Coventry, Slough and Stoke-on-Trent to move into Tier 2

Coventry, Slough and Stoke-on-Trent are set to move into Tier 2 from Saturday due to a rise in cases, meaning households will not be able to mix indoors, including in indoor hospitality settings.

Health secretary Matt Hancock announced the move today in parliament, where he also confirmed the government is formally entering conversations to take Warrington into the Tier 3 ‘very high' level due to a continuing rise in cases.

To businesses in these areas, he said: "We'll support you all the way through including with the business support that the chancellor announced earlier today."

It follows news earlier today that there will be new cash grants available for businesses in Tier 2 that are not forced to close by law but are nonetheless impact by restrictions. These grants can be backdated, and there have also been changes to the Job Support Scheme, reducing the employer contribution to 5% and minimum hours requirement.

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