news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: 'No review' of lockdown fines - despite Hancock promising a vicar he'd 'look at it'

The government will not review fines issued to families who travelled to get childcare in lockdown , Sky News understands – despite the health secretary promising a vicar in a TV briefing he would `` look at '' the issue .
After the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing , Sky 's deputy political editor Sam Coates said a government adviser had since stated that there was no `` formal review '' of lockdown fines .
`` As the hours go by , it 's looking like something a bit more sketchy , '' Coates said .
`` I understand that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware that Mr Hancock was going to say that and Number 10 were n't that impressed , and within minutes the special adviser for Matt Hancock was calling round to make clear no such thing as a formal review was underway .
`` The steer from government now is that there will be no change in government policy on that . ''
During the briefing , a vicar called Martin Poole from Brighton asked Matt Hancock : `` Will the government review all penalty fines imposed on families travelling for childcare purposes during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days of criticism of Dominic Cummings , a senior Number 10 adviser , who travelled to Durham from London to seek childcare for his four-year-old child in case him and his wife became `` incapacitated '' by COVID-19 .
Mr Hancock replied : `` We do understand the impact and the need for making sure that children get adequate childcare .
That is one of the significant concerns that we 've had all the way through this .
`` So I think especially coming from a man of the cloth , that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I 'll have to talk to my Treasury colleagues before I can answer it in full and we 'll look at it and if we can get your details I 'll make sure we can write to you with a full answer and make an announcement from this podium . ''
After the briefing , Reverand Poole said it was `` disappointing '' that the government is no longer committing themselves to a review .
He told Sky News : `` I hope I 'm going to get an answer in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was going to get back to me .
`` It is a perfectly reasonable response to say 'we 're not going to do it ' but , if that 's the case , that is disappointing for all those people who have been treated in this way . ''
Rev Poole said his question to the health secretary was rooted in equality .
`` I think everything about this weekend and the kind of storm that 's going around… is about unfairness , '' he said .
`` I think people feel a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that certain people can behave in a way that the rest of us are not allowed to '' I 'm very interested , as a vicar , in unfairness .
There are all sorts of different inequalities in our society at the moment and this is just one of them that needs to be sorted out and particularly for any families that have travelled , probably worried they were doing the wrong thing , and were stopped and charged a penalty notice , that should definitely be , as far as I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Rev Poole added : `` I do n't think any of us realised there was an element of discretion in these rules .
It seemed to me very clear that it was about staying at home .
And many millions of us have done that… so for me its about fairness . ''
He also said that he `` would like to see government ministers and advisers treated in the same way as everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a sense with government that they sometimes operate on a different set of principles to the rest of us '' .
Rev Poole would not be drawn on calling for Mr Cummings to resign , saying it was a matter for Mr Cummings and the prime minister .
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP , Labour 's Shadow Home Secretary , responding to the Government 's decision not to review fixed penalty notices issued to those who travelled in order to get childcare , said : `` The attempts from the Prime Minister to defend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser are quickly descending in to chaos and seriously undermining trust .
`` It 's now been made incredibly difficult to police vital public health guidance , as this flip-flop over fines shows .
The reality is it 's one rule for the most powerful people in Government and another for the rest of us , which is incredibly dangerous . ''
Government minister Douglas Ross has resigned over Mr Cummings 's lockdown trips and dozens of Conservative MPs have publicly called for Mr Cummings 's resignation .
The PM 's senior adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons for travelling to his parents ' estate in County Durham when the lockdown was in force , saying he did not regret his actions .

The government will not review fines issued to families who travelled to get childcare in lockdown, Sky News understands – despite the health secretary promising a vicar in a TV briefing he would "look at" the issue.
After the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates said a government adviser had since stated that there was no "formal review" of lockdown fines.
"As the hours go by, it's looking like something a bit more sketchy," Coates said.
Image: Matt Hancock was questioned about lockdown fines during the government's coronavirus briefing
"I understand that senior figures in other departments weren't aware that Mr Hancock was going to say that and Number 10 weren't that impressed, and within minutes the special adviser for Matt Hancock was calling round to make clear no such thing as a formal review was underway.
"The steer from government now is that there will be no change in government policy on that."
During the briefing, a vicar called Martin Poole from Brighton asked Matt Hancock: "Will the government review all penalty fines imposed on families travelling for childcare purposes during lockdown?"
The question came after days of criticism of Dominic Cummings, a senior Number 10 adviser, who travelled to Durham from London to seek childcare for his four-year-old child in case him and his wife became "incapacitated" by COVID-19.
Mr Hancock replied: "We do understand the impact and the need for making sure that children get adequate childcare. That is one of the significant concerns that we've had all the way through this.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 'It's about unfairness'
"So I think especially coming from a man of the cloth, that is perfectly reasonable to take away that question. I'll have to talk to my Treasury colleagues before I can answer it in full and we'll look at it and if we can get your details I'll make sure we can write to you with a full answer and make an announcement from this podium."
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After the briefing, Reverand Poole said it was "disappointing" that the government is no longer committing themselves to a review.
He told Sky News: "I hope I'm going to get an answer in some way, after Mr Hancock said he was going to get back to me.
"It is a perfectly reasonable response to say 'we're not going to do it' but, if that's the case, that is disappointing for all those people who have been treated in this way."
Rev Poole said his question to the health secretary was rooted in equality.
"I think everything about this weekend and the kind of storm that's going around… is about unfairness," he said.
"I think people feel a very strong sense that its not right that certain people can behave in a way that the rest of us are not allowed to
"I'm very interested, as a vicar, in unfairness. There are all sorts of different inequalities in our society at the moment and this is just one of them that needs to be sorted out and particularly for any families that have travelled, probably worried they were doing the wrong thing, and were stopped and charged a penalty notice, that should definitely be, as far as I'm concerned, refunded if that was allowed."
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Rev Poole added: "I don't think any of us realised there was an element of discretion in these rules. It seemed to me very clear that it was about staying at home. And many millions of us have done that… so for me its about fairness."
He also said that he "would like to see government ministers and advisers treated in the same way as everybody else," and that "there's a sense with government that they sometimes operate on a different set of principles to the rest of us".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 The morning after: Cummings leaves home
Rev Poole would not be drawn on calling for Mr Cummings to resign, saying it was a matter for Mr Cummings and the prime minister.
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Labour's Shadow Home Secretary, responding to the Government's decision not to review fixed penalty notices issued to those who travelled in order to get childcare, said: "The attempts from the Prime Minister to defend the indefensible actions of his most senior adviser are quickly descending in to chaos and seriously undermining trust.
"It's now been made incredibly difficult to police vital public health guidance, as this flip-flop over fines shows. The reality is it's one rule for the most powerful people in Government and another for the rest of us, which is incredibly dangerous."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:28 Tory MPs call for Cummings to resign
Government minister Douglas Ross has resigned over Mr Cummings's lockdown trips and dozens of Conservative MPs have publicly called for Mr Cummings's resignation.
The PM's senior adviser gave a statement on Monday on his reasons for travelling to his parents' estate in County Durham when the lockdown was in force, saying he did not regret his actions.


