Adapt planning and licencing rules or risk losing the high street forever June 23, 2020 The nation’s high streets have been struggling for years. Rising vacancy rates and declining footfall over the past decade have seen town centres begin to undergo a fundamental transformation — but in many ways not for the better. Empty, boarded up shops have become a depressingly familiar sight in towns and cities across the UK. [...]
FTSE 100 finishes in the red amid second wave concerns June 22, 2020 The FTSE 100 has started the week on the back foot amid growing concern over a second wave of coronavirus infections. As markets opened, the index fell 0.94 per cent to begin the day in the red at 6,233.28 points. However, the FTSE 100 trimmed some of its losses to finish 0.76 per cent down [...]
Brits to reunite with grandparents as government eases shielding rules June 22, 2020 More than 2m vulnerable people will be able to leave their homes for the first time in over three months, the government said today, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepares to announce a wider easing of social distancing rules. Advisory guidance for more than 2.2m people who are currently shielding indoors will be eased from [...]
Reading attacks: Government undertaking ‘biggest overhaul of terrorism laws in decades’ June 22, 2020 The government is currently undertaking the “biggest overhaul” of anti-terrorism laws in decades, Priti Patel said today, as the home secretary visited the site of a terror attack in Reading that took place over the weekend. A 25-year-old man, named yesterday as Khairi Saadallah, is currently being detained under terrorism powers after the stabbings on [...]
Fears for jobs at Pret A Manger after ‘leaked video reveals sales downturn’ June 22, 2020 A leaked video revealing how Pret A Manger’s sales have plummeted throughout the coronavirus lockdown has prompted fears that job cuts could be on the cards at the sandwich chain. In the clip, Pret boss Pano Christou told staff in an online meeting that an announcement about the “job situation” would be made on 8 [...]
PM expected to relax social distancing measures tomorrow June 22, 2020 Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to reveal the outcome of a review into social distancing measures tomorrow, which could see the two-metre gap relaxed. Non-essential stores have already been allowed to reopen in England, while some services will resume in Wales today. Meanwhile a mandate to wear face coverings on public transport comes into [...]
Guinness owner Diageo delays full-year results on pandemic impact June 22, 2020 Diageo is pushing back the publication of its full-year results by five days to allow more time for its auditors to assess the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. “[The delay] will allow Diageo and its auditors, PwC, sufficient time to complete the process of preparing and reviewing the results, given the practical challenges of remote [...]
Former chancellor Lord Alistair Darling backs Sunak’s VAT cut plans June 22, 2020 Former chancellor Lord Alistair Darling has backed government plans to cut VAT in a bid to boost the economy, adding that the coronavirus crisis will result in an “even more profound shock” to the UK than the 2008 financial crisis. In a foreword to a new Policy Exchange report, Darling expressed his support for current [...]
Pubs and restaurants may be forced to keep register of all guests June 21, 2020 Bars, pubs and restaurants in the UK may be forced to keep a record of all visitors under new plans to reopen the hospitality industry, the health secretary said this morning. Matt Hancock told Nick Robinson on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show that forcing venues to record customers’ personal details to assist track and trace [...]
Sunak mulls VAT cut to boost economy after lockdown June 21, 2020 Rishi Sunak is reportedly considering cutting VAT rates to provide a much-needed boost to the economy after months of lockdown. The chancellor has ordered Treasury officials to draw up plans to reduce the sales tax, including a cut in the headline rate, the Sunday Times reported. Other proposals being considered include cutting employers’ national insurance, [...]