The ongoing coronavirus situation is changing by the hour with announcements being made about businesses and services that are being forced to adapt and change.

Punchline is committed to trying to keep you up to date with all the news that matters to you and your business.

Our team will update this story throughout the day, to ensure the latest important developments can be found in one - clickbait free - place.

If you or your business has any news, views or advice to share with the Gloucestershire business community, get in touch with Punchline team at news@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk.

Friday, October 16

Update #1676 - 17.04 Update on coronavirus cases in the UK

The government's Department of Health and Social Care has released the latest figures on the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.

It has been said that a further 136 people have sadly passed away after testing positive for the coronavirus, as of 4.03pm today (October 16).

The latest total COVID death toll for the UK now sits at 43,429 - which specifically includes those that have died within 28 days of a laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test.

Across the UK, 15,650 people have tested positive for the virus over the last 24 hours and 689,257 since the outbreak began.

Update #1675 - 14.40 Pret serves up more job losses

Another 400 jobs could go in plans announced by Pret A Manger which also include shutting six outlets.

The coffee and sandwich chain, which has a branch in Cheltenham, has already shut 30 shops and cut 2,800 jobs as it struggles to deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

It is understood all of the shops earmarked for closure are in London.

UK managing director Clare Clough said: "The rise in infections and the necessary shift in public health guidance mean our recovery has slowed.

"We've said all along it's up to Pret to decide our own future and that we must adapt to the new situation we find ourselves in."

Update #1674 - 11.37 JD Wetherspoon reports first loss in more than 35 years

Pub chain JD Wetherspoon has revealed its first annual pre-tax loss since 1984, said to be down to the impact of the coronavirus.

The business reported a £105.4 million loss and 30.6 drop in sales to £1.2 billion for the year ending July 26.

These full-year figures are a stark difference to last year, where the firm saw a pre-tax profit of £95.4 million.

Chairman Tim Martin said: "Like-for-like sales in the first 11 weeks have been 15.0% below those of last year, with strong sales in the first few weeks, followed by a marked slowdown since the introduction of a curfew and other regulations.

"The recent curfew and introduction of table service only have been particularly damaging for trade, depressing sales for customers who find it too much 'faff', at the same time as substantially increasing costs.

"As a result of recent changes in regulations, the outlook for pubs over the remainder of the current financial year is even more unpredictable than hitherto."

Update #1673 - 10.31 £300,000 investment to boost Covid enforcement work across Gloucestershire

With Covid-19 cases continuing to rise across Gloucestershire, the county council has funded six new Covid-19 compliance officers to help businesses do all they can to minimise the spread of the virus.

£300,000 of the £2.2m Government Test and Trace grant has been used to fund the new officers - one located within each district - to provide additional support to the local enforcement teams and ensure Covid compliance across the county.

This supplements the vast amount of work environmental health have been doing since lockdown in March; making sure that business closures were complied with, guiding businesses to re-open and helping the public to understand the rules and guidance.

SEE MORE 

Update #1672 - 08.40 Latest coronavirus figures for Gloucestershire

The latest data for coronavirus cases and deaths of patients with COVID-19 were released yesterday by the Government's department of health and social care and NHS England.

In Gloucestershire, confirmed coronavirus deaths remain at 230 according to figures released by NHS England - no increase since August 27.

It has been reported that of those who have died, 195 were being cared for at Gloucestershire Hospitals while 35 were being treated through Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Latest government figures show that the total number of cases within the county since the pandemic began sits at 3,068 as of Thursday afternoon - an increase of 63 on the day before.

These cases are split across the following regions:

Gloucester - 830 cases (increase of 14)

Cheltenham - 701 cases (increase of 14)

Stroud - 455 cases (increase of 12)

Tewkesbury - 406 cases (increase of 14)

Cotswolds - 380 cases (increase of five)

Forest of Dean - 296 cases (increase of four)

Thursday, October 15 

Update #1671 - 16.57 Update on coronavirus cases in the UK

The government's Department of Health and Social Care has released the latest figures on the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.

It has been said that a further 138 people have sadly passed away after testing positive for the coronavirus, as of 4.39pm today (October 15).

The latest total COVID death toll for the UK now sits at 43,293 - which specifically includes those that have died within 28 days of a laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test.

Across the UK, 18,980 people have tested positive for the virus over the last 24 hours and 673,622 since the outbreak began. 