news--2020-05-26--Aston Martin boss to step down in wake of COVID-19 sales hit

Aston Martin boss Andy Palmer is to step down in the wake of plunging sales and heavy losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
The luxury carmaker has announced he will be replaced as chief executive by Tobias Moers , who currently runs Mercedes-AMG , the German manufacturer 's high-performance arm .
The number of vehicles sold by Aston Martin almost halved in the first three months of the year , as it was hit by the start of the COVID-19 crisis .
The company said it had sold 578 vehicles in the first quarter , down from 1,057 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused loss before tax to soar to £118.9m , up from £17.3m the year before .
Even before the coronavirus emergency , the company , renowned for being favoured by the fictional spy James Bond , had been struggling with its share price down 94 % compared with when it listed in October 2018 .
Announcing the change , Lawrence Stroll , Aston Martin Lagonda 's executive chairman , said : `` The board has determined that now is the time for new leadership to deliver our plans .
`` On behalf of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank Andy for his hard work , personal commitment and dedication to Aston Martin Lagonda since 2014 . ''
He added : `` I would also like to recognise his leadership through the current challenges and uncertainties presented by COVID-19 . ''
The company said Mr Moers , who will be based at its headquarters in Warwickshire , had built a reputation for transforming businesses in tough environments during his 25 years in senior roles at Daimler .
Germany 's Daimler AG owns a 5 % stake in Aston Martin and supplies the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` I am delighted to welcome Tobias to Aston Martin Lagonda .
He is an exceptionally talented automotive professional and a proven business leader with a strong track record during his many years at Daimler AG , with whom we have a longstanding and successful technical and commercial partnership , which we look forward to continuing .
`` Throughout his career he has delivered product expansion , strengthened brand positioning and improved profitability .
`` He is the right leader for Aston Martin Lagonda as we implement our strategy for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Palmer said : `` It has been a privilege to serve Aston Martin Lagonda for almost six years .
`` I would like to thank my management team and all the staff for their hard work and support , particularly during the challenges presented by COVID-19 .
I am proud of you all and it 's been an honour to work with you . ''

Aston Martin boss Andy Palmer is to step down in the wake of plunging sales and heavy losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The luxury carmaker has announced he will be replaced as chief executive by Tobias Moers, who currently runs Mercedes-AMG, the German manufacturer's high-performance arm.
The number of vehicles sold by Aston Martin almost halved in the first three months of the year, as it was hit by the start of the COVID-19 crisis.
Image: The firm's share price is down 94% compared with when it listed in 2018
The company said it had sold 578 vehicles in the first quarter, down from 1,057 in the same period last year.
It caused loss before tax to soar to £118.9m, up from £17.3m the year before.
Even before the coronavirus emergency, the company, renowned for being favoured by the fictional spy James Bond, had been struggling with its share price down 94% compared with when it listed in October 2018.
Announcing the change, Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin Lagonda's executive chairman, said: "The board has determined that now is the time for new leadership to deliver our plans.
"On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Andy for his hard work, personal commitment and dedication to Aston Martin Lagonda since 2014."
He added: "I would also like to recognise his leadership through the current challenges and uncertainties presented by COVID-19."
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Image: Incoming chief Tobias Moers is described as 'a proven business leader'
The company said Mr Moers, who will be based at its headquarters in Warwickshire, had built a reputation for transforming businesses in tough environments during his 25 years in senior roles at Daimler.
Germany's Daimler AG owns a 5% stake in Aston Martin and supplies the carmaker with Mercedes-AMG engines.
Mr Stroll said: "I am delighted to welcome Tobias to Aston Martin Lagonda. He is an exceptionally talented automotive professional and a proven business leader with a strong track record during his many years at Daimler AG, with whom we have a longstanding and successful technical and commercial partnership, which we look forward to continuing.
"Throughout his career he has delivered product expansion, strengthened brand positioning and improved profitability.
"He is the right leader for Aston Martin Lagonda as we implement our strategy for the business to achieve its full potential."
Mr Palmer said: "It has been a privilege to serve Aston Martin Lagonda for almost six years.
"I would like to thank my management team and all the staff for their hard work and support, particularly during the challenges presented by COVID-19. I am proud of you all and it's been an honour to work with you."


news--2020-05-26--Coronavirus: Biden makes first public appearance for 10 weeks after COVID-19 isolation

Joe Biden has made his first public appearance for 10 weeks after going into isolation because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Wearing a black mask and dark glasses , the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee laid a wreath of white roses at a veterans park near his home in Delaware to mark Memorial Day .
`` It feels good to be out of my house , '' the 77-year-old told reporters , speech slightly muffled by the face covering .
His wife Jill wore a similar mask .
He saluted about a dozen veterans and other onlookers and thanked them for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance .
Mr Biden 's age makes him especially vulnerable to COVID-19 .
Donald Trump , who will be 74 next month , is in the same category .
The president took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia and visited a historic fort in Baltimore .
He did not wear a mask at either location .
Despite being forced to campaign from a home TV studio at his house in Wilmington , North Carolina , Mr Biden , the former vice president under Barack Obama , has kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national opinion polls ahead of the election on 3 November .
That is partly because the president 's approval ratings have slipped over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak .
According to Johns Hopkins University , there have been more than 98,000 deaths with COVID-19 in the United States .
Mr Trump has begun to emerge from the White House in recent weeks , visiting Arizona , Michigan and Pennsylvania .
At the weekend , he also played golf for the first time since declaring a national emergency in March .
Posting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` presidency is about a lot more than tweeting from your golf cart '' .
His campaign did not say whether the Memorial Day appearance was the beginning of more public outings .

Joe Biden has made his first public appearance for 10 weeks after going into isolation because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Wearing a black mask and dark glasses, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee laid a wreath of white roses at a veterans park near his home in Delaware to mark Memorial Day.
"It feels good to be out of my house," the 77-year-old told reporters, speech slightly muffled by the face covering. His wife Jill wore a similar mask.
Image: Mr Biden with his wife Jill
He saluted about a dozen veterans and other onlookers and thanked them for their service, while maintaining a suitable distance.
Mr Biden's age makes him especially vulnerable to COVID-19. Donald Trump, who will be 74 next month, is in the same category.
The president took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia and visited a historic fort in Baltimore. He did not wear a mask at either location.
Despite being forced to campaign from a home TV studio at his house in Wilmington, North Carolina, Mr Biden, the former vice president under Barack Obama, has kept an edge over his Republican rival in national opinion polls ahead of the election on 3 November.
That is partly because the president's approval ratings have slipped over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
According to Johns Hopkins University, there have been more than 98,000 deaths with COVID-19 in the United States.
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Image: President Trump took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia
Image: Mr Biden laid a wreath of white roses
Mr Trump has begun to emerge from the White House in recent weeks, visiting Arizona, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
At the weekend, he also played golf for the first time since declaring a national emergency in March.
Posting on Twitter on Sunday, Mr Biden said the "presidency is about a lot more than tweeting from your golf cart".
His campaign did not say whether the Memorial Day appearance was the beginning of more public outings.


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Are chancellor's plans the bazooka firms and households hoped for?

Coronavirus : Are chancellor 's plans the bazooka firms and households hoped for ?
Coronavirus : Are chancellor 's plans the bazooka firms and households hoped for ?
Two weeks ago the conventional wisdom was that COVID-19 might cause a minor economic impact on the UK economy .
Last week it was beginning to look as bad as the financial crisis .
This week , it is looking like the worst economic catastrophe in modern history .
It is hard to think of another moment - in health , diplomatic or economic terms - that has escalated as quickly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politicians around the world have had to effectively ditch their domestic agendas , their fiscal rules , their policy proposals and replace everything with what they now agree is a `` war effort '' to keep their countries afloat .
As countries impose lockdowns and normal life goes into hibernation , vast swathes of the economy are now under grave threat .
The consumer-facing services sector which accounts for the majority of UK gross domestic product , is now in deep jeopardy .
Many companies are in the process of laying off workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some can only survive a matter of days .
Surviving the next few weeks represents the difference between life and death for many companies .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
It is in that light that we should consider the extraordinary set of fiscal measures being introduced around the world - from the US and France to , this evening , the UK .
In normal times , the package announced by Rishi Sunak would constitute one of the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one thing , the government has negotiated that mortgage lenders will give those affected by the virus a three-month holiday from their loan payments .
There will be a whopping £20bn of extra spending on grants and business rates holidays for companies .
That 's on top of a £12bn package already announced in last week 's budget .
If you add that to the other pre-COVID-19 commitments in the budget you 're talking about a grand total of £42bn of extra stimulus .
That 's not far off the extra €45bn unveiled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but a long way short of the $ 850bn stimulus package pledged by Donald Trump earlier in the day .
But comparing these packages is fiendishly difficult , especially since many of the details remain unclear .
And in a sense the more interesting scheme unveiled by the chancellor today is not the straightforward giveaway - the £20bn grants bit - but something else entirely : a £330bn loan guarantee in which the government will offer businesses cheap loans to help them through the coming years .
That might represent the difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or retailer considering whether they can make it through the next 12 months .
However , it is unlikely to prevent them laying off workers .
There will still have to be another scheme to support those who lose their jobs .
This is a work in progress , but according to Treasury insiders will be unveiled in the coming days .
Put it all together and it certainly amounts to a big stimulus .
The real question is whether it will be enough to prevent a cataclysmic recession .
Many parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the coming months .
The nuclear option is for the government to step in as the buyer of last resort for all companies but today 's package does not imply it is willing to go that far : it implies that it will step in to help businesses when banks do not .
Does it represent the big bazooka so many investors , households and businesses were hoping for ?
Not quite .
The chancellor and prime minister said they were willing to do `` whatever it takes '' to support the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below the levels seen during the financial crisis , let alone the Second World War .
Still : investors may be cheered by the fact that the PM and Mr Sunak emphasised repeatedly today that this is not the end .
There will be more measures in the coming days .
As the scale of the economic crisis becomes clearer it may well be that they are forced to inject untold amounts of cash into the UK economy .
They are likely to have to engage the Bank of England to print more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a long time in this crisis .
Come next week the economic response may have to be even more dramatic .

