news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Little and Large comedian Eddie Large dies 'after contracting COVID-19 in hospital'

Comedian Eddie Large , best known for his comedy double act Little and Large , has died after contracting COVID-19 in hospital , his agent has confirmed .
His family said he caught the coronavirus while being treated for heart failure , and his son , Ryan McGinnis , posted on Facebook : `` It is with great sadness that Mum and I need to announce that my dad passed away in the early hours of this morning .
`` He had been suffering with heart failure and unfortunately , whilst in hospital , contracted the coronavirus , which his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight . ''
Large , real name Edward McGinnis , was best known for his partnership with Syd Little , with the pair achieving huge success on TV throughout the 1970s and '80s after winning talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1971 .
In a statement sent to Sky News , Little said : `` I am devastated to have lost not just my comedy partner of 60 years , but my friend of 60 years . ''
Large 's agent , Peter Mansfield , confirmed his death , aged 78 , saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sit in the room with him at Southmead Hospital in Bristol .
`` His family were very sad not to be able to be in the same room as him , touching him , in the last week , because of coronavirus , '' he said .
`` They were only able to speak on the phone which was obviously very sad for them .
But they wanted to say thank you to the NHS which was fantastic throughout . ''
Mr Mansfield said Large 's family also `` wanted to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 years that they have had with Eddie '' following his heart transplant in 2003 .
`` And a huge thank you to the donor and the donor 's family . ''
Fans and comedians including Matt Lucas , Jason Manford , Michael Barrymore , Lenny Henry and Paul Chuckle are among those paying tribute on social media .
Little Britain star Lucas wrote : `` Eddie Large [ along with his supersonic friend Syd ] was really lovely and kind and encouraging to me when I was a nipper on Shooting Stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passing . ''
Manford said : `` Came to every comedy and musical show I did whenever I hit Bristol and was always around for a chat about comedy and Man City afterwards . ''
Large was a Manchester City fan , and the club also paid tribute , saying : `` Everyone at Manchester City is sad to hear that lifelong City fan and celebrity Eddie Large has passed away aged 78 .
`` Our thoughts are with Eddie 's friends and family at this difficult time . ''
Film director Edgar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writing : `` In the 80 's my family were on the M5 , overtaking a car with a massive Little & Large decal on the back .
`` I was bemused a sticker even existed , then floored to see Eddie Large himself driving ( with Syd in shotgun ) .
I waved furiously .
My 1st celebrity sighting & still the best .
RIP . ''
Johnny Mans , Large 's friend and former producer and promoter of Little and Large 's theatre shows , told Sky News that `` both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work with '' .
Paying tribute , he said : `` Eddie was a great longstanding friend , an incredible talent and an outstanding comedian .
`` Having toured The Little and Large Show for over 35 years , they were on of the most successful double acts on the UK variety theatre circuit .
`` I will miss Eddie terribly and he will be a great loss to the world of showbiz . ''
In their heyday , Little and Large attracted audiences of millions , with shows including The Little and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , simply The Little and Large Show .
Large published his autobiography , Larger Than Life , in 2005 , and reunited with Little to appear on Ant and Dec 's Saturday Night Take Away in 2018 , and Pointless Celebrities just last year .
He is among several famous names who have contracted coronavirus , with actors Tom Hanks and Idris Elba , magician Dynamo , Prince Charles and Prime Minister Boris Johnson all testing positive for the disease .
In the US , musicians including Fountains Of Wayne star Adam Schlesinger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Love Rock ' N ' Roll writer Alan Merrill have died in the last few days after contracting the virus .

Comedian Eddie Large, best known for his comedy double act Little and Large, has died after contracting COVID-19 in hospital, his agent has confirmed.
His family said he caught the coronavirus while being treated for heart failure, and his son, Ryan McGinnis, posted on Facebook: "It is with great sadness that Mum and I need to announce that my dad passed away in the early hours of this morning.
"He had been suffering with heart failure and unfortunately, whilst in hospital, contracted the coronavirus, which his heart was sadly not strong enough to fight."
Image: Large was best known for his comedy partnership with Syd Little. Pic: ITV/Shutterstock
Large, real name Edward McGinnis, was best known for his partnership with Syd Little, with the pair achieving huge success on TV throughout the 1970s and '80s after winning talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1971.
In a statement sent to Sky News, Little said: "I am devastated to have lost not just my comedy partner of 60 years, but my friend of 60 years."
Large's agent, Peter Mansfield, confirmed his death, aged 78, saying the comedian's family had not been able to sit in the room with him at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
"His family were very sad not to be able to be in the same room as him, touching him, in the last week, because of coronavirus," he said.
"They were only able to speak on the phone which was obviously very sad for them. But they wanted to say thank you to the NHS which was fantastic throughout."
Mr Mansfield said Large's family also "wanted to say how grateful they are for the extra 17 years that they have had with Eddie" following his heart transplant in 2003. "And a huge thank you to the donor and the donor's family."
Fans and comedians including Matt Lucas, Jason Manford, Michael Barrymore, Lenny Henry and Paul Chuckle are among those paying tribute on social media.
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Little Britain star Lucas wrote: "Eddie Large [along with his supersonic friend Syd] was really lovely and kind and encouraging to me when I was a nipper on Shooting Stars. So sad to hear of his passing."
Manford said: "Came to every comedy and musical show I did whenever I hit Bristol and was always around for a chat about comedy and Man City afterwards."
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Large was a Manchester City fan, and the club also paid tribute, saying: "Everyone at Manchester City is sad to hear that lifelong City fan and celebrity Eddie Large has passed away aged 78.
"Our thoughts are with Eddie's friends and family at this difficult time."
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Film director Edgar Wright shared an anecdote on Twitter, writing: "In the 80's my family were on the M5, overtaking a car with a massive Little & Large decal on the back.
"I was bemused a sticker even existed, then floored to see Eddie Large himself driving (with Syd in shotgun). I waved furiously. My 1st celebrity sighting & still the best. RIP."
Johnny Mans, Large's friend and former producer and promoter of Little and Large's theatre shows, told Sky News that "both Syd and Eddie were a joy to work with".
Image: Friend Johnny Mans (second left) with singer Frankie Vaughan and Large and Little at a show
Paying tribute, he said: "Eddie was a great longstanding friend, an incredible talent and an outstanding comedian.
"Having toured The Little and Large Show for over 35 years, they were on of the most successful double acts on the UK variety theatre circuit.
"I will miss Eddie terribly and he will be a great loss to the world of showbiz."
In their heyday, Little and Large attracted audiences of millions, with shows including The Little and Large Tellyshow and then, later on, simply The Little and Large Show.
Large published his autobiography, Larger Than Life, in 2005, and reunited with Little to appear on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Take Away in 2018, and Pointless Celebrities just last year.
He is among several famous names who have contracted coronavirus, with actors Tom Hanks and Idris Elba, magician Dynamo, Prince Charles and Prime Minister Boris Johnson all testing positive for the disease.
In the US, musicians including Fountains Of Wayne star Adam Schlesinger, country star Joe Diffie and I Love Rock 'N' Roll writer Alan Merrill have died in the last few days after contracting the virus.


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Man who spat on police while claiming he had COVID-19 is jailed

A 23-year-old man who spat at police in Lancashire while claiming he had coronavirus has been jailed for a year .
Callum Heaton was arrested for being drunk and disorderly after police were called to a report of a disturbance in Burnley early on March 28 .
Lancashire Police said Heaton spat at two officers during the arrest on Cog Lane , while saying he had caught COVID-19 .
He continued this behaviour as he was taken into custody .
Heaton appeared before Burnley Magistrates ' Court on 30 March and pleaded guilty to two counts of assault on an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was jailed for a total of 12 months .
A spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary called the offence `` particularly offensive and dangerous '' .
`` It is totally unacceptable that police and other frontline workers who are doing their best to keep our communities safe are treated like this , '' they said .
Heaton is not the only one to have deliberately spat or coughed on others during the pandemic .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Police across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime .
On separate occasions , NHS staff have been coughed at on purpose , a pensioner was spat on by a teenager , a man was accused of spitting blood in police officer 's faces and another allegedly coughed on an officer while claiming he had coronavirus .
People who claim to have coronavirus and cough towards police officers and other emergency workers can be charged with assault , in new emergency powers to protect frontline workers .

