Drivers across the East of England will benefit from a brand new dual carriageway opening a full year ahead of schedule in December 2019.

The 12-mile bypass is part of a wider 21 mile scheme in Cambridgeshire which will save drivers up to 20 minutes per journey, benefitting people living and working across the entire region.

It will also support the whole UK by boosting access to and from the country’s biggest and busiest container port at Felixstowe – crucial as the UK looks to a bright future after Brexit.

The opening of the bypass follows confirmation last week that 18 new road schemes have been given the go ahead by the Department for Transport, in addition to the £25.3 billion that has already been committed for investment in the strategic road network between 2020 and 2025.

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said:

This government is committed to delivering an infrastructure revolution and it’s fantastic that a key section of this vital route will be delivered a year ahead of schedule, helping people travelling in the east of England get to their destination quickly and safely.

The A14 upgrade will not only improve the experience for local drivers but will also boost access between the region’s ports and the West Midlands – a key logistics hub.

I look forward to seeing the benefits in action in December and to seeing similar infrastructure schemes developing around the country as we improve links and spread growth opportunities.

The bypass is part of a £1.5 billion project to upgrade 21 miles of the A14 in Cambridgeshire, the biggest upgrade of its kind in the UK.

It had been due to open in December 2020, but excellent progress made by the Highways England-led team means that the road will now be ready for drivers to use this December.

To take advantage of the early opening, the road will open as a best-in-class A road rather than a motorway as originally planned, but the design will remain the same.

Highways England project director David Bray said:

I’m delighted that we will be able to deliver the benefits of this key section of the project so much earlier than originally planned. As well as a significant improvement for drivers, this major milestone will start to realise some of the benefits of the upgrade for residents and communities along the A14 too.

And it will mean that we are able to start work sooner on the improvements we are making to local roads in and around Huntingdon as we start to dismantle the old viaduct over the train station, which will be a real boost for local communities.

Work on the upgrade has progressed at pace, with around 10 million cubic metres of earth having been moved – more than 4 times the great pyramids of Giza.

The full project remains on track to open to traffic by the end of 2020.

Many fans will be travelling to Japan to watch the tournament. Here are some tips to help make your visit safe and enjoyable.

Before you go

Below is information to help you plan your visit to Japan. Subscribe to our travel advice and follow our social media channels for important updates.

Facebook: UKinJapan

Twitter: @UKinJapan

Helpful Information for your trip to Japan

The following publications contains our key tips and information which you can download before your trip.

Useful tips to avoid pitfalls from Award-winning, UK-based Japanese comedian Yuriko Kotani

Official World Cup information

Information on venues, matches and ticketing can be found on the official Rugby World Cup website and ‘RWC 2019’ app.

You can also follow this twitter account for live information during the tournament @Japan2019_ENG.

Bronze Final and Final

The bronze final is held at Tokyo stadium on Friday 1 November and the final will take place at the International Stadium Yokohama (NOT Yokohama stadium). Check these links for transport information. Allow enough time to get to the stadia as trains may be crowded and delayed closer to kick off time.

Passport/Carrying Identification

Make sure you carry your passport at all times during your trip to Japan. It is a legal requirement and local police may ask to check your identification. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.

British tourists can enter Japan visa free for up to 90 days. If you plan to travel to other countries in Asia during your trip, be sure to check the passport validity requirements visa requirements of each country.

Lost your passport?

You will need to apply and pay for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) in order to return home or continue your onward journey, this may mean change or delay your travel plans. You will need to apply for a full replacement passport.

ETDs are issued in Tokyo only.

You can apply online or contact us on +81(0)3-5211-1100.

The embassy will be closed on Monday 4 November, as it is a bank holiday in Japan.

Local laws and customs

“Travel global, think local”

Travel aware: local laws and customs

• Be responsible and respectful

• There is a zero tolerance towards all drugs including recreational drugs such as marijuana. Penalties for possession, use and trafficking of illegal drugs can result in long jail sentences and heavy fines. For further information, please refer to our Travel Advice page

• Penalties for most offences tend to be more severe than in the UK. Detention, including for minor offences, is generally longer than in the UK

• Drinks and meals are paid for at the end of your visit. In some places, prices can be high. Disputes over bills can lead to arrest

• Bowing is the common way for Japanese people to greet each other and show respect. Public displays of affection are less common than in the UK

• Tipping is not customary

• Be aware that English is not widely spoken outside of Tokyo

• Tattoos have a historical association with organised crime in Japan. You may be refused entry to hot springs, gyms or swimming pools if you have one

Staying and travelling in Japan

There will be an increased demand for flights, trains and hotels in Tokyo in the run up to the final. Plan ahead and book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Check the official tournament website and useful information from the Japan National Tourism Organisation.

