news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: The shows to help children's learning while schools are shut

Parents are quickly having to get to grips with the difficult task of educating their children now that schools have been closed .
The government has announced a shutdown of schools across the UK due to the coronavirus pandemic , with children and students only allowed to attend if they are classed as vulnerable or if their parents are key workers and have no other childcare .
Which means that thousands of parents are looking for ways to teach their kids .
Fortunately , with dozens of educational shows and tools on TV , streaming platforms and online , help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include a range of shows for pre-school children , including Numberblocks , which helps with numeracy , Labuntina for educational songs , and Rusty Rivets , which shows how to use technology to solve problems .
Ryan 's Mystery Playdate is all about physical challenges and solving puzzles , while children can learn about sea creatures and their habitats through Octonauts .
On Netflix , ride with Mrs Frizzle and her students on The Magic School Bus , exploring everything from space to the human body , or choose StoryBots for answers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do computers work ? ''
and `` why ca n't I eat dessert all the time ?
`` , for example .
Amazon Prime Video also offers a range of shows for young children , including Bookaboo , which sees celebrity guests reading their favourite stories , and Dino Dan , which covers scientific information on everything from prehistoric creatures to new species .
On CBeebies , you can find Something Special , featuring Justin and Mr Tumble , who use the sign language Makaton to help youngsters learn how to communicate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follows children as they experience their `` firsts '' , from glasses and pets to bank accounts and the birth of siblings , while Alphablocks Magic Words is all about the alphabet , words and phonics .
If you want to teach your kids about climate change and the environment , Sky 's Ocean Rescue : Dive In & Do It !
is a good place to start , focusing on children as they learn how to reduce single-use plastic .
Also part of Sky Kids ' natural history and science programming is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
, also available on BBC iPlayer , which follows Maddie as she explores the world learning how things work and are made , from toilet roll ( useful at the minute ) to traffic lights .
Some older episodes are available now , with a new series due to launch on Monday 20 April .
On Amazon Prime Video , Horrible Science also covers a range of topics - from blood and why we need it , to explosions .
If you 're looking for help with exercise , you can find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sky Sports ' Kids Fit in 5 .
CBBC offers regular Newsround bulletins at 9.15am , 12.10pm and 4pm , as well as perennial favourite Blue Peter , which will continue to ask viewers to join in via send-ins and fan club live chats - and children are still encouraged to apply for their Blue Peter badges .
Sky Kids channels include current affairs and factual shows such as Braydon Meets , which follows young social media star Braydon as he interviews everyone from Tim Peake to Boris Johnson .
From 28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news show FYI will focus on the coronavirus pandemic , explaining the outbreak to children .
Horrible Histories is an established favourite and brilliant for teaching history in a fun and memorable way , while Operation Ouch will help kids learn all about biology and the human body thanks to twin doctors Dr Chris and Dr Xand , plus Dr Ronx .
On Amazon Prime Video , Great Greek Myths recounts the ancient stories in an understandable way , through animation and illustration .
Rhys Jones ' Wildlife Patrol is good for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime , while Dr Binocs makes learning fun tackling a wide range of science subjects , from black holes and comets to carnivorous plants and the digestive system .
Of course , the ultimate wildlife and natural science docu-series come from David Attenborough , and you can find the Blue Planet series on BBC iPlayer and Netflix .
Our Planet is also available on Netflix .
Another good nature series can be found on Amazon Prime Video ; Antarctica : A Year On Ice is a chronicle of what life is like living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place on Earth .
Sky Kids customers can download the Kids app , which , as well as the shows , features an interactive art studio , quizzes and learning games such as Phonics , Coding and Maths .
BBC Bitesize supports students with their studies and has recently organised all content by year group as well as key stage and subject , to make it easier for parents and students find the right resources quickly .
Students aged 14-16 can use the BBC Bitesize Revision app , while younger children can find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 5-11 year-olds .
If your child ca n't do their sums at school , who better to teach them than former Countdown maths whizz Carol Vorderman ?
She has made her online maths school , The Maths Factor , free for children aged 4-11 until schools reopen .
Social media fitness phenomenon Joe Wicks , aka The Body Coach , has become the nation 's PE teacher , delivering live workouts on YouTube every weekday at 9am .
Sir Quentin Blake , famous for bringing Roald Dahl 's books to life with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sketches on his website .
A number of online sites are offering free resources while schools are closed due to coronavirus .
Try Twinkl and Education City for a range of learning resources for different age ranges and key stages .
For maths , Hit The Button is an interactive game with quick-fire questions on everything from times tables to square numbers , aimed at children aged 6-11 ; Times Tables Rockstars also offers times tables practice .

Parents are quickly having to get to grips with the difficult task of educating their children now that schools have been closed.
The government has announced a shutdown of schools across the UK due to the coronavirus pandemic, with children and students only allowed to attend if they are classed as vulnerable or if their parents are key workers and have no other childcare.
Which means that thousands of parents are looking for ways to teach their kids. Fortunately, with dozens of educational shows and tools on TV, streaming platforms and online, help is at hand.
Image: Youngsters can get to grips with numeracy with Numberblocks. Pic: @BBC
Early years (up to age 5-6)
Sky Kids channels include a range of shows for pre-school children, including Numberblocks, which helps with numeracy, Labuntina for educational songs, and Rusty Rivets, which shows how to use technology to solve problems. Ryan's Mystery Playdate is all about physical challenges and solving puzzles, while children can learn about sea creatures and their habitats through Octonauts.
On Netflix, ride with Mrs Frizzle and her students on The Magic School Bus, exploring everything from space to the human body, or choose StoryBots for answers to all the big questions - "how do computers work?" and "why can't I eat dessert all the time?", for example.
Image: Story Bots aims to answer life's burning questions. Pic: Netflix
Amazon Prime Video also offers a range of shows for young children, including Bookaboo, which sees celebrity guests reading their favourite stories, and Dino Dan, which covers scientific information on everything from prehistoric creatures to new species.
On CBeebies, you can find Something Special, featuring Justin and Mr Tumble, who use the sign language Makaton to help youngsters learn how to communicate and develop language skills. My Very First follows children as they experience their "firsts", from glasses and pets to bank accounts and the birth of siblings, while Alphablocks Magic Words is all about the alphabet, words and phonics.
Image: Ocean Rescue: Dive In And Do It! Pic: © Sky UK Ltd
Age 5-7
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If you want to teach your kids about climate change and the environment, Sky's Ocean Rescue: Dive In & Do It! is a good place to start, focusing on children as they learn how to reduce single-use plastic.
Also part of Sky Kids' natural history and science programming is CBeebies show Maddie's Do You Know?, also available on BBC iPlayer, which follows Maddie as she explores the world learning how things work and are made, from toilet roll (useful at the minute) to traffic lights. Some older episodes are available now, with a new series due to launch on Monday 20 April.
Image: Maddie's Do You Know? Pic: © BBC
On Amazon Prime Video, Horrible Science also covers a range of topics - from blood and why we need it, to explosions.
If you're looking for help with exercise, you can find dance tutorials on Kidz Bop and fitness on Sky Sports' Kids Fit in 5.
Image: Braydon Meets. Pic: Sky UK
Age 7-12
CBBC offers regular Newsround bulletins at 9.15am, 12.10pm and 4pm, as well as perennial favourite Blue Peter, which will continue to ask viewers to join in via send-ins and fan club live chats - and children are still encouraged to apply for their Blue Peter badges.
Sky Kids channels include current affairs and factual shows such as Braydon Meets, which follows young social media star Braydon as he interviews everyone from Tim Peake to Boris Johnson. From 28 March, a special episode of weekly news show FYI will focus on the coronavirus pandemic, explaining the outbreak to children.
Image: Robert Webb as Christopher Wren in Horrible Histories: The Grisly Great Fire Of London. Pic: Lion Television
Horrible Histories is an established favourite and brilliant for teaching history in a fun and memorable way, while Operation Ouch will help kids learn all about biology and the human body thanks to twin doctors Dr Chris and Dr Xand, plus Dr Ronx.
On Amazon Prime Video, Great Greek Myths recounts the ancient stories in an understandable way, through animation and illustration.
Rhys Jones' Wildlife Patrol is good for an introduction to exotic animals and tackling wildlife crime, while Dr Binocs makes learning fun tackling a wide range of science subjects, from black holes and comets to carnivorous plants and the digestive system.
Image: Our Planet. Pic: Ben Macdonald/Silverback Films/Netflix
Of course, the ultimate wildlife and natural science docu-series come from David Attenborough, and you can find the Blue Planet series on BBC iPlayer and Netflix. Our Planet is also available on Netflix.
Another good nature series can be found on Amazon Prime Video; Antarctica: A Year On Ice is a chronicle of what life is like living in months of darkness in the coldest place on Earth.
Apps
Sky Kids customers can download the Kids app, which, as well as the shows, features an interactive art studio, quizzes and learning games such as Phonics, Coding and Maths.
BBC Bitesize supports students with their studies and has recently organised all content by year group as well as key stage and subject, to make it easier for parents and students find the right resources quickly.
Students aged 14-16 can use the BBC Bitesize Revision app, while younger children can find games tied to the UK's curricula for 5-11 year-olds.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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If your child can't do their sums at school, who better to teach them than former Countdown maths whizz Carol Vorderman? She has made her online maths school, The Maths Factor, free for children aged 4-11 until schools reopen.
Social media fitness phenomenon Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, has become the nation's PE teacher, delivering live workouts on YouTube every weekday at 9am.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Sir Quentin Blake, famous for bringing Roald Dahl's books to life with his illustrations, is also offering colouring-in sketches on his website.
A number of online sites are offering free resources while schools are closed due to coronavirus. Try Twinkl and Education City for a range of learning resources for different age ranges and key stages.
For maths, Hit The Button is an interactive game with quick-fire questions on everything from times tables to square numbers, aimed at children aged 6-11; Times Tables Rockstars also offers times tables practice.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Food banks set up around New York after millions register as unemployed

