2021 in review: Furlough is government’s big success story, but Rishi Sunak’s £69bn lifesaver comes at a price December 27, 2021 Furlough has become a household word in recent years. The scheme that protected the jobs of nearly nine million Britons at its peak has been hailed as the big success story of the Government’s Covid support measures as the jobs market rebounds at an impressive pace. The warnings of soaring joblessness that struck fear into [...]
UK to hold platinum party of the century for the Queen this June: Bigger and bolder than Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 December 26, 2021 Britain is planning one of its biggest celebrations ever as new government plans will allow pubs, clubs and bars to stay open into the early hours over next year’s bank holiday weekend to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Venues across England and Wales would be able to continue serving customers for an extra two hours [...]
2021 Queen’s Christmas Day message: in full December 26, 2021 In her Christmas Day address to the nation, the Queen movingly spoke about her late husband as she empathised with families missing loved ones. But she also gave hope for the future. Here is the Queen’s message, which she penned herself, in full. “Although it’s a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, [...]
Now Christmas travel hit by virus-related staff shortages December 25, 2021 Thousands of flights have been cancelled over the Christmas weekend as Omicron’s spread leads to staff shortages. According to the flight tracking website FlightAware, some 1,779 flights have been cancelled on Christmas Day and a further 402 for Boxing Day. Airlines are struggling to staff their full roster of flights as the new variant spreads [...]
China demands more from firms plotting overseas listings December 25, 2021 China’s financial watchdog laid out a raft of new oversight provisions yesterday, tightening rules on firms plotting overseas listings. The China Security Regulatory Commission (CSRC) plans to expand its oversight of offshore listings to those firms using variable interest entity structures, popular with firms who have undertaken recent overseas listings. The CSRC said it was [...]
‘Glimmer of Christmas hope’ as mild Omicron variant leads to less severely ill Covid patients, says relieved UK health chief December 25, 2021 It seems increasingly the case that the Omicron variant may be less likely to result in serious illness than the Delta strain of coronavirus, thereby offering a “glimmer of Christmas hope”, according to UK Health Security Agency chief Jenny Harries yesterday morning. Dr Harries told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme yesterday: “There is a glimmer [...]
Coronavirus next year: First calls for fourth shot in UK are clear indication Covid vaccines are not going anywhere in 2022 December 24, 2021 A senior UK health official suggested this morning that Brits will need more than two Covid vaccines and a booster shot. A fourth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine will “probably” be needed over the next few years, Scotland’s national clinical director said this morning. Scots have been asked to get a third dose of the [...]
Government may have left it ‘too late’ to protect the NHS against Omicron wave, says nursing chief December 24, 2021 The head of the Royal College of Nursing warned this morning that the government may have left it “too late” to protect the NHS against the Omicron wave unless it heeds the advice of scientific experts on tighter restrictions. Pat Cullen told BBC Breakfast that ministers would find it easier to make decisions on how [...]
Ex-TSB chief Richard Meddings frontrunner: City banker emerges as preferred candidate for NHS England chairman role December 24, 2021 In a bid to make NHS England more “accountable” for its funding, a City banker is set to become the body’s new chairman. The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed former TSB chairman Richard Meddings is the Government’s preferred candidate for the role on Thursday. The Telegraph reported that ministers wanted Mr Meddings to [...]
Lloyds apologises after online banking customers unable to log in hours before Christmas December 24, 2021 Lloyds Banking Group apologised this morning after customers were having issues with their online banking system, just hours before Christmas. Users said they were unable to log into their accounts online. The issue reportedly started late last night. A message popped up on their screens instead, which read: “We are sorry that our internet banking [...]