A 23-year-old man who spat at police in Lancashire while claiming he had coronavirus has been jailed for a year.
Callum Heaton was arrested for being drunk and disorderly after police were called to a report of a disturbance in Burnley early on March 28.
Lancashire Police said Heaton spat at two officers during the arrest on Cog Lane, while saying he had caught COVID-19.
He continued this behaviour as he was taken into custody.
Heaton appeared before Burnley Magistrates' Court on 30 March and pleaded guilty to two counts of assault on an emergency worker and one of criminal damage.
He was jailed for a total of 12 months.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary called the offence "particularly offensive and dangerous".
"It is totally unacceptable that police and other frontline workers who are doing their best to keep our communities safe are treated like this," they said.
Heaton is not the only one to have deliberately spat or coughed on others during the pandemic.
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Police across the country are clamping down on the crime.
On separate occasions, NHS staff have been coughed at on purpose, a pensioner was spat on by a teenager, a man was accused of spitting blood in police officer's faces and another allegedly coughed on an officer while claiming he had coronavirus.
People who claim to have coronavirus and cough towards police officers and other emergency workers can be charged with assault, in new emergency powers to protect frontline workers.


news--2020-04-01--Almost half of firms will furlough most of their staff next week

The British Chamber of Commerce ( BCC ) has said nearly half of firms will furlough at least half of their workforce over the next week .
A total of 44 % of business will temporarily lay off at least 50 % of staff , according to the organisation 's COVID-19 Business Impact Tracker .
The new tool also revealed more than three fifths of businesses are running out of money fast .
It adds while government help is welcome , firms are finding it difficult to wait weeks or months for the cash injection .
In addition , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their revenue from both the UK and overseas .
A report from the tracker states 18 % of businesses reported less than a month 's worth of cash in reserve , while 44 % reported only one to three months ' worth of cash in reserve .
Only six percent of respondents reported more than 12 months ' worth of cash in reserve .
Meanwhile 18 % of businesses had closed operations temporarily and , although no respondents had yet closed business operations permanently , both figures are expected to rise over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general for the BCC , Dr Adam Marshall , said : `` The coronavirus pandemic has taken a heavy toll on business and economic activity across the UK .
`` While businesses have welcomed the unprecedented size and scope of the government support packages , our findings highlight the urgent need for that support to reach businesses on the ground as soon as possible .
The majority of firms can not wait weeks or months for help to arrive . ''
He added there was `` no escaping '' the challenge that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways to contribute to the national effort .
`` Chambers and their members are working together to play their part , including gathering unused PPE equipment from local businesses and delivering them to the NHS , '' he said .
`` I 've no doubt we will see further examples of resilience and innovation - the hallmarks of the UK business community - in the coming weeks and months . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker : : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The tracker will serve as a barometer of business ' response to the government 's measures and changes to working practices over the next few months .
It will also track how quickly new government interventions are getting to the firms at the front line .
The first set of polling was conducted from 25 to 27 March and the BCC received responses from more than 600 businesses .
The news comes as Luke Johnson , a former chairman of Pizza Express , warned we could be facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He added `` several hundred '' of his own staff at his firm Risk Capital Partners , which owns stakes in Gail 's Bakery , Brighton Pier and Giraffe restaurant chain , were also on furlough .

The British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) has said nearly half of firms will furlough at least half of their workforce over the next week.
A total of 44% of business will temporarily lay off at least 50% of staff, according to the organisation's COVID-19 Business Impact Tracker.
The new tool also revealed more than three fifths of businesses are running out of money fast.
It adds while government help is welcome, firms are finding it difficult to wait weeks or months for the cash injection.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:42 Paul Kelso looks at how store closures are affecting businesses and shoppers.
In addition, a majority of companies reported a significant decrease in their revenue from both the UK and overseas.
A report from the tracker states 18% of businesses reported less than a month's worth of cash in reserve, while 44% reported only one to three months' worth of cash in reserve.
Only six percent of respondents reported more than 12 months' worth of cash in reserve.
Meanwhile 18% of businesses had closed operations temporarily and, although no respondents had yet closed business operations permanently, both figures are expected to rise over the coming weeks and months.
Director general for the BCC, Dr Adam Marshall, said: "The coronavirus pandemic has taken a heavy toll on business and economic activity across the UK.
"While businesses have welcomed the unprecedented size and scope of the government support packages, our findings highlight the urgent need for that support to reach businesses on the ground as soon as possible. The majority of firms cannot wait weeks or months for help to arrive."
He added there was "no escaping" the challenge that is facing UK businesses and many were finding ways to contribute to the national effort.
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"Chambers and their members are working together to play their part, including gathering unused PPE equipment from local businesses and delivering them to the NHS," he said.
"I've no doubt we will see further examples of resilience and innovation - the hallmarks of the UK business community - in the coming weeks and months."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The tracker will serve as a barometer of business' response to the government's measures and changes to working practices over the next few months.
It will also track how quickly new government interventions are getting to the firms at the front line.
The first set of polling was conducted from 25 to 27 March and the BCC received responses from more than 600 businesses.
The news comes as Luke Johnson, a former chairman of Pizza Express, warned we could be facing a downturn similar to the Great Depression.
He added "several hundred" of his own staff at his firm Risk Capital Partners, which owns stakes in Gail's Bakery, Brighton Pier and Giraffe restaurant chain, were also on furlough.


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Premier League execs push plan for 25% player pay cuts

Premier League chiefs will discuss proposals on Friday for substantial cuts to players ' wages against a backdrop of growing anger at the sport 's approach to the financial challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News understands that some senior figures connected to the world 's richest domestic football league want the Premier League 's 20 clubs to agree to a blanket reduction in players ' salaries of up to 25 % .
Under one proposal expected to be discussed , the money would be refunded to players in full if the season is completed in front of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event that the remaining fixtures had to be played behind closed doors .
A 25 % reduction in players ' wages at clubs including Arsenal , Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur would , over the course of a three-month period , save hundreds of millions of pounds .
The league 's annual wage bill stands at almost £3bn , with clubs estimated to face a £750m deficit in broadcasting , matchday and sponsorship revenue as a result of the suspension of matches until at least next month , the Financial Times suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by English football 's biggest stars , who include the Liverpool striker Mo Salah and Manchester City 's Kevin de Bruyne , in the event that the season has to be abandoned .
One source said there was `` nothing definitive '' on the table and a range of options were likely to be discussed in relation to players ' wages .
If the current season would leave Premier League clubs facing a collective cash crunch because of substantial rebates that would be required to be handed back to broadcasters including Sky , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A number of top-flight clubs , including Newcastle United and Spurs , have taken advantage of the government 's emergency Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to furlough hundreds of non-playing staff who earn a tiny fraction of their club 's most prominent employees .
Friday 's Premier League shareholder meeting has acquired a sense of urgency after the chair of the House of Commons culture , media and sport select committee called on the Treasury to impose a windfall tax on England 's elite clubs .
JuIian Knight told Rishi Sunak , the chancellor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these [ non-playing ] staff should take less money home while players retain their full salary '' .
`` This two-tier system is morally wrong , especially given the extremely high wages paid to players . ''
Mr Knight also wrote to Richard Masters , the Premier League chief executive , to ask him `` to broker an agreement between member clubs to change their approach '' .
He added that he had proposed that the Treasury `` pursue a means of financial redress whereby the Exchequer recoups a proportion of the money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The Premier League does not set the wages of players , who are employed by the clubs , but government sources believe that Mr Masters and his colleagues need to show leadership by publicly advocating a blanket cut .
One insider said that any pay cut proposal that looked likely to achieve consensus would be put to a formal vote of the clubs .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Matt Hancock , the health secretary , added to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday when he called on them to `` make a contribution and take a pay cut '' .
A blanket approach to wage cuts in English football has been complicated by the defiant stance of the Professional Footballers Association ( PFA ) .
The union has urged players not to accept temporary salary cuts , and has been arguing that any wage deferrals are ultimately paid out to its members when football resumes .
Further talks were held on Thursday between the Premier League , English Football League , which accounts for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the PFA .
The union said on Thursday : `` We fully accept that players will have to be flexible and share the financial burden of the COVID-19 outbreak in order to secure the long-term future of their own club and indeed the game . ''
Among the other possible options put forward by executives are a range of pay cuts across all four divisions , although some insiders believe this would be both undesirable and unworkable .
With no gate receipts or matchday revenues - as well as the possibility of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league clubs face the prospect of financial ruin if the COVID-19 pandemic makes the completion of the 2019-20 season impossible .

