Revealed: Government’s 50-page plan to end coronavirus lockdown May 11, 2020 The government has published a 50-page coronavirus recovery strategy that outlines key dates to restart the UK economy after lockdown. Prime Minister Boris Johnson today advised that “non-essential” English retailers could be allowed to open as soon as 1 June. Some pubs, restaurants and cinemas could open as early as 4 July as a part [...]
Taxi drivers, bus drivers and security guards most at risk from Covid-19 May 11, 2020 Security guards, taxi drivers and bus drivers are the professions most at risk from dying from Covid-19, according to new figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The new figures also revealed that health workers had no increased risk of dying from coronavirus, but that care workers and home carers had “significantly raised rates [...]
UK retailers warn government coronavirus aid not enough to prevent ‘imminent collapse’ May 11, 2020 UK retailers have warned that its financial aid package for businesses during the coronavirus crisis will not prevent the “imminent collapse” of many firms. In a letter to the chancellor Rishi Sunak and small business minister Paul Scully, the British Retail Consortium said the crisis “facing parts of the retail sector…must be addressed urgently ahead [...]
The City View podcast, from City A.M., with Shaun Bailey May 11, 2020 In this episode Christian talks to the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London, Shaun Bailey. Subscribe to The City View Podcast: Apple / Google / Spotify / RSS Bailey launches a stinging criticism of the Mayor, Sadiq Khan, for “being too slow” in leading the capital’s response to the pandemic. He also warns the Mayor [...]
Retailers call for shop reopenings based on safety standards May 10, 2020 The reopening of shops after the coronavirus lockdown should be based on safety standards rather than size or business type, a top retail chief has said. Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said she expected a “gradual lifting” of the restrictions, with schools and transport the first to reopen. But she [...]
Long queues and no discounts: London’s West End sets out rules as 600 shops prepare to reopen May 8, 2020 West End businesses have been advised to cut opening hours and abandon in-store promotions as London’s shopping and entertainment district prepares to reopen after the UK coronavirus lockdown. Retailers have been urged to only offer sales and promotions online to avoid drawing big crowds into stores. Visitor numbers will be managed with waiting areas to [...]
Exit strategy: How and when Boris Johnson will end the UK lockdown May 7, 2020 The Prime Minister is set to reveal a “roadmap” to end UK lockdown measures on Sunday, but what does the exit strategy look like, and when will measures be eased? Last week, Boris Johnson said the UK had “passed the peak” and today chairs a Cabinet meeting that will focus on what restrictions can be [...]
How the O2-Virgin Media merger will reshape the telecoms sector May 7, 2020 O2 and Virgin Media this morning confirmed they will join forces in a mammoth merger that will create a new £31bn telecoms powerhouse. The deal — reports of which first emerged last week — came as little surprise to industry watchers, though the timing of the deal in the middle of a global pandemic has [...]
Are we heading back towards single-use plastic because of coronavirus? May 7, 2020 The battle against plastic pollution has rapidly gained momentum in recent years. Our 2018 report – Plastics phase-out: exposure through the value chain – analysed the challenges across sectors beyond the use of carrier bags, microbeads and straws. We concluded that the issue was not just a point of public concern but either an opportunity for forward-thinking [...]
S4 Capital shares rise as advertising firm shrugs off Covid-19 hit May 7, 2020 Shares in S4 Capital rose as much as six per cent in early trading as the advertising firm boosted first-quarter revenue despite the impact of the coronavirus crisis. S4 Capital’s like-for-life revenue increased 17 per cent in the first three months of the year to £71m, while gross profit was up 22 per cent on [...]