Sajid Javid: Slash taxes and ramp up spending to fuel UK recovery June 23, 2020 Britain should reduce the National Insurance tax and pour money into infrastructure and the poorest regions of the country to boost the UK’s economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis, according to former chancellor Sajid Javid. Javid, who left the Treasury as part of Boris Johnson’s February cabinet reshuffle, warned against a return to the austerity [...]
Gilead to trial ‘inhaled’ version of coronavirus drug June 22, 2020 Pharmaceuticals giant Gilead Sciences is set to start human trials of an inhaled version of its remdesivir antiviral drug, the company announced today. Gilead said in an open letter that it was seeking healthy volunteers for Phase 1 trials this week, with the aim of launching human trials in August. Remdesivir is currently administered intravenously, [...]
UK factory output falls at fastest pace since records began June 22, 2020 Britain’s manufacturing output has fallen at its fastest pace since records began during the three-month coronavirus lockdown. It comes as the sector remains in a deep downturn because of the pandemic, according to the latest report on UK factories by the Confederation of British Industry. The CBI’s manufacturing output gauge dropped from minus 54 per [...]
Footfall still 54 per cent down on 2019 levels after shops reopen for business June 22, 2020 The first week of trading since the coronavirus lockdown for many retailers saw footfall rise dramatically – but it remained 54 per cent down on the same week in 2019. Footfall to all retail destinations across the UK increased by 45 per cent compared to the previous week, as so-called non-essential shops were allowed to reopen [...]
Former chancellor Lord Alistair Darling backs Sunak’s VAT cut plans June 22, 2020 Former chancellor Lord Alistair Darling has backed government plans to cut VAT in a bid to boost the economy, adding that the coronavirus crisis will result in an “even more profound shock” to the UK than the 2008 financial crisis. In a foreword to a new Policy Exchange report, Darling expressed his support for current [...]
Government trials new ‘no-swab’ saliva test for coronavirus June 22, 2020 A new “no-swab” coronavirus test using patients’ saliva is set to be piloted in Southampton starting this week, the government has announced. More than 14,000 GP staff, essential workers and university staff will participate in the first phase of the trial, which they will be able to complete at home using their own saliva, the [...]
‘Bleak outlook’ for pubs and restaurants’ pandemic recovery as trade body urges relaxation of two-metre rule June 22, 2020 Pubs and restaurants across the UK will only be trading at just over half of last year’s levels by the end of 2020, according to predictions from a survey of hospitality businesses. The research, undertaken by trade body UK Hospitality, painted a gloomy picture for the industry’s prospects of a recovery, with levels of trade [...]
Pubs and restaurants may be forced to keep register of all guests June 21, 2020 Bars, pubs and restaurants in the UK may be forced to keep a record of all visitors under new plans to reopen the hospitality industry, the health secretary said this morning. Matt Hancock told Nick Robinson on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show that forcing venues to record customers’ personal details to assist track and trace [...]
Coronavirus deaths in the UK rise by 43 June 21, 2020 A further 43 people have died in the UK after contracting coronavirus, taking the total number of deaths to 42,632. The increase, announced today by the Department of Health (DoH), includes the number of people who have died after testing positive for Covid-19 in hospitals, care homes and the wider community as of 5pm on [...]
Sunak mulls VAT cut to boost economy after lockdown June 21, 2020 Rishi Sunak is reportedly considering cutting VAT rates to provide a much-needed boost to the economy after months of lockdown. The chancellor has ordered Treasury officials to draw up plans to reduce the sales tax, including a cut in the headline rate, the Sunday Times reported. Other proposals being considered include cutting employers’ national insurance, [...]