Update #1470 - 15.27 Boots sees sales continue to tumble

Boots saw sales fall by almost a third in the last quarter as the coronavirus pandemic continued to bite.

The retailer said store sales were down 29.2 per cent on the previous year over the three months to August 31 as it lost market share in all categories except beauty.

Update #1470 - 13.19 Benson for Beds says no to Black Friday

Bensons for Beds is to scrap Black Friday this year and replace it with special offers throughout November.

It makes Bensons for Beds, which has stores in Cheltenham and Gloucester, the latest British retailer to reject the annual sales events which came from across the Atlantic a few years ago, as reported by Retail Gazette.

Instead of limiting offers to a very short time at the end of next month, the retailer plans to run offers from early November through to December 1.

READ MORE  

Update #1469 - 12.25 Ryanair cuts winter flight plans

Airline Ryanair has announced cuts to its 2020 winter schedule, with plans to operate at just 40 per cent of last year's flight capacity.

The business said that the reduced service was due to increased flight restrictions because of the coronavirus pandemic and therefore less bookings for the winter season.

A spokesperson said: "With this greatly reduced winter capacity and load factors of approximately 70%, Ryanair now expects full-year traffic to fall to approximately 38 million guests, although this guidance could be further revised downwards if EU governments continue to mismanage air travel and impose more lockdowns this winter."

Group chief executive Michael O'Leary added: It is inevitable, given the scale of these cutbacks, that we will be implementing more unpaid leave, and job sharing this winter in those bases where we have agreed reduced working time and pay, but this is a better short-term outcome than mass job losses."

Update #1468 - 11.28 Restrictions force Marstons to cut jobs

Brewers and pub chain Marstons is to cut up to 2,150 furloughed jobs as it feels the continuing affect of coronavirus regulations.

The company said increased restrictions, including the ongoing 10pm curfew and closures in the Liverpool area and any further Tier 3 regions, were behind the decision.

With 99 per cent of its pubs reopening since July 4, Marstons said 10,000 employees had returned to work but the with the Job Retention Scheme ending at the end of the month the cuts were "an inevitable consequence of the limitations placed upon our business".

Chief executive Ralph Findlay said a review into further cost reductions would be completed by December.

READ MORE 

Update #1647 - 11.24 Nine per cent of workers remain on furlough

Around one in every 11 British workers remained on furlough at the start of the final month of the Job Retention Scheme.

According to figures from the Office for National Statistics, 9.1 per cent of the workforce were still seeing part of their wages paid by the Government as part of the scheme on October 4.

The furlough support package, which has been running since lockdown restrictions were introduced in March, will come to an end at the end of the month.

Update #1646 - 10.17 Sales boom for Dominos

Takeaway pizza firm Dominos has reported a large boost in sales thanks to government VAT cuts.

Dominos passed the VAT reduction from 20 to 5 per cent onto its customers and has seen huge benefits in doing so.

Sales across the group's UK franchisees jumped 18.7 per cent in the third quarter, with like for like sales up 17.5 per cent. Home deliveries also jumped 11.8 per cent.

Dominic Paul, chief executive officer, said: ""We continue to work on a long-term strategic plan for the business. At the heart of our future plans is realignment with our franchisee partners and we are having detailed discussions to agree a sustainable way forward, although we continue to expect that these discussions will take some time.

"Despite the ongoing uncertain backdrop, we expect to report full year underlying group profit before tax in the range of £93m to £98m, in line with market consensus." 

Update #1645 - 08.25 Latest coronavirus figures for Gloucestershire

The latest data for coronavirus cases and deaths of patients with COVID-19 were released yesterday by the Government's department of health and social care and NHS England.

In Gloucestershire, confirmed coronavirus deaths remain at 230 according to figures released by NHS England - no increase since August 27.

It has been reported that of those who have died, 195 were being cared for at Gloucestershire Hospitals while 35 were being treated through Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Latest government figures show that the total number of cases within the county since the pandemic began sits at 3,005 as of Wednesday afternoon - an increase of 91 on the day before.

These cases are split across the following regions:

Gloucester - 796 cases 

Cheltenham - 687 cases (increase of 13)

Stroud - 443 cases (increase of 11)

Tewkesbury - 392 cases (increase of eight)

Cotswolds - 375 cases (increase of 28)

Forest of Dean - 292 cases (increase of 12)

Wednesday, October 14 

Update #1644 - 16.38 Update on coronavirus cases in the UK

The government's Department of Health and Social Care has released the latest figures on the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.