Premier League chiefs will discuss proposals on Friday for substantial cuts to players' wages against a backdrop of growing anger at the sport's approach to the financial challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News understands that some senior figures connected to the world's richest domestic football league want the Premier League's 20 clubs to agree to a blanket reduction in players' salaries of up to 25%.
Under one proposal expected to be discussed, the money would be refunded to players in full if the season is completed in front of crowds, with a smaller rebate in the event that the remaining fixtures had to be played behind closed doors.
A 25% reduction in players' wages at clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur would, over the course of a three-month period, save hundreds of millions of pounds.
Image: A woman wearing a mask walks by the Emirates Stadium
The league's annual wage bill stands at almost £3bn, with clubs estimated to face a £750m deficit in broadcasting, matchday and sponsorship revenue as a result of the suspension of matches until at least next month, the Financial Times suggested.
The money would be forfeited altogether by English football's biggest stars, who include the Liverpool striker Mo Salah and Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne, in the event that the season has to be abandoned.
One source said there was "nothing definitive" on the table and a range of options were likely to be discussed in relation to players' wages.
If the current season would leave Premier League clubs facing a collective cash crunch because of substantial rebates that would be required to be handed back to broadcasters including Sky, the immediate parent of Sky News.
A number of top-flight clubs, including Newcastle United and Spurs, have taken advantage of the government's emergency Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to furlough hundreds of non-playing staff who earn a tiny fraction of their club's most prominent employees.
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Friday's Premier League shareholder meeting has acquired a sense of urgency after the chair of the House of Commons culture, media and sport select committee called on the Treasury to impose a windfall tax on England's elite clubs.
JuIian Knight told Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, it was "deeply unfair that these [non-playing] staff should take less money home while players retain their full salary".
"This two-tier system is morally wrong, especially given the extremely high wages paid to players."
Mr Knight also wrote to Richard Masters, the Premier League chief executive, to ask him "to broker an agreement between member clubs to change their approach".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:24 Chris Kamara on how football can unite
He added that he had proposed that the Treasury "pursue a means of financial redress whereby the Exchequer recoups a proportion of the money that clubs are paying to players."
The Premier League does not set the wages of players, who are employed by the clubs, but government sources believe that Mr Masters and his colleagues need to show leadership by publicly advocating a blanket cut.
One insider said that any pay cut proposal that looked likely to achieve consensus would be put to a formal vote of the clubs.
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
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Matt Hancock, the health secretary, added to the backlash against Premier League players on Thursday when he called on them to "make a contribution and take a pay cut".
A blanket approach to wage cuts in English football has been complicated by the defiant stance of the Professional Footballers Association (PFA).
The union has urged players not to accept temporary salary cuts, and has been arguing that any wage deferrals are ultimately paid out to its members when football resumes.
Further talks were held on Thursday between the Premier League, English Football League, which accounts for the three divisions below the top flight, and the PFA.
The union said on Thursday: "We fully accept that players will have to be flexible and share the financial burden of the COVID-19 outbreak in order to secure the long-term future of their own club and indeed the game."
Among the other possible options put forward by executives are a range of pay cuts across all four divisions, although some insiders believe this would be both undesirable and unworkable.
With no gate receipts or matchday revenues - as well as the possibility of a rebate to broadcasters - many lower league clubs face the prospect of financial ruin if the COVID-19 pandemic makes the completion of the 2019-20 season impossible.
A Premier League spokesman declined to comment.


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: Branson defers Virgin brand payments

Sir Richard Branson is to defer tens of millions of pounds in fees owed by the hardest-hit Virgin-branded companies as the coronavirus pandemic decimates revenues across his leisure and travel operations .
Sky News has learnt that Virgin Enterprises Limited ( VEL ) , the UK-based company which manages Virgin 's global brand licensing activities , is in talks to give some businesses set up by the billionaire a payment holiday for the duration of 2020 .
The impending decision means that companies including Virgin Active , Virgin Atlantic Airways , Virgin Australia , Virgin Voyages and Virgin Holidays will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they pay to VEL for use of the Virgin brand - with some of the deferrals potentially lasting until next year .
One source said the prospective agreement reflected the particular strain on travel and leisure-related companies in which Sir Richard 's Virgin Group Holdings owns stakes .
The move to shore up the cashflows of Virgin-branded businesses comes as Virgin Atlantic seeks several hundred million pounds of taxpayers ' support in the form of credit facilities and guarantees against money held back by credit card companies .
On Wednesday , Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which generate revenue from the transatlantic carrier - including Airbus and Rolls-Royce Holdings were lobbying the government to provide a financial aid package to the company .
Sir Richard disclosed last month that he was injecting $ 250m into Virgin-branded companies which had been hit by the pandemic , calling it `` the most significant crisis the world has experienced in my lifetime '' .
`` There are more than 70,000 people across 35 countries who work in Virgin companies , all of whom have been deeply affected by the pandemic in different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because many of our businesses are in industries like travel , leisure and wellness , they are in a massive battle to survive and save jobs . ''
The tycoon added that the $ 250m investment was `` likely just the start '' .
`` The chances of securing widespread economic recovery will depend critically upon governments around the world successfully mobilising various newly announced support programmes , which in these unique circumstances will be essential to protect people 's livelihoods , '' he wrote .
Virgin Atlantic is the most prominent victim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portfolio , with the vast majority of its fleet grounded and thousands of staff asked to take unpaid leave .
Rival British Airways is planning to furlough tens of thousands of staff , while easyJet has also ceased flying .
Peter Norris , the chairman of Virgin Group , recently urged Boris Johnson to establish an industry-wide bailout strategy worth up to £7.5bn .
That request appears to have been dashed by Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , who has signalled that only `` bespoke '' aid will be available `` as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sir Richard 's flagship airline is by no means the only Virgin-branded company to be hammered by COVID-19 , however , with Virgin Active 's clubs shut down , and the launch of its cruise operation - which had been slated for this spring - delayed for months .
Companies in Sir Richard 's portfolio which are likely to be relatively unaffected by the crisis include Virgin Media , the pay-TV broadcaster and mobile phone network operator .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , by the 70 % fall in the value of Virgin Money during the last 12 months , with banks suffering from rock-bottom interest rates .
Virgin Group typically owns minority stakes in companies which use the brand , although Virgin Atlantic is an exception , with the billionaire continuing to control its equity .

