Business welcomes ‘step forward’ in new work safety guidance May 11, 2020 Business groups have welcomed a “significant step forward” after the government issued safety guidance for employers to help Brits return to work. The so-called Covid-secure guidelines, published this evening, set out practical steps for eight different workplace settings that are allowed to be open, from construction sites to factories and takeaways. It comes after Prime [...]
Hospitality sector calls for additional support for furloughed staff May 11, 2020 The UK’s hospitality sector has called for additional support for furloughed workers to ensure businesses survive the coronavirus lockdown. In a letter to chancellor Rishi Sunak, trade body UK Hospitality today urged the government to extend the existing coronavirus job retention scheme, which is currently set to run until the end of June, and increase [...]
Rishi Sunak to outline future of furlough scheme tomorrow May 11, 2020 The government will set out details about the future of the coronavirus job retention scheme tomorrow, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said. The furlough scheme, which is paying 80 per cent of wages for more than 6m British workers, is currently due to run until the end of June. But chancellor Rishi Sunak has reassured [...]
Facebook and Instagram launch digital gift cards for small businesses May 11, 2020 Facebook and Instagram users will now be able to support local businesses during the Covid-19 crisis by purchasing digital gift cards on the social media platforms. From today businesses will be able to promote gift cards on their Facebook pages and in news feed posts, as well as in Instagram stories and on their profiles. [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
Coronavirus: How business responded to Boris Johnson’s lockdown plan May 10, 2020 Business groups have welcomed Boris Johnson’s call for millions of people to return to work but called for clearer guidance on how to maintain safety standards and support furloughed employees. In a speech this evening Johnson said that anyone who cannot work from home — such as those in construction and manufacturing — should be [...]
