Extending the lockdown could have deadly consequences March 29, 2020 A week into what began as a three-week lockdown, the goalposts have been moved. Government ministers and health officials spent the weekend recalibrating expectations, making it clear that people must be prepared for these unprecedented measures to last into June, perhaps longer. The message from the government is that the measures cannot be lifted until [...]
London’s transport is failing the people that need it most March 27, 2020 Imagine being a key worker tomorrow morning. A twenty-minute wait for the next tube — if you manage to get on. A carriage so overcrowded that you’ve got no hope of social distancing. And then a rush to your hospital, your police station, your school. We’re asking key staff to put their health on the [...]
Shaun Bailey: Three steps London must take to protect key workers on the Tube March 27, 2020 Imagine being a key worker taking the Tube tomorrow morning. A 20-minute wait for the next train — if you manage to get on. A carriage so overcrowded that you’ve got no hope of social distancing. And then a rush to your hospital, your police station, your school. We’re asking key staff to put their [...]
The capital is key to rebuilding the economy March 27, 2020 Nothing since the three-day week has so disrupted British daily life as the Covid-19 pandemic, and it is hard, sometimes, to imagine a world after it. Even the optimistic projections have us stuck at home — or worse, in hospital — for weeks if not months on end. But right on cue the Global Financial [...]
Debate: The government has suspended gender pay gap reporting this year — but should it be scrapped? March 27, 2020 Businesses have been told they do not have to report on their gender pay gaps due to the coronavirus outbreak. With 12 months until they have to report again, City A.M. asks whether it should be scrapped altogether. Yes, says Annabel Denham, director of communications at the Institute of Economic Affairs The decision to suspend [...]
Climate activists: Prepare to win the peace after the coronavirus war March 27, 2020 Winston Churchill may have won the war, but Clement Attlee won the peace. The pill that Churchill swallowed was bittered by the fact that his victory had paved the way for Attlee’s. Without the spirit forged by the collective efforts of wartime, there would have been little appetite to build Attlee’s welfare state when peace [...]
Pursuing purpose, not profit, could help businesses grow a bigger pie for all of us March 27, 2020 The coronavirus crisis is highlighting one of the most fundamental tensions that business leaders face: do they pursue purpose or profit? Sainsbury’s chose purpose. They’ve reserved the first hour on every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for elderly and vulnerable customers, and are giving them priority access for online delivery slots. The supermarket is also limiting [...]
We need Alan Turing’s innovative mindset to make it through coronavirus March 27, 2020 Alan Turing designed the curiously named Bombe machine during the early stages of World War II. A forerunner to the computer, the Bombe was able to rapidly intercept messages, quickly decode them, and thereby allow allied forces to react within hours rather than weeks. Stories from the world of codebreaking today bring to vivid life [...]
Now that coronavirus has closed our pubs, fancy heading online for a pint? March 27, 2020 Adland is a sociable place. Creative ideas are often sparked by chance conversations and unexpected influences. That’s why our people work closely together and why we’ve just opened our lovely, sunny new space at the Tea Building in Shoreditch. It’s got the latest technology, colourful rugs, comfy chairs and nice big windows. But thanks to [...]
How to resolve contract disputes during the Covid-19 pandemic March 26, 2020 The impact of Covid-19 on businesses is unprecedented and profound. Government restrictions and guidelines, the impact on supply chains and the unavailability of staff are all affecting businesses’ ability to comply with contractual obligations. Stewarts has received many requests for advice from companies whose manufacturing plants are being shut down, or whose supply chains are [...]