Hundreds of food banks have been set up around New York to provide three meals a day to the newly unemployed and struggling .
Volunteers at one centre in The Bronx told Sky News more and more people are coming `` in waves '' , although some are worried to leave their apartments .
A further 6.6 million Americans registered for unemployment benefits over the past seven days , taking the total jobless across the United States more than 16 million in the space of just three weeks .
The figure represents 10 % of the entire workforce , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and economists predict it will significantly exceed the 15 % jobless rate recorded during The Great Depression .
One New Yorker , Jamie Evans , lost her job of twelve years last week .
She said : `` I do n't know how I 'm going to get medical insurance , that concerns me because I need medical for my health conditions .
How am I going to buy food ?
It 's very stressful , I have anxiety , I ca n't sleep because I do n't know day-to-day what I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to make it . ''
We met Joshua Aviles searching for food after two days going without .
Until a few days ago he had a job in a supermarket .
`` I just found out today I lost one of my friends to COVID-19 , '' he said .
`` He died on Thursday and I did n't know that until now , I 've just been really sad .
I 'm really hungry . ''
The unemployment figures , already vast , are set to get much worse .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 40 million will eventually be out of a job as a direct result of the pandemic .
: :Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Record employment forged over the past five years has been wiped out .
Some 15 million found themselves out of work during the 2007-09 recession .
That total ticked up over an 18 month period , but America has now surpassed that in a few short weeks .
The are new signs that President Donald Trump is growing impatient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a growing economy and strong stock market and hopes to campaign off the back of that later in the year .
He had originally suggested lifting restrictions and re-opening the economy by Easter , this weekend .
That can not happen .
But although deaths remain very high the curve is flattening in the hardest hit state , New York , and he there is concern among experts that this will encourage Mr Trump to loosen the lockdown .
Even so , few share his optimism that the economy will `` skyrocket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take months and possibly years for the US market to fully recover .
America 's `` other crisis '' has a long way to run , and its effect on society already is truly vast .

Hundreds of food banks have been set up around New York to provide three meals a day to the newly unemployed and struggling.
Volunteers at one centre in The Bronx told Sky News more and more people are coming "in waves", although some are worried to leave their apartments.
A further 6.6 million Americans registered for unemployment benefits over the past seven days, taking the total jobless across the United States more than 16 million in the space of just three weeks.
The figure represents 10% of the entire workforce, a similar size to a small country, and economists predict it will significantly exceed the 15% jobless rate recorded during The Great Depression.
Image: Jamie Evans lost her jobs after 12 years
One New Yorker, Jamie Evans, lost her job of twelve years last week.
She said: "I don't know how I'm going to get medical insurance, that concerns me because I need medical for my health conditions. How am I going to buy food? It's very stressful, I have anxiety, I can't sleep because I don't know day-to-day what I'm going to do or if I'm going to make it."
We met Joshua Aviles searching for food after two days going without. Until a few days ago he had a job in a supermarket.
"I just found out today I lost one of my friends to COVID-19," he said.
"He died on Thursday and I didn't know that until now, I've just been really sad. I'm really hungry."
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The unemployment figures, already vast, are set to get much worse. Some of the more pessimistic predictions estimate upwards of 40 million will eventually be out of a job as a direct result of the pandemic.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
::Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Record employment forged over the past five years has been wiped out. Some 15 million found themselves out of work during the 2007-09 recession. That total ticked up over an 18 month period, but America has now surpassed that in a few short weeks.
The are new signs that President Donald Trump is growing impatient again. He has so often boasted of a growing economy and strong stock market and hopes to campaign off the back of that later in the year.
Image: Two volunteers are seen preparing packages in the food bank.
He had originally suggested lifting restrictions and re-opening the economy by Easter, this weekend. That cannot happen.
But although deaths remain very high the curve is flattening in the hardest hit state, New York, and he there is concern among experts that this will encourage Mr Trump to loosen the lockdown.
Even so, few share his optimism that the economy will "skyrocket" soon, instead believing that it will take months and possibly years for the US market to fully recover.
America's "other crisis" has a long way to run, and its effect on society already is truly vast.


news--2020-04-08--Coronavirus: #OneMillionClaps appeal aims to raise at least £5m for NHS workers

A new appeal being launched on Thursday aims to raise at least £5m to support NHS workers battling coronavirus .
Organised by NHS Charities Together , the # OneMillionClaps appeal aims to inspire at least one million Britons to donate £5 by texting `` clap '' to 70507 along with a message of support .
The money raised will be used to provide NHS nurses , doctors , staff and volunteers with food , travel , accommodation and counselling during the COVID-19 crisis .
The appeal will begin on Thursday evening when Britons are again expected to applaud NHS workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a row .
Comedian David Walliams has voiced a short film featuring NHS staff to promote the # OneMillionClaps appeal .
It also features a re-recording of Queen 's hit We Will Rock You with the new lyric : `` NHS , we love you .
We say , we say , thank you . ''
For the last two weeks , people all over the UK - including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and countless celebrities - have joined in the `` clap for our carers '' campaign on Thursday evenings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts on the coronavirus frontline .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The oldest bell at Canterbury Cathedral is to toll every evening in remembrance of those who have died from Covid-19 , and to celebrate the heroism of frontline workers .
Ellie Orton , chief executive of NHS Charities Together - the umbrella organisation for NHS charities - said : `` Like everyone else I 've been incredibly moved by the millions of us showing our public support for our health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I really hope # OneMillionClaps inspires those who can to give a donation that will make a real difference to the amazing staff and volunteers who are daily saving lives and battling against this horrible virus on our behalf . ''
`` Every single penny raised for nurses , doctors and NHS staff in this way will go to help those health service workers who are working so hard and risking so much to help us . ''
Messages of support sent with each donation will be forwarded to local NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local hospitals .
You can donate £5 to the appeal by texting to 70507 followed by the word `` CLAP '' and a message of support .

