Liverpool City Region COVID-19 Updates

Acas publishes new advice on vaccination for Care Home staff in Englande

ACAS have published new advice to help employees and employers at care homes in England understand the new Government rules around vaccination. From 11 November 2021, anyone who works inside a Care Quality Commission (CQC) Registered Care Home, within England must be fully vaccinated against Coronavirus (Covid19) unless they are exempt. 16 September 2021 is the date when someone should have received the 1st dose of a 2 dose Covid19 Vaccine in time to receive a 2nd dose by 11 November 2021.

Acas Chief Executive, Susan Clews, said:- "Care Home staff across England need to be prepared for the upcoming change in the law around vaccinations, which kicks in from 11 November 2021. Workers may not have yet received 2 vaccinations and some staff may be concerned that they won't get a 2nd vaccination in time for the legal change. Others could be unsure if they are exempt from the new rule. Our advice can help employers to prepare for the new law. It includes tips on how to support staff to be fully vaccinated and avoid losing talented workers."

Employers will want to take all the necessary steps to retain Care Home staff and the skills they bring to their role. Acas advice is that employers should have regular discussions about the new law with staff and any recognised trade union representatives or employee representatives before 11 November 2021, as this can help retain staff and avoid resignations or dismissals. If an employee or employer feels there's a problem following the new law then it's best to try and resolve it informally. Acas advises that employers should talk to staff to hear about why they are not vaccinated, discuss exemptions and see what support they can offer.

Depending on the circumstances, employers might be able to consider other options. For example, they might agree for the employee to:-

► Do suitable alternative work outside the Care Home premises, for example in an office or another place where they do not need to be vaccinated.

► Take short term paid or unpaid leave, for example if they're waiting to get the vaccine or proof of exemption.

► Do training that can be done from home or away from the workplace for a limited time.

If the employer has explored all available options and if a staff member continues to refuse to get the vaccine then the worker could be subject to a disciplinary procedure. Acas advice is that this procedure must be fair, which includes offering the employee the right to appeal any decision. If an employer is considering disciplinary action related to getting the vaccine, including dismissal then it's a good idea for them to also get legal advice. Acas's full advice is available at:- ACAS.Org.UK.

Sefton's Response to Peel Ports

SEFTON Council has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Friends of Rimrose Valley group and the wider community after campaigners were sent a misleading letter from the Peel Ports Group. Cllr John Fairclough, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Locality Services, says the open letter fails to understand or appreciate the experiences and concerns of the local community, who will be detrimentally affected by a planned dual carriageway cutting through Rimrose Valley Park. The letter also cites out of date statistics and data which is no longer relevant to the issues that would arise as a result of the road's creation. While there is some common ground to be found within the letter, issued by Peel Ports' Chief Executive, Cllr Fairclough lamented what he describes as a lack of sympathy to the community.

Cllr Fairclough said:- "For years we have repeatedly said we want to work with all parties, from our communities to our businesses, to find a workable, safe and environmentally sound solution to an increased demand on the Port. Not only will National Highway's plans deprive us of a much loved urban green space, it will also, by their own admission, have a negative impact on significant HGV vehicle pollution which goes against the Government's own agenda to improve air quality. The letter I have read from Peel's Chief Executive is equally misleading and misguided and I would like to set the record straight on a number of points. While we wholeheartedly agree that 'getting freight off road' should be a key strategic aim for Peel's business, it should not be remedied by building a new road that moves this issue from 1 area to another. Getting freight 'off road' is vital for communities who have long been affected by the operations associated with the Port. The long standing real world lived experiences of local residents, of which some of our elected members are, does not align with the 'benefits' laid out in this letter. Social and environmental issues continue for our communities, not just from Port related traffic, but from the underlying operations of the Port itself, and economic benefits have been limited in terms of the quality and quantity of employment opportunity generated for local people by the Port. And also we have the potential designation of Freeport status, the implications of which are unspecified at present, but will need to be taken into account too. This should not be a trade off of 1 versus another; solutions are required that deliver positive economic, social and environmental outcomes. I note that in his letter, Chief Executive Mark Whitworth refers to detailed studies suggesting that only 10% to 15% of the traffic assessed is connected with Port operations. While we have always challenged this historic statistic, which was taken from several years prior, it is particularly important that we take a fresh look at new and up to date data. The world of work has changed significantly since then, not least in the context of the Pandemic. These changes, as well as increased growth in the Port's traffic volume, have greatly affected traffic flows in the area and a fresh study is needed. Its also important to understand the greater impact of HGVs, compared to other vehicles, on local air quality. We have always shared the belief of our communities that National Highways should explore and identify alternative technologies and solutions that would be far less detrimental to the health and wellbeing of our residents. This letter does nothing to change our minds."

Some way to go on narrowing digital connectivity gap between rural and urban areas

THE gap between urban and rural broadband performance is narrowing, according to a new study by Ofcom. Data within the studdy 'UK Home Broadband Performance,' has found that the performance of fixed line broadband delivered to UK residential consumers shows a 9 percentage point (pp) difference between the proportion of urban (74%) and rural (65%) lines, with an average evening peak time speed of 30 Mbit/s or higher, back in March 2021, was lower than the 12pp difference recorded in November 2019. This comes as the availability and take up of superfast, ultrafast and gigabit services have increased in rural areas of the UK. However, the difference between the March 2021 proportions of urban (5%) and rural (17%) broadband lines, with an average 8 to 10pm peak time actual download speed of less than 10 Mbit/s (12pp), was unchanged since November 2019, when the respective urban and rural figures were 10% and 22%. Although the difference between average urban and rural peak time download speeds is declining, average peak time download speeds in urban areas (55.1 Mbit/s) were still a 3rd higher than those in rural areas (41.3 Mbit/s) in March 2021.

Mark Bridgeman, President of the CLA, said:- "For too long, the rural economy has been held back by poor broadband. Figures in this report suggest that improvements are being made in bridging the connectivity gap between urban and rural areas which is a great step in the right direction. But, while obvious progress is being made, there needs to be universal coverage where everyone, irrespective of where they live or work, has access to an affordable and effective connection. It will mean jobs and wealth can be created in areas often blighted by deprivation, and younger families can find it viable to live in rural communities that urgently need it. 21st century digital connectivity is paramount to rural business owners and workers succeeding in the future; and the CLA will continue to lobby Government for exactly this."

Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

THE total number of UK Coronavirus (Covid19) infections that have been laboratory confirmed, within the UK, has risen by:- 37,622 cases and the total number now stand at:- 7,168,806 that includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not included in the 4 National totals.

The total number of Covid19 associated UK fatalities added to the total, was sadly reported to be:- 147 within 28 days of positive test, according to the Department of Health. The total number of deaths of people who have had a positive test result confirmed by a Public Health or NHS laboratory is:- 133,988, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 156,888.

In England, there are a total of:- 6,155,149 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 980,722 confirmed cases.

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within the Liverpool City Region are as follow:-