Coronavirus lockdown: Economic activity and optimism plunge to record lows May 11, 2020 Economic activity and optimism levels both plummeted to record lows last month due to the UK’s coronavirus lockdown. Business output across the UK fell by 35.87 points in April to 44.9, significantly below the 79.28 recorded after the global financial crisis, to the lowest level since records began in 2005. Any reading below 95 points [...]
Coronavirus: Government U-turns on face mask advice May 11, 2020 People in England have been told to wear face masks on public transport and in some shops after the government reversed its decision on personal protective equipment (PPE). In a 51-page document published this afternoon, the government said face coverings should be worn in situations where social distancing is not always possible. According to the [...]
Coronavirus lockdowns: Which countries have relaxed social distancing measures? May 11, 2020 European countries are slowly lifting their coronavirus lockdown measures as hospital numbers and death tolls stabilise. The Prime Minister last night outlined a “roadmap” for easing lockdown. He announced a new coronavirus alert system with five levels that influence how quickly lockdown could be eased. We look at how other countries have started to ease [...]
‘We cannot afford another lockdown’: Italy’s cautious return to work May 11, 2020 Italy was the first European country to be hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and it is now one of the first beginning to ease its draconian lockdown measures to lessen the economic damage of the crisis. Last Monday the country began cautiously moving out of its tough lockdown with factories, building sites and offices [...]
High street suffers biggest ever decline in footfall as Brits obey lockdown May 11, 2020 The UK high street suffered its greatest ever decline in footfall last month as Brits steered clear of shops during the coronavirus lockdown. Retailers were hit with an “unprecedented” 80 per cent plunge in footfall in April, with high streets and shopping centres the worst affected. Retail parks were the most resilient thanks to the [...]
Coronavirus: Top insurance firms could lose $100bn in brand value May 11, 2020 The world’s top 100 most valuable insurance brands could lose as much as $100bn (£81bn) in brand value as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, a new report has revealed. The insurance sector is set to be one of the most severely affected industries and faces a potential 20 per cent loss in brand value, [...]
UK retailers warn government coronavirus aid not enough to prevent ‘imminent collapse’ May 11, 2020 UK retailers have warned that its financial aid package for businesses during the coronavirus crisis will not prevent the “imminent collapse” of many firms. In a letter to the chancellor Rishi Sunak and small business minister Paul Scully, the British Retail Consortium said the crisis “facing parts of the retail sector…must be addressed urgently ahead [...]
French passengers not included in UK quarantine plans May 11, 2020 The UK’s new quarantine measures for incoming passengers will not apply to people coming from France, Downing Street has confirmed. Last night Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that “it would soon be time” to introduce a quarantine period for all those entering the UK by air. However, after a phone call with French president Emmanuel [...]
London house market set for £52bn post-lockdown splurge as transactions stall May 11, 2020 London property buyers could be set to splurge £52bn once the lockdown is lifted due to huge pent-up demand as coronavirus brings the market to standstill. The figure represents the potential spend for residential buyers and marks a 20 per cent increase on the same time last year. It comes as the number of lost [...]
Small businesses call for furloughed workers to return to work May 11, 2020 Staff should be allowed to return to work while furloughed to help improve the chances of their employer’s business of surviving the Covid-19 crisis, small businesses have said. In an open letter to chancellor Rishi Sunak, business owners said that while the job retention scheme had helped businesses avoid layoffs, the current plan meant employers [...]