in urban areas including the London borough of Walthamstow (pictured), leading to a huge increase in cycling and walking, and a 56 percent drop in vehicle numbers. At nearby Mill Lane, a one-way system will be put in place, meaning traffic can access Mill Lane and Grasmere Street from Western Boulevard and Jarrom Street, but not in the opposite direction. A signed diversion route will be provided via Jarrom Street, Havelock Street, Walnut Street, Upperton Road and Western Boulevard, and a two-way cycle route introduced instead between the pedestrianised section of Mill Lane and the cycle routes across Bede Park and beyond. Both experimental schemes will be marked out temporarily at first using traffic cones, signs and lines, with a view to making them permanent in future if they prove successful, by adding street furniture such as planters and bollards, and enabling businesses to apply for licenses for street seating. The projects will also improve the network of cycling and walking routes connecting the city centre, Bede Park and the DMU campus. Work at Braunstone Gate is due to take place on Wednesday, June 10, with the Mill Lane changes being installed on Thursday, June 11. Both schemes are being carried out under the Leicester Covid-19 Transport Recovery Plan, which was published earlier this month and sets out the priorities for helping boost the city’s economy and health while making the most of opportunities to encourage more sustainable transport choices. The recovery plan includes plans to put in place a mile per week of cycling and walking infrastructure, such as the pop-up cycle tracks already in place in Aylestone Road, Saffron Lane, London Road, Hinckley Road and Abbey Park Road, as well as pavement-widening work to help businesses in Belgrave’s Golden Mile and Queens Road. The Government has made £363,000 available to Leicester to fund such schemes. Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Our Transport Recovery Plan has set out ways in which we can help bring the city out of the slump caused by the coronavirus lockdown, and do so in a way that enables us to achieve our environmental goals of improving the city’s air quality and making our streets safer and more pleasant. “Braunstone Gate is home to a vibrant mixture of restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and other independent small businesses, which are exactly the kinds of businesses which have been hit hard by the loss of trade from the lockdown. “These emergency measures will encourage cycling, walking and ensure socially distancing as businesses reopen, and also longer term bring the possibility of cafes and bars including outside seating for example.” Research carried out by Transport for London (TfL) in 2018 showed that improvements to make high streets and town centres more easily accessible by cycle or on foot had led to an increase in retail rental values, more retail space being filled and a 93 per cent increase in people walking in the streets. The research also found that people walking, cycling and using public transport spent the most in their local shops, spending 40 per cent more each month than car drivers. Deputy city mayor for environment and transportation, Cllr Adam Clarke, added: “We’ve seen the success of Mini Holland schemes elsewhere over the last few years, and could be an important part of our work to help kickstart the city’s economy and transport in a way that also tackles our environmental obligations. “We need to help the city’s businesses to get back on their feet as we come out of lockdown, but also don’t want to lose the benefits to air quality and the rise in cycling and walking, that has happened over the last 10 weeks. “Initially, it will be a temporary pop-up scheme, which we can amend if needed to address any specific local issues. But longer term, changes like this to streets and local shopping areas in communities across the city could become more commonplace as we try to address the needs to economic prosperity, public health and safety of all road users.” Picture caption: A permanent 'mini Holland' scheme in Walthamstow, East London.