The chancellor's help could rescue some firms but still doesn't hit the heights of stimulus offered during the financial crisis.
Coronavirus: Are chancellor's plans the bazooka firms and households hoped for?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Two weeks ago the conventional wisdom was that COVID-19 might cause a minor economic impact on the UK economy.
Last week it was beginning to look as bad as the financial crisis. This week, it is looking like the worst economic catastrophe in modern history.
It is hard to think of another moment - in health, diplomatic or economic terms - that has escalated as quickly and as dramatically as the coronavirus crisis.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Sunak lays out huge economic measures
Politicians around the world have had to effectively ditch their domestic agendas, their fiscal rules, their policy proposals and replace everything with what they now agree is a "war effort" to keep their countries afloat.
As countries impose lockdowns and normal life goes into hibernation, vast swathes of the economy are now under grave threat.
The consumer-facing services sector which accounts for the majority of UK gross domestic product, is now in deep jeopardy. Many companies are in the process of laying off workers - some temporarily, some permanently.
Some can only survive a matter of days. Surviving the next few weeks represents the difference between life and death for many companies.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
It is in that light that we should consider the extraordinary set of fiscal measures being introduced around the world - from the US and France to, this evening, the UK.
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In normal times, the package announced by Rishi Sunak would constitute one of the biggest public spending turnarounds in history.
For one thing, the government has negotiated that mortgage lenders will give those affected by the virus a three-month holiday from their loan payments.
There will be a whopping £20bn of extra spending on grants and business rates holidays for companies.
That's on top of a £12bn package already announced in last week's budget.
If you add that to the other pre-COVID-19 commitments in the budget you're talking about a grand total of £42bn of extra stimulus.
That's not far off the extra €45bn unveiled by France's Emmanuel Macron last night, but a long way short of the $850bn stimulus package pledged by Donald Trump earlier in the day.
But comparing these packages is fiendishly difficult, especially since many of the details remain unclear.
And in a sense the more interesting scheme unveiled by the chancellor today is not the straightforward giveaway - the £20bn grants bit - but something else entirely: a £330bn loan guarantee in which the government will offer businesses cheap loans to help them through the coming years.
That might represent the difference between life and death for a restaurant or retailer considering whether they can make it through the next 12 months.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 PM and chancellor vow to do 'whatever it takes'
However, it is unlikely to prevent them laying off workers.
There will still have to be another scheme to support those who lose their jobs. This is a work in progress, but according to Treasury insiders will be unveiled in the coming days.
Put it all together and it certainly amounts to a big stimulus. The real question is whether it will be enough to prevent a cataclysmic recession.
Many parts of the economy will effectively go into hibernation in the coming months.
The nuclear option is for the government to step in as the buyer of last resort for all companies but today's package does not imply it is willing to go that far: it implies that it will step in to help businesses when banks do not.
Does it represent the big bazooka so many investors, households and businesses were hoping for? Not quite.
The chancellor and prime minister said they were willing to do "whatever it takes" to support the economy - but the stimulus remains well below the levels seen during the financial crisis, let alone the Second World War.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:23 London landmarks deserted amid outbreak
Still: investors may be cheered by the fact that the PM and Mr Sunak emphasised repeatedly today that this is not the end. There will be more measures in the coming days.
As the scale of the economic crisis becomes clearer it may well be that they are forced to inject untold amounts of cash into the UK economy. They are likely to have to engage the Bank of England to print more money.
After all, a week is a long time in this crisis. Come next week the economic response may have to be even more dramatic.


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Laura Ashley set to become first retail casualty of crisis

The fashion to homewares shop Laura Ashley is set to become the first retail casualty of the coronavirus crisis , placing 2,700 jobs at risk .
Sky News reported at the weekend how the firm was scrambling for a funding lifeline to avert collapse but the company all but admitted defeat on Tuesday , saying it had filed intentions to appoint administrators .
It said it hired advisers from PwC to oversee the administration process hours after Dixons Carphone announced it was to close all its Carphone Warehouse stores in the UK , with the loss of 2,900 workers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ related to the COVID-19 outbreak .
Laura Ashley , however , blamed its troubles on a `` significant '' drop-off in trade with no end to the coronavirus crisis in sight .
The company confirmed its majority shareholder and third-party lenders had been unable to provide additional support .
It had been seeking a £15m loan .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Its statement said : `` Based on the company 's revised cashflow forecasts and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company expects that it will not be in a position to draw down additional funds from third party lenders in a timely manner sufficient to support working capital requirements . ''
It added : `` The directors of the company , its key trading subsidiary ( Laura Ashley Limited ) , Premier Home Logistics Limited , Laura Ashley Investments Limited , and Texplan Manufacturing Limited , have concluded that all available alternative options have been explored and therefore , in order to protect creditors , it is necessary to file a notice of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company and each of the named subsidiaries . ''
Laura Ashley shares were trading 96 % down before trading was suspended at the company 's request .
The coronavirus crisis builds on a tough few years for the high street following a slump in consumer confidence coupled with a surge in costs from things such as business rates , rents and rising minimum wage demands .
It has forced a string of chains to collapse while others , including Sir Philip Green 's Topshop empire , have secured rescue deals from creditors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow unprofitable stores to close .
Retail is among UK sectors pleading for financial help as the economy grinds to a halt during the unprecedented public health emergency .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to build on measures in the budget , in conjunction with Bank of England action , in support of businesses later on Tuesday by extending help to ease the burden .
Amy Higginbotham , retail analyst at analytic specialist GlobalData , said of Laura Ashley 's statement : `` Laura Ashley blames recent poor trading ( at least in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and though this has no doubt had a significant impact on its performance over the past week or so , the retailer has been struggling for a while .
`` The brand has long been tired and has struggled to regain relevance in both its fashion and home divisions .
`` Financially weak retailers , of which there are many , are likely to follow Laura Ashley into administration given the current crisis .
`` Those retailing non-essential purchases that can easily be deferred will be particularly badly hit . ''

