news--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: FTSE 100 sheds more than 10% in worst day since 1987 crash

The FTSE 100 has had its worst day of trading in more than three decades , falling by more than 10 % .
The 10.9 % drop marked the index 's worst performance since the financial crash of October 1987 .
It came as investors reacted to a string of developments including the spread of COVID-19 being officially declared a pandemic and a 30-day ban on flights to the US from most of Europe .
Market analysts said the latest declines marked a new front in the rush for safe havens of recent weeks , as central bank and government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was largely taken with a pinch of salt .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average , which entered so-called bear market territory on Wednesday night , followed Asia and Europe sharply lower on Thursday while trading on the S & P 500 was temporarily halted for the second time this week after losses hit the 7 % `` circuit breaker '' designed to prevent excessive volatility .
By the close of Thursday trading , the Dow was down almost 10 % , the Nasdaq was down 9.4 % and the S & P 500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's business presenter Ian King said : `` Donald Trump himself has absolutely contributed to this - the fall in US markets and in Europe this morning is partly because of his travel ban .
That has really , really upset investors .
`` There is commentary that the US has n't introduced the same sort of policy response we saw in the UK yesterday .
`` Bear in mind , Donald Trump always makes a performance of Wall Street and the US stock market as one of his key indicators .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credit when US markets rise .
`` The US markets are now lower than when Donald Trump became president - all those gains in his entire term of office have been wiped out . ''
Airline and travel stocks on the FTSE 100 in London built on earlier losses as the index hit levels not seen since June 2012 , during the eurozone debt crisis , in morning deals .
Losses mounted after the European Central Bank ( ECB ) announced its long-awaited measures to support the eurozone economy .
Germany 's DAX @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lows of more than 10 % on confirmation interest rates had been left at rock bottom , record lows .
However , the Bank 's quantitative easing programme of bond-buying was expanded - by €120bn until the year 's end .
Fresh loan facilities for banks to access and refinancing facilities on favourable rate terms were among the measures .
Commentators said the market reaction reflected fears they lacked the scale investors had hoped for while ECB president , Christine Lagarde , hinted euro area governments should be the first responders .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite the double-barrelled stimulus announced by the UK government and Bank of England to support the NHS and wider economy through , possibly , months of disruption ahead .
Jasper Lawler , head of research at London Capital Group , said of the US market mood : `` The biggest source of disappointment on Wall Street was the lack of specific ways to support people and SMEs of the sort that were announced in the UK budget .
`` Paid sick leave , free testing and a solution for uninsured Americans were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give an update on its negotiations with the White House later on Thursday .
Oil prices sank by more than 8 % over fears of a glut in supply from a price war despite weak demand .
The pound was also under significant pressure , falling more than 1 % against both the euro and the dollar .
A growing number of UK companies , particularly those exposed to the travel sector , have declared themselves unable to forecast full-year revenues and profits as the outbreak evolves .
Among the latest to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was expecting a revenue hit of up to £130m because of its exposure to airport shopping .
Intu Properties - behind Manchester 's Trafford Centre and Lakeside in Essex - warned of `` material uncertainty '' over its ability to even continue as a going concern after market conditions forced it to abandon capital-raising plans .
The parent firm of foreign exchange service Travelex and Cineworld also issued trading alerts as a result of the crisis - the latter hit by delays to looming blockbuster productions including the latest James Bond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of London insurance market said it was to close its underwriting floors for the first time ever on Friday for a test of its emergency protocols .
Meanwhile , Chancellor Rishi Sunak , Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney , Governor-designate Andrew Bailey and Economic Secretary to the Treasury John Glen met banking representatives to talk about support for small to medium-sized businesses affected by coronavirus .
Mr Sunak explained the measures he had announced in the budget , including the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme , which provides lenders with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loan , extending statutory sick pay , business rates relief , and small business grant funding .

