Lloyds prepares to downsize UK office space June 14, 2020 Lloyds Banking Group is exploring options to reduce its property footprint, as more staff transition to home working. The bank’s people and property director Matt Sinnott told staff this week that while no closures were certain, Lloyds will be seeking to consolidate its presence to six strategic hubs across the UK. “In the longer term [...]
Rishi Sunak: Government to take ‘fresh look’ at two-metre rule June 14, 2020 Rishi Sunak has said the government would take a “fresh look” at its two-metre social distancing rule in a review. The chancellor confirmed there would be a “comprehensive review” of the rule as pressure increases from businesses to change it to one-metre. Hospitality bodies have lobbied the government for the change, with businesses worried the [...]
We now have a unique opportunity to end rough sleeping in London for good June 13, 2020 Where do we go from here? It’s a question many of us are asking ourselves, as lockdown measures are gradually eased and we start to move from dealing with the day-to-day impact of the pandemic to looking towards the longer-term future. For the nearly 1,400 rough sleepers who have been accommodated in London hotels, paid [...]
Sadiq Khan calls for government to support homeless Europeans June 13, 2020 Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has today issued a call to the government to provide support for homeless non-UK nationals, as temporary housing plans for rough sleepers come to a close. More than 50 per cent of the homeless population currently residing in hotels organised by City Hall are from outside the UK, and will [...]
UK Finance chief in apology to staff over 2008 Staveley remarks June 13, 2020 UK Finance boss Stephen Jones has apologised to his staff for “wrong” and “inappropriate” remarks made about financier Amanda Staveley in 2008. In an internal memo seen by Sky News, Jones yesterday said he could not defend the remarks, understood to have been made as Ms. Staveley was negotiating a cash call on behalf of [...]
Oxford Street braces for just 20 per cent of usual footfall when shops reopen June 13, 2020 Shops on London’s usually bustling Oxford Street are bracing themselves for as little as one-sixth of their usual footfall when they reopen on Monday. Coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease on 15 June, allowing retailers on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and others to fling open their doors for the first time since March. However, Jace Tyrrell, chief [...]
Stressed about your finances in the coronavirus pandemic? You’re not alone June 13, 2020 The coronavirus pandemic has brought about significant financial unease among UK workers, a survey has found. Two-in-five people who work for larger companies reported an increase in financial anxiety in the wake of the pandemic, according to Close Brothers research. Only 54 per cent of workers felt they were financially prepared for the crisis. Meanwhile, [...]
MPs label British Airways a ‘national disgrace’ over job cuts June 13, 2020 MPs have condemned British Airways, calling the embattled carrier a “national disgrace” over its plans to make 12,000 of its staff redundant. In a report from the transport select committee, MPs described the airline’s actions as a “calculated attempt to take advantage of the pandemic to cut 12,000 jobs and to downgrade the terms and [...]
Commuters can be fined for not wearing masks, Grant Shapps reveals June 12, 2020 Those using public transport without wearing a face covering can be fined and refused permission to board, transport secretary Grant Shapps said today. Speaking at the government’s daily coronavirus briefing, Shapps said he will be taking steps through the Public Health Act this weekend to ensure powers are in place before the ruling comes into [...]
England’s coronavirus ‘R’ number rises to 0.8 to 1.0 range June 12, 2020 The reproduction rate of coronavirus infections in England has risen to 0.8 to 1.0, slightly higher than the rest of the UK. For the UK as a whole, the so-called R number remains at 0.7 to 0.9. Used by the government to inform decisions on easing lockdown, the R number represents the average number of [...]