Energy groups push for government action as power prices reach record highs December 23, 2021 Energy UK is the latest industry voice calling for government support as the energy sector struggles with record wholesale gas prices.
Omicron: Risk of hospitalisation two-thirds lower, Scotland study suggests December 22, 2021 Early data from Scotland suggests Omicron is less likely to result in hospitalisations compared to Delta , says the University of Edinburgh.
Union Unite calls on government to deliver ‘urgent’ support to aviation December 22, 2021 The union Unite has called on the UK Government to deliver ‘urgent’ support to the aviation industry following Whitehall’s £1bn package for the hospitality sector. Unite has urged Chancellor Rishi Sunak to help the industry weather the uncertainty caused by the Omicron variant, “so that it can rebuild sustainably and with resilience.” “Since this crisis [...]
London theatres forced to cancel shows after Covid afflicts cast and crew December 21, 2021 London theatres have been forced to shut this week after a wave of Omicron infections hit the capital. Venues have been impacted by cast and crew testing positive for Covid while customers have cancelled tickets for performances. Productions forced to cancel shows include Aladdin, Bring It On, Cabaret, Cinderella, Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen [...]
PM to make lockdown decision by Christmas Eve December 21, 2021 Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement in the next 48 hours on whether to impose "circuit-breaker" restrictions in England to stem the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.
Sunak to let small and medium sized firms claim back Covid sick pay December 21, 2021 Small and medium-sized businesses will be allowed to claim back money from the government to cover Covid related statutory sick pay.
Hospitality bosses say Treasury support ‘borders on insulting’ as firms call for more aid December 21, 2021 Hospitality and leisure bosses have welcomed the announcement of a short-term support package for businesses but called for more. Venues have been hit hard by cancellations as the public stays away from the capital in a last attempt to dodge the highly transmissible Omicron variant before Christmas. After calls from industry bosses, Chancellor Rishi Sunak [...]
Sunak’s announces £30m boost for theatres and museums to buffer Omicron cancellations December 21, 2021 Rishi Sunak has announced this afternoon that there will be £1bn in support for businesses most impacted by Omicron across the UK, including £30m further funding through the Culture Recovery Fund to help support theatres and museums. The government will be allowing more cultural organisations in England to apply for support during the winter, and [...]
UK government launches £1bn Omicron rescue package for pubs, bars and restaurants December 21, 2021 Chancellor Rishi Sunak has launched a fresh £1bn rescue package to help sectors worst hit by the Omicron-induced economic storm survive. Pubs, bars and restaurants across England can now receive a one-off no strings attached payment of £6,000 per venue, the UK government announced today. Sunak said: “We recognise that the spread of the Omicron [...]
UK government interest bill swells at fastest rate in over a decade December 21, 2021 Soaring inflation is swelling the government’s interest bill at the fastest rate in over a decade, reveal official figures published today. Interest payments on debt held by the government climbed over £15bn, or 54.1 per cent, over the last financial year to November, the fastest rate of acceleration since 2010, according to the Office for [...]