GDP growth falls short of expectations, inching 0.1 per cent higher in October December 10, 2021 The UK’s economic growth inched just 0.1 per cent in October, according to the latest figures. The figure remains 0.5 per cent below its pre-pandemic level, the Officer for National Statistic found, falling short of economist and analyst expectations after experts had forecast a 0.4 per cent increase. Construction and hospitality were among the hardest [...]
More Christmas No.1s than The Beatles? LadBaby shoot for top spot yet again with the help of Ed Sheeran and Elton John December 10, 2021 LadBaby are going for UK Christmas number once again this year with Sausage Rolls For Everyone, a spin off from Ed Sheeran and Elton John's new festive hit.
Conservative’s poll lead falters amid Christmas party scandal December 10, 2021 The Conservative party’s poll lead has reportedly faltered today, amid allegations of prime minister Boris Johnson and his party the Covid-19 lockdown rules they imposed. A YouGov poll showed the ruling party to sink by three per cent to 33 per cent of the vote since December 2, while opposition party Labour gained four per [...]
Letters: New Covid rules, new support December 10, 2021 [Re: The party’s over, yesterday] Small businesses will undoubtedly be hit by the new restrictions implemented as part of Plan B. These businesses have only just started on their tentative recovery after nearly two years of this crisis, and many need the winter trading boost to get through to 2022 with their heads above water. [...]
Heathrow to employ ‘thousands’ ahead of next summer once Plan B eases December 10, 2021 The newly imposed Covid-19 Plan B have dampened Heathrow’s hopes of securing confidence in travel, as the restrictions weigh on already faltering demand. Demand remains 60 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, despite the US reopening its coveted travel corridor in November. “High level of cancellations by business travellers concerned about being trapped overseas because of [...]
Champions Cup kick-off has been tainted by Covid complications December 10, 2021 Cardiff and Munster’s youngsters and fringe players may be dreaming of famous upsets this weekend in the Champions Cup but, for me, the situation has tainted European club rugby’s big kick-off slightly. It’s nobody’s fault that the two teams have dozens of players unavailable after being caught up in the omicron breakout while playing in [...]
All of our cities are at risk this Christmas as they wrestle with Covid uncertainty again December 10, 2021 Boris Johnson has now confirmed our fears: Plan B will be brought in, and with it, more mask rules, Covid passports and work from home advice. It will undoubtedly have a monumental impact on businesses that rely on high footfall in city centres. December was supposed to be the month that saw many nightclubs, bars [...]
Three government parties to be investigated by top civil servant as fresh details emerge December 9, 2021 Three government parties that took place last year when London was under lockdown restrictions will be investigated by a top civil servant.
Liberal Democrats call for hospitality support amid ‘unprecedented rates’ of Christmas cancellations December 9, 2021 The Liberal Democrats have written to the government requesting urgent support for hospitality firms impacted by plan B measures. Pubs and restaurants in city centres have been concerned about a drop off in trade during what is usually their busiest time of year, following fresh work-from-home guidance. In a letter to the minister for small [...]
Plan B: Central London footfall to plummet with businesses in the lurch December 9, 2021 Central London footfall is anticipated to shrink to 50 per cent below 2019 levels following the government’s move to plan B Covid restrictions this winter. Areas like the West End are currently 20 per cent less busy than pre-pandemic levels, with retail experts at Springboard predicting the gap to widen further. Office workers were told [...]