Accommodation

On the run-up to the World Cup, accommodation facilities might fill up to capacity really fast, especially in more remote areas like in Southern Japan.

If you haven’t secured accommodation, you should aim to do so quickly. Accommodation is at a premium, especially in Southern Japan. Please check the list of RWC 2019 Hosting Cities (PDF, 71.2KB, 1 page) websites that can help you with your search. Accommodation in Oita is particularly limited.

Did you know? In Japan there are a number of different type of accommodation:

• Hotels are mostly of western standard.
• Ryokans are a Japanese-style inn, with traditional flooring and futons to sleep on. It has been an important part of Japanese culture for centuries, and often include onsen (Japanese hot-springs). There are many styles, for every budget, but English may be limited. Please be mindful that some onsen will not accept customers with tattoos.
• Capsule hotels are very popular. Budget friendly, they are a good place to rest for one night if you find yourself needing urgent accommodation. To note: the capsule hotels are rarely mixed.
• Airbnb, due to strict home-sharing regulations, has a very limited supply of listings.

Driving

If you plan to hire a vehicle during your stay, check the Japan Automobile Association website for information on driving licence requirements and road safety rules in Japan.

Insurance

The standard of medical facilities in Japan is high but can be costly. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. In some hospitals you may need to pay in advance before claiming back from your insurance company. Find more advice on getting the right travel insurance.

Cash

Japan is a cash-based society and overseas cards may not always be accepted. ATMs in convenience stores are available 24 hours a day and should accept overseas credit cards. Amount of cash per withdrawal will be limited. You might want to advise your bank you are travelling abroad to ensure your cards will be operational in Japan. Check our travel advice for information on using cash, credit and debit cards in Japan.

Diversity

Homosexuality is not illegal in Japan; currently there are no provisions in Japanese law guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

Find more information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender foreign travel advice.

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines

The use or possession of some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines are banned under Japan’s strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law and ignorance may not be considered a defense. More advice and information on banned medicines can be found on our travel advice and on the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare webpage.

Watch Travel aware: bringing medication to Japan

Typhoon season and earthquakes

Be prepared before your trip to Japan: read up on how to stay safe in the event of an earthquake or other natural disasters. Make sure you follow our travel advice for updates.

For live updates in English, check out the Safety Tips app and subscribe to the JNTO twitter account @JapanSafeTravel

Emergency contacts

Most visits to Japan are trouble free but if you do need emergency assistance, call 110 for police and 119 for ambulance (Kyukyu-sha) or fire services (Kaji). Ask for English language assistance.

Links

Hosting cities websites

RWC 2019 Hosting Cities (PDF, 71.2KB, 1 page)

Disclaimer

This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The FCO and the British embassy will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.

Teachers’ working hours have fallen by almost five hours per week over the past three years, according to research published today (Fri 11 Oct).

In the second Teacher Workload Survey, teachers and middle leaders reported working an average of 49.5 hours per week in 2019, down by 4.9 hours compared to 2016. Headteachers and senior leaders also saw a significant fall, to an average of 55.1 hours per week in 2019.

The findings, taken from a representative survey of over 7,000 teachers, middle leaders and senior leaders, showed the reduction has been driven by cuts to time spent on burdensome tasks outside the classroom. Teaching time has remained broadly stable over the period.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

For too long, teachers have been working too many hours on time-consuming admin tasks that simply don’t add value in the classroom.

But the findings in today’s report give me real optimism that, working with the profession, we are making a real difference, driving down the number of hours teachers work on these burdensome and unnecessary tasks.

However, I am not complacent, and it’s clear from meeting many teachers across the country that we have more to do.

Today, I’m announcing how schools across the country stand to benefit from our £14 billion pound investment. As well as further measures to support staff through new technology to improve timetabling and curriculum resources to reduce planning time, this funding should help to ensure teachers spend more time doing what they do best, teaching our children.