Sir Richard Branson is to defer tens of millions of pounds in fees owed by the hardest-hit Virgin-branded companies as the coronavirus pandemic decimates revenues across his leisure and travel operations.
Sky News has learnt that Virgin Enterprises Limited (VEL), the UK-based company which manages Virgin's global brand licensing activities, is in talks to give some businesses set up by the billionaire a payment holiday for the duration of 2020.
The impending decision means that companies including Virgin Active, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Virgin Australia, Virgin Voyages and Virgin Holidays will not be required to hand over fees they pay to VEL for use of the Virgin brand - with some of the deferrals potentially lasting until next year.
One source said the prospective agreement reflected the particular strain on travel and leisure-related companies in which Sir Richard's Virgin Group Holdings owns stakes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:43 16 March: Airline industry in crisis as companies ground their fleets
The move to shore up the cashflows of Virgin-branded businesses comes as Virgin Atlantic seeks several hundred million pounds of taxpayers' support in the form of credit facilities and guarantees against money held back by credit card companies.
On Wednesday, Sky News revealed that industrial giants - all of which generate revenue from the transatlantic carrier - including Airbus and Rolls-Royce Holdings were lobbying the government to provide a financial aid package to the company.
Sir Richard disclosed last month that he was injecting $250m into Virgin-branded companies which had been hit by the pandemic, calling it "the most significant crisis the world has experienced in my lifetime".
"There are more than 70,000 people across 35 countries who work in Virgin companies, all of whom have been deeply affected by the pandemic in different ways," he wrote.
"Because many of our businesses are in industries like travel, leisure and wellness, they are in a massive battle to survive and save jobs."
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The tycoon added that the $250m investment was "likely just the start".
"The chances of securing widespread economic recovery will depend critically upon governments around the world successfully mobilising various newly announced support programmes, which in these unique circumstances will be essential to protect people's livelihoods," he wrote.
Virgin Atlantic is the most prominent victim of the pandemic within Sir Richard's portfolio, with the vast majority of its fleet grounded and thousands of staff asked to take unpaid leave.
Image: Virgin Active gyms have had to close in the outbreak
Rival British Airways is planning to furlough tens of thousands of staff, while easyJet has also ceased flying.
Peter Norris, the chairman of Virgin Group, recently urged Boris Johnson to establish an industry-wide bailout strategy worth up to £7.5bn.
That request appears to have been dashed by Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, who has signalled that only "bespoke" aid will be available "as a last resort".
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Sir Richard's flagship airline is by no means the only Virgin-branded company to be hammered by COVID-19, however, with Virgin Active's clubs shut down, and the launch of its cruise operation - which had been slated for this spring - delayed for months.
Companies in Sir Richard's portfolio which are likely to be relatively unaffected by the crisis include Virgin Media, the pay-TV broadcaster and mobile phone network operator.
His group's paper value has been dented, though, by the 70% fall in the value of Virgin Money during the last 12 months, with banks suffering from rock-bottom interest rates.
Virgin Group typically owns minority stakes in companies which use the brand, although Virgin Atlantic is an exception, with the billionaire continuing to control its equity.
A Virgin Group spokesman declined to comment.


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: European hospitals could run out of intensive care drugs 'in days'

European hospitals could run out of drugs being used to treat COVID-19 patients in intensive care within days , a hospitals body has warned .
The European University Hospital Alliance said in a statement sent to national governments that hospitals across the continent could run out of stocks of muscle relaxants , sedatives and painkillers in less than two weeks .
But at the hardest-hit hospitals , existing stocks might only last two days .
`` The most urgent need now is for the drugs that are necessary for intensive care patients , '' the alliance said , noting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternative drugs or try other doses on patients .
`` It is extremely worrying that overworked and often less-experienced nurses and doctors-in-training , drafted to fill the gaps , have to use products and dosages that they are not used to . ''
The group , which represents nine university hospitals in Austria , Britain , France , Germany , Italy , the Netherlands , Belgium , Sweden and Spain , said some governments were coping with the crisis by refusing to export to others .
That could exacerbate current shortages , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No single country in Europe has the production facilities to provide all the drugs ( or protective gear or ventilators ) needed .
Co-ordinated European action will be of vital importance . ''
Spain , the second-worst hit country in terms fatalities , passed a grim milestone on Thursday as it recorded its 10,000th death from the pandemic .
A new record 950 COVID-19 deaths were recorded on Thursday , although the growth in infections is waning , health ministry data showed .
Spain also lost nearly 900,000 jobs , although that figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6.6 million new unemployment claims were made last week .
In New York state , the number of deaths doubled in 72 hours to more than 1,900 .
In the city , bodies were loaded on to refrigerated mortuary trucks outside overwhelmed hospitals .
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said : `` How does it end ?
And people want answers .
I want answers .
The answer is nobody knows for sure . ''
In Italy , where the total of 13,915 deaths is the highest globally , another 760 deaths were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bodies and coffins piled up in churches .
Experts drew hope that the spread was already slowing in the country .
Sky 's Sally Lockwood , in Rome , said the lockdown there could start to be lifted `` incrementally , by generations , soon '' although she warned that schools `` might not go back until September '' .
In Italy , `` they have upscaled their ICUs '' , she said , while in Spain `` 14 % of healthcare staff are infected '' , a third of hospitals are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 940,000 people around the world have contracted the virus , according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University , and more than 47,000 people have died .
• Italy has the world 's highest death toll of 13,155 from more than 110,000 confirmed cases • Spain announced record unemployment with 898,822 people out of work since the pandemic began • Russia recorded 771 new cases , a 43 % increase on the day before • The Canada government is looking into reports drug imports were diverted to the US • Australia 's government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week • New Zealand says it plans to repatriate tens of thousands of tourists , including Brits

European hospitals could run out of drugs being used to treat COVID-19 patients in intensive care within days, a hospitals body has warned.
The European University Hospital Alliance said in a statement sent to national governments that hospitals across the continent could run out of stocks of muscle relaxants, sedatives and painkillers in less than two weeks.
But at the hardest-hit hospitals, existing stocks might only last two days.
Image: A woman is taken into a hospital in northern Spain
"The most urgent need now is for the drugs that are necessary for intensive care patients," the alliance said, noting that shortages have led some hospitals to buy alternative drugs or try other doses on patients.
"It is extremely worrying that overworked and often less-experienced nurses and doctors-in-training, drafted to fill the gaps, have to use products and dosages that they are not used to."
The group, which represents nine university hospitals in Austria, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden and Spain, said some governments were coping with the crisis by refusing to export to others.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Why hasn't Sweden gone into lockdown?
That could exacerbate current shortages, the alliance wrote.
It said: "No single country in Europe has the production facilities to provide all the drugs (or protective gear or ventilators) needed. Co-ordinated European action will be of vital importance."
Spain, the second-worst hit country in terms fatalities, passed a grim milestone on Thursday as it recorded its 10,000th death from the pandemic.
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A new record 950 COVID-19 deaths were recorded on Thursday, although the growth in infections is waning, health ministry data showed.
Spain also lost nearly 900,000 jobs, although that figure is dwarfed by the US, where 6.6 million new unemployment claims were made last week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:53 Boris Johnson has admitted that the UK needs to increases testing
In New York state, the number of deaths doubled in 72 hours to more than 1,900.
In the city, bodies were loaded on to refrigerated mortuary trucks outside overwhelmed hospitals.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: "How does it end? And people want answers. I want answers. The answer is nobody knows for sure."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Venice has been deserted during the outbreak
In Italy, where the total of 13,915 deaths is the highest globally, another 760 deaths were reported on Thursday as mortuaries overflowed with bodies and coffins piled up in churches.
Experts drew hope that the spread was already slowing in the country.
Sky's Sally Lockwood, in Rome, said the lockdown there could start to be lifted "incrementally, by generations, soon" although she warned that schools "might not go back until September".
Image: A COVID-19 patient in the ICU at Casalmaggiore Hospital in Italy
In Italy, "they have upscaled their ICUs", she said, while in Spain "14% of healthcare staff are infected", a third of hospitals are at full capacity in ICUs.
Close to 940,000 people around the world have contracted the virus, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University, and more than 47,000 people have died.
In other developments:


news--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: US jobless claims surge to more than six million - 10 times previous record

The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in the US last week hit a new record of more than 6 million as coronavirus measures took hold .
Figures from the US labour department showed the number of claims in the week ending 28 March climbed to 6.65 million , up from 3.3 million the previous week .
It was much higher than the 3.5 million estimate pencilled in by economists , and adds to fears about the depth of recession facing the world 's biggest economy as it fights the pandemic .
The report said that the virus `` continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' with nearly every state citing its impact on the figures .
More than 80 % of Americans are now under some form of lockdown , up from less than 50 % two weeks ago , prompting an avalanche of claims for jobless benefits .
The number of claims - which previously hit a record last week - have already far outstripped the levels seen during the last recession , when they peaked at 665,000 .
Experts warn that the country should brace for the numbers to continue escalating - thanks to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package signed into law by Donald Trump last week .
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker As part of the measures , self-employed and gig economy workers previously ineligible to claim the payments can now do so .
Gregory Daco , chief US economist at Oxford Economics in New York , said : `` The US labour market is in free-fall .
`` The prospect of more stringent lockdown measures and the fact that many states have not yet been able to process the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst is still to come . ''
Thursday 's data provides an early snapshot of the rapidly deteriorating jobs market .
The main headline US `` non-farm payroll '' jobs numbers for March , due on Friday , will only cover the picture up to the middle of the month , when only a handful of states were enforcing `` stay at home '' orders .
Retailers including Macy 's , Kohl 's and Gap said on Monday that they would furlough tens of thousands of workers as they prepare to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chief global strategist at JP Morgan Funds in New York , said : `` A rough look at the most affected industries suggests a potential payroll job loss of over 16 million jobs .
`` The loss would be enough to boost the unemployment rate from roughly 3.5 % to 12.5 % , which would be its highest rate since the Great Depression . ''