A new appeal being launched on Thursday aims to raise at least £5m to support NHS workers battling coronavirus.
Organised by NHS Charities Together, the #OneMillionClaps appeal aims to inspire at least one million Britons to donate £5 by texting "clap" to 70507 along with a message of support.
The money raised will be used to provide NHS nurses, doctors, staff and volunteers with food, travel, accommodation and counselling during the COVID-19 crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Britons salute NHS heroes
The appeal will begin on Thursday evening when Britons are again expected to applaud NHS workers from their doorsteps for the third week in a row.
Comedian David Walliams has voiced a short film featuring NHS staff to promote the #OneMillionClaps appeal.
It also features a re-recording of Queen's hit We Will Rock You with the new lyric: "NHS, we love you. We say, we say, thank you."
For the last two weeks, people all over the UK - including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and countless celebrities - have joined in the "clap for our carers" campaign on Thursday evenings, in order to thank NHS staff for efforts on the coronavirus frontline.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The oldest bell at Canterbury Cathedral is to toll every evening in remembrance of those who have died from Covid-19, and to celebrate the heroism of frontline workers.
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Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together - the umbrella organisation for NHS charities - said: "Like everyone else I've been incredibly moved by the millions of us showing our public support for our health service over the last two Thursday evenings.
"I really hope #OneMillionClaps inspires those who can to give a donation that will make a real difference to the amazing staff and volunteers who are daily saving lives and battling against this horrible virus on our behalf."
"Every single penny raised for nurses, doctors and NHS staff in this way will go to help those health service workers who are working so hard and risking so much to help us."
Messages of support sent with each donation will be forwarded to local NHS charities and sent to the donors' local hospitals.
You can donate £5 to the appeal by texting to 70507 followed by the word "CLAP" and a message of support.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Banks in fresh clash over Sunak's flagship SME loan scheme

An emergency funding scheme set up by the chancellor to funnel interest-free loans to small businesses has triggered a further flashpoint over banks ' rejection of funding applications by companies with private equity backers .
Sky News has learnt that a growing number of small and medium-sized companies ( SMEs ) part-owned by buyout firms are being told by lenders which have signed up to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme ( CBILS ) that they can not gain access to it .
When pressed , some banks are informing SMEs that their turnover is above the £45m CBILS eligibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure comprising other businesses owned by the same private equity investor .
The stance has ignited fresh controversy over the scheme , which in the space of a fortnight has already been relaunched and triggered a furious blame game between the commercial lenders , the British Business Bank ( BBB ) and the Treasury .
Last week , Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , removed the requirement for banks to first assess whether SMEs are eligible for their other lending products before considering them for CBILS .
The new scheme provides interest-free and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 months , with a low-interest rate at the end of the period .
Sky News has seen an email to one small business from a manager at Lloyds Banking Group indicating that the bank would not lend in cases where the majority shareholder is a private equity firm .
Other high street lenders are responding to private equity-owned applicants in a similar way .
Sources close to Lloyds confirmed that it was adhering to the guidance provided by the BBB , the scheme 's administrator , which says : `` CBILS is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turnover less than £45m .
`` In calculating the turnover it may sometimes be necessary to consolidate to a private equity sponsor or venture capital investor .
`` Provided that the shareholding by a PE sponsor or VC is less than 50 % of the share capital or voting rights there is no need to consolidate [ turnover figures , but if ] the shareholding or voting rights are greater than 50 % it may be necessary to consolidate if there is also dominant control of management exercised by the PE/VC investor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they are among those being turned down for CBILS applications .
The latest row is significant because of the substantial chunk of Britain 's economy which is backed by hundreds of billions of pounds of private equity funding - much of it invested in companies with a turnover of less than £45m .
One investor who has seen a CBILS loan application rejected by a high street lender said : `` These are n't huge private equity-backed businesses .
`` A sole individual owner of the same business is likely far more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their business than a private equity owner .
`` Companies and jobs will be lost , precisely the outcome trying to be avoided . ''
In a statement to Sky News , Michael Moore , director-general of the British Venture Capital Association said : `` As we understand , but not officially confirmed to us by the British Business Bank , the EU SME definition is being applied in its full-scope to eligibility for CBILS .
`` We believe all businesses operating in the UK , including companies backed by private equity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this support .
`` Our analysis is there is legal flexibility available to countries in how they apply the SME definition , and we have very strongly urged the Government to use their discretion to ensure that CBILS is agnostic about company ownership or capital structure ( except in relation to subsidiaries that are required under accounting rules to be consolidated into corporate accounts ) . ''
Data published this week showed that funding delivered through CBILS doubled to £453m between last Friday and Tuesday evening .
Stephen Jones , chief executive of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reforms to the scheme confirmed last week by the chancellor will help more viable businesses access the support they need .
`` We continue to work closely with the government and British Business Bank to ensure this scheme works in the best way possible to get money to viable businesses that require it . ''
Banks and social media platforms have been deluged with complaints from SMEs about the difficulty of getting through to their lenders to discuss CBILS since the scheme was unveiled by Mr Sunak .
Banking sources have been at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank branch networks closed and absenteeism at unprecedented levels because of the coronavirus outbreak , the industry has been working relentlessly to get the emergency loan scheme up-and-running .

An emergency funding scheme set up by the chancellor to funnel interest-free loans to small businesses has triggered a further flashpoint over banks' rejection of funding applications by companies with private equity backers.
Sky News has learnt that a growing number of small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) part-owned by buyout firms are being told by lenders which have signed up to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) that they cannot gain access to it.
When pressed, some banks are informing SMEs that their turnover is above the £45m CBILS eligibility threshold on the basis of an aggregated figure comprising other businesses owned by the same private equity investor.
The stance has ignited fresh controversy over the scheme, which in the space of a fortnight has already been relaunched and triggered a furious blame game between the commercial lenders, the British Business Bank (BBB) and the Treasury.
Last week, Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, removed the requirement for banks to first assess whether SMEs are eligible for their other lending products before considering them for CBILS.
The new scheme provides interest-free and fee-free loans of up to £5m for 12 months, with a low-interest rate at the end of the period.
Sky News has seen an email to one small business from a manager at Lloyds Banking Group indicating that the bank would not lend in cases where the majority shareholder is a private equity firm.
Other high street lenders are responding to private equity-owned applicants in a similar way.
Sources close to Lloyds confirmed that it was adhering to the guidance provided by the BBB, the scheme's administrator, which says: "CBILS is only available to businesses who have a turnover less than £45m.
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"In calculating the turnover it may sometimes be necessary to consolidate to a private equity sponsor or venture capital investor.
"Provided that the shareholding by a PE sponsor or VC is less than 50% of the share capital or voting rights there is no need to consolidate [turnover figures, but if] the shareholding or voting rights are greater than 50% it may be necessary to consolidate if there is also dominant control of management exercised by the PE/VC investor."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Workers laid off despite furlough scheme
That stipulation has angered entrepreneurs who say they are among those being turned down for CBILS applications.
The latest row is significant because of the substantial chunk of Britain's economy which is backed by hundreds of billions of pounds of private equity funding - much of it invested in companies with a turnover of less than £45m.
One investor who has seen a CBILS loan application rejected by a high street lender said: "These aren't huge private equity-backed businesses.
"A sole individual owner of the same business is likely far more capable of putting short term funding into their business than a private equity owner.
"Companies and jobs will be lost, precisely the outcome trying to be avoided."
In a statement to Sky News, Michael Moore, director-general of the British Venture Capital Association said: "As we understand, but not officially confirmed to us by the British Business Bank, the EU SME definition is being applied in its full-scope to eligibility for CBILS.
"We believe all businesses operating in the UK, including companies backed by private equity and venture capital, should have access to this support.
"Our analysis is there is legal flexibility available to countries in how they apply the SME definition, and we have very strongly urged the Government to use their discretion to ensure that CBILS is agnostic about company ownership or capital structure (except in relation to subsidiaries that are required under accounting rules to be consolidated into corporate accounts)."
Data published this week showed that funding delivered through CBILS doubled to £453m between last Friday and Tuesday evening.
Stephen Jones, chief executive of UK Finance, said: "The reforms to the scheme confirmed last week by the chancellor will help more viable businesses access the support they need.
"We continue to work closely with the government and British Business Bank to ensure this scheme works in the best way possible to get money to viable businesses that require it."
Banks and social media platforms have been deluged with complaints from SMEs about the difficulty of getting through to their lenders to discuss CBILS since the scheme was unveiled by Mr Sunak.
Banking sources have been at pains to point out that with most bank branch networks closed and absenteeism at unprecedented levels because of the coronavirus outbreak, the industry has been working relentlessly to get the emergency loan scheme up-and-running.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: 'Deeply disappointed' Queen forced to break with Maundy tradition

