As well as protecting jobs, the government must enable a safe return to the workplace September 28, 2020 Fittingly, the weather has taken a turn for the worse over the last week just as the economic headwinds facing the UK risk turning into a perfect storm. After many months of lockdown, the number of people returning to their City workplace had visibly started to pick up in recent weeks – particularly as schools [...]
Supporting London businesses with new Covid compliant scheme September 14, 2020 Without a doubt, food and retail premises in central London have suffered hugely during the Covid-19 pandemic. Understandably, customer facing businesses like these have been slower to reopen because of reduced footfall and consumer concerns over coronavirus transmission. But with positive and supportive initiatives, like the government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme, the capital [...]
Supporting young people’s education will create lasting value for London and the UK August 31, 2020 You’d have to be on a desert island to miss the fact that in recent weeks pupils across the capital have received their A-Level and GCSE exam results. This has been a year like no other. Not only has every school had to adapt and find new ways of working following closures forced by the [...]
We clapped for carers – how about a hand for our unsung charity volunteers? August 17, 2020 It’s often said that a crisis brings out the best in people, and that has proven to be true during the coronavirus pandemic. In particular, the way in which charities and voluntary organisations responded to the unprecedented crisis which changed all our lives back in March has been magnificent to see. Many have found themselves [...]
London’s legal sector continues to lead the world August 3, 2020 Socially-distanced juries, virtual trials, and a mass shift to remote working — these are just some of the radical steps that have been taken to allow justice to be served during lockdown. Almost every part of our economy has had to adapt to Covid-19 and the legal system is no different. One constant throughout these [...]
The road towards a greener, cleaner Square Mile July 20, 2020 As the UK starts to rebuild its economy in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, it is crucial that the plan is developed with tackling climate change at its heart. We need to shape a greener, fairer and more resilient City. And we want the whole Square Mile to play its part. That’s why last [...]
COP26 has been delayed, but the City’s charge against climate change continues July 6, 2020 Businesses and households across the world have been hit hard by Covid-19, but as we move to the next phase of recovery from the pandemic, it is vital that we keep the fight against climate change top of the agenda. That’s why last week, to mark London Climate Action Week, we announced a major summit [...]
There is a moral, social and business case for a diverse and inclusive Square Mile June 22, 2020 The senseless and shocking death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests that have followed in the US and the UK have highlighted again the racism that sadly still exists in society. This is a difficult, complex, and emotional issue for all of us, and one that has also rightly caused much concern [...]
Quarantine will hit the City’s vital connections June 8, 2020 Starting today, people coming into the UK from overseas by plane, train or ferry are being told they must self-isolate for 14 days – or risk a fine of up to £1,000 or prosecution. The Government’s new quarantine policy, which was set out by the Home Secretary last week, has raised a number of concerns [...]
Crisis is a chance for us to reset our air quality for good May 27, 2020 Air quality in London, the UK and indeed the whole world has improved significantly in a matter of weeks due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions being put in place. New data now shows nitrogen dioxide levels have reduced by around 35% in the Square Mile since the beginning of lockdown, when compared to the average reading [...]