The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in the US last week hit a new record of more than 6 million as coronavirus measures took hold.
Figures from the US labour department showed the number of claims in the week ending 28 March climbed to 6.65 million, up from 3.3 million the previous week.
It was much higher than the 3.5 million estimate pencilled in by economists, and adds to fears about the depth of recession facing the world's biggest economy as it fights the pandemic.
The report said that the virus "continues to impact the number of initial claims" with nearly every state citing its impact on the figures.
Image: The shocking figure is a huge spike and the largest the US has seen for decades
More than 80% of Americans are now under some form of lockdown, up from less than 50% two weeks ago, prompting an avalanche of claims for jobless benefits.
The number of claims - which previously hit a record last week - have already far outstripped the levels seen during the last recession, when they peaked at 665,000.
Experts warn that the country should brace for the numbers to continue escalating - thanks to the generous provisions of a $2.2trn stimulus package signed into law by Donald Trump last week.
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Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
As part of the measures, self-employed and gig economy workers previously ineligible to claim the payments can now do so.
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Gregory Daco, chief US economist at Oxford Economics in New York, said: "The US labour market is in free-fall.
"The prospect of more stringent lockdown measures and the fact that many states have not yet been able to process the full amount of jobless claim applications suggest the worst is still to come."
Thursday's data provides an early snapshot of the rapidly deteriorating jobs market.
The main headline US "non-farm payroll" jobs numbers for March, due on Friday, will only cover the picture up to the middle of the month, when only a handful of states were enforcing "stay at home" orders.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 'We could be facing another Great Depression'
Retailers including Macy's, Kohl's and Gap said on Monday that they would furlough tens of thousands of workers as they prepare to keep shops shut for longer.
David Kelly, chief global strategist at JP Morgan Funds in New York, said: "A rough look at the most affected industries suggests a potential payroll job loss of over 16 million jobs.
"The loss would be enough to boost the unemployment rate from roughly 3.5% to 12.5%, which would be its highest rate since the Great Depression."


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Spotify pledges $10m to struggling musicians hit by COVID-19 outbreak

Spotify has pledged up to $ 10m ( £8.4m ) to help musicians hit by the coronavirus outbreak .
The streaming giant will also match each donation made by the public through its COVID-19 Music Relief page , up to a combined total of $ 10m ( £8.4m ) .
The company says it is launching a tool which will allow artists to link out of the app to alternative donation pages .
Some of the service 's creator tool features will now also be free .
SoundBetter is temporarily waiving its revenue share , cloud-based recording platform Soundtrap is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast-making app Anchor is waiving fees on its listener support feature .
Spotify has partnered with music organisations MusiCares , PRS Foundation and Help Musicians for the initiative .
It is not the only company making moves to support those in the creative industries amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The Performing Rights Society for Music ( PRS For Music ) has launched an emergency relief fund in partnership with the PRS Members ' Fund and PRS Foundation .
Grants of up to £1,000 will be available to those who have been a member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than £500 in the past two years .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Andrea C Martin , chief executive of PRS For Music , said : `` Our members are under threat as many parts of the music scene grind to a halt .
`` They look to PRS for leadership , for support and to be the best and most trusted collecting society in the world .
`` Members need to eat , support their families and pay rents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging during this terrible time .
Together we can get through this . ''
Last week , streaming giant Netflix launched a $ 100m ( £84m ) coronavirus relief fund for out-of-work creatives in the TV and film industry .
The majority of the fund will go to cast and crew affected by the postponement of Netflix 's own productions including Russian Doll , The Witcher and all its scripted films in the US and Canada .

Spotify has pledged up to $10m (£8.4m) to help musicians hit by the coronavirus outbreak.
The streaming giant will also match each donation made by the public through its COVID-19 Music Relief page, up to a combined total of $10m (£8.4m).
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The company says it is launching a tool which will allow artists to link out of the app to alternative donation pages.
Some of the service's creator tool features will now also be free.
SoundBetter is temporarily waiving its revenue share, cloud-based recording platform Soundtrap is offering free trials for educators, and podcast-making app Anchor is waiving fees on its listener support feature.
Spotify has partnered with music organisations MusiCares, PRS Foundation and Help Musicians for the initiative.
It is not the only company making moves to support those in the creative industries amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Performing Rights Society for Music (PRS For Music) has launched an emergency relief fund in partnership with the PRS Members' Fund and PRS Foundation.
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Grants of up to £1,000 will be available to those who have been a member for at least two years and earned more than £500 in the past two years.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Andrea C Martin, chief executive of PRS For Music, said: "Our members are under threat as many parts of the music scene grind to a halt.
"They look to PRS for leadership, for support and to be the best and most trusted collecting society in the world.
"Members need to eat, support their families and pay rents - without industry support the future is challenging during this terrible time. Together we can get through this."
Image: Netflix has put filming of all scripted films in the US and Canada on hold
Last week, streaming giant Netflix launched a $100m (£84m) coronavirus relief fund for out-of-work creatives in the TV and film industry.
The majority of the fund will go to cast and crew affected by the postponement of Netflix's own productions including Russian Doll, The Witcher and all its scripted films in the US and Canada.


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: Donald Trump wants US economy to open by Easter

Donald Trump said he wants the US economy running again by Easter , and that the coronavirus `` cure is worse than the problem '' .
The US president wants America to return to business by 12 April , as the coronavirus pandemic deepens .
`` I would love to have the country opened up and raring to go by Easter , '' Trump said in a Fox News interview .
He was speaking as the US Congress neared the completion of a stimulus Bill that is expected to pump $ 2trn ( £1.7trn ) into the economy - with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health officials and politicians warned against relaxing US restrictions too early for fear or even more deaths and a worse economic fallout .
And the mayor of New York , the region worst hit , directly contradicted the president , insisting things were going to get a lot worse .
But Trump said he believed if citizens continued to stay at home , the impact on society would be greater .
`` This cure is worse than the problem , '' Trump said , adding that `` in my opinion , more people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this to continue . ''
US media reported that a White House official said the president does not believe he can reopen all businesses by Easter , but he can have the economy `` speeding again '' .
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Trump told Fox News later that he was targeting Easter because it was a `` very special '' day for him .
`` You will have packed churches all over our country , I think it would be a beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timeline that I think is right , '' he said .
He added that people could continue to practice good hygiene and social distancing even while going back to work .
Mr Trump 's optimism was not shared by New York mayor , Bill de Blasio .
The city has had more than 14,700 confirmed cases and over 130 deaths .
Speaking from City Hall Mr de Blasio said he respectfully disagreed with the president and that `` we are looking at months and I 'm going to say it again , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing all we can just to get through March right now , particularly in terms of our health care system .
`` April will unquestionably be worse than March .
And right now , my fear is that May could be worse than April .
`` That 's the reality we 're facing .
I think the notion that we could be , quote unquote , back to normal in the month of April is absolutely inconceivable at this point .
`` :

Donald Trump said he wants the US economy running again by Easter, and that the coronavirus "cure is worse than the problem".
The US president wants America to return to business by 12 April, as the coronavirus pandemic deepens.
"I would love to have the country opened up and raring to go by Easter," Trump said in a Fox News interview.
He was speaking as the US Congress neared the completion of a stimulus Bill that is expected to pump $2trn (£1.7trn) into the economy - with key votes due later on Wednesday.
Image: Trump wants to reverse the lockdown in much of America by Easter
Health officials and politicians warned against relaxing US restrictions too early for fear or even more deaths and a worse economic fallout.
And the mayor of New York, the region worst hit, directly contradicted the president, insisting things were going to get a lot worse.
But Trump said he believed if citizens continued to stay at home, the impact on society would be greater.
"This cure is worse than the problem," Trump said, adding that "in my opinion, more people are going to die if we allow this to continue."
US media reported that a White House official said the president does not believe he can reopen all businesses by Easter, but he can have the economy "speeding again".
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Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Trump told Fox News later that he was targeting Easter because it was a "very special" day for him.
"You will have packed churches all over our country, I think it would be a beautiful time and it is just about the timeline that I think is right," he said.
He added that people could continue to practice good hygiene and social distancing even while going back to work.
Mr Trump's optimism was not shared by New York mayor, Bill de Blasio. The city has had more than 14,700 confirmed cases and over 130 deaths.
Speaking from City Hall Mr de Blasio said he respectfully disagreed with the president and that "we are looking at months and I'm going to say it again, because people deserve the honest truth that we are doing all we can just to get through March right now, particularly in terms of our health care system.
"April will unquestionably be worse than March. And right now, my fear is that May could be worse than April.
"That's the reality we're facing. I think the notion that we could be, quote unquote, back to normal in the month of April is absolutely inconceivable at this point.":


