UK coronavirus death toll rises by 118 to 36,793 May 24, 2020 The number of coronavirus deaths recorded in the UK has risen by 118 to 36,793, the prime minister announced today. Speaking at the daily government press conference, Boris Johnson said that “each of those fatalities represents a family in mourning, the grief of friends and relatives”. 110,401 tests were carried out yesterday, he said. There [...]
Coronavirus: Pizza Express could permanently close some restaurants May 24, 2020 Pizza Express could be forced to permanently close some of its 470 UK restaurants after the coronavirus crisis heaped pressure on the debt-laden firm. The casual dining chain, which is owned by Chinese private equity firm Hony Capital, is reportedly mulling a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), which would allow it to shutter some or all [...]
Lufthansa to resume flights to 20 more destinations next month May 24, 2020 German airline Lufthansa will resume flights to 20 destinations next month, including some holiday hotspots, the company announced today. The airline, which is in talks with the German government over a £8.1bn bailout, will resume flights from mid-June, with Mallorca, Crete, Rhoades, Faro, Venice, Ibiza and Malaga among the destinations. The flights will operate from [...]
Car rental firm Hertz files for US bankruptcy protection May 24, 2020 Car rental firm Hertz has filed for bankruptcy protection in the US after the coronavirus pandemic caused demand to collapse. The firm, whose largest shareholder is billionaire investor Carl Icahn, said the “sudden and dramatic” impact of coronavirus on travel demand had caused a “abrupt decline” in revenue and future bookings. A large portion of [...]
Appointment times and NHS discounts: How retailers plan to lure shoppers back after lockdown May 23, 2020 After more than two months of enforced closure during the UK coronavirus lockdown, retailers across England are preparing to potentially reopen to shoppers from 1 June. The high street will look different when retailers are allowed to open their doors. Social distancing signage will be in place, shop assistants will wear masks and a number [...]
Wetherspoon to rely on app more than ever under plan to reopen all 875 pubs May 22, 2020 JD Wetherspoon has outlined plans to invest £11m in reopening its pubs, including installing screens and providing hand sanitiser and protective clothing for staff. The pub chain said it will reopen all of its 875 pubs in the UK and Ireland when it gets the go-ahead from governments, and all pubs will operate their usual [...]
Burberry cuts dividend as sales dive during coronavirus pandemic May 22, 2020 British fashion brand Burberry said this morning that it will not pay a full-year dividend as it revealed that fourth quarter sales plunged due to coronavirus lockdowns around the world. The luxury retailer said sales in the fourth quarter were down 27 per cent and 60 per cent of its stores were closed at the [...]
Carluccio’s cuts 1,000 jobs but 30 restaurants saved in rescue deal May 22, 2020 Italian restaurant chain Carluccio’s has been bought out of administration by the owner of Giraffe and Ed’s Easy Diner, resulting in the loss of more than 1,000 jobs. In total 40 Carluccio’s restaurants across the UK will close and 1,019 members of staff will be made redundant, administrators FRP Advisory announced this morning. Around 800 [...]
Consumer confidence ‘battered and bruised’ by coronavirus crisis May 22, 2020 Consumer confidence has been “battered and bruised” by the coronavirus crisis, new research has found as optimism remained low despite the easing of lockdown restrictions. The latest data showed that confidence was at minus 34 as consumers were concerned about the economic impact of the pandemic, with unemployment claims rising amid warnings of a recession. [...]
Clarks cuts 900 jobs and mulls funding options amid coronavirus crisis May 21, 2020 Clarks is preparing to slash 900 corporate roles, the British shoe brand announced today as it confirmed it is in talks with advisers over funding options during the coronavirus crisis. The retailer said it will reduce its global workforce by 900 roles, which will be partially offset by the creation of 200 new jobs. The [...]
