New record: UK reports more than 100,000 new Covid-19 cases in one day December 22, 2021 Britain has passed a grim milestone with more than 100,000 new Covid-19 cases reported in a single day with Omicron driving the surge.
Austria introduces tougher restrictions for UK travellers December 22, 2021 After France and Germany, Austria has become the latest EU country to tighten restrictions for those coming from the UK. From Christmas Day, Britain will be classified as a virus variant region, meaning that travellers will need to quarantine for 10 days upon entering the country. People who are fully vaccinated and have received their [...]
Tighter Covid rules in Wales will take pubs ‘into sub-viable trading’ December 22, 2021 Additional Covid restrictions from Boxing Day “will only make matters worse” for pubs and restaurants, the Welsh hospitality sector has cautioned. UKHospitality Cymru has warned. No more than six people will be allowed to meet in a group in pubs, cinemas and restaurants from 26 December, it was announced on Wednesday. What’s more, two metre [...]
US law firm lets lawyers work from home indefinitely December 22, 2021 US law firm Quinn Emanuel have told lawyers they can “work from anywhere” indefinitely, according to reports. The announcement comes as competition among US law firms, to recruit and retain talent, intensifies. While the battle for talent has so far led to a bidding war with lucrative salary hikes, flexible working arrangements appear to be [...]
Three Christmas presents for a Cabinet that lacks political grip December 22, 2021 At this time of the year hapless members of the Cabinet, and even the Prime Minister himself, are entitled to some charity. We might usefully consider the gifts we would put under their trees on Christmas morning. Top of the list could well be both a Peloton and a deckchair. Sarah Healey, permanent secretary at [...]
Brits ‘substantially’ more likely to experience food shortages than EU neighbours December 22, 2021 Brits are “substantially” more likely to have experienced food shortages in recent weeks in comparison with the UK’s European neighbours, according to the latest figures. Some 56 per cent of the UK have been met with fewer options for food, clothing, certain toys and electronic devices, a study by YouGov has found, as the country’s [...]
Gyms plead for government aid as fitness firms feel weight of Omicron December 22, 2021 Gym bosses have pleaded for government help after Omicron has caused attendance numbers at exercise classes to plummet in recent weeks. A work from home directive and scientists’ messaging to avoid socialising in the weeks before Christmas has caused people to shun fitness firms, one boss told CityA.M. While pubs and restaurants are eligible for [...]
Former PM Tony Blair calls unvaccinated ‘not just irresponsible’ but ‘idiots’ December 22, 2021 Former prime minister Tony Blair said those that refuse a Covid-19 vaccine are ‘idiots’, as around one third of Londoners remain unvaccinated. “If you’re not vaccinated and you’re eligible… You’re not just irresponsible, you’re an idiot,” Blair told Times Radio today. “It is in their own interest, never mind the public.” It is thought the [...]
Christmas in Canary Wharf: UK’s largest banks face £8.5bn HMRC bill with £35.8bn of tax under consideration December 22, 2021 Large banks face a potential £8.5bn tax liability from the UK tax authority, according to new figures obtained by Freedom of Information (FOI). The FOI to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), carried out by City law firm DLA Piper, showed that, at the end of March 2021, additional tax liability under investigation had increased by [...]
Met refers itself to watchdog over Downing Street Christmas party scandal December 22, 2021 The Metropolitan Police has referred itself to a watchdog for police over how it handled an alleged Christmas party in Downing Street last year during Covid restrictions, according to reports. Baroness Jones, a member of the Green Party, submitted a complaint over the Met’s refusal to investigate reports of an unlawful Christmas gathering at No.10 [...]