The fashion to homewares shop Laura Ashley is set to become the first retail casualty of the coronavirus crisis, placing 2,700 jobs at risk.
Sky News reported at the weekend how the firm was scrambling for a funding lifeline to avert collapse but the company all but admitted defeat on Tuesday, saying it had filed intentions to appoint administrators.
It said it hired advisers from PwC to oversee the administration process hours after Dixons Carphone announced it was to close all its Carphone Warehouse stores in the UK, with the loss of 2,900 workers.
Image: The closure of Carphone Warehouse stores was not blamed on COVID-19 disruption
Dixons Carphone said its decision was not related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Laura Ashley, however, blamed its troubles on a "significant" drop-off in trade with no end to the coronavirus crisis in sight.
The company confirmed its majority shareholder and third-party lenders had been unable to provide additional support.
It had been seeking a £15m loan.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Its statement said: "Based on the company's revised cashflow forecasts and the increased uncertainty facing the group, the company expects that it will not be in a position to draw down additional funds from third party lenders in a timely manner sufficient to support working capital requirements."
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It added: "The directors of the company, its key trading subsidiary (Laura Ashley Limited), Premier Home Logistics Limited, Laura Ashley Investments Limited, and Texplan Manufacturing Limited, have concluded that all available alternative options have been explored and therefore, in order to protect creditors, it is necessary to file a notice of intention to appoint administrators in respect of the company and each of the named subsidiaries."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:11 Government ramps up its coronavirus measures
Laura Ashley shares were trading 96% down before trading was suspended at the company's request.
The coronavirus crisis builds on a tough few years for the high street following a slump in consumer confidence coupled with a surge in costs from things such as business rates, rents and rising minimum wage demands.
It has forced a string of chains to collapse while others, including Sir Philip Green's Topshop empire, have secured rescue deals from creditors including landlords to cut their bills and allow unprofitable stores to close.
Retail is among UK sectors pleading for financial help as the economy grinds to a halt during the unprecedented public health emergency.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to build on measures in the budget, in conjunction with Bank of England action, in support of businesses later on Tuesday by extending help to ease the burden.
Amy Higginbotham, retail analyst at analytic specialist GlobalData, said of Laura Ashley's statement: "Laura Ashley blames recent poor trading (at least in part) to the COVID-19 outbreak, and though this has no doubt had a significant impact on its performance over the past week or so, the retailer has been struggling for a while.
"The brand has long been tired and has struggled to regain relevance in both its fashion and home divisions.
"Financially weak retailers, of which there are many, are likely to follow Laura Ashley into administration given the current crisis.
"Those retailing non-essential purchases that can easily be deferred will be particularly badly hit."


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Everything you need to know about the latest government advice on COVID-19

The government has introduced strict new guidelines to protect people from COVID-19 and stop it spreading across the UK .
Here is everything you need to know about the new measures to fight the coronavirus .
What should I do ?
The government is advising everyone - regardless of age or health - to stop all non-essential contact with others and stop all unnecessary travel .
They have also advised people to avoid all non-essential foreign travel for 30 days .
Boris Johnson said this meant people should stay away from social venues such as pubs , restaurants , clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the disease .
Who is vulnerable and what extra measures should they take ?
People who are over 70 , pregnant women and people with health conditions that would normally qualify them for a flu jab are all classed as being vulnerable to the disease .
These groups are being asked to be particularly stringent in following the social distancing measures .
However , the government says that in the coming days these groups are likely to be asked to ensure they are `` largely shielded from social contact '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean anyone in these groups being asked to stay at home except for important reasons , such as picking up supplies , exercise or attending health appointments .
Why have pregnant women been added to the at-risk group ?
Professor Chris Whitty , the chief medical officer for England , said including pregnant women in the group of vulnerable people was a `` precautionary measure '' .
He said experts were `` early in our understanding of this virus '' and currently had no evidence that the disease was worse for pregnant women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The CEO of the Royal College of Midwives , Gill Walton , has encouraged pregnant women not to totally isolate themselves .
`` We would like to emphasise that attending antenatal and postnatal care when you are pregnant and have a new baby is essential to ensure the wellbeing of pregnant women and their babies , and we would urge all pregnant women who are well to attend their care as normal , '' she said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has one of the following health conditions is considered to be higher risk .
• People with long-term respiratory diseases , such as asthma , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) , emphysema or bronchitis .
• People with chronic heart disease , such as heart failure ; chronic kidney disease and chronic liver disease , such as hepatitis .
• People with chronic neurological conditions , such as Parkinson 's disease , motor neurone disease , multiple sclerosis ( MS ) , a learning disability or cerebral palsy .
• People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as sickle cell disease or whose spleen has been removed .
• People with a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and Aids , or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy .
• People who are seriously overweight ( anyone with a BMI of 40 or above ) .
I 'm over 70 but healthy , what should I do ?
The prime minister admitted that many healthy people over 70 might be upset by the thought of being told to reduce their social contact despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the measures `` are overwhelmingly worth it to slow the spread of the disease , reduce the peak , to save life , minimise suffering and give our NHS the chance to cope '' .
In other words , if you 're over 70 and healthy you still need to be stringent in following the advice given , so that you stay healthy and help reduce demand on the NHS .
The advice is that you should work from home if you can , although the government acknowledges this wo n't be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
Sir Patrick Vallance , the government 's chief scientific adviser , said school closures could be necessary in the future but that it was important measures were done at the right time to have the maximum effect .
Are children at risk from the disease ?
Anyone of any age can catch the disease , but children seem to be relatively good at recovering from the illness .
The World Health Organisation says only one child that they know about has died from after getting the coronavirus .
The prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they would no longer be supported by emergency workers and he advised people to avoid unnecessary social contact .
This means many events will be unable to go ahead , and organisers of many others are likely to cancel them .
Most sporting events and festivals have already been cancelled .
How long will these measures stay in place ?
The current disruption could go on for several weeks .
`` We should not be under any illusions that 'if we just do this for a couple of weeks that is sufficient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What are the symptoms or COVID-19 ?
The two main symptoms of the coronavirus are a new , continuous cough and a high temperature .
The NHS says if you have a temperature you will feel hot to touch on your chest or back and a `` new , continuous cough '' simply means you have started coughing repeatedly .
You do not need to contact NHS 111 if you have symptoms .
But you should contact them if you feel like you can not cope with your symptoms at home , your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not get better after seven day .
What should I do if I live on my own and have symptoms ?
If you live on your own you should self-isolate for seven days .
This means you should not leave the house for any reason , including getting food from a shop .
You should only go out to exercise , and even then you must ensure you have no contact with anyone .
What should I do if I live with other people and have symptoms ?
If you live with other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then you must all follow the same self-isolation rules as if you live on your own .
The only difference is that the whole household must isolate for 14 days .
This is because if one person has the disease then it may take five to seven days for it to be passed on to the rest of the house .
A further seven days of isolation is therefore required after that point , bringing the total time the household must stay in isolation to 14 days .