It has been said that a further 137 people have sadly passed away after testing positive for the coronavirus, as of 4.01pm today (October 14).

The latest total COVID death toll for the UK now sits at 43,155 - which specifically includes those that have died within 28 days of a laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test.

Across the UK, 19,724 people have tested positive for the virus over the last 24 hours and 654,644 since the outbreak began.  

Update #1643 - 16.11 Just Eat orders up more than 40 per cent

Takeaway delivery giant Just Eat has released its latest trading figures, revealing that orders have grown by 43 per cent after it added McDonald's and Greggs restaurants across the UK to its network.

The business added more than 1,000 outlets from the two brands to its food ordering app, which saw 46 million orders being delivered between July and September.

Orders worldwide hit 151.4 million in the third quarter equating to a rise of 46 percent, which the business says is down to more customers working from home and avoiding contact outside.

CEO Jitse Groen said: "Order growth at Just Eat Takeaway.com further accelerated, consequently widening the gap to competitors in our key markets. We have continued to generate strong adjusted EBITDA, while investing aggressively, and are well-positioned for autumn and winter, our traditional growth season." 

Update #1642 - 14.57 FSB: More support needed to create jobs

The Government needs to build on its Kickstart and Job Entry Targeted Support Initiatives to provide fresh help to enable job creation, according the Federation for Small Businesses.

The latest unemployment figures released this week showed that claimants have risen 120 per cent since March to more than 2.7 million.

And while welcoming the help provided by programmes such as the Job Support Scheme, FSB national chairman Mike Cherry said further measures were needed as increased lockdown restrictions are introduced.

READ MORE 

Update #1641 - 13.35 Christmas comes early to retail figures

The countdown to Christmas may have started after retail sales in September saw the largest monthly growth for almost 11 years.

Figures from the British Retail Consortium showed total sales were up 5.6 per cent in September, the highest figure since December 2009 (without spikes due to the move in Easter dates).

And BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson believes the figures, which compare to an average monthly decline of 1.1 per cent over the last six months and one per cent over the past year, believe festive preparations may have started early.

SEE MORE  

Update #1640 - 13.34 Rise in house sales for Barratt

Britain's biggest housebuilder Barratt Homes has reported a jump of nearly 17 per cent jump in forward sales for the past three months.

The company said it had delivered almost a quarter more homes than in the same period a year ago, as the housing market bounces back from lockdown, as reported by Reuters.

READ THE FULL STORY 

Update #1639 - 11.51 Young unemployment rising fastest in Gloucestershire

The rise in unemployment among young people across Gloucestershire outstripped the increase in total number of job seekers over the last three months according to the latest data.

Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions showed the Alternative Claimant Count - which only includes benefit claims for Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit conditional on searching for work - had risen by 314 in Gloucestershire since the last figures were released for July.

But the figure for those aged 18-24 rose by 463.

READ MORE 

Update #1638 - 11.00 More than 3,500 staff leave Kier in last 12 months

Staffing levels at construction firm Kier fell by more than 3,500 in the last year as restructuring across the group stepped up.

The second biggest contractor in the UK by turnover, Kier has a regional base in Quedgeley and is involved in projects across the region including the building of a new GP surgery as part of Glouceester's Quayside regeneration.

The firm's latest report revealed staffing levels in the UK fell by 3,508 to 13,584 - down from 18,064 in 2017-18.

SEE MORE 

Update #1637 - 10.19 The Cold War - homeworkers turn heating on three weeks earlier than last year

A mixture of cold weather and homeworking means 60% of households have already turned their heating on, with the average date being 25 September.

The central heating switch-on date for 2020 is more than three weeks earlier than last year's date, 17 October, according to research by Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service.

People in the North East turned on their heating on 13 September, while people in the South West waited 20 days until 5 October.

SEE MORE 

Update #1636 - 08.20 Latest coronavirus figures for Gloucestershire

The latest data for coronavirus cases and deaths of patients with COVID-19 were released yesterday by the Government's department of health and social care and NHS England.

In Gloucestershire, confirmed coronavirus deaths remain at 230 according to figures released by NHS England - no increase since August 27.

It has been reported that of those who have died, 195 were being cared for at Gloucestershire Hospitals while 35 were being treated through Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Latest government figures show that the total number of cases within the county since the pandemic began sits at 2,914 as of Tuesday afternoon - an increase of 83 on the day before.