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Lakeside-owner Intu to lay bare scale of retail rent crisis

One of Britain 's biggest shopping centre-owners will this week lay bare the scale of the crisis hammering retail landlords when it reveals that it received barely a third of the rent it was owed this week .
Sky News has learnt that Intu Properties , which owns Lakeside in Essex and Manchester 's Trafford Centre , will disclose that the coronavirus pandemic has triggered a slump in its revenue - in what should be one of its most lucrative weeks of the year .
Retail industry sources said on Wednesday evening that Intu was preparing to disclose in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little more than 30 % of the rent it was owed by tenants .
The staggering decline in rent paid to Intu comes after revelations by Sky News during the past week that Sir Philip Green 's Arcadia Group , which owns TopShop , the fast-food chain Burger King and B & Q-owner Kingfisher planned to withhold or restructure their rental payments on Wednesday 's so-called quarter day .
Debenhams , Superdry and Primark are among the other chains which have disclosed that they would seek rent holidays of varying lengths as British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the foreseeable future .
The closure of all non-essential shops as part of Boris Johnson 's response to the COVID-19 crisis has left tens of thousands of stores mothballed across Britain for a period that could last several months .
It has also intensified the challenge confronting shopping centre-owners , which have already been under pressure from the accelerating shift to online shopping .
Intu is an important player in some of the UK 's largest regional economies .
The company employs 2,300 people directly , but a further 102,000 people are employed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a figure that equates to 3 % of the total UK retail industry workforce .
At its Metro Centre mall in Gateshead , the headcount comprises 7.5 % of the entire local workforce , while that figure rises to 8 % at Lakeside .
Intu had been forced to warn that its future as a going concern was in doubt even before the pandemic hit the UK .
The company , which has been trying to raise £1.3bn in equity to strengthen its balance sheet , recently reported a £2bn loss .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than £4.5bn , while its equity is now valued by the stock market at just £51m .
Intu 's shares have fallen by more than 96 % over the last year .
It is now trying to sell a number of its smaller UK shopping centres , as well as assets overseas .
Last week , a group of Intu 's banks brought in advisers to prepare for negotiations about possible covenant waivers as it battles for survival .
The company 's tenants have benefited from a range of emergency measures announced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a business rates holiday , VAT deferrals and a three-month moratorium on evictions by landlords if they fail to pay their rent .
Intu also announced earlier this week that it would reduce its service charges to retail tenants by 22 % during the second half - making an 11 % cut for the full year .
However , retail landlords such as Intu and rival Hammerson have yet to be afforded any specific assistance from the government .
`` There just have not been sufficient measures to support landlords who are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income , '' a property industry source said .
`` Companies like Intu are being squeezed by banks on the one side , and tenants on the other . ''
Intu 's capital structure , with its shopping centre assets largely held through special purpose vehicles , makes a restructuring highly complex .

One of Britain's biggest shopping centre-owners will this week lay bare the scale of the crisis hammering retail landlords when it reveals that it received barely a third of the rent it was owed this week.
Sky News has learnt that Intu Properties, which owns Lakeside in Essex and Manchester's Trafford Centre, will disclose that the coronavirus pandemic has triggered a slump in its revenue - in what should be one of its most lucrative weeks of the year.
Retail industry sources said on Wednesday evening that Intu was preparing to disclose in a stock exchange announcement that it had received little more than 30% of the rent it was owed by tenants.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:24 Manchester shopping centre deserted
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
The staggering decline in rent paid to Intu comes after revelations by Sky News during the past week that Sir Philip Green's Arcadia Group, which owns TopShop, the fast-food chain Burger King and B&Q-owner Kingfisher planned to withhold or restructure their rental payments on Wednesday's so-called quarter day.
Debenhams, Superdry and Primark are among the other chains which have disclosed that they would seek rent holidays of varying lengths as British non-food retailing becomes an online-only activity for the foreseeable future.
The closure of all non-essential shops as part of Boris Johnson's response to the COVID-19 crisis has left tens of thousands of stores mothballed across Britain for a period that could last several months.
It has also intensified the challenge confronting shopping centre-owners, which have already been under pressure from the accelerating shift to online shopping.
Intu is an important player in some of the UK's largest regional economies.
The company employs 2,300 people directly, but a further 102,000 people are employed in its 17 UK shopping centres - a figure that equates to 3% of the total UK retail industry workforce.
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Image: Intu also owns Lakeside shopping centre in Thurrock, Essex
Another 30,000 work in Intu's broader supply chain.
At its Metro Centre mall in Gateshead, the headcount comprises 7.5% of the entire local workforce, while that figure rises to 8% at Lakeside.
Intu had been forced to warn that its future as a going concern was in doubt even before the pandemic hit the UK.
The company, which has been trying to raise £1.3bn in equity to strengthen its balance sheet, recently reported a £2bn loss.
It has a gargantuan debt pile of more than £4.5bn, while its equity is now valued by the stock market at just £51m.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Explainer: How to self-isolate
Intu's shares have fallen by more than 96% over the last year.
It is now trying to sell a number of its smaller UK shopping centres, as well as assets overseas.
Last week, a group of Intu's banks brought in advisers to prepare for negotiations about possible covenant waivers as it battles for survival.
The company's tenants have benefited from a range of emergency measures announced by the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, including a business rates holiday, VAT deferrals and a three-month moratorium on evictions by landlords if they fail to pay their rent.
Intu also announced earlier this week that it would reduce its service charges to retail tenants by 22% during the second half - making an 11% cut for the full year.
However, retail landlords such as Intu and rival Hammerson have yet to be afforded any specific assistance from the government.
"There just have not been sufficient measures to support landlords who are being hit by the catastrophic loss of rental income," a property industry source said.
"Companies like Intu are being squeezed by banks on the one side, and tenants on the other."
Intu's capital structure, with its shopping centre assets largely held through special purpose vehicles, makes a restructuring highly complex.
An Intu spokesman declined to comment.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Stock markets rally for second day as $2trn US stimulus revealed

Coronavirus-hit stock market values have rallied for a second day as details of the hotly anticipated $ 2trn US stimulus package start to emerge .
TThe Dow Jones Industrial Average had its best session , in percentage terms , since 1933 on Tuesday while the FTSE 100 gained the most in a day for 12 years as evidence mounted a deal had been done pending crucial Congressional votes .
The package , agreed by Senate leaders late on Tuesday , is understood to include direct payments to US households and aid for small businesses , the travel industry , hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shuts down to fight COVID-19 .
Wednesday began with Asian stocks following the US and European lead in making big strides - with Japan 's Nikkei rising by 8 % while Hong Kong was almost 4 % up .
The FTSE in London surged as much as 5.4 % higher but later fell back into the red as volatility returned .
It was 4.5 % up at 5,688 by the close - but still 25 % down in the year to date .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was more than 5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York but suddenly lost ground sharply amid reports that language in the record relief package was being challenged by Democrats at the last minute .
Sky 's sister channel CNBC reported that American citizens could expect to receive cheques worth $ 1,200 - with a married couple getting up to $ 2,400 - under details to be published .
US students would be spared loan repayments until October , it said .
• The big banks have been sent a letter from the Chancellor , governor of the Bank of England and head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to ensure viable businesses ahead of the crisis remain so .
• Barclays UK said it was to help consumers by automatically waiving interest on overdrafts for personal banking customers from 27 March to the end of April .
• Chancellor Rishi Sunak has added estate agents , lettings agencies and bingo halls to the retail and hospitality firms exempted from business rates in the current financial year .
• The Institute for Fiscal Studies has suggested there is scope to help businesses ride out the storm by delaying the introduction of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April , citing improved welfare support on offer .
• The core measure of inflation fell to 1.7 % in February from 1.8 % the previous month thanks to falling fuel and computer game prices .
There was also a further steady stream of companies warning of a coronavirus impact in updates to the City on Wednesday morning .
Bicycle-to-car products retailer Halfords said it was planning for a 25 % collapse in sales in its next financial year , beginning in April .
It told shareholders the dividend was to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash but said it was confident it could operate within its current debt facilities .
Housebuilder Bellway said its half-year dividend was to be delayed and it would suspend purchases of new land .
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker As the PM faces pressure to intensify the current lockdown regulations amid anger from builders , the company confirmed it was currently continuing to operate - in line with the guidance - but would close sites by the end of the week amid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building supplies dried up .
Persimmon said it was also starting an `` orderly shutdown '' of its construction sites .