The government has introduced strict new guidelines to protect people from COVID-19 and stop it spreading across the UK.
Here is everything you need to know about the new measures to fight the coronavirus.
What should I do?
The government is advising everyone - regardless of age or health - to stop all non-essential contact with others and stop all unnecessary travel.
They have also advised people to avoid all non-essential foreign travel for 30 days.
Boris Johnson said this meant people should stay away from social venues such as pubs, restaurants, clubs and theatres in order to slow the spread of the disease.
Who is vulnerable and what extra measures should they take?
People who are over 70, pregnant women and people with health conditions that would normally qualify them for a flu jab are all classed as being vulnerable to the disease.
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These groups are being asked to be particularly stringent in following the social distancing measures.
However, the government says that in the coming days these groups are likely to be asked to ensure they are "largely shielded from social contact" for at least 12 weeks.
This could mean anyone in these groups being asked to stay at home except for important reasons, such as picking up supplies, exercise or attending health appointments.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:16 The misinformation outbreak
Why have pregnant women been added to the at-risk group?
Professor Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer for England, said including pregnant women in the group of vulnerable people was a "precautionary measure".
He said experts were "early in our understanding of this virus" and currently had no evidence that the disease was worse for pregnant women or had any effects on unborn babies.
The CEO of the Royal College of Midwives, Gill Walton, has encouraged pregnant women not to totally isolate themselves.
"We would like to emphasise that attending antenatal and postnatal care when you are pregnant and have a new baby is essential to ensure the wellbeing of pregnant women and their babies, and we would urge all pregnant women who are well to attend their care as normal," she said.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Do I have a relevant underlying health concern?
Anyone who has one of the following health conditions is considered to be higher risk.
People with long-term respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis.
People with chronic heart disease, such as heart failure; chronic kidney disease and chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis.
People with chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy.
People with diabetes.
People who have problems with their spleen, such as sickle cell disease or whose spleen has been removed.
People with a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and Aids, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy.
People who are seriously overweight (anyone with a BMI of 40 or above).
People with high blood pressure
Image: Many theatres and cinemas are temporarily shutting
I'm over 70 but healthy, what should I do?
The prime minister admitted that many healthy people over 70 might be upset by the thought of being told to reduce their social contact despite having no health issues.
But he said the measures "are overwhelmingly worth it to slow the spread of the disease, reduce the peak, to save life, minimise suffering and give our NHS the chance to cope".
In other words, if you're over 70 and healthy you still need to be stringent in following the advice given, so that you stay healthy and help reduce demand on the NHS.
Should I work from home?
The advice is that you should work from home if you can, although the government acknowledges this won't be possible for everyone.
Will schools stay open?
Yes - for now.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the government's chief scientific adviser, said school closures could be necessary in the future but that it was important measures were done at the right time to have the maximum effect.
Are children at risk from the disease?
Anyone of any age can catch the disease, but children seem to be relatively good at recovering from the illness.
The World Health Organisation says only one child that they know about has died from after getting the coronavirus.
Image: The 2020 Grand National has been cancelled
Can I still attend large events?
The prime minister did not ban mass gatherings, but said they would no longer be supported by emergency workers and he advised people to avoid unnecessary social contact.
This means many events will be unable to go ahead, and organisers of many others are likely to cancel them.
Most sporting events and festivals have already been cancelled.
How long will these measures stay in place?
The current disruption could go on for several weeks.
"We should not be under any illusions that 'if we just do this for a couple of weeks that is sufficient'," said Professor Whitty.
What are the symptoms or COVID-19?
The two main symptoms of the coronavirus are a new, continuous cough and a high temperature.
The NHS says if you have a temperature you will feel hot to touch on your chest or back and a "new, continuous cough" simply means you have started coughing repeatedly.
You do not need to contact NHS 111 if you have symptoms.
But you should contact them if you feel like you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, your condition gets worse or your symptoms do not get better after seven day.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:27 Isolated Italians applaud doctors and nurses
What should I do if I live on my own and have symptoms?
If you live on your own you should self-isolate for seven days.
This means you should not leave the house for any reason, including getting food from a shop.
You should only go out to exercise, and even then you must ensure you have no contact with anyone.
What should I do if I live with other people and have symptoms?
If you live with other people and one of you develops symptoms then you must all follow the same self-isolation rules as if you live on your own.
The only difference is that the whole household must isolate for 14 days.
This is because if one person has the disease then it may take five to seven days for it to be passed on to the rest of the house.
A further seven days of isolation is therefore required after that point, bringing the total time the household must stay in isolation to 14 days.


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Iran frees 85,000 prisoners to combat spread of infection

Iran has temporarily freed about 85,000 prisoners in an effort to combat the spread of coronavirus , a judiciary spokesman in the country has said .
Gholamhossein Esmaili added : `` Some 50 % of those released are security-related prisoners ... also in the jails we have taken precautionary measures to confront the outbreak . ''
Political prisoners are among the inmates who have been released in the move .
Javaid Rehman , the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran , said on 10 March he asked Tehran to temporarily free all political prisoners from its overcrowded and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at helping to stem the spread of coronavirus in the Middle Eastern country .
The number of dead from the coronavirus has reached 853 in Iran , where a total of 14,991 people have been confirmed infected .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Iran has one of the worst national outbreaks outside China , where the disease originated from .
Mr Esmaili did not elaborate on when those released would have to return to jail .
Mr Rehman said earlier in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with coronavirus .
Many Iranians have ignored calls by the health authorities to stay at home , but the country 's holy Shia Muslim sites and shrines in Tehran and Qom have been closed .
Officials in the country have blamed US sanctions , which were reimposed on Tehran after Washington abandoned the 2015 Iran nuclear deal , for hampering their efforts to fight coronavirus .
Tehran has called on other countries to back its call for the lifting of US sanctions .
Iran said last week it had asked the International Monetary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( £4bn ) in emergency funding to combat the outbreak .
The United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) , a rival of Iran , has put aside differences to lend support by sending two planes carrying 32 tonnes of medical supplies , including gloves and surgical masks .
Iran 's clerical rulers have rejected locking down cities despite the rising death toll and the rate of new cases .
Other countries in the Middle East have imposed strict measures such as closing their borders and suspending flights .
Kuwait 's health ministry on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among Kuwaitis who had been to Britain , taking the country 's total to 130 .
Bahrain reported the Arab Gulf region 's first death from the disease on Monday as the number of infections in the six-nation Gulf Co-operation Council crossed 1,000 .
Oman , which lies across the Gulf from Iran , said anyone entering the sultanate as of Tuesday would be quarantined .
It had earlier imposed restrictions on entry to allow only Gulf Arab citizens .

Iran has temporarily freed about 85,000 prisoners in an effort to combat the spread of coronavirus, a judiciary spokesman in the country has said.
Gholamhossein Esmaili added: "Some 50% of those released are security-related prisoners... also in the jails we have taken precautionary measures to confront the outbreak."
Political prisoners are among the inmates who have been released in the move.
Javaid Rehman, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, said on 10 March he asked Tehran to temporarily free all political prisoners from its overcrowded and disease-ridden jails.
The request was aimed at helping to stem the spread of coronavirus in the Middle Eastern country.
The number of dead from the coronavirus has reached 853 in Iran, where a total of 14,991 people have been confirmed infected.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Iran has one of the worst national outbreaks outside China, where the disease originated from.
Mr Esmaili did not elaborate on when those released would have to return to jail.
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Mr Rehman said earlier in March that Iranian prisoners have been infected with coronavirus.
Many Iranians have ignored calls by the health authorities to stay at home, but the country's holy Shia Muslim sites and shrines in Tehran and Qom have been closed.
Officials in the country have blamed US sanctions, which were reimposed on Tehran after Washington abandoned the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, for hampering their efforts to fight coronavirus.
Tehran has called on other countries to back its call for the lifting of US sanctions.
Image: An Iranian worker disinfects a street in Tehran
Iran said last week it had asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for $5bn (£4bn) in emergency funding to combat the outbreak.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a rival of Iran, has put aside differences to lend support by sending two planes carrying 32 tonnes of medical supplies, including gloves and surgical masks.
Iran's clerical rulers have rejected locking down cities despite the rising death toll and the rate of new cases.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:49 PM gives fresh coronavirus advice
Other countries in the Middle East have imposed strict measures such as closing their borders and suspending flights.
Kuwait's health ministry on Tuesday reported seven new cases, all among Kuwaitis who had been to Britain, taking the country's total to 130.
Bahrain reported the Arab Gulf region's first death from the disease on Monday as the number of infections in the six-nation Gulf Co-operation Council crossed 1,000.
Oman, which lies across the Gulf from Iran, said anyone entering the sultanate as of Tuesday would be quarantined.
It had earlier imposed restrictions on entry to allow only Gulf Arab citizens.


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus concerts: Stars livestream songs from home to entertain locked-down fans