Teachers and middle leaders in primary schools reported working an average of 12.5 hours during weekends and evenings, down by 5.0 hours compared to 2016. For secondary teachers, this came to an average of 13.1 out-of-school hours, a reduction of 3.8 hours compared to 2016.

To ensure that teaching remains an attractive profession, and the most talented teachers are motivated to stay in the classroom, the Department is working to meet commitments in the Recruitment & Retention Strategy.

These include:

• Announcing a significant step towards early roll-out of the Early Career Framework programme in Bradford, Doncaster, the North East and Greater Manchester, from September 2020 – the appointment of providers of fully funded support packages for new teachers and mentors;
• Launching a new opportunity for schools and colleges to participate in the EdTech Innovation Testbed, helping to identify digital tools that can reduce teacher workload as well as trialling ‘best-in-class’ timetabling software to facilitate flexible working;
• Launching an expressions of interest process for schools and colleges to apply to become EdTech Demonstrators – providing peer-to-peer support on the use of technology, including for tackling teacher workload;
• Updating the school workload reduction toolkit, which contains practical materials for schools to tackle teacher workload, to make it easier to use, with better navigation and simpler, reduced text;
• Announcing an extension of nine Curriculum Fund pilots for up to an additional two terms, after initial research showed almost half of teachers said that their workload had decreased, saving teachers time from creating schemes and lesson plans from scratch; and
• Publishing flexible working resources, including case studies to provide practical support for schools in implementing further flexible working for teachers and leaders.

Ambition Institute, Education Development Trust, Teach First, and UCL, Institute of Education (IOE) have been awarded contracts to provide high-quality support packages for schools in early roll-out areas. They will produce and deliver these programmes working with a range of regional partners.

New teachers and mentors in Bradford, Doncaster, the North East and Greater Manchester will be able to benefit from materials and training as part of early roll-out of the Early Career Framework programme from September 2020.

Headteacher of Charles Dickens Primary School and Nursery, Cassie Buchanan said:

The survey outcomes are a positive shift in the right direction and reflect the strong commitment and actions by heads and school leaders.

At Charles Dickens Primary we no longer give children extensive written feedback. Instead, we spend time identifying what children do not know and planning lessons to address this. We have also reduced data collection so that teachers have more time to adapt lessons for the children in their class and professional learning.

I have learnt that change for my teachers will only come when senior leaders take positive steps which engage with the evidence of what works for improving children’s outcomes and learning from schools which are already reducing workload successfully.

Joysy John, Director of Education at Nesta, said:

By getting schools and colleges to test products in a real world setting we hope to bridge the gap between industry and the education sector. We want schools and colleges from across England to sign up to the testbed.

Through participating in the Testbed, staff in our schools and colleges will have an opportunity to trial technology products, further their professional development and better understand what works.

Matt Davis, UK Director at Education Development Trust.

We know that the learning curve for teachers is steepest in the early years of their careers, and that high-quality teaching is the biggest in-school factor in raising the attainment of children.

The Early Career Framework offers a really comprehensive roadmap of the knowledge and competences which will make novice teachers more effective in the classroom. With our support, mentors in their schools will help to develop new teachers’ expertise and make a positive difference to their competence, confidence and motivation at this crucial stage in their careers.

Schools across the country are set to find out how they will benefit from the government’s recent multi-billion pound investment in primary and secondary education.

New figures, published today (11 October), will show how much money is being allocated to schools and local authorities in England next year – with every school getting more money for every child.

Every secondary school will be able to receive a minimum of £5,000 per pupil next year, and every primary school will be able to receive a minimum of £4,000 from 2021-22. The biggest increases will go to the schools that need it most.

This follows the Prime Minister’s announcement in August that the budget for schools and high needs would be increased by a total of over £14 billion over three years, rising to £52.2 billion by 2022-23. Schools and local authorities will today find out how Government is allocating the first part of that investment – £2.6 billion – for the coming year.

This new funding includes £780 million in 2020-21 to help children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to reach their potential.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

I promised on my first day in Downing Street to make sure every child has equal opportunities to succeed – regardless of their background or where they live. Because I believe that talent and genius is evenly distributed but so often opportunity is not, and my job is to change this.