Coronavirus-hit stock market values have rallied for a second day as details of the hotly anticipated $2trn US stimulus package start to emerge.
TThe Dow Jones Industrial Average had its best session, in percentage terms, since 1933 on Tuesday while the FTSE 100 gained the most in a day for 12 years as evidence mounted a deal had been done pending crucial Congressional votes.
The package, agreed by Senate leaders late on Tuesday, is understood to include direct payments to US households and aid for small businesses, the travel industry, hospitals and local government as the country gradually shuts down to fight COVID-19.
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Wednesday began with Asian stocks following the US and European lead in making big strides - with Japan's Nikkei rising by 8% while Hong Kong was almost 4% up.
The FTSE in London surged as much as 5.4% higher but later fell back into the red as volatility returned. It was 4.5% up at 5,688 by the close - but still 25% down in the year to date.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was more than 5% higher just before the close in New York but suddenly lost ground sharply amid reports that language in the record relief package was being challenged by Democrats at the last minute.
Sky's sister channel CNBC reported that American citizens could expect to receive cheques worth $1,200 - with a married couple getting up to $2,400 - under details to be published.
US students would be spared loan repayments until October, it said.
The index ended Wednesday's session 2.4% up.
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Image: Banks are facing pressure from the Chancellor and regulators to maintain lending and not rely purely on Treasury and Bank of England support schemes
Developments in the UK:
The big banks have been sent a letter from the Chancellor, governor of the Bank of England and head of the Financial Conduct Authority which urges them to ensure viable businesses ahead of the crisis remain so.
Barclays UK said it was to help consumers by automatically waiving interest on overdrafts for personal banking customers from 27 March to the end of April.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has added estate agents, lettings agencies and bingo halls to the retail and hospitality firms exempted from business rates in the current financial year.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies has suggested there is scope to help businesses ride out the storm by delaying the introduction of higher minimum wage rates that were due in April, citing improved welfare support on offer.
The core measure of inflation fell to 1.7% in February from 1.8% the previous month thanks to falling fuel and computer game prices.
There was also a further steady stream of companies warning of a coronavirus impact in updates to the City on Wednesday morning.
Bicycle-to-car products retailer Halfords said it was planning for a 25% collapse in sales in its next financial year, beginning in April.
It told shareholders the dividend was to be suspended as part of moves to save cash but said it was confident it could operate within its current debt facilities.
Housebuilder Bellway said its half-year dividend was to be delayed and it would suspend purchases of new land.
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As the PM faces pressure to intensify the current lockdown regulations amid anger from builders, the company confirmed it was currently continuing to operate - in line with the guidance - but would close sites by the end of the week amid the need to keep people safe and as building supplies dried up.
Persimmon said it was also starting an "orderly shutdown" of its construction sites.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: 'Theatre giant' Terrence McNally dies from COVID-19 related complications

Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally has died in Florida following complications from coronavirus .
The 81-year-old , whose career spanned six decades , wrote shows including Kiss Of The Spider Woman , Ragtime , and Frankie And Johnny In The Clair De Lune .
A lung cancer survivor who lived with chronic inflammatory lung disease , he would have been considered to be at high risk from COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus .
His agent confirmed he died at Sarasota Memorial Hospital , Florida , on Tuesday .
Widely considered one of America 's great playwrights , the openly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ microscope , with his witty plays and musicals delving into how people connect - or fail to .
McNally 's 1975 work The Ritz was one of the first plays with unapologetic gay characters to reach a mainstream audience , while his 1991 play Lips Together , Teeth Apart was landmark in its portrayal of the AIDS crisis .
He told the LA Stage Times in 2013 : `` I like to work with people who are a lot more talented and smarter than me , who make fewer mistakes than I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when I do something lazy .
A lot of people stop learning in life , and that 's their tragedy . ''
Accolades during his career include Tony Awards for his plays Love !
Valour !
Compassion !
and Master Class , and the musicals Ragtime and Kiss of the Spider Woman .
He was elected into the American Academy of Arts And Letters in 2018 .
Also the winner of an Emmy , McNally won a Tony lifetime achievement award in 2019 , accepting his gong with the words : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remind us what truth and beauty and kindness really are . ''
Stars of American theatre have paid tribute to McNally , with actor and writer Lin-Manuel Miranda calling him `` a giant in our world , who straddled plays and musicals deftly . ''
James Corden tweeted : `` He was an absolute gentleman and his commitment to the theatre was unwavering .
He will be missed by so many of us . ''
Actor Conrad Ricamora describe McNally as `` the most kind , brilliant person to work with '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , McNally grew up in Texas , and went on to study English at Columbia University .
One of his first breaks came just a year after graduating , when through a mutual contact at the Actors Studio , novelist John Steinbeck hired him to tutor his two teenage sons on a cruise around the world .
During the voyage , McNally wrote a draft play that would later go on to become part of his first Broadway production in 1965 , And Things That Go Bump In The Night .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Steinbeck 's novel East Of Eden , but the show was not a success and ran for just one night on Broadway in 1968 .
Numerous more successful productions followed in the late 60s and 70s .
His 1982 play Frankie And Johnny In The Clair De Lune - about a romance between a waitress and cook - was later adapted into a film starring Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer .
He collaborated with legendary composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb three times during his career .
McNally was not afraid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his 1998 play Corpus Christi depicting a modern-day Jesus as a homosexual .
While The Manhattan Theater Club who first staged it were forced to cancel the production due to death threats , it went on to reopen and enjoy a successful run .
McNally thanked the theatre community for their support when picking up his fourth Tony Award later that year , saying : `` You came together when I was in trouble .
It was a time of oppression .
You came together overnight .
Our voices were heard , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for freedom .
Thank you . ''
McNally also adapted several films for musical performance including The Full Monty , Spielberg 's Catch Me If You Can and Anastasia .
He leaves behind his husband , theatre producer Thomas Kirdahy .

Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally has died in Florida following complications from coronavirus.
The 81-year-old, whose career spanned six decades, wrote shows including Kiss Of The Spider Woman, Ragtime, and Frankie And Johnny In The Clair De Lune.
Image: Terrence McNally with his husband Tom Kirdahy last year.
A lung cancer survivor who lived with chronic inflammatory lung disease, he would have been considered to be at high risk from COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
His agent confirmed he died at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Florida, on Tuesday.
Widely considered one of America's great playwrights, the openly gay writer put same-sex relationships under the microscope, with his witty plays and musicals delving into how people connect - or fail to.
McNally's 1975 work The Ritz was one of the first plays with unapologetic gay characters to reach a mainstream audience, while his 1991 play Lips Together, Teeth Apart was landmark in its portrayal of the AIDS crisis.
He told the LA Stage Times in 2013: "I like to work with people who are a lot more talented and smarter than me, who make fewer mistakes than I do, and who can call me out when I do something lazy. A lot of people stop learning in life, and that's their tragedy."
Accolades during his career include Tony Awards for his plays Love! Valour! Compassion! and Master Class, and the musicals Ragtime and Kiss of the Spider Woman.
He was elected into the American Academy of Arts And Letters in 2018.
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Also the winner of an Emmy, McNally won a Tony lifetime achievement award in 2019, accepting his gong with the words: "The world needs artists more than ever to remind us what truth and beauty and kindness really are."
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Stars of American theatre have paid tribute to McNally, with actor and writer Lin-Manuel Miranda calling him "a giant in our world, who straddled plays and musicals deftly."
James Corden tweeted: "He was an absolute gentleman and his commitment to the theatre was unwavering. He will be missed by so many of us."
Actor Conrad Ricamora describe McNally as "the most kind, brilliant person to work with".
Pulitzer Prize winning composer Tom Kitt said he considers McNally "irreplaceable".
Born in in St Petersburg in Florida, McNally grew up in Texas, and went on to study English at Columbia University.
One of his first breaks came just a year after graduating, when through a mutual contact at the Actors Studio, novelist John Steinbeck hired him to tutor his two teenage sons on a cruise around the world.
During the voyage, McNally wrote a draft play that would later go on to become part of his first Broadway production in 1965, And Things That Go Bump In The Night.
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 also went on to write a musical adaptation of Steinbeck's novel East Of Eden, but the show was not a success and ran for just one night on Broadway in 1968.
Numerous more successful productions followed in the late 60s and 70s.
His 1982 play Frankie And Johnny In The Clair De Lune - about a romance between a waitress and cook - was later adapted into a film starring Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer.
He collaborated with legendary composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb three times during his career.
McNally was not afraid to court controversy through his art, with his 1998 play Corpus Christi depicting a modern-day Jesus as a homosexual.
While The Manhattan Theater Club who first staged it were forced to cancel the production due to death threats, it went on to reopen and enjoy a successful run.
McNally thanked the theatre community for their support when picking up his fourth Tony Award later that year, saying: "You came together when I was in trouble. It was a time of oppression. You came together overnight. Our voices were heard, and we won. So this is for freedom. Thank you."
McNally also adapted several films for musical performance including The Full Monty, Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can and Anastasia.
He leaves behind his husband, theatre producer Thomas Kirdahy.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Casualty and Holby City in talks to donate protective kit to NHS

Medical dramas Holby City and Casualty are in talks about donating protective equipment and other medical kit to help the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic .
The BBC shows are among several programmes which have suspended production as COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , spreads throughout the UK .
Many NHS staff have warned they do not have enough protective equipment to guard themselves as they treat patients , and the army is being brought in to help with deliveries to frontline health workers .
Producers of Holby City and Casualty say they are in discussions with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used on set can be put to use .
Simon Harper , executive producer of both programmes , said : `` Casualty and Holby City are all about celebrating NHS heroism , so we are only too happy to help out and do what we can for the courageous and selfless real life medics battling this situation .
`` We are in discussion with local NHS services and will be donating personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and other useful medical items to assist them . ''
No details have been given on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations it could be sent to .
Casualty is normally filmed in Cardiff , while Holby City is filmed at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire .
Many long-running shows , including soaps EastEnders and Coronation Street , have halted production .
Soaps are reducing the number of episodes broadcast each week .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Peaky Blinders and Line of Duty , two of the UK 's biggest TV dramas , have also put filming of their upcoming new series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadcasting Lorraine and Loose Women live .
On the big screen , several films have seen release dates pushed back - including the much-anticipated new James Bond film , No Time To Die .
Originally due to launch at the beginning of April , Daniel Craig 's last outing as 007 is now scheduled for release in November .

Medical dramas Holby City and Casualty are in talks about donating protective equipment and other medical kit to help the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.
The BBC shows are among several programmes which have suspended production as COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, spreads throughout the UK.
Many NHS staff have warned they do not have enough protective equipment to guard themselves as they treat patients, and the army is being brought in to help with deliveries to frontline health workers.
Image: Filming has been suspended on both shows. Pic: BBC
Producers of Holby City and Casualty say they are in discussions with local services to work out how equipment used on set can be put to use.
Simon Harper, executive producer of both programmes, said: "Casualty and Holby City are all about celebrating NHS heroism, so we are only too happy to help out and do what we can for the courageous and selfless real life medics battling this situation.
"We are in discussion with local NHS services and will be donating personal protective equipment (PPE) and other useful medical items to assist them."
No details have been given on how much kit is available or which locations it could be sent to.
Casualty is normally filmed in Cardiff, while Holby City is filmed at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.
Many long-running shows, including soaps EastEnders and Coronation Street, have halted production. Soaps are reducing the number of episodes broadcast each week.
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Peaky Blinders and Line of Duty, two of the UK's biggest TV dramas, have also put filming of their upcoming new series on hold.
ITV has also stopped broadcasting Lorraine and Loose Women live.
On the big screen, several films have seen release dates pushed back - including the much-anticipated new James Bond film, No Time To Die.
Originally due to launch at the beginning of April, Daniel Craig's last outing as 007 is now scheduled for release in November.


news--2020-03-25--Tate Modern attack: French boy thrown from balcony now able to sit up

A six-year-old boy who was seriously injured when he was thrown from a 10th floor balcony at the Tate Modern is now able to sit up and hold a spoon .
The French child , who can not be named because of his age , is `` slowly but surely continuing to progress '' , his family have said .
He was attacked by autistic teenager Jonty Bravery at the London art gallery on 4 August last year .
In a post on a GoFundMe page for the victim , the family said that `` after a slump '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be coming back .
`` He has gained muscle tone and regained enough strength to manage to sit longer in a sitting position and straighter in his chair without the help of his corset , '' the post read .
`` He can now eat all soft foods and can almost eat all of his meals on his own , holding his spoon himself with his right hand .
`` As he has more strength , he also has more breath and for that reason , we understand better what he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more . ''
In a December update , the family said the child was beginning to move his limbs but was having trouble with his left arm and hand .
The latest announcement says he is continuing training on opening his left hand but is now managing to move his left arm a little .
`` Only few movements , very approximate and they exhaust him so much that he very quickly starts yawning , but for him , it 's the beginning of the reconquest of his left arm , '' it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than €221,000 ( £199,000 ) for the boy 's treatment and rehabilitation .
The family also had a message for supporters during the coronavirus pandemic , thanking them for `` continuing to think of our little knight in these difficult times '' .
`` At the hospital , the situation is more complicated with the coronavirus epidemic and containment measures , but you are still there for us .
`` Please stay safe and take care of yourself and those you love . ''
The boy suffered a bleed to the brain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legs and arms when he was thrown from the art gallery 's viewing platform .
He spent several weeks in intensive care after travelling to London with his family .
Bravery , now aged 18 , from Ealing , west London , admitted a charge of attempted murder at the Old Bailey in December .

A six-year-old boy who was seriously injured when he was thrown from a 10th floor balcony at the Tate Modern is now able to sit up and hold a spoon.
The French child, who cannot be named because of his age, is "slowly but surely continuing to progress", his family have said.
He was attacked by autistic teenager Jonty Bravery at the London art gallery on 4 August last year.
Image: Jonty Bravery admitted a charge of attempted murder
In a post on a GoFundMe page for the victim, the family said that "after a slump", their "smiling little boy" seems to be coming back.
"He has gained muscle tone and regained enough strength to manage to sit longer in a sitting position and straighter in his chair without the help of his corset," the post read.
"He can now eat all soft foods and can almost eat all of his meals on his own, holding his spoon himself with his right hand.
"As he has more strength, he also has more breath and for that reason, we understand better what he says and he manages to speak to us more."
In a December update, the family said the child was beginning to move his limbs but was having trouble with his left arm and hand.
The latest announcement says he is continuing training on opening his left hand but is now managing to move his left arm a little.
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Image: The boy suffered a bleed on the brain and fractured spine
"Only few movements, very approximate and they exhaust him so much that he very quickly starts yawning, but for him, it's the beginning of the reconquest of his left arm," it said.
The GoFundMe page has raised more than €221,000 (£199,000) for the boy's treatment and rehabilitation.
The family also had a message for supporters during the coronavirus pandemic, thanking them for "continuing to think of our little knight in these difficult times".
"At the hospital, the situation is more complicated with the coronavirus epidemic and containment measures, but you are still there for us.
"Please stay safe and take care of yourself and those you love."
Image: Jonty Bravery threw the boy from a balcony
The boy suffered a bleed to the brain, fractures to his spine and broken legs and arms when he was thrown from the art gallery's viewing platform.
He spent several weeks in intensive care after travelling to London with his family.
Bravery, now aged 18, from Ealing, west London, admitted a charge of attempted murder at the Old Bailey in December.