Music stars around the world are cancelling tours , gigs and festival appearances as coronavirus continues to spread .
But as social venues and theatres close their doors , some artists are getting creative in their approach to sharing their music .
Here are some of the celebrities bringing music to the fans from their kitchens , studios and warehouses in spite of COVID-19 .
Chris Martin threw down the musical gauntlet , giving an impromptu performance from his house , after Coldplay found themselves stranded in different countries and unable to perform due to coronavirus travel bans .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in with fans and see how you are '' , before apologising for being `` a bit nervous '' as he said he 's `` never done something like this before '' .
Calling his musical experiment `` # Togetherathome '' , he said `` who knows , tomorrow someone else might take it over '' .
Chatting to fans as he performed on Instagram Live he took requests , starting off with Hymn For The Weekend .
Martin performed on acoustic guitar and piano for around 30 minutes , ditching his jumper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grey beanie .
Following his performance , John Legend accepted Martin 's # Togetherathome challenge , telling fans : `` My friend Chris Martin did a lovely little concert from home today .
I 'll be doing one tomorrow at 1pm Pacific time .
See you soon .
We 'll try to get through this together ! ''
Legend later said his wife , model Chrissy Teigen would be there during his performance and joked he might not bother wearing pants ( trousers ) for his home-based gig .
Keith Urban and Nicole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Urban teamed up with his film star wife Nicole Kidman to give fans a concert from his warehouse .
Using the space where they usually store equipment , Urban explained he was livestreaming the gig on Instagram as he had been meant to perform that night in Houston , Texas , but the show had been cancelled due to the virus .
Kidman , who Urban joked was his `` audience of one '' , danced , sang and clapped throughout , posting a selfie on Instagram during the performance .
Urban kicked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You from his album Golden Road and signed off the performance by saying : `` God bless you , stay safe , we love you '' .
Popstar Pink said she was using her time in self isolation to perfect the piano and wanted to share her rehearsals with fans .
Posting a short video on Instagram , the Grammy-winning star wrote : `` Free concert slash piano lessons from my heart to yours '' , adding `` To make you feel my love rehearsals '' .
She sang Bob Dylan 's classic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accompanying herself ( faultlessly ) on the piano .
When she finished , she triumphantly declared `` Wah !
One song , kind of ! ''
Pink has been busy documenting her activities under a curfew , sharing a video of her making ravioli at her kitchen counter to relieve stress caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
Christine And The Queens in the studio French singer and songwriter Christine And The Queens has also been staging nightly live shows from the Ferber recording studio in Paris .
She told fans that the Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , promising : `` I 'll find a way to deal with the ennui .
Guests and weird concepts included . ''
Her first performance included her current single , People I 've Been Sad .
Broadway and the West End may have gone dark , but that 's not stopping some of the musical theatre stars from singing .
The cast of the West End improvised show The Showstoppers broadcast their performance live to Facebook after the Lyric theatre where their show was running was closed .
The cast said that as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they thought they 'd put on a show , despite the lack of a physical audience .
Frozen actress Idina Menzel is among the US stars singing and performing live from their homes in two daily mini-online charity shows which will take place online at 2pm and 8pm EST .
Viewers will be encouraged to donate to The Actors Fund 's services for those dealing with the coronavirus outbreak and its financial costs .

Music stars around the world are cancelling tours, gigs and festival appearances as coronavirus continues to spread.
But as social venues and theatres close their doors, some artists are getting creative in their approach to sharing their music.
Here are some of the celebrities bringing music to the fans from their kitchens, studios and warehouses in spite of COVID-19.
Chris Martin from his front room
Chris Martin threw down the musical gauntlet, giving an impromptu performance from his house, after Coldplay found themselves stranded in different countries and unable to perform due to coronavirus travel bans.
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The frontman explained he wanted to "check in with fans and see how you are", before apologising for being "a bit nervous" as he said he's "never done something like this before".
Calling his musical experiment "#Togetherathome", he said "who knows, tomorrow someone else might take it over".
Chatting to fans as he performed on Instagram Live he took requests, starting off with Hymn For The Weekend.
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Martin performed on acoustic guitar and piano for around 30 minutes, ditching his jumper half-way through but keeping on a trademark grey beanie.
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Following his performance, John Legend accepted Martin's #Togetherathome challenge, telling fans: "My friend Chris Martin did a lovely little concert from home today. I'll be doing one tomorrow at 1pm Pacific time. See you soon. We'll try to get through this together!"
:: Listen to Backstage on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Legend later said his wife, model Chrissy Teigen would be there during his performance and joked he might not bother wearing pants (trousers) for his home-based gig.
Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman in their warehouse
Country singer Keith Urban teamed up with his film star wife Nicole Kidman to give fans a concert from his warehouse.
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Using the space where they usually store equipment, Urban explained he was livestreaming the gig on Instagram as he had been meant to perform that night in Houston, Texas, but the show had been cancelled due to the virus.
Kidman, who Urban joked was his "audience of one", danced, sang and clapped throughout, posting a selfie on Instagram during the performance.
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Urban kicked off his half-hour show with Somebody Like You from his album Golden Road and signed off the performance by saying: "God bless you, stay safe, we love you".
Pink in her bedroom
Popstar Pink said she was using her time in self isolation to perfect the piano and wanted to share her rehearsals with fans.
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Posting a short video on Instagram, the Grammy-winning star wrote: "Free concert slash piano lessons from my heart to yours", adding "To make you feel my love rehearsals".
She sang Bob Dylan's classic ballad Make You Feel My Love while accompanying herself (faultlessly) on the piano.
When she finished, she triumphantly declared "Wah! One song, kind of!"
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Pink has been busy documenting her activities under a curfew, sharing a video of her making ravioli at her kitchen counter to relieve stress caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Christine And The Queens in the studio
French singer and songwriter Christine And The Queens has also been staging nightly live shows from the Ferber recording studio in Paris.
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She told fans that the Instagram shows would take place at 6pm EST, promising: "I'll find a way to deal with the ennui. Guests and weird concepts included."
Her first performance included her current single, People I've Been Sad.
Broadway and West End stars from empty theatres
Broadway and the West End may have gone dark, but that's not stopping some of the musical theatre stars from singing.
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The cast of the West End improvised show The Showstoppers broadcast their performance live to Facebook after the Lyric theatre where their show was running was closed.
The cast said that as they had theatre and lights and sound they thought they'd put on a show, despite the lack of a physical audience.
Frozen actress Idina Menzel is among the US stars singing and performing live from their homes in two daily mini-online charity shows which will take place online at 2pm and 8pm EST.
Viewers will be encouraged to donate to The Actors Fund's services for those dealing with the coronavirus outbreak and its financial costs.


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Chancellor to unveil 'significant' rescue package for businesses hit by COVID-19

The chancellor is set to unveil a `` significant '' economic rescue package to help businesses and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
Rishi Sunak will take the government 's daily COVID-19 news conference in Downing Street later and will use the televised address to announce the new measures .
It comes less than a week after he unveiled a £12bn package to support the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic in the budget .
Speaking after leaving a cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the government was `` going to do whatever it takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this '' .
The package of measures from the chancellor will include assistance for pubs , clubs and theatres .
Addressing the nation on Monday , Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Britons to avoid such premises .
But business owners have criticised the PM for not telling them to close - since if he did , they would have more chance of claiming on their insurance to save their businesses .
And with the end of the tax year approaching , many firms will be preparing for big bills on things like VAT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a `` massive '' government scheme to underwrite bank loans to businesses .
He wrote on Twitter : `` Budget measures last week were fine , but not enough . ''
Industry figures have warned that many businesses could go under without financial help from the government .
Meanwhile , the Association of British Insurers has said the vast majority of businesses will not have purchased cover that `` will enable them to claim on their insurance to compensate for their business being closed '' .
The trade body for the industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - the type the majority of businesses purchase - does not include forced closure by authorities as it is intended to respond to physical damage at the property which results in the business being unable to continue to trade . ''
As well as help for businesses , the chancellor will set out measures to aid individuals who could lose out financially due to coronavirus .
Fears have been expressed for the self-employed , low-paid workers and those on zero-hours contracts , who are not entitled to statutory sick pay .
The government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making workers eligible for it from the first day they are off sick and the refunding of sick pay for small businesses .
But there have been calls to go further .
Labour , for example , wants Downing Street to increase the rate of statutory sick pay to bring it line with other European nations .
In the UK , the rate is £94.25 a week .
There have also been calls to help people when it comes to rent and mortgage payments , possibly by deferring them .
Labour 's John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small measures '' and called on the chancellor to `` get this right '' .
`` We need an unequivocal statement from the chancellor today that people 's incomes will be protected and that businesses will be fully supported to prevent any going out of business as result of the virus , and it has to be on a scale sufficient to meet this crisis , '' the shadow chancellor said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for wide-ranging support for businesses and workers , saying : `` The government bailed out the banks and the financial sector with hundreds of billions back in 2008 .
The government must now be there for millions of businesses , employees and the self-employed - Britain 's real economy .
`` The prime minister was right to advise social distancing , but to do so without formally closing pubs , restaurants , theatres and so forth , he is undermining many firms ' insurance cover and writing these businesses into history .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent many businesses from claiming for any losses , which could lead to widespread collapse . ''