The Queen has had to break with tradition for one of her `` most rewarding duties as sovereign '' and is using the post to send out her annual Maundy money .
Every year on Maundy Thursday , her Majesty hands out specially minted coins to pensioners from across the UK , to reward their community spirit .
This year , the service has been cancelled due to coronavirus .
Instead , to mark the occasion this year , the 188 recipients who should have attended the Royal Maundy Service in St George 's chapel at Windsor Castle have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 pence piece in a purse , along with a letter from the Queen .
In the personal letter , she underlined her disappointment that the service will not take place as usual .
It read : `` I have great pleasure in sending you the Maundy Gift which , unfortunately , I am unable to distribute to you personally .
`` This ancient Christian ceremony , which reflects Jesus 's instruction to his Disciples to love one another , is a call to the service of others , something that has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I believe it is a call to service for all of us . ''
The Queen has spoken before of how her own Christian faith has been an inspiration and an anchor for her during her 68-year reign .
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper and how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples .
In her letter , the Queen described the significance of the service to her , writing : `` It is one of my most rewarding duties as Sovereign to observe this highly significant ceremony at such an important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know that you , as a recipient of this year 's Maundy Gift , will be as deeply disappointed as I am that it is not going ahead , while understanding the necessary decision in the current circumstances .
`` However , this should not mean your invaluable contribution within the community goes unnoticed , and I am sending this Maundy Gift to thank you for your Christian service .
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this difficult time . ''
Those who receive the Maundy gifts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by their local dioceses for their outstanding contributions to their local church and community life .
The palace posted photographs of the coins and some of the worthy recipients on their social media channels .
Among them is Thomas Brock from Sunbury-on-Thames , who is 101 , and the oldest active bell ringer in the world .
He has rung the bells at his local church , St Mary 's , since he was seven years old and the only time he could not be heard ringing the bells was during the Second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prisoner of war .
This year the £5 coin in the commemorative purses is in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the poet William Wordsworth , while the 50 pence piece pays tribute to the Great Britain Olympic Team .

The Queen has had to break with tradition for one of her "most rewarding duties as sovereign" and is using the post to send out her annual Maundy money.
Every year on Maundy Thursday, her Majesty hands out specially minted coins to pensioners from across the UK, to reward their community spirit.
This year, the service has been cancelled due to coronavirus.
Image: Jane Armstrong, 76, from Durham, where she runs crisis support groups and foodbanks
Instead, to mark the occasion this year, the 188 recipients who should have attended the Royal Maundy Service in St George's chapel at Windsor Castle have been sent the traditional £5 coin and a 50 pence piece in a purse, along with a letter from the Queen.
In the personal letter, she underlined her disappointment that the service will not take place as usual.
It read: "I have great pleasure in sending you the Maundy Gift which, unfortunately, I am unable to distribute to you personally.
"This ancient Christian ceremony, which reflects Jesus's instruction to his Disciples to love one another, is a call to the service of others, something that has been at the centre of my life. I believe it is a call to service for all of us."
The Queen has spoken before of how her own Christian faith has been an inspiration and an anchor for her during her 68-year reign.
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper and how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples.
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In her letter, the Queen described the significance of the service to her, writing: "It is one of my most rewarding duties as Sovereign to observe this highly significant ceremony at such an important point in the Christian calendar.
"I know that you, as a recipient of this year's Maundy Gift, will be as deeply disappointed as I am that it is not going ahead, while understanding the necessary decision in the current circumstances.
Image: Thomas Brock, 101, who is the oldest active bell-ringer in the world
Image: Reverend Hilary Murphy, one of 188 recipients of a letter from the Queen, along with the Maundy Gift of a purse of specially-minted money
"However, this should not mean your invaluable contribution within the community goes unnoticed, and I am sending this Maundy Gift to thank you for your Christian service. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this difficult time."
Those who receive the Maundy gifts are normally over 70 and are nominated by their local dioceses for their outstanding contributions to their local church and community life.
Image: Bill Allen, 100, from Chelmsford. He was a dispatch rider with General Montgomery in the Second World War and is another recipient
Image: Jim Byers, who also received the Maundy Gift
The palace posted photographs of the coins and some of the worthy recipients on their social media channels.
Among them is Thomas Brock from Sunbury-on-Thames, who is 101, and the oldest active bell ringer in the world.
Image: The specially minted Maundy money usually given in person at the Royal Maundy Service
Image: The letter from the Queen sent to 188 recipients of the Maundy Gift
He has rung the bells at his local church, St Mary's, since he was seven years old and the only time he could not be heard ringing the bells was during the Second World War, when he was a prisoner of war.
This year the £5 coin in the commemorative purses is in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the poet William Wordsworth, while the 50 pence piece pays tribute to the Great Britain Olympic Team.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Government expands its overdraft in preparation for economic fallout

The government has expanded its overdraft with the Bank of England to make sure it has enough cash to cope with the economic fallout from coronavirus .
The move will see the government 's bank account at the central bank - known as the Ways and Means Facility - rise to an undisclosed amount .
It would mean the government has access to funds if the COVID-19 pandemic leaves it unable to easily raise money from markets .
The facility usually stands at around £400m but when it was last expanded in the 2008 financial crisis , its value increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , the Treasury and the BoE said : `` As a temporary measure , this will provide a short-term source of additional liquidity to the government if needed to smooth its cash flows and support the orderly functioning of markets , through the period of disruption from COVID-19 .
`` The government will continue to use the markets as its primary source of financing , and its response to COVID-19 will be fully funded by additional borrowing through normal debt management operations .
`` Any drawings will be repaid as soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sky 's economics editor Ed Conway described the move as `` another sign that , while ( the government is ) currently able to sell debt into the open market , it is taking no risks '' .
He said the BoE being able to lend money directly to the government is not unprecedented but `` it further muddies the waters of whether money is being printed to keep the government solvent '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ example BoE ) and fiscal ( for example gilt auctions ) financing of government is already a grey area , especially when the BoE is buying £200bn gilts , '' he said .
`` The BoE insists it decides that independently .
That 's a fig leaf of sorts - important , but a fig leaf .
And the leaf keeps getting smaller . ''
Fran Boait , executive director of Positive Money , said : `` Direct monetary financing allows the government to deliver the necessary spending to save lives , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be overburdened with future debt repayments .
`` It also ensures that the Treasury has access to funding even if government debt markets are disrupted , as we have seen signs of during the coronavirus crisis . ''