We’re already delivering on this promise with schools receiving more than £14 billion additional funding over the next three years, meaning every pupil in every school will get more money, and funding across the country will be levelled up.

Today we are setting out more detail about how schools across the country will benefit next year. This investment will give schools, teachers and parents the certainty to plan, helping further improve standards and ensure our children and young people get a truly world-class education.

Further education measures set out in recent weeks include a drive to create thousands more good free school places nationwide – plus £4.4 billion committed over the next three years to continue to fund additional pension costs for teachers.

The extra money, available from April, will:

• Ensure that per-pupil funding for all schools can rise at least in line with inflation
• Progress the implementation of our National Funding Formula, delivering promised gains in full for areas which have been historically under-funded
• Give schools the certainty they need to plan their budgets

Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson said:

Our schools do a brilliant job and I want parents and teachers to know that we’ve listened to them and are investing in our children’s futures. That’s why this Government has announced the biggest funding boost for schools in a decade which will give every school more money for every child – with the biggest increases going to the schools that need it most.

I recognise the pressures schools have faced and want them and parents to be safe in the knowledge that all children can get the top-quality education they deserve in classrooms across the country. Our continuing investment in education, coupled with a bold reform agenda and the work of Ofsted will supercharge the ongoing rise in school standards.

Schools will also continue to benefit from government support to ensure they can make the most of every pound of their budgets, following the launch of the Department for Education’s School Resource Management Strategy last year.

This ranges from a free-to-use vacancy service to recruit teachers, to expert advisers who provide tailored support to individual schools that need it.

Today’s announcement comes as research in the Teacher Workload Survey shows that teachers’ working hours have fallen by five hours per week over the past three years. The findings, taken from a representative survey of over 7,000 teachers, middle leaders and senior leaders, also show that teaching hours remain broadly stable.

Since 2010, education standards in England have improved significantly. Government reforms have seen more primary school children on track to become fluent readers, more 19-year-olds leaving education with English and Maths GCSEs, and almost one million school places created.

124 business organisations of a variety of sizes across the UK have now had grants approved to help get companies ready for Brexit on 31 October.

The Business Readiness Fund was launched to help business representative organisations and trade associations to support members and non-members alike to get ready for Britain leaving the European Union on 31 October. It closed for applications on 7 October.

Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom has today confirmed that 69 grants have already been awarded to a range of groups, making up £6.3 million of the fund so far, including:

• the Federation of Small Businesses, which is planning interactive webinars, digital engagement and marketing to reach 1 million businesses
• the British Chambers of Commerce, which will use funds to produce expert guidance for businesses about the implications of leaving the EU without a deal on 31 October, specifically around customs declarations, rules of origin and tariffs
• the Institute of Directors, which will be disseminating accessible guidance, providing a range of workshops and information sessions, and facilitating one-to-one advice for business leaders
• the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which will undertake targeted communications to members, the businesses they advise and firms in general. Funding from the grant will provide for printed and digital resources for chartered accountants, as well as non-members, focusing on ten key questions businesses need to consider in order to prepare as thoroughly as possible in the event of the UK leaving the European Union on 31 October without a deal
• the Shellfish Association of Great Britain, which will help prepare the shellfish industry for Brexit on 31 October across the UK via 3 projects; providing an information pack, an information event on 18 October in London and tailored advice to individual businesses
• the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), which is holding a series of free events across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland over the coming weeks to provide practical advice and support for UK fashion and textile businesses in the lead up to the UK’s exit from the European Union. The association has prepared a free Brexit Checklist, a comprehensive guide to Brexit readiness for the UK fashion and textile industry and will be operating a dedicated Brexit helpline to help minimise disruption to trade

The Fund is also supporting business groups across the United Kingdom:

• Aerospace Wales Forum Ltd
• West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce
• the Law Society of Northern Ireland
• Manufacturing NI
• Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade
• the Institute of Directors (NI)
• Scottish Engineering and The Scottish Council for Development & Industry

are among those receiving grants.

Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom, said:

I’m delighted that this Fund has been able to support such a large and diverse wide range of business groups right across the United Kingdom as we get ready to leave the EU on 31 October. The funding has to be used to support both members and non-members, so I urge all businesses to get in touch with organisations in their local area so they can take advantage of the support on offer.