The chancellor is set to unveil a "significant" economic rescue package to help businesses and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Rishi Sunak will take the government's daily COVID-19 news conference in Downing Street later and will use the televised address to announce the new measures.
It comes less than a week after he unveiled a £12bn package to support the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic in the budget.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:33 Coronavirus: PM urges Britons to avoid pubs, restaurants and theatres
Speaking after leaving a cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the government was "going to do whatever it takes to make sure the country gets through this".
The package of measures from the chancellor will include assistance for pubs, clubs and theatres.
Addressing the nation on Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Britons to avoid such premises.
But business owners have criticised the PM for not telling them to close - since if he did, they would have more chance of claiming on their insurance to save their businesses.
And with the end of the tax year approaching, many firms will be preparing for big bills on things like VAT.
Former chancellor George Osborne has called for a "massive" government scheme to underwrite bank loans to businesses.
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He wrote on Twitter: "Budget measures last week were fine, but not enough."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 Coronavirus: Chancellor pledges unlimited funding for NHS
Industry figures have warned that many businesses could go under without financial help from the government.
Meanwhile, the Association of British Insurers has said the vast majority of businesses will not have purchased cover that "will enable them to claim on their insurance to compensate for their business being closed".
The trade body for the industry added: "Standard business interruption cover - the type the majority of businesses purchase - does not include forced closure by authorities as it is intended to respond to physical damage at the property which results in the business being unable to continue to trade."
As well as help for businesses, the chancellor will set out measures to aid individuals who could lose out financially due to coronavirus.
Fears have been expressed for the self-employed, low-paid workers and those on zero-hours contracts, who are not entitled to statutory sick pay.
The government has already acted on sick pay - making workers eligible for it from the first day they are off sick and the refunding of sick pay for small businesses.
But there have been calls to go further.
Labour, for example, wants Downing Street to increase the rate of statutory sick pay to bring it line with other European nations.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Why did the government change its stance?
In the UK, the rate is £94.25 a week.
There have also been calls to help people when it comes to rent and mortgage payments, possibly by deferring them.
Labour's John McDonnell said there must be no "small measures" and called on the chancellor to "get this right".
"We need an unequivocal statement from the chancellor today that people's incomes will be protected and that businesses will be fully supported to prevent any going out of business as result of the virus, and it has to be on a scale sufficient to meet this crisis," the shadow chancellor said.
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Lib Dem acting leader Sir Ed Davey called for wide-ranging support for businesses and workers, saying: "The government bailed out the banks and the financial sector with hundreds of billions back in 2008. The government must now be there for millions of businesses, employees and the self-employed - Britain's real economy.
"The prime minister was right to advise social distancing, but to do so without formally closing pubs, restaurants, theatres and so forth, he is undermining many firms' insurance cover and writing these businesses into history.
"The government's current approach will prevent many businesses from claiming for any losses, which could lead to widespread collapse."


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: Eerie images of deserted Britain as nation adheres to govt warnings

Eerie images have captured deserted shopping centres , tube stations and tourist attractions as the coronavirus outbreak continues to escalate in Britain .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned people to stay away from pubs , clubs and theatres as he unveiled unprecedented peacetime measures to try and control the spread of COVID-19 .
He also urged those who live with somebody who is ill to stay home for 14 days .
The announcement came after the death toll of people with coronavirus in the UK reached 71 on Tuesday - up 14 from the day before .
Tuesday 's confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up 407 in 24 hours .
Pictures show the impact the coronavirus outbreak has had on British life as more people are working from home and eschewing the likes of bars , restaurants and public transport .
Aerial images of major tourist attractions in central London , which usually draw in crowds of people every day , are practically deserted .
Trafalgar Square , Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden are among the unusually quiet attractions captured in the shots .
Other images across Britain show near-empty trains and station platforms during rush-hour , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supermarket shelves .
It comes as scientists said the UK had `` no time to lose '' in changing tactics in order to prevent thousands of deaths and the NHS being overwhelmed .
The Imperial College COVID-19 response team , which is one of several scientific teams advising ministers , published a paper showing that 250,000 people could die if government efforts only focused on delaying and slowing down the spread of the virus .
After analysing the most recent data from Italy and the UK , it concluded that the only `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` suppression '' of the virus .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
In other developments to tackle the infection , which has killed more than 7,000 people worldwide , Chancellor Rishi Sunak will set out a new package of support for businesses hit by the outbreak less than a week after announcing £12bn of emergency funding in the budget .
UK airports may shut down `` within weeks '' without government intervention , the Airport Operators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will lay out emergency legislation expected to include powers for police to detain people to stop them spreading the virus and allowing hospitals to send patients home to free up beds .
The government will also issue detailed advice on maintaining the flow of goods to the UK , while protecting staff working on shipping routes , Dominic Raab said on Tuesday .
He said : `` The government of course is keenly aware that international freight services such as shipping and haulage are vital for ensuring the continuity of the supply of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK . ''

Eerie images have captured deserted shopping centres, tube stations and tourist attractions as the coronavirus outbreak continues to escalate in Britain.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned people to stay away from pubs, clubs and theatres as he unveiled unprecedented peacetime measures to try and control the spread of COVID-19.
He also urged those who live with somebody who is ill to stay home for 14 days.
The announcement came after the death toll of people with coronavirus in the UK reached 71 on Tuesday - up 14 from the day before.
Tuesday's confirmed cases for the UK was 1,950 - up 407 in 24 hours.
Pictures show the impact the coronavirus outbreak has had on British life as more people are working from home and eschewing the likes of bars, restaurants and public transport.
Aerial images of major tourist attractions in central London, which usually draw in crowds of people every day, are practically deserted.
Image: An unusually empty Piccadilly Circus in central London
Image: Aerial view of Covent Garden, London
Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden are among the unusually quiet attractions captured in the shots.
Other images across Britain show near-empty trains and station platforms during rush-hour, deserted streets and shopping centres and bare supermarket shelves.
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It comes as scientists said the UK had "no time to lose" in changing tactics in order to prevent thousands of deaths and the NHS being overwhelmed.
Image: The quiet streets of Cambridge on Monday afternoon as visitors stay away due to the coronavirus outbreak
Image: A man walks by shops and restaurants in Windsor
Image: The Brent Cross shopping centre in north London
The Imperial College COVID-19 response team, which is one of several scientific teams advising ministers, published a paper showing that 250,000 people could die if government efforts only focused on delaying and slowing down the spread of the virus.
After analysing the most recent data from Italy and the UK, it concluded that the only "viable strategy" was a Chinese-style policy of "suppression" of the virus.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
In other developments to tackle the infection, which has killed more than 7,000 people worldwide, Chancellor Rishi Sunak will set out a new package of support for businesses hit by the outbreak less than a week after announcing £12bn of emergency funding in the budget.
Image: A near-empty rush-hour train from Tring in Hertfordshire to Euston
Image: Trafalgar Square, which is usually heaving with tourists, was practically deserted
Image: A deserted shopping centre in Finsbury Park, London
Image: Empty supermarket shelves in Coton near Leeds, Yorkshire
UK airports may shut down "within weeks" without government intervention, the Airport Operators Association said.
Meanwhile, the government will lay out emergency legislation expected to include powers for police to detain people to stop them spreading the virus and allowing hospitals to send patients home to free up beds.
The government will also issue detailed advice on maintaining the flow of goods to the UK, while protecting staff working on shipping routes, Dominic Raab said on Tuesday.
Image: An empty looking Cockburn Street in Edinburgh
Image: Office workers in Manchester sit amongst empty chairs
Image: A deserted platform at Edinburgh Waverley station
He said: "The government of course is keenly aware that international freight services such as shipping and haulage are vital for ensuring the continuity of the supply of essential foods, goods and material to the UK."


news--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: How the outbreak is putting people out of work - potentially for months