The government has expanded its overdraft with the Bank of England to make sure it has enough cash to cope with the economic fallout from coronavirus.
The move will see the government's bank account at the central bank - known as the Ways and Means Facility - rise to an undisclosed amount.
It would mean the government has access to funds if the COVID-19 pandemic leaves it unable to easily raise money from markets.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:08 How the economy will cope with coronavirus
The facility usually stands at around £400m but when it was last expanded in the 2008 financial crisis, its value increased briefly to £19bn.
In a joint statement, the Treasury and the BoE said: "As a temporary measure, this will provide a short-term source of additional liquidity to the government if needed to smooth its cash flows and support the orderly functioning of markets, through the period of disruption from COVID-19.
"The government will continue to use the markets as its primary source of financing, and its response to COVID-19 will be fully funded by additional borrowing through normal debt management operations.
"Any drawings will be repaid as soon as possible before the end of the year."
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Sky's economics editor Ed Conway described the move as "another sign that, while (the government is) currently able to sell debt into the open market, it is taking no risks".
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He said the BoE being able to lend money directly to the government is not unprecedented but "it further muddies the waters of whether money is being printed to keep the government solvent".
"The distinction between monetary (for example BoE) and fiscal (for example gilt auctions) financing of government is already a grey area, especially when the BoE is buying £200bn gilts," he said.
"The BoE insists it decides that independently. That's a fig leaf of sorts - important, but a fig leaf. And the leaf keeps getting smaller."
Fran Boait, executive director of Positive Money, said: "Direct monetary financing allows the government to deliver the necessary spending to save lives, while reassuring the public that they will not be overburdened with future debt repayments.
"It also ensures that the Treasury has access to funding even if government debt markets are disrupted, as we have seen signs of during the coronavirus crisis."


news--2020-04-09--Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky sex scandal whistleblower Linda Tripp dies

Linda Tripp , whose secretly recorded conversations with White House intern Monica Lewinsky led to the 1998 impeachment of President Bill Clinton , has died at the age of 70 .
Her death was confirmed to the Washington Post by her son , Ryan Tripp , and to the New York Post by her son-in-law , Thomas Foley , who said Ms Tripp 's unspecified illness was unrelated to coronavirus .
Ms Tripp was a secretary in the White House counsel 's office in the early years of Mr Clinton 's presidency before she was transferred to the Pentagon 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 years her junior .
As the two became close and Lewinsky revealed her past sexual relationship with Mr Clinton , Ms Tripp began recording their private telephone conversations in which Lewinsky documented her affair with the president in graphic detail .
Ms Tripp ultimately turned over hours of those tapes to independent counsel Kenneth Starr , who was investigating potential wrongdoing by Mr Clinton , the former Arkansas governor , stemming from the failed Whitewater real estate venture in the Ozarks .
She was granted immunity from illegal wiretapping charges in exchange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker On the basis of the tapes , Mr Starr obtained permission to expand his probe into the Clinton-Lewinsky affair .
Ms Tripp also brought to light one of the most notorious pieces of evidence in the scandal , the semen-stained blue dress that Lewinsky had told her she had worn during a sexual encounter in the White House with the president .
Ms Tripp recounted that Lewinsky had once shown her the dress , and that she persuaded the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DNA analysis of the item forced Mr Clinton to recant his infamous , public denial of his affair with Lewinsky - `` I did not have sexual relations with that woman '' .
The revelations also led the Republican-controlled US House of Representatives to impeach Mr Clinton for perjury and obstruction of justice over statements he made denying the affair under oath as part of a sexual harassment lawsuit brought against him by former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones .
He was acquitted in the Senate .
Ms Tripp was vilified by Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend for partisan political motives , but she insisted she had done the right thing in exposing the president 's misconduct .
Ms Tripp was fired from her Pentagon job on Mr Clinton 's final day in office in January 2001 , and later settled with her husband in Middleburg , Virginia , outside Washington .

Linda Tripp, whose secretly recorded conversations with White House intern Monica Lewinsky led to the 1998 impeachment of President Bill Clinton, has died at the age of 70.
Her death was confirmed to the Washington Post by her son, Ryan Tripp, and to the New York Post by her son-in-law, Thomas Foley, who said Ms Tripp's unspecified illness was unrelated to coronavirus.
Image: A photograph showing former intern Monica Lewinsky meeting Bill Clinton at a White House function
Ms Tripp was a secretary in the White House counsel's office in the early years of Mr Clinton's presidency before she was transferred to the Pentagon's public affairs office and befriended Lewinsky, 24 years her junior.
As the two became close and Lewinsky revealed her past sexual relationship with Mr Clinton, Ms Tripp began recording their private telephone conversations in which Lewinsky documented her affair with the president in graphic detail.
Image: Monica Lewinsky was an intern at the White House
Ms Tripp ultimately turned over hours of those tapes to independent counsel Kenneth Starr, who was investigating
potential wrongdoing by Mr Clinton, the former Arkansas governor, stemming from the failed Whitewater real estate venture in the Ozarks.
She was granted immunity from illegal wiretapping charges in exchange for the recordings.
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On the basis of the tapes, Mr Starr obtained permission to expand his probe into the Clinton-Lewinsky affair.
Ms Tripp also brought to light one of the most notorious pieces of evidence in the scandal, the semen-stained blue dress that Lewinsky had told her she had worn during a sexual encounter in the White House with the president.
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Image: President Bill Clinton reacts to being impeached by the House of Representatives in December 1998
Ms Tripp recounted that Lewinsky had once shown her the dress, and that she persuaded the former intern not to get it dry-cleaned.
DNA analysis of the item forced Mr Clinton to recant his infamous, public denial of his affair with Lewinsky - "I did not have sexual relations with that woman".
The revelations also led the Republican-controlled US House of Representatives to impeach Mr Clinton for perjury and
obstruction of justice over statements he made denying the affair under oath as part of a sexual harassment lawsuit brought against him by former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones.
Image: Monica Lewinsky (c) with police officers and her lawyer William Ginsburg in 1998
He was acquitted in the Senate.
Ms Tripp was vilified by Mr Clinton's supporters as having betrayed a friend for partisan political motives, but she insisted she had done the right thing in exposing the president's misconduct.
Ms Tripp was fired from her Pentagon job on Mr Clinton's final day in office in January 2001, and later settled with her husband in Middleburg, Virginia, outside Washington.


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Union bosses beg chancellor for aviation aid

Two of Britain 's most powerful trade union bosses have implored the chancellor to speed up access to the government 's emergency wage subsidy scheme or face the collapse of the ground handling companies that underpin the aviation sector .
Sky News has been passed a letter sent this week by Len McCluskey and Tim Roache , the general secretaries of Unite and the GMB respectively , along with the bosses of the industry 's major players , in which they warn that the `` future of our collective businesses is under immediate threat '' .
The chief executives of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Worldwide Flight Services have been collectively pleading for government support in recent weeks , but with few signs of an industry-wide support package materialising .
In their joint letter with the unions , they urged Rishi Sunak to provide clarity on the availability of funding from the coronavirus job retention scheme .
`` We need access to the funds without delay , '' they wrote .
`` If access is delayed or there is a continued lack of transparency , we will be unable to pay our employees and our businesses will ultimately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers and cargo that fly into , around and out of the UK pass through our businesses , without urgent access to the job retention scheme funding we will not be able to support our businesses in the short term nor will we be around to support the aviation sector upturn just as soon as the crisis concludes .
`` This would seriously hinder the recovery of the UK economy . ''
The letter is a rare example of unions and company chief executives engaging in collective lobbying - which industry sources say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sector employing tens of thousands of people .
The ground-handling bosses also repeated a request for relief from business rates in a bid to aid their cash flows .
`` These organisations do not seek a bailout or require handouts .
`` We simply ask that your office expedites the introduction of the reimbursement process of the job retention scheme as swiftly as possible . ''