These cases are split across the following regions:

Gloucester - 797 cases (increase of 14)

Cheltenham - 674 cases (increase of 12)

Stroud - 432 cases (increase of 10)

Tewkesbury - 394 cases (increase of five)

Cotswolds - 347 cases (increase of 19)

Forest of Dean - 280 cases (increase of three)

Tuesday, October 13

Update #1635 - 16.40 Update on coronavirus cases in the UK

The government's Department of Health and Social Care has released the latest figures on the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.

It has been said that a further 143 people have sadly passed away after testing positive for the coronavirus, as of 4.01pm today (October 13).

The latest total COVID death toll for the UK now sits at 43,018 - which specifically includes those that have died within 28 days of a laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test.

Across the UK, 17,234 people have tested positive for the virus over the last 24 hours and 634,920 since the outbreak began. 

Update #1634 - 16.26 54,800 customers claim tax relief for working from home

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has received more than 54,800 claims from customers using a new online portal which allows workers to claim tax relief for working at home.

Launched on October 1, the online portal is simple to use and has been set up to process tax relief on additional expenses for employed workers who have been told to work from home by their employer to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

From 6 April 2020, employers have been able to pay employees up to £6 a week tax-free to cover additional costs if they have had to work from home. Employees who have not received the working from home expenses payment direct from their employer can apply to receive the tax relief from HMRC.

Update #1633 - 15.49 Update on Gloucestershire's mobile testing unit locations

An important part of minimising and managing any future spread of Covid-19 is the speed at which people can be tested and isolation measures put in place, should an outbreak occur.

The mobile testing unit is now available at locations across the county.

Please see this week's locations here. 

Update #1632 - 14.54 Lidl to scrap online delivery plans

Discount supermarket Lidl is scrapping its plans to move into into online grocery deliveries in the UK.

The German company, which has stores across the county, set up Lidl Digital Logistics in 2018 to explore expanding in to online grocery, as reported by Charged Retail. But now it has dissolved the new company.

The news is in complete contrast to what UK's other supermarket chains, including Lidl's closest rival Aldi, have been doing - with all of them investing huge resources into expanding their online offering during the pandemic.

SEE MORE 

Update #1631 - 14.44 Call for Stow Fair to be cancelled due to rising Covid-19 cases

The next travellers' horse fair in Stow-on-the-Wold is scheduled to take place on 22nd October, and with cases of Covid-19 rising across the UK, local Lib Dem councillors are calling for the event to be cancelled.

The fair rolls into Stow-on-the-Wold twice a year, bringing with it hundreds of visitors from across the UK.

Despite seeking assurances from Gloucestershire County Council and local police, councillors are still awaiting a decision as to whether organisers have been told to halt preparations or visitors warned to cancel travel plans.

FIND OUT MORE 

Update #1630 - 13.20 Bars and restaurants at breaking point

Bars and restaurants across much of England are facing a huge blow from the latest round of coronavirus restrictions, the hospitality industry has warned.

Bars and pubs in Liverpool have been instructed to close from Wednesday and will receive financial support. But venues in tier 2 areas, including large parts of the North and Midlands, will receive no support. 

Industry trade association UK Hospitality said many bars and restaurants were already "reaching the point of no return".

READ MORE 

Update #1629 - 12.28 New test and trace support payment launched

The government has launched a new payment for those on low incomes who are unable to work while self-isolating.

Borough, district and city councils across Gloucestershire will be processing applications and making payments to those who are eligible and have been told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, either because they have tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

Those who meet the criteria (set out on the link below), and have been provided with an eight-character account reference from the NHS Test and Trace Service, will be eligible for a one-off payment of £500.

For more information and to apply for a support payment, click here.

Update #1628 - 12.19 Harvester and Toby Carvery owner plans job cuts

Pub and restaurant group Mitchells & Butlers is said to have begun redundancy consultations with staff as it deals with the impact of coronavirus.

The business which owns brands including All Bar One, Miller & Carter, Toby Carvery and Harvester employs 44,000 workers across the UK.

It has not been disclosed how many jobs are set to go, however a spokesperson said the firm would "seek to redeploy affected staff wherever possible".

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Update #1627 - 11.02 Research finds taxes may have to rise by £40 billion

Taxes may have to rise by up to £40bn just to 'stop debt spiralling upwards', according to a study by the Insitute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).