As the coronavirus continues to spread in the UK , the impact is being felt by the increasing numbers of people losing their jobs and missing out on work .
Retailer Laura Ashley is set to become the first retail casualty of the coronavirus crisis , placing 2,700 jobs at risk as it looked to appoint administrators .
The company blamed its troubles on a `` significant '' drop-off in trade with no end to the coronavirus crisis in sight .
The cancellation of all football matches and the Grand National have also dealt a `` huge blow '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Downtown in Business networking group , said : `` We 're looking at job losses , significant job losses , we are looking at establishments closing their doors and perhaps never reopening them . ''
And Britain 's airports have said jobs are at risk , with the possibility of them halting operations and closing up altogether still on the cards .
They have asked the government to include them in any aviation sector support with the lack of flights out of the UK posing a threat to their businesses .
Freelance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from Leeds , told Sky News job opportunities had `` vaporised '' for people in his position .
`` People are reluctant to take anyone on , companies are hesitating to hire people , '' he said .
`` Coronavirus hit and there 's a fresh set of challenges facing people like me .
`` Companies have no clue about their own future and they 're postponing hiring staff .
`` People are sitting at home and twiddling their thumbs and people ca n't claim benefits because they 're not technically jobless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my next paycheck is going to come from - it causes a lot of anxiety in terms of keeping up with commitments .
`` And if there 's a big gap on my CV , it does n't reflect well on me .
Opportunities have just vaporised , nothing exists , there are no opportunities out there at the moment . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Mr Nambiar said being at home could have a negative effect on people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in an office , someone would have picked up on my signs , and I have a shoulder to cry on , '' he said .
`` But at home , all alone , it 's a dangerous place to be in uncertain times . ''
Kathlyn-Nicole Milne , 25 , who is originally from Scotland but now lives in London , is also among those struggling for work following the outbreak .
She works as a freelance actor and works a few different jobs between acting gigs to pay bills .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ walking tours company .
The company is Italian so they had to cancel all tours in Italy .
This then affected us in the London branch where they reduced the amount of work freelancers could do , '' she told Sky News .
`` Eventually I lost all work completely as the only tour they were allowing us to do was the Warner Bros studio tour .
`` The studios have closed now until further notice which unfortunately means I 'm out of a job , the company even told us we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job .
`` It 's terrifying living in London - it 's expensive - and I 'm now searching for a new job .
This is in no way the company I worked for 's fault .
They did everything they could to keep us as long as they could and they hope in the future they can offer our jobs back to us . ''
The business 26-year-old Carol , from Norfolk , works for has had to close down .
She told Sky News : `` I was an administration contractor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , companies and candidates have been withdrawing roles and saying they 're unavailable to attend interviews , which has meant the small business has had to close . ''
Luke Park , 42 , from Cambridge , works for a printing company which has suffered after the virus outbreak effectively `` shut out the lights '' .
`` Nothing we have done , our clients absolutely love us , but most of them have been sent to work from home , all exhibitions that were booked in or coming up have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earliest , '' he told Sky News .
`` Everything we supply , it seems , has been the first thing to be cut from companies ' budgets . ''
He added : `` I fear for myself , my family and what effect this terrible approach by the UK government will have on thousands more people .
Not only are thousands going to die , but many , many more will be left homeless , bankrupt and maybe even end up in prison . ''
Freelance photographer Ellie Hoskins , 28 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pictures at events but has had cancellation after cancellation .
She told Sky News : `` I 've had four jobs cancelled in less than a week and no new bookings and my remaining work is looking extremely unlikely to go ahead .
`` I get no sick pay and there 's nothing on the government website to say what to do as a freelancer .
It 's looking like I 'm going to be out of work for months with no financial support . ''
Speaking in the House of Commons on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to concerns about the government 's measures and acknowledged that the latest advice would have consequences .
`` We 're advising against all unnecessary social contact , '' he said .
`` I appreciate that this has consequences and I regret having to take these measures , I really do , but we are having to fight this virus . ''

As the coronavirus continues to spread in the UK, the impact is being felt by the increasing numbers of people losing their jobs and missing out on work.
Retailer Laura Ashley is set to become the first retail casualty of the coronavirus crisis, placing 2,700 jobs at risk as it looked to appoint administrators.
The company blamed its troubles on a "significant" drop-off in trade with no end to the coronavirus crisis in sight.
The cancellation of all football matches and the Grand National have also dealt a "huge blow".
Frank McKenna, chief executive of Liverpool's Downtown in Business networking group, said: "We're looking at job losses, significant job losses, we are looking at establishments closing their doors and perhaps never reopening them."
And Britain's airports have said jobs are at risk, with the possibility of them halting operations and closing up altogether still on the cards.
They have asked the government to include them in any aviation sector support with the lack of flights out of the UK posing a threat to their businesses.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:36 Why did the government change its stance?
Freelance IT management consultant Jayaraj Nambiar, 47, from Leeds, told Sky News job opportunities had "vaporised" for people in his position.
"People are reluctant to take anyone on, companies are hesitating to hire people," he said. "Coronavirus hit and there's a fresh set of challenges facing people like me.
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"Companies have no clue about their own future and they're postponing hiring staff.
Image: Jayaraj Nambiar said job opportunities had 'vaporised'
"People are sitting at home and twiddling their thumbs and people can't claim benefits because they're not technically jobless.
"I don't know where my next paycheck is going to come from - it causes a lot of anxiety in terms of keeping up with commitments.
"And if there's a big gap on my CV, it doesn't reflect well on me. Opportunities have just vaporised, nothing exists, there are no opportunities out there at the moment."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Mr Nambiar said being at home could have a negative effect on people's mental health.
"If I was in an office, someone would have picked up on my signs, and I have a shoulder to cry on," he said. "But at home, all alone, it's a dangerous place to be in uncertain times."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:23 London landmarks deserted amid outbreak
Kathlyn-Nicole Milne, 25, who is originally from Scotland but now lives in London, is also among those struggling for work following the outbreak.
She works as a freelance actor and works a few different jobs between acting gigs to pay bills.
"My main income comes from a walking tours company. The company is Italian so they had to cancel all tours in Italy. This then affected us in the London branch where they reduced the amount of work freelancers could do," she told Sky News.
Image: Kathlyn-Nicole Milne says it is hard enough as it is living in 'expensive' London
"Eventually I lost all work completely as the only tour they were allowing us to do was the Warner Bros studio tour.
"The studios have closed now until further notice which unfortunately means I'm out of a job, the company even told us we are best to start looking for a new job.
"It's terrifying living in London - it's expensive - and I'm now searching for a new job. This is in no way the company I worked for's fault. They did everything they could to keep us as long as they could and they hope in the future they can offer our jobs back to us."
The business 26-year-old Carol, from Norfolk, works for has had to close down.
She told Sky News: "I was an administration contractor for a recruitment agency but because of the virus, companies and candidates have been withdrawing roles and saying they're unavailable to attend interviews, which has meant the small business has had to close."
Image: Luke Park said the virus had 'shut out the lights' on the business he works for
Luke Park, 42, from Cambridge, works for a printing company which has suffered after the virus outbreak effectively "shut out the lights".
"Nothing we have done, our clients absolutely love us, but most of them have been sent to work from home, all exhibitions that were booked in or coming up have all been cancelled until September at the earliest," he told Sky News.
"Everything we supply, it seems, has been the first thing to be cut from companies' budgets."
He added: "I fear for myself, my family and what effect this terrible approach by the UK government will have on thousands more people. Not only are thousands going to die, but many, many more will be left homeless, bankrupt and maybe even end up in prison."
Freelance photographer Ellie Hoskins, 28, from Essex, makes her living taking pictures at events but has had cancellation after cancellation.
She told Sky News: "I've had four jobs cancelled in less than a week and no new bookings and my remaining work is looking extremely unlikely to go ahead.
"I get no sick pay and there's nothing on the government website to say what to do as a freelancer. It's looking like I'm going to be out of work for months with no financial support."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:11 Government ramps up its coronavirus measures
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock responded to concerns about the government's measures and acknowledged that the latest advice would have consequences.
"We're advising against all unnecessary social contact," he said. "I appreciate that this has consequences and I regret having to take these measures, I really do, but we are having to fight this virus."