Two of Britain's most powerful trade union bosses have implored the chancellor to speed up access to the government's emergency wage subsidy scheme or face the collapse of the ground handling companies that underpin the aviation sector.
Sky News has been passed a letter sent this week by Len McCluskey and Tim Roache, the general secretaries of Unite and the GMB respectively, along with the bosses of the industry's major players, in which they warn that the "future of our collective businesses is under immediate threat".
The chief executives of Dnata, Menzies Aviation, Swissport and Worldwide Flight Services have been collectively pleading for government support in recent weeks, but with few signs of an industry-wide support package materialising.
In their joint letter with the unions, they urged Rishi Sunak to provide clarity on the availability of funding from the coronavirus job retention scheme.
"We need access to the funds without delay," they wrote.
"If access is delayed or there is a continued lack of transparency, we will be unable to pay our employees and our businesses will ultimately fail.
"Ninety percent of all passengers and cargo that fly into, around and out of the UK pass through our businesses, without urgent access to the job retention scheme funding we will not be able to support our businesses in the short term nor will we be around to support the aviation sector upturn just as soon as the crisis concludes.
"This would seriously hinder the recovery of the UK economy."
The letter is a rare example of unions and company chief executives engaging in collective lobbying - which industry sources say underlines the gravity of the crisis facing a sector employing tens of thousands of people.
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The ground-handling bosses also repeated a request for relief from business rates in a bid to aid their cash flows.
"These organisations do not seek a bailout or require handouts.
"We simply ask that your office expedites the introduction of the reimbursement process of the job retention scheme as swiftly as possible."


news--2020-04-09--Coronavirus: Carrie Symonds joins 'Clap For Our Carers' as Boris Johnson moves out intensive care

Boris Johnson 's pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds has paid her own tribute to NHS workers - just moments after it was revealed the prime minister had moved out of intensive care .
Ms Symonds joined Britons up and down the country as they once again applauded those battling coronavirus on the front line .
For the third Thursday evening in a row , people across the UK stepped out onto their doorsteps and balconies , or hung out of windows , to take part in the `` # ClapForOurCarers '' campaign .
The evening 's national applause took place shortly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer receiving critical care at St Thomas ' Hospital in London - where he was admitted due to his coronavirus symptoms persisting .
Number 10 said the prime minister will now receive `` close monitoring '' from his NHS team `` during the early phase of his recovery '' .
Ms Symonds , who works for an ocean conservation charity , tweeted a series of clapping emojis shortly after 8pm on Thursday .
She also posted a picture of a rainbow , which has come to symbolise the nation 's thanks for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blue lights from a row of fire engines and police vehicles on Westminster Bridge lit up the outside of St Thomas ' during the national round of applause from 8pm : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker More than 10 emergency vehicles , including several boats on the River Thames - one spraying jets of water - performed the display as dozens of police and firefighters applauded .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab , who is deputising for Mr Johnson while the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Office alongside Chancellor Rishi Sunak .
Labour 's new leader Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria joined in the applause outside his north London home , while Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon posted on Twitter to reveal she had `` made it home in time tonight to join my neighbours in the # ClapForOurCarers '' .
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge used Thursday evening 's applause to promote the work of charity Give Us A Shout , a 24/7 crisis text service available for when people feel they need immediate @ @

Boris Johnson's pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds has paid her own tribute to NHS workers - just moments after it was revealed the prime minister had moved out of intensive care.
Ms Symonds joined Britons up and down the country as they once again applauded those battling coronavirus on the front line.
For the third Thursday evening in a row, people across the UK stepped out onto their doorsteps and balconies, or hung out of windows, to take part in the "#ClapForOurCarers" campaign.
The evening's national applause took place shortly after Downing Street announced Mr Johnson was no longer receiving critical care at St Thomas' Hospital in London - where he was admitted due to his coronavirus symptoms persisting.
Number 10 said the prime minister will now receive "close monitoring" from his NHS team "during the early phase of his recovery".
Ms Symonds, who works for an ocean conservation charity, tweeted a series of clapping emojis shortly after 8pm on Thursday.
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She also posted a picture of a rainbow, which has come to symbolise the nation's thanks for NHS workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Blue lights from a row of fire engines and police vehicles on Westminster Bridge lit up the outside of St Thomas' during the national round of applause from 8pm
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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More than 10 emergency vehicles, including several boats on the River Thames - one spraying jets of water - performed the display as dozens of police and firefighters applauded.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for Mr Johnson while the prime minister remains in hospital, clapped outside the Foreign Office alongside Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Labour's new leader Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria joined in the applause outside his north London home, while Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon posted on Twitter to reveal she had "made it home in time tonight to join my neighbours in the #ClapForOurCarers".
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge used Thursday evening's applause to promote the work of charity Give Us A Shout, a 24/7 crisis text service available for when people feel they need immediate support.


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: Buyout giants to get lifeline from new loan scheme

Some of Britain 's biggest privately owned companies will get a lifeline on Friday when they are given access to a new emergency scheme which allows them to borrow up to £50m of government-guaranteed debt .
Sky News has learnt that the Treasury has decided to allow companies which are majority-owned by major private equity groups to access the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme ( CLBILS ) on an individual basis .
Buyout firms had been uncertain about whether a single £50m loan cap would be applied across a financial sponsor 's entire portfolio of investments .
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker However , sources said on Thursday that ministers had agreed to allow such private equity-backed businesses to apply for loans under CLBILS on a standalone basis .
The decision will come as a relief to buyout firms which have become some of the biggest private sector employers in the UK .
Firms such as Apax Partners , Blackstone , Carlyle , KKR , Permira and TDR Capital have amassed controlling stakes in companies employing tens of thousands of people across each of their portfolios .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as retail and hospitality , which have been particularly badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Among the household-name companies majority-owned by private equity firms in the UK are Merlin Entertainments , the owner of Legoland and Alton Towers , David Lloyd Leisure and Dr Martens .
Sources said the chancellor , Rishi Sunak , would announce on Friday that CLBILS would be launched from next Monday .
One insider suggested that the terms allowing private equity-backed companies to use it could also be extended to the CBILS scheme for smaller companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ https : //news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-banks-in-fresh-clash-over-sunaks-flagship-sme-loan-scheme-1197127 ) that private equity firms were unhappy that the £45m CBILS turnover threshold was rendering their investee companies ineligible because banks were consolidating turnover figures across their investment portfolios .
Mr Sunak is expected to confirm a Sky News report from last weekend that the Treasury will double the sums that can be borrowed under the CLBILS scheme from the originally envisaged £25m to £50m .
The Treasury also plans to remove an upper £500m turnover threshold in an effort to help even larger companies - described as 'the stranded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a separate funding initiative operated by the Bank of England because they do not possess an investment grade credit rating .
The smaller loan guarantee programme has itself already been overhauled since its launch , with participating banks agreeing to stop demanding personal guarantees from SME customers , and Mr Sunak abolishing a requirement for lenders to first evaluate SMEs ' eligibility for other corporate loan products .
A growing row has erupted about the speed at which loans are finding their way to stricken companies , although figures published this week highlighted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubled to more than 6000 within the space of seven days .
Some businesses say they are impressed at the speed with which ministers are prepared to make adjustments to the bailout programmes where there are apparent bottlenecks .
On Saturday , Sky News revealed that Mr Sunak was preparing to formally appoint Richard Sharp , his former Goldman Sachs boss , as a strategic adviser on the economic repercussions of the pandemic .
The Treasury could not be reached for comment .