Research found that under a central scenario, the economy in four years' time would be five per cent smaller than was projected back in March. This would mean a £100 billion hit to the public finances from lower tax revenues, even before any extra spending.

The report said: "Even a government content to keep debt constant at 100 per cent of national income, and borrowing at around £80bn a year, would, under our central scenario, require a fiscal tightening (tax rise and/or spending cuts) worth around two per cent of national income in 2024 - over £40bn in today's terms.

"Unless we are lucky, therefore, we will need tax rises of over £40 billion a year during the middle years of this decade just to stop debt spiralling upwards. That is the likely consequence of a smaller economy."

Update #1626 - 10.47 Business leaders react to Covid three tier system

Following the prime minister's announcement yesterday (12th October) of a three tier Covid alert system across England, business leaders have had their say on how it will impact business.

Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said: "Businesses strongly support the simplification of Covid rules. Greater clarity and consistency will support the huge efforts firms have already made to keep customers and employees safe.

"Now clear rules are in place, good, open communication is essential. Businesses in the worst-affected areas have too often had to plan on rumour or react last minute, weakening efforts to protect jobs. This can be solved with more collaboration between business, central and local governments. Restoring a sense of national unity is critical for tackling the virus."

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Update #1625 - 10.39 Nearly £4 million to support arts and culture in Gloucestershire

Twelve county-based arts organisations are benefitting from a share of £257 million as part of the Government's £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund announced yesterday.

Distributed by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Gloucestershire's £3.96 million allocation is the biggest tranche of funding distributed to date from the Culture Recovery Fund.

A spokesperson from Arts Council England said: "Earlier today (October 12), we contacted organisations that applied for grants under £1 million in the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund with news about their awards."

READ MORE  

Update #1624 - 08.30 Latest coronavirus figures for Gloucestershire

The latest data for coronavirus cases and deaths of patients with COVID-19 were released yesterday by the Government's department of health and social care and NHS England.

In Gloucestershire, confirmed coronavirus deaths remain at 230 according to figures released by NHS England - no increase since August 27.

It has been reported that of those who have died, 195 were being cared for at Gloucestershire Hospitals while 35 were being treated through Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Latest government figures show that the total number of cases within the county since the pandemic began sits at 2,831 as of Monday afternoon - an increase of 31 on the day before.

These cases are split across the following regions:

Gloucester - 783 cases (increase of four)

Cheltenham - 662 cases (increase of six)

Stroud - 422 cases (increase of five)

Tewkesbury - 379 cases (increase of two)

Cotswolds - 328 cases (increase of six)

Forest of Dean - 277 cases (increase of eight)

Monday, October 12   

Update #1643 - 16.36 Three tier Covid alert levels to be introduced from Wednesday

The prime minister has set out more detail of the three tier alert measures to be introduced across England from Wednesday (14th October).

Boris Johnson said the measures - which put areas into a medium, high or very high alert category - are designed to balance the 'simultaneous objectives' of saving lives and protecting the NHS, while keeping children in school and protecting the economy.

Gloucestershire, along with much of the country, has been placed in the 'medium' category - which consists of the current national measures - including the rule of six and the closure of hospitality businesses at 10pm.

Many areas currently in local lockdown have been placed in the 'high' category.

READ MORE 

Update #1642 - 16.21 Update on coronavirus cases in the UK

The government's Department of Health and Social Care has released the latest figures on the coronavirus outbreak in the UK.

It has been said that a further 50 people have sadly passed away after testing positive for the coronavirus, as of 4.00pm today (October 12).

The latest total COVID death toll for the UK now sits at 42,875 - which specifically includes those that have died within 28 days of a laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test.

Across the UK, 13,972 people have tested positive for the virus over the last 24 hours and 617,688 since the outbreak began.

Update #1641 - 16.16 Ten charities to receive share of £500,000 as part of Movement for Good awards

Ten charitable causes from across the UK have each been selected for a £50,000 gift, as part of Ecclesiastical Insurance's Movement for Good awards.

The awards, set up by Gloucester-based specialist insurer Ecclesiastical, have seen a total of £1million given to charities across the UK this summer. Five hundred charities have already been awarded donations of £1,000 and now 10 charitable organisations will benefit from £50,000 grants.