The Leicestershire Search and Rescue (LeicSAR) group have been named as recipients of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. The group’s primary role is to assist Leicestershire Police in the search for high-risk missing persons, including people who have dementia, mental health conditions and those who have had an emergency while out walking. LeicSAR’s Chairperson, Simon Headley, says: “The team are absolutely delighted to be receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is a huge achievement for us and recognises the vital work we do. The whole team are extremely proud to be part of such an amazing group of people. “Our team members come from all walks of life, we have serving and retired emergency service workers, people who are self-employed, people who work in education, engineers and more. We all have our own reasons for wanting to be part of the team, but we all have that one common goal, which is assisting our communities in their time of need and giving something back.” The team is made up of 44 highly trained volunteers, among them are dog handlers, technicians, search planners and managers, team leaders and medics. They also have a nationally accredited air-scenting dog team and a specialist bicycle team, allowing them to search large or rural areas. Chief Constable Simon Cole said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that the Search and Rescue team will be receiving this prestigious award. The team volunteer thousands of hours every year, selflessly giving up their own time to help people in a crisis. “Their commitment and expertise has generated a very high level of respect from officers and staff across the force and it is a joint effort to secure the safety of a missing person. The team are highly trained in planning, coordinating and running searches, and will turn out whatever the time, day or weather to save lives and reunite families with their loved ones. “They are a fantastic support to the force and I am tremendously grateful for the outstanding effort they put into finding missing people. This award is truly well deserved and I look forward to congratulating them in person once restrictions are eased.” Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach added: “This is richly deserved recognition of an excellent voluntary team who provide an outstanding service and I’m delighted for everyone involved. “Often working with the police, their work is often critical in helping to find missing and vulnerable people and lives are saved as a result. It is hard to imagine a more important and inspirational public service to perform and I’m immensely proud to have supported their work. “Earlier this year LeicSAR also received my Special Recognition Award at my Community Celebration Awards for its exceptional contribution to the delivery of my Police & Crime Plan. “This expert Search and Rescue team, made up entirely of volunteers, turns out at any time and in all weathers to help locate people and the vital role it plays is appreciated across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.” The group is fully self-sufficient and relies purely on donations, grants and fundraising as a registered charity. To find out more about the team and their work, please visit www.leicestershire-sar.org.uk. Leicestershire Search and Rescue is one of 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse. They include volunteer groups from across the UK, including a community shop in Cornwall, an environmental group in Swansea, a group working with refugees and vulnerable people in Stirling and a thriving community arts centre in County Down. Representatives of Leicestershire Search & Rescue will receive the award from Michael Kapur OBE Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire later this summer. Furthermore, two volunteers from the team will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2021, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

Urgent Update: Flexible Furlough and What Every Employer Needs to Know Employers have been awaiting detail on how the continued Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will work since 12th May 2020. On 29th May The Chancellor announced the changes to how the CJRS arrangement will work for businesses who have furloughed employees. Toni Robinson, Managing Director of NucleusHR provides an urgent update for employers on the latest announcement from the government regarding the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). The main announcements are: There are no changes to the scheme up until 31 July 2020 – therefore employers will receive the same support as they currently do – 80% of pay up to a maximum of £2,500 per month, plus associated pension and employer NIC costs. From 1 July 2020 – “Flexible Furlough” will be introduced, which means a CJRS grant can be claimed for the days an employee is on furlough even if they return to work for certain days (e.g. on furlough for three days of the week and working two days). This introduction of the Flexible Furlough means that CJRS cannot be used for anyone who has not been furloughed before 10 June 2020. From 1 August 2020 – whilst the employer will still be able to claim a CJRS wage grant of up to £2,500 (or 80% of pay if lower) per month, the additional CJRS pension and NIC support will stop. From 1 September 2020 – The employer will be required to contribute 10% of the CJRS wage costs, with the Government’s contribution therefore reducing to 70% (maximum of £2,187.50). From 1st October 2020 – The employer will be required to contribute 20% of the CJRS wage costs, with the Government’s contribution therefore reducing to 60% (maximum of £1,875). The CJRS arrangement is due to come to an end completely on 31 October 2020. It is important to note, that regardless of employer or government contribution an employee who is benefiting from the CJRS scheme should always receive a minimum of 80% of their salary up to £2,500 per month. Although the detail has altered since the government announcement on 12th May, the announcement demonstrates that the government is keen to continue to support businesses and also help get individuals back to work as soon possible. Nucleus HR Press release 1st June 2020 http://www.nucleushr.com/

Businesses across the Leicestershire Police force area are being urged to remain vigilant after incidents of fraud resulting in the loss of large sums of money. Business Email Compromise (BEC), commonly known as mandate fraud, occurs when businesses are contacted by someone pretending to be one of their suppliers and informed they have changed their bank, requesting they amend the direct debit to reflect this. It’s not always businesses who fall victim to this type of fraud. Individual’s online bank accounts can also be hacked into and monthly payment details altered so that the money is transferred to the fraudster's account. Fraudsters have also been known to claim they are calling from an organisation you have a standing order with and they request that you change the order to reflect a change in their banking. The standing order mandate is changed accordingly but the following month the organisation fails to deliver your products or a membership has been cancelled due to payment not being received. That money has ended up in the hands of the fraudster. People are asked to take these steps to reduce their chances of becoming a victim to this fraud:- If you’re a business verify all invoices, as well as requests to change bank account details. To check a request is legitimate, contact the supplier directly using established contact details you have on file. Access to sensitive financial information should be carefully controlled. Don't dispose of confidential documents without shredding them first. Check your bank statements regularly for any suspicious transactions. If you notice anything unusual, notify your bank immediately. To protect important accounts, such as email, social media and shopping accounts, we very strongly advise applying #2FA (two factor authentication) to your account settings. This simply means when logging in, it will require an extra check in addition to the password, so even if a criminal knows your password, they won't be able to access your accounts, as they will not be able to complete the second factor of logging in. For more information, visit https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/setting-two-factor-authentication-2fa Rebecca Hinchcliffe is a fraud investigator in the force’s Economic Crime Unit. She said: “We have had reports of a number of businesses falling victim to BEC. In some cases there have been losses of more than £1m. “As a result of such losses some businesses can’t afford to continue, they have shareholders who lose faith in the business, suppliers decide they can’t trust the business as they don’t have sufficient controls in place and this may also lead to arguments between suppliers and businesses about whose system was compromised some even resorting to litigation. “One recent case which resulted in a successful conviction in December last year related to an individual who tricked a house buyer out of a £55,000 deposit for his new home after hackers diverted the funds into a money launderer's account. “Fraudsters carried out the scam by accessing the email account of the victim's conveyancing solicitor and sent a bogus message giving him details of where to send the payment. The defendant was jailed for 18 months and will also be the subject of further court proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act. “If you have been the victim of a similar offence and haven’t reported it we would advise that you do so. In the first instance contact Action Fraud who will log the report and allocate it to the relevant police force.” Further information and advice can be found on the Action Fraud website www.actionfraud.police.uk/mandate-fraud Leicestershire Police Press release.