FSB’s Director of External Affairs and Advocacy, Craig Beaumont, said:

It is important in the time that we have left before 31 October, we do everything we can to support small businesses and the self-employed to plan and prepare for Brexit. We are focused on giving small firms the information they need to prepare in the most small business friendly language possible through interactive webinars, digital engagement and marketing to reach 1 million businesses.

IoD Director General Jonathan Geldart, said:

The IoD is ready to play its part supporting all directors to be better equipped in dealing with the risks of a no deal. Obviously this isn’t easy, but directors can only use their best judgement, and the more information they have, the better they can respond with agility to whatever happens.

Iain Wright, ICAEW Director for Business and Industrial Strategy, said:

Many smaller businesses are less prepared for a no deal Brexit and are turning to Chartered Accountants, in their capacity as trusted business advisors, for assistance. In addition to work we’ve already undertaken to help our members – and the 3 million UK businesses they advise and run – to prepare, this funding will enable us to provide targeted information where it’s needed in the run-up to 31 October.

Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT, said:

This fund has allowed us to deliver industry-specific information at key centres across the UK, and will ensure our guidance can reach as many firms as possible. We have also developed a suite of resources encompassing the most important things our businesses need to know.

Sarah Horsfall, Assistant Director of the Shellfish Association of Great Britain, said:

This funding is enabling SAGB, a small association, to have the resource to help the shellfish industry prepare for the changes Brexit will bring.

Over 1,000 people from across the UK have already attended one of the free Brexit Business Readiness Events organised by government. The government has also announced that it will host a bespoke online event for up to 10,000 businesses on 16 October, covering everything they need to know to get ready for Brexit. This will include:

• sessions from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on practical steps all businesses need to take
• advice from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on handling personal data
• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on essential actions to ensure continuity of trade for the food and drink, farming, fisheries, waste and chemicals sectors
• HMRC on Import, Export and customs for business
• the Department for International Trade on future trade with the rest of the world
• the Home Office on the settled status scheme

Each session will include an interactive panel so viewers will be able to ask questions of policy experts. Material will stay online until 31 October so people can continue to refer to videos. Sign up to the online event through the Brexit Business Readiness Events website.

As of Wednesday 9 October, the full list of organisations awarded grants under the Business Readiness Fund are:

• Advertising Association
• Aerospace Wales Forum Ltd
• AMDEA: The Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances
• Association of Colleges
• Association of Labour Providers Ltd
• Association of Translation Companies
• Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce
• Black Country Chambers of Commerce
• British Beer and Pub Association
• British Chambers of Commerce
• British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA)
• British Insurance Brokers Ltd
• Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys
• Chartered Institute of Public Relations
• Chemical Industries Association
• Coventry and Warwickshire Chambers of Commerce
• Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
• Cumbria Tourism
• Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce
• East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
• East Mids. Chamber
• EEF Limited (trading as Make UK)
• Exeter Chamber of Commerce
• Federation of Small Businesses
• Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
• GWE Business West
• Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
• HCF CATCH Limited
• Herefordshire & Worcester Chamber of Commerce
• Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce
• Independent Schools’ Bursars Association
• Information Technology Telecommunications and Electronics Association
• Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers
• Institute of Directors
• Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
• Industry & Enterprise
• Law Society of Northern Ireland
• Law Society, England & Wales
• Manufacturing NI
• Medilink North of England Ltd
• Motorsport Industry Assoc
• Music Industries Association
• National Office Animal Health (NOAH)
• Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade
• North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
• Outdoor Industries Association CIC ltd
• Professional Publishers Association Ltd
• Proprietary Association of Great Britain
• Scottish Council for Development & Industry
• Scottish Engineering
• Shellfish Association of Great Britain
• Shropshire Chamber of Commerce Ltd
• Somerset Chamber of Commerce
• St Helens Chamber
• Surface Engineering Association
• The Aluminium Federation
• The British Woodworking Federation
• The Independent Schools Association
• The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
• The Institute of Directors (NI)
• The Publishers Association
• The Road Haulage Association Ltd
• The UK Interactive Entertainment Association
• The Wine & Spirit Trade Association
• UK Fashion & Textile Association
• UK Theatre Association
• Universities UK
• West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce
• Wirral Chamber of Commerce