Coronavirus business loans hit £450m but doubts about scheme remain April 8, 2020 UK banks have now lent £453m through the government’s coronavirus business loans scheme as it picks up following an overhaul, although a large number of firms are still struggling to access the cash they need. The Treasury said today that more than 2,500 loans for business had been approved as of yesterday via the coronavirus [...]
‘Urgent action’ must be taken to protect more workers, says Treasury committee April 8, 2020 Urgent action must be taken to provide economic relief for those not covered by the government’s coronavirus support packages, according to parliament’s Treasury committee. Mel Stride, chair of the Treasury Select Committee, wrote to chancellor Rishi Sunak today to ask for an extension of the government’s self-employed coronavirus package in particular. The committee said it [...]
Jewish Chronicle and Jewish News collapse into liquidation April 8, 2020 The Jewish Chronicle and The Jewish News are set to collapse into liquidation after their parent company reportedly ran out of money due to the coronavirus outbreak. The weekly London papers said they had taken the decision to seek creditors voluntary liquidation, which is expected to be finalised in the next two to three weeks. [...]
Rishi Sunak to hand £750m in assistance to UK’s charities April 8, 2020 Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled a £750m package to assist the country’s frontline charities during the coronavirus pandemic. Charities providing essential services and supporting vulnerable people will be eligible to receive direct funding from the government out of a £360m pool. These will include hospices, St Johns Ambulance, victims charities, vulnerable children charities and citizens [...]
Boris Johnson’s condition is ‘improving’ as he battles coronavirus April 8, 2020 Prime Minister Boris Johnson remains in intensive care in St Thomas’ hospital, but his condition is “improving”, chancellor Rishi Sunak has said. Speaking at this afternoon’s press conference, Sunak added that Johnson has “been sitting up in bed and engaging positively with his clinical team”. The chancellor said that the Prime Minister’s hospitalisation was a [...]
UK coronavirus death toll jumps by 938 to pass 7,000 April 8, 2020 The UK coronavirus death toll has jumped by 938 to hit 7,097, the Department of Health has confirmed. The figure marks an increase on the 786 fatalities recorded yesterday, as the daily death toll continues to grow ahead of the Easter weekend. Health officials have warned that the long weekend could see the peak of [...]
Invesco chiefs warn listed companies over cash calls April 8, 2020 Invesco has told listed companies they must make a convincing case for raising “precious and expensive” equity during the coronavirus pandemic. A letter sent by the co-heads of UK equities at Invesco, obtained by Sky News, sets out their expectations for corporate fundraising. It came after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced temporary measures to [...]
Bernie Sanders drops out of presidential race April 8, 2020 Bernie Sanders has dropped out of the Democratic presidential race, effectively handing the nomination to former Vice President Joe Biden. The Vermont senator made the decision today on a conference call with his campaign team, and he will be making a virtual statement to his followers today. Sanders was the favourite in the race after [...]
Channel 4 to furlough staff in £245m coronavirus cost-cutting plan April 8, 2020 Channel 4 today said it will furlough 10 per cent of staff and implement pay cuts for executives as part of a plan to save £245m during the coronavirus crisis. The broadcaster warned the TV ad market was expected to plummet 50 per cent in April and May as brands pull their campaigns during the [...]
EU hits back at former top scientist during coronavirus row April 8, 2020 The European Union’s top scientific body has hit back at its former chief after he quit last night, saying that he was in fact asked to leave his position. Mauro Ferrari said he resigned from his position as president of the European Research Council (ERC) last night because he had “lost faith in the system” [...]