Each of the £50,000 awards are designed to support the advancement of education, skills, arts, culture and heritage, as well as citizenship or community development. Applications were assessed against four key areas: impact and effectiveness; sustainability; innovation; and care and compassion.

SEE MORE 

Update #1640 - 15.25 Gloucestershire housing association reports steady growth

Newent-based Two Rivers Housing Group has reported steady growth in its annual financial statements.

The group, which includes facilities management company Centigen and specialist estate agency TwoCan, as well as the housing association, made a surplus of £3.3m after tax for the year ending March 31 (£4.4m in 2019) with the housing association reporting a surplus of £3.4m for the year (£4.4m in 2019).

Its turnover increased from £25.5m to £26.9m and increase of six per cent year on year.

SEE MORE 

Update #1639 - 12.54 Nightingale hospitals put on standby

Temporary NHS Nightingale hospitals in Manchester, Sunderland and Harrogate have been told to be ready for patients.

Government medical advisors said in a press conference today that the NHS may have to use some of the temporary hospitals if demand continues to rise.

The news comes as more people are in hospital now with coronavirus than before the initial lockdown in March.

Update #1638 - 13.37 Housing market activity remains strong

The UK housing market activity remained strong in September, as reported by the latest RICS UK Residential Survey.

During September, 52 per cent of survey participants reported an increase in new buyer enquiries. This marks the fourth consecutive pick-up in demand. Similarly, new instructions rose for a fourth month in a row, which is the longest stretch of rising supply since 2013.

Data shows that stock levels remain relatively low in a historical context (averaging 42 properties per estate agent branch).

In the lettings market, tenant demand also rose for the fourth month in succession.

Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief economist said: "The latest RICS survey provides further evidence of the buoyancy of the housing market with more buyers and sellers helping to boost activity across the country.

"However, there is increasing concern that the combination of significant job losses over the coming month allied to the scaling back of policy initiatives in early 2021 will have an adverse impact on transaction levels." 

Update #1637 - 11.25 Three-tier lockdown to be announced today

The prime minister is to announce a three-tier lockdown system in the House of Commons today (Mon 12th October), with a news briefing at 6pm.

The new system will include 'very high', 'high' and 'medium' alert levels across England.

Deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam has just given a briefing about preparing the NHS for the next phases of the pandemic.

He said, that following a summer with low numbers of positive coronavirus tests, there has been a marked pick-up in cases since the start of September.

Boris Johnson will chair a meeting of the emergency COBRA committee this morning, before updating parliament on the new rules this afternoon.

Update #1636 - 10.38 Legal challenge launched on hospitality curfew

A legal challenge has been launched by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) to the governments new restrictions.

The organisation is seeking a judicial review, arguing that there is no evidence to support the idea that hospitality venues have contributed to the spread of Covid-19.

Chief executive at NTIA Michael Kill said: "The industry has been left with no other option but to legally challenge the so called 'common sense' approach narrative from government, on the implementation of further restrictions across the North of England.

"These new measures will have a catastrophic impact on late night businesses and are exacerbated further by an insufficient financial support package presented by the chancellor in an attempt to sustain businesses through this period."

Update #1635 - 09.21 Tewkesbury confirms 2030 carbon neutral plan

Tewkesbury Borough Council has produced a 10-year action plan with the aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Backed by the full council, the plan reviews the council's energy consumption across the council's public buildings including the Public Services Centre and Roses Theatre.

The plan assesses the carbon footprint associated with office waste produced by the council and the impacts of transport used by staff and councillors.

READ MORE 

Update #1634 - 08.25 Latest coronavirus figures for the UK and Gloucestershire

The latest data for coronavirus cases and deaths of patients with COVID-19 were released yesterday by the Government's department of health and social care and NHS England.

Updated figures released yesterday show the UK death toll of people with coronavirus rose to 42,825 - which includes those in care homes, hospitals and in the community.

This is an increase of 65 on the previous day's figures.

In Gloucestershire, confirmed coronavirus deaths remain at 230 according to figures released by NHS England - no increase since August 27.

It has been reported that of those who have died, 195 were being cared for at Gloucestershire Hospitals while 35 were being treated through Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Latest Public Health England figures show that the total number of cases within the county sits at 2,820 as of Sunday afternoon.

These cases are split across the following regions:

Gloucester - 779 cases

Cheltenham - 656 cases

Stroud - 417 cases

Tewkesbury - 377 cases

Cotswolds - 322 cases

Forest of Dean - 269 cases