Government to subsidise wages of part-time workers in new scheme September 24, 2020 Rishi Sunak today announced a new “jobs support scheme” , which will see the government support the wages of people working part-time from November in a bid to stave off mass unemployment. The scheme, described by Sunak as a “radical intervention into the UK labour market”, will allow full-time workers to go back to work [...]
Rishi Sunak set to pump billions into economy to stave off unemployment September 24, 2020 Rishi Sunak will today unveil a multi-billion pound support package for ailing companies as he tries to stave off mass unemployment over winter. Sunak’s “winter economy plan” is expected to involve further VAT cuts, more emergency business loans and new wage subsidies for part-time workers to replace the furlough scheme. He will also announce that [...]
Trade experts raise fresh doubts over UK-US trade deal due to tax row September 24, 2020 Trade experts have expressed fresh doubts about the prospect of a UK-US trade deal while Britain’s digital services tax is in place. UK and US negotiators concluded the fourth round of formal negotiations this week as Downing Street tries to quickly close trade agreements as a part of its post-Brexit “Global Britain” agenda. Several trade [...]
Daily coronavirus cases hit highest level since 1 May September 23, 2020 There were 6,178 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK today, the highest figure since 1 May, government data showed. The new figure is roughly a quarter higher than yesterday, when there were 4,926 cases, the Department of Health and Social Care said. There were also 37 new deaths from the disease, which is [...]
Budget cancelled as Rishi Sunak prepares to unveil new business support package September 23, 2020 Rishi Sunak has cancelled his planned autumn Budget and will instead announce a new package of emergency support for UK businesses in a bid to stop mass unemployment. Sunak was supposed to unveil his second budget this year within the next few weeks, with the chancellor preparing the country for the next stage of its [...]
Brexit: Kent to get ‘internal border’ to monitor incoming lorries September 23, 2020 Police will soon have to monitor Kent’s border and turn away lorries without an “access permit” as a part of the government’s Brexit plans. Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said officers will use number plate recognition technology to monitor truckers travelling into Kent, with some characterising the plans as amounting to an internal UK border. [...]
More England coronavirus restrictions inevitable, says Chris Whitty September 23, 2020 Boris Johnson has been warned by his chief medical adviser that England will soon be forced to ban visits between households to stop the country’s second coronavirus wave. The Prime Minister announced a raft of stringent new measures yesterday, including a 10pm curfew for all hospitality venues, enforced table service at hospitality venues and requirements [...]
Boris Johnson: We must work ‘together’ to avoid second full lockdown September 22, 2020 Boris Johnson has warned that the country must follow the new coronavirus restrictions “together” if the country is to get through the winter without a second full lockdown. In a televised address to the nation this evening, the Prime Minister said that “now is the time for us all to summon the discipline, and the [...]
Coronavirus loans: Labour shadow minister calls for extra assistance September 22, 2020 The government should look to alter its coronavirus emergency loan schemes to assist companies that may struggle to pay back their debts, according to a Labour shadow cabinet member. Shadow chief secretary to the Treasury Bridget Phillipson told City A.M. in a wide-ranging interview that some firms are “are in a much more fragile position [...]
Coronavirus: Boris Johnson imposes stringent new restrictions for up to six months September 22, 2020 Boris Johnson has imposed a swathe of stringent new restrictions that could last for up to six months if no new coronavirus treatments or vaccines are found. New restrictions in England from Thursday will include a 10pm curfew, enforced table service at hospitality venues and requirements that all retail and hospitality workers wear face masks [...]