Coronavirus U-turn: Japan partly reverses Covid travel ban as Omicron variant increasingly appears to be ‘mild‘ mutation International A ban on new incoming flight bookings in Japan has been dropped, the country’s government said this morning. The policy, aimed at halting the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, only came into force yesterday. The transport ministry on Wednesday issued a request to international airlines to stop taking new reservations for flights coming into [...]
UK scientists discover what causes blood clot complications in AstraZeneca Covid vaccine Covid vaccines UK scientists believe they have found the reason behind the extremely rare blood clot complications stemming from the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. According to an international team of researchers from Cardiff and the US, the reaction can be traced to the way the adenovirus used by the vaccine to shuttle the coronavirus’ genetic material into cells binds [...]
Sigh of relief in South Africa as Omicron variant appears to be ‘super mild‘ mutation with Covid death rate not jumping Omicron - latest The WHO and Coronavirus experts are increasingly convinced the new Omicron variant is ‘super mild’ and has, so far, not led to a jump in Covid death rates anywhere in Southern Africa. The WHO is calling this morning for countries to drop travel restrictions and end the mass hysteria, and instead be cautiously optimistic as [...]
Exclusive: LV= CEO Mark Hartigan on the controversial £530m takeover by Bain Capital, ten days ahead of the vote of his life December 1, 2021 Last week, Liverpool Victoria (LV=) , the 178-year old mutually owned life insurance and pensions provider, turned down an improved offer from its competitor Royal London, which had proposed dismantling the business. The development came amid increasing criticism over a £530m proposed takeover of LV= by Bain Capital, as non-profit members would receive just £100 [...]
Government’s green homes grant dubbed ‘slam dunk fail’ December 1, 2021 The government’s green homes grant voucher scheme has been slammed as a failure after upgrading only 7.9 per cent of homes envisaged. The scheme, which offers to cover up to two-thirds of the cost of home improvements with a government contribution cap of £5,000, upgraded just 47,500 homes. It had envisioned upgrades to 600,000 homes. [...]
Exclusive: Aspire founder Paul Farrer on why diversity is increasingly a differentiator in the City November 30, 2021 A company’s approach to diversity and inclusion increasingly proves to be the difference between someone accepting or rejecting a job, or even leaving their current role, according to Aspire chairman Paul Farrer. The driving force behind the London recruitment firm, active in the Square Mile since 1992, told City A.M. this morning that whether or [...]
Blessing in disguise: Omicron variant may be ‘very positive’ news for the world if new Covid mutation kills off more lethal Delta coronavirus November 30, 2021 Hospitals and GPs across Southern Africa are increasingly reporting that the symptoms of the aggressive new Covid strain Omicron are “unusual but very mild,” according to various media in South Africa this weekend. Around 90 per cent of all new infections in the Johannesburg region are now caused by the Omicron strain but, so far, [...]
The City View: November 29: Variants and markets, Twitter departures and inflation concerns November 29, 2021 In today’s episode of the City View podcast with City A.M. editor Andy Silvester, it’s markets on the mind. Despite variant fears the FTSE shrugged off concerns on Monday in attempts to brush off Friday’s losses. There’s also big news from twitter, updates from travel companies and good news at Irn Bru maker AG Barr.
BT shares fall back after India’s richest man denies takeover interest November 29, 2021 Shares in BT retreated after having rallied as much as 10 per cent in early trading, after the company owned by India’s richest man denied a media report it was eyeing a bid for the British telecoms giant. Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries said: “We categorically deny any intent to bid for the UK telecoms group [...]
Ralf Rangnick confirmed as new Manchester United manager November 29, 2021 Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as their new manager until the end of the season. The influential German coach, whose arrival has been widely expected, will remain at the club after the summer in a consultancy role. “I am excited to be joining Manchester United and focused on making this a [...]