Government considering ‘air bridges’ to countries with similar Covid-19 infection rate May 18, 2020 Transport secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed that the government is considering “air bridges” between the UK and other countries with a low coronavirus infection rate, potentially cutting out the need to quarantine all arrivals. Last weekend Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that all incoming travellers to the UK would have to be quarantined for 14 [...]
Oil prices soar as world begins to emerge from lockdown May 18, 2020 Oil prices continued their upwards trajectory this afternoon, dispelling fears of a repeat of last month’s price implosion as the countries around the world continued to move out of lockdown restrictions. Worldwide standard Brent crude broke through the $35 mark, rising nine per cent to stand at its highest levels since March. West Texas Intermediate, [...]
Gupta snaps up industry veteran to lead steelmaking division May 18, 2020 Sanjeev Gupta’s Liberty Steel Group has announced the appointment of industry heavyweight Paramjit Kahlon to run its primary steel and integrated mining division. Kahlon, who spent over a decade at steel giant Arcelor Mittal, will oversee the company’s operations in the Czech Republic, Romania and Australia. In the short term, his focus will be on [...]
The 20 busiest Tube stations TfL wants commuters to avoid May 18, 2020 Transport for London has issued a list of the Tube stations that commuters should try to avoid as more people begin to return to work after lockdown. From today, London’s transport network will aim to run 75 per cent of Tube services and 85 per cent of bus services. Government advice remains that those who [...]
Government to review 14-day quarantine plan every three weeks May 18, 2020 The government will review its 14-day quarantine measure for incoming travellers to the UK every three weeks, the prime minister’s spokesman has said. Speaking at a briefing for journalists, the spokesman said: “Any changes brought in will be subject to a rolling review every three weeks to ensure they are in line with the latest [...]
Landmark post-Brexit immigration bill returns to parliament May 18, 2020 The government’s landmark post-Brexit immigration bill will return to parliament today for its second reading before MPs. Under the new legislation, freedom of movement for EU citizens will cease, and will be replaced by a so-called points-based immigration system. Home secretary Priti Patel said that the bill would “give the UK full control of our [...]
German economy set for ‘severe contraction’ in second quarter May 18, 2020 The German economy is set for a severe contraction in the second quarter of the year, a new report from the state Bundesbank has said. Despite a gradual easing of the most crippling restrictions on everyday life, economists expect the country’s recovery to be halting and timid. Across Europe as a whole, countries are expected [...]
Oil prices surge past $30 for first time in two months May 18, 2020 Global oil prices jumped this morning on growing optimism as governments around the world continued to ease lockdown measures. Worldwide standard Brent crude rose 5.2 per cent to hit $34.20, its highest levels in a month. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate also surged 6.9 per cent to $31.47, levels which it has not seen since [...]
Shoppers begin ‘cautious’ return to stores as lockdown measures eased May 18, 2020 Footfall at the UK’s retail destinations increased by a modest 3.3 per cent in the first week since lockdown measures were lifted, as Brits began taking tentative steps out of their homes. According to retail intelligence analysts Springboard, last week’s increase was the fourth in six weeks, although it was considerably smaller than that recorded [...]
Job market set for ‘significant’ downturn despite furlough scheme May 18, 2020 The UK job market is set for a “significant turn for the worse” over the next three months, a new report from the Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD) has found. According to the research, more than half of private sector firms are preparing to freeze pay for the next 12 months, while hiring intentions [...]