Some of Britain's biggest privately owned companies will get a lifeline on Friday when they are given access to a new emergency scheme which allows them to borrow up to £50m of government-guaranteed debt.
Sky News has learnt that the Treasury has decided to allow companies which are majority-owned by major private equity groups to access the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) on an individual basis.
Buyout firms had been uncertain about whether a single £50m loan cap would be applied across a financial sponsor's entire portfolio of investments.
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:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
However, sources said on Thursday that ministers had agreed to allow such private equity-backed businesses to apply for loans under CLBILS on a standalone basis.
The decision will come as a relief to buyout firms which have become some of the biggest private sector employers in the UK.
Firms such as Apax Partners, Blackstone, Carlyle, KKR, Permira and TDR Capital have amassed controlling stakes in companies employing tens of thousands of people across each of their portfolios.
Many of their interests are in sectors such as retail and hospitality, which have been particularly badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the household-name companies majority-owned by private equity firms in the UK are Merlin Entertainments, the owner of Legoland and Alton Towers, David Lloyd Leisure and Dr Martens.
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Sources said the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, would announce on Friday that CLBILS would be launched from next Monday.
One insider suggested that the terms allowing private equity-backed companies to use it could also be extended to the CBILS scheme for smaller companies.
Sky News revealed last week (https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-banks-in-fresh-clash-over-sunaks-flagship-sme-loan-scheme-1197127) that private equity firms were unhappy that the £45m CBILS turnover threshold was rendering their investee companies ineligible because banks were consolidating turnover figures across their investment portfolios.
Mr Sunak is expected to confirm a Sky News report from last weekend that the Treasury will double the sums that can be borrowed under the CLBILS scheme from the originally envisaged £25m to £50m.
The Treasury also plans to remove an upper £500m turnover threshold in an effort to help even larger companies - described as 'the stranded middle" - which cannot access a separate funding initiative operated by the Bank of England because they do not possess an investment grade credit rating.
The smaller loan guarantee programme has itself already been overhauled since its launch, with participating banks agreeing to stop demanding personal guarantees from SME customers, and Mr Sunak abolishing a requirement for lenders to first evaluate SMEs' eligibility for other corporate loan products.
A growing row has erupted about the speed at which loans are finding their way to stricken companies, although figures published this week highlighted that the number of issued loans had doubled to more than 6000 within the space of seven days.
Some businesses say they are impressed at the speed with which ministers are prepared to make adjustments to the bailout programmes where there are apparent bottlenecks.
On Saturday, Sky News revealed that Mr Sunak was preparing to formally appoint Richard Sharp, his former Goldman Sachs boss, as a strategic adviser on the economic repercussions of the pandemic.
The Treasury could not be reached for comment.


news--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: Petition to give fundraising veteran Tom Moore a knighthood passes 300,000

A petition calling for Captain Tom Moore , 99 , to be knighted has passed 300,000 signatures - hours after the war veteran completed his garden walk which raised £14m for the NHS .
The petition calls for him to be recognised in the next honours list , which is due to be published on the Queen 's official birthday in June .
Sonia Wilson , an NHS midwife , started the Change.org petition , explaining that `` it 's given me and my colleagues a huge morale boost to watch Captain Moore over the last few days '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ added , `` but to see the outpouring of support from the public to support his fundraiser has been incredible .
`` Thank you Captain Moore .
And thank you to everyone who has supported him .
`` Now this amazing motivational hero deserves to be awarded a knighthood . ''
More than 150 people have started separate petitions for the captain , who has received a huge outpouring of thanks on social media , with the hashtag # KnighthoodforCaptainTom trending .
Kajal Odedra , UK executive director of Change.org , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the power that individual action can have in a crisis , and brought a smile to all of our faces during a difficult time .
`` Now hundreds of thousands of people are taking small actions themselves , to say thank you to Cpt Moore by signing this petition .
`` I hope it will bring a smile to his face to know he has had such an impact on the country . ''
In response to the public campaign , the prime minister 's spokesman said Cpt Moore had `` captured the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts '' , and added that he had raised `` an incredible amount of money for hardworking NHS staff '' .
`` He has embodied the spirit of the whole country in doing their bit for the battle against coronavirus , to support the NHS and save lives .
`` From his military contributions to his support for NHS staff , Tom has demonstrated a lifetime of bravery and compassion .
`` The prime minister will certainly be looking at ways to recognise Tom for his heroic efforts . ''
On Thursday morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of walking 100 lengths of his Bedfordshire garden , smashing his original target to raise £1,000 for the NHS fighting COVID-19 .
He was surprised with a guard of honour from the 1st Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment - and told Sky News that the response he had received had been `` absolutely amazing '' .
He said : `` They [ the NHS ] are doing such a magnificent job and every day , they 're putting themselves in danger , and they 're doing it cheerfully and they 're continuing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The NHS posted `` we salute you '' , while the Ministry of Defence called Cpt Moore `` one of our own '' as it thanked him for his efforts .
He has received multiple messages of thanks from NHS workers , politicians , celebrities and sports personalities - including six-times F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton - who called Cpt Moore `` a legend '' .
But when questioned about how he feels about the calls for him to be knighted , Cpt Moore told Sky News : `` That makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anticipated such a thing - although I 'm buzzing at the sound of Sir Thomas Moore , sounds quite good . ''
Dressed in a blazer and tie and displaying his war medals , he vowed to continue while the donations keep coming in .
Raised in Yorkshire , Mr Moore served in India , Burma and Sumatra during the Second World War , and said he had been inspired by the care he received from the NHS when he broke his hip and when he was treated for cancer .
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 've got , we 've all got to look forward to the future when we 've beaten this enemy .
`` Whatever people think , we shall get better .
Things will be better tomorrow . ''
Health Secretary Matt Hancock paid tribute to Mr Moore at the government 's daily Downing Street news conference on Wednesday , calling him `` an inspiration to us all '' .
After hearing the remarks , Mr Moore said : `` I was absolutely amazed that somebody like him would talk to me .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person in our government and for him to make a reference to me is great . ''
Cpt Moore 's daughter Hannah said her father had become a `` global beacon of hope '' in his fundraising efforts .
Speaking after he completed his challenge , she said they initially thought `` if we could amazingly raise £1,000 , we 'd be delighted '' .
`` Then we hit £1,000 and we thought , well this is extraordinary , could £5,000 by the end of the month be possible ? ''
she continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and who could ever have said that - is it nine or 10 days later - we 're talking about £12m .
`` I do n't think anyone could write this story .
We 're brimming with pride , but honestly , in humility also . ''
Cpt Moore 's grandson , Benji , has said : `` It 's incredible .
The support we 've had across the country , and now America and France , it 's been amazing .
`` I 've been speechless all week and it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have no words .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I 'm so proud of him - I 've lived with him practically my whole life , I would n't know anything without him , and it 's just been incredible - I ca n't say anything else . ''
The number of donations to Cpt Moore 's JustGiving page has risen at breakneck speed over recent days .
During one of his interviews with Sky News , more than £50,000 @ @ @ @