Lockdown measures imposed by the Government in March have meant big changes to the way we all live, work and socialise. And although the Government has now taken some tentative steps towards modifying those measures, the message for people in Leicester remains the same: stay at home as much as possible – and work from home, if you can – to help save lives by slowing the spread of the coronavirus. If you can’t work from home, and your workplace is reopening, your employer should be following Government guidelines to ensure your workplace is safe. Until further notice, you should continue to: Stay at home as much as possible Work from home if you can Limit contact with other people Keep your distance whenever you go out (keeping two metres apart) Wash your hands regularly with soap and hot water or hand sanitiser Self-isolate if you or anyone in your household has symptoms, however mild. You may also want to consider wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces – such as on buses – where social distancing isn’t always possible. From tomorrow (Wednesday 13 May), time restrictions on outdoor exercising will be lifted, which means people will be able to spend us much time as they like exercising outdoors, or sitting in parks, with members of their household. People will also be able to meet up with one individual from another household in outdoor spaces, providing they remain two metres apart. Please note that public gatherings of more than two people from different households are prohibited. The police have powers to fine anyone who flouts the social distancing rules, with fines for a first offence set to increase from £60 to £100. However, no one should leave home, if they – or anyone in their household – have symptoms of coronavirus: a high temperature (you feel hot to touch on your chest or back) or a new, continuous cough (this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours). Check the NHS website if you have symptoms. If you have either of these symptoms, however mild, you need to remain at home and self-isolate for seven days, if you live alone. Anyone you live with should not leave your home for 14 days. Remember: you can still pass the virus on, even if you don’t have symptoms. Coronavirus can make anyone seriously ill – but for some people, the risks are much higher. Those classed as 'clinically extremely vulnerable' and at high risk include people with certain cancers, those who have received organ transplants, people on certain immunosuppression therapies, and people with severe respiratory conditions, such as severe asthma or severe COPD. All those classed as at high risk should not leave their home for any reason and should ‘shield’ themselves from the disease until further notice. Those at high risk should have received a letter from the NHS, providing further help and advice. Further information is available here. People at ‘moderate risk’, and therefore clinically vulnerable, include those aged 70 and over, people of any age with an underlying health condition, people with a weakened immune system, very obese people (with a BMI of 40 or above) and pregnant women. Those at moderate risk should stay at home as much as possible and follow social distancing guidelines closely. With the Government updating its advice to people on a regular basis, it’s important that you only go to trusted sources – such as BBC Radio Leicester and the Leicester Mercury – for reliable and up-to-date information that will help keep you and your family safe. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “What is clear is that lockdown is not going to end all in one go and it will be a complex and gradual process. “The government has announced it would like schools to begin to re-open on 1 June, and we are working to set dates for our other buildings and services to re-open. But when we do so it will be in a managed way, with careful regard for people’s safety. “Please continue to follow the rules on distancing, and, if in doubt, stay home. We have done well to limit the spread of the virus in Leicester – let’s not risk a second wave of infections.” The Government’s latest advice is available at www.gov.uk Guidance for vulnerable people, and for those who care for older or vulnerable people, is available here. If you're struggling because of coronavirus - for example, with paying bills, being out of work, or taking care of your mental health - you can find help here. Information about the coronavirus in Leicester is available at leicester.gov.uk while information about council services affected by coronavirus can be found at leicester.gov.uk/serviceupdates Leicester City Council Press released