A petition calling for Captain Tom Moore, 99, to be knighted has passed 300,000 signatures - hours after the war veteran completed his garden walk which raised £14m for the NHS.
The petition calls for him to be recognised in the next honours list, which is due to be published on the Queen's official birthday in June.
Sonia Wilson, an NHS midwife, started the Change.org petition, explaining that "it's given me and my colleagues a huge morale boost to watch Captain Moore over the last few days".
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Image: Cpt Tom Moore will celebrate his 100th birthday on 30 April
Image: The 99-year-old smashed his original target of £1,000. Pic:© UK Crown copyright 2020
"Not only that," she added, "but to see the outpouring of support from the public to support his fundraiser has been incredible.
"Thank you Captain Moore. And thank you to everyone who has supported him.
"Now this amazing motivational hero deserves to be awarded a knighthood."
More than 150 people have started separate petitions for the captain, who has received a huge outpouring of thanks on social media, with the hashtag #KnighthoodforCaptainTom trending.
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Kajal Odedra, UK executive director of Change.org, said: "Captain Moore has shown us all the power that individual action can have in a crisis, and brought a smile to all of our faces during a difficult time.
"Now hundreds of thousands of people are taking small actions themselves, to say thank you to Cpt Moore by signing this petition.
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"I hope it will bring a smile to his face to know he has had such an impact on the country."
In response to the public campaign, the prime minister's spokesman said Cpt Moore had "captured the heart of the nation with his heroic efforts", and added that he had raised "an incredible amount of money for hardworking NHS staff".
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
"He has embodied the spirit of the whole country in doing their bit for the battle against coronavirus, to support the NHS and save lives.
"From his military contributions to his support for NHS staff, Tom has demonstrated a lifetime of bravery and compassion.
"The prime minister will certainly be looking at ways to recognise Tom for his heroic efforts."
On Thursday morning, the war veteran completed his challenge of walking 100 lengths of his Bedfordshire garden, smashing his original target to raise £1,000 for the NHS fighting COVID-19.
He was surprised with a guard of honour from the 1st Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment - and told Sky News that the response he had received had been "absolutely amazing".
Image: Soldiers from 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment surprised the captain as he completed his challenge. Pic: Ministry of Defence
He said: "They [the NHS] are doing such a magnificent job and every day, they're putting themselves in danger, and they're doing it cheerfully and they're continuing to do that, and good for them."
The NHS posted "we salute you", while the Ministry of Defence called Cpt Moore "one of our own" as it thanked him for his efforts.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
He has received multiple messages of thanks from NHS workers, politicians, celebrities and sports personalities - including six-times F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton - who called Cpt Moore "a legend".
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But when questioned about how he feels about the calls for him to be knighted, Cpt Moore told Sky News: "That makes me laugh, because I never ever anticipated such a thing - although I'm buzzing at the sound of Sir Thomas Moore, sounds quite good."
Dressed in a blazer and tie and displaying his war medals, he vowed to continue while the donations keep coming in.
Raised in Yorkshire, Mr Moore served in India, Burma and Sumatra during the Second World War, and said he had been inspired by the care he received from the NHS when he broke his hip and when he was treated for cancer.
He added: "With this invisible enemy that we've got, we've all got to look forward to the future when we've beaten this enemy.
"Whatever people think, we shall get better. Things will be better tomorrow."
Image: Captain Tom Moore served in the Second World War. Pic: Justgiving
Health Secretary Matt Hancock paid tribute to Mr Moore at the government's daily Downing Street news conference on Wednesday, calling him "an inspiration to us all".
After hearing the remarks, Mr Moore said: "I was absolutely amazed that somebody like him would talk to me.
"I mean he is such an important person in our government and for him to make a reference to me is great."
Cpt Moore's daughter Hannah said her father had become a "global beacon of hope" in his fundraising efforts.
Speaking after he completed his challenge, she said they initially thought "if we could amazingly raise £1,000, we'd be delighted".
"Then we hit £1,000 and we thought, well this is extraordinary, could £5,000 by the end of the month be possible?" she continued.
Image: Cpt Tom Moore, with (left to right) grandson Benji, daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and granddaughter Georgia
"And then, who knew, and who could ever have said that - is it nine or 10 days later - we're talking about £12m.
"I don't think anyone could write this story. We're brimming with pride, but honestly, in humility also."
Cpt Moore's grandson, Benji, has said: "It's incredible. The support we've had across the country, and now America and France, it's been amazing.
"I've been speechless all week and it's got to a point where I genuinely have no words.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"I'm so proud of him - I've lived with him practically my whole life, I wouldn't know anything without him, and it's just been incredible - I can't say anything else."
The number of donations to Cpt Moore's JustGiving page has risen at breakneck speed over recent days.
During one of his interviews with Sky News, more than £50,000 was donated alone.


news--2020-04-14--Donald Trump is lashing out because coronavirus crisis may kill off re-election chances

Governor Cuomo and President Trump 's relationship has simmered during the coronavirus crisis but , largely , it has stayed on the right side of civil .
Both dominant New Yorkers , Cuomo has played Trump like a pro , praising him in public , appealing to his ego .
That is now changing - fast .
It started with Trump 's bold and false claim that the president has `` absolute power '' - insisting he can overrule state governors who have issued stay at home orders .
In a federal constitution that is not the case .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We do n't have a king - we have a president . ''
Trump 's self serving , grievance-filled briefings are widely being panned .
Asked if Cuomo had watched his most recent , most jaw dropping one , he replied : `` No , a governor should not watch that .
There 's no value in it .
It would be - it is infuriating and offensive and , frankly , ignorant of the facts . ''
So the gloves are off .
Trump tweeted that he calls the shots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling daily , even hourly , begging for everything , most of which should have been the state 's responsibility '' .
We are in the middle of a hyper-partisan election year but even in the middle of a pandemic crisis , politics will always find away into American discourse .
But Cuomo is insisting it should n't .
`` Sometimes , it takes more strength to walk away from a fight than engage it , '' he said .
`` I 've stood here for 44 years .
It 's not about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' This is not time for politics , and it 's no time to fight . ''
Cuomo added : `` I put my hand out in total partnership with the president .
If he wants a fight , he 's not going to get it from me .
Period .
This is a time to work together .
In this reopening we could lose all the progress we made in one week , if we do it wrong . ''
The US president is in hyper defence mode after intensified reporting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus pandemic .
He is lashing out without restraint and his impatience to reopen America for business wo n't be contained .
He 's watching the economy die right in front of his eyes , potentially taking his chances of re-election with it .
States have been making their own rules on lockdowns and social distancing measures .
Broadly , the tighter ones are Democrat controlled .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The Republican ones followed a more hesitant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's repeated downplaying of the pandemic .
As Trump 's impatience grows , we 're likely to see a fight between his desire to reopen the whole country with a bang and individual governors taking a much more cautious path .

Governor Cuomo and President Trump's relationship has simmered during the coronavirus crisis but, largely, it has stayed on the right side of civil.
Both dominant New Yorkers, Cuomo has played Trump like a pro, praising him in public, appealing to his ego. That is now changing - fast.
It started with Trump's bold and false claim that the president has "absolute power" - insisting he can overrule state governors who have issued stay at home orders. In a federal constitution that is not the case.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 NY governor corrects Donald Trump
As Governor Cuomo was quick to point out: "We don't have a king - we have a president."
Trump's self serving, grievance-filled briefings are widely being panned.
Asked if Cuomo had watched his most recent, most jaw dropping one, he replied: "No, a governor should not watch that. There's no value in it. It would be - it is infuriating and offensive and, frankly, ignorant of the facts."
So the gloves are off.
Trump tweeted that he calls the shots, claiming that Cuomo had been "calling daily, even hourly, begging for everything, most of which should have been the state's responsibility".
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
We are in the middle of a hyper-partisan election year but even in the middle of a pandemic crisis, politics will always find away into American discourse.
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But Cuomo is insisting it shouldn't.
"Sometimes, it takes more strength to walk away from a fight than engage it," he said.
"I've stood here for 44 years. It's not about me, it's about 'we.' This is not time for politics, and it's no time to fight."
Cuomo added: "I put my hand out in total partnership with the president. If he wants a fight, he's not going to get it from me. Period. This is a time to work together. In this reopening we could lose all the progress we made in one week, if we do it wrong."
The US president is in hyper defence mode after intensified reporting that he repeatedly failed to absorb the extent of the coronavirus pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Trump to reporter: 'You know you are a fake'
He is lashing out without restraint and his impatience to reopen America for business won't be contained.
He's watching the economy die right in front of his eyes, potentially taking his chances of re-election with it.
States have been making their own rules on lockdowns and social distancing measures. Broadly, the tighter ones are Democrat controlled.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The Republican ones followed a more hesitant path, in line with the president's repeated downplaying of the pandemic.
As Trump's impatience grows, we're likely to see a fight between his desire to reopen the whole country with a bang and individual governors taking a much more cautious path.