The FTSE 100 has had its worst day of trading in more than three decades, falling by more than 10%.
The 10.9% drop marked the index's worst performance since the financial crash of October 1987.
It came as investors reacted to a string of developments including the spread of COVID-19 being officially declared a pandemic and a 30-day ban on flights to the US from most of Europe.
Market analysts said the latest declines marked a new front in the rush for safe havens of recent weeks, as central bank and government action to help mitigate disruption to date was largely taken with a pinch of salt.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:42 Trump's new anti-coronavirus measures
The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which entered so-called bear market territory on Wednesday night, followed Asia and Europe sharply lower on Thursday while trading on the S&P 500 was temporarily halted for the second time this week after losses hit the 7% "circuit breaker" designed to prevent excessive volatility.
By the close of Thursday trading, the Dow was down almost 10%, the Nasdaq was down 9.4% and the S&P 500 had fallen by 9.5%.
Sky's business presenter Ian King said: "Donald Trump himself has absolutely contributed to this - the fall in US markets and in Europe this morning is partly because of his travel ban. That has really, really upset investors.
"There is commentary that the US hasn't introduced the same sort of policy response we saw in the UK yesterday.
"Bear in mind, Donald Trump always makes a performance of Wall Street and the US stock market as one of his key indicators. He's always very quick to take the credit when US markets rise.
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"The US markets are now lower than when Donald Trump became president - all those gains in his entire term of office have been wiped out."
Image: Today was the FTSE's worst since the crash of 1987
Airline and travel stocks on the FTSE 100 in London built on earlier losses as the index hit levels not seen since June 2012, during the eurozone debt crisis, in morning deals.
Losses mounted after the European Central Bank (ECB) announced its long-awaited measures to support the eurozone economy.
Germany's DAX and the CAC in Paris hit intraday lows of more than 10% on confirmation interest rates had been left at rock bottom, record lows.
However, the Bank's quantitative easing programme of bond-buying was expanded - by €120bn until the year's end.
Fresh loan facilities for banks to access and refinancing facilities on favourable rate terms were among the measures.
Commentators said the market reaction reflected fears they lacked the scale investors had hoped for while ECB president, Christine Lagarde, hinted euro area governments should be the first responders.
The FTSE had lost 1.4% on Wednesday, despite the double-barrelled stimulus announced by the UK government and Bank of England to support the NHS and wider economy through, possibly, months of disruption ahead.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 Coronavirus: Financial system 'part of solution'
Jasper Lawler, head of research at London Capital Group, said of the US market mood: "The biggest source of disappointment on Wall Street was the lack of specific ways to support people and SMEs of the sort that were announced in the UK budget.
"Paid sick leave, free testing and a solution for uninsured Americans were all missing."
Congress was expected to give an update on its negotiations with the White House later on Thursday.
Oil prices sank by more than 8% over fears of a glut in supply from a price war despite weak demand.
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The pound was also under significant pressure, falling more than 1% against both the euro and the dollar.
A growing number of UK companies, particularly those exposed to the travel sector, have declared themselves unable to forecast full-year revenues and profits as the outbreak evolves.
Among the latest to update the market, WH Smith, said it was expecting a revenue hit of up to £130m because of its exposure to airport shopping.
Intu Properties - behind Manchester's Trafford Centre and Lakeside in Essex - warned of "material uncertainty" over its ability to even continue as a going concern after market conditions forced it to abandon capital-raising plans.
The parent firm of foreign exchange service Travelex and Cineworld also issued trading alerts as a result of the crisis - the latter hit by delays to looming blockbuster productions including the latest James Bond movie.
The 330-year old Lloyd's of London insurance market said it was to close its underwriting floors for the first time ever on Friday for a test of its emergency protocols.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney, Governor-designate Andrew Bailey and Economic Secretary to the Treasury John Glen met banking representatives to talk about support for small to medium-sized businesses affected by coronavirus.
Mr Sunak explained the measures he had announced in the budget, including the coronavirus business interruption loan scheme, which provides lenders with a guarantee of 80% on each loan, extending statutory sick pay, business rates relief, and small business grant funding.


news--2020-03-12--Coronavirus: Three Leicester City players isolated with 'coronavirus symptoms'

Three players at Premier League club Leicester City have shown symptoms of coronavirus and have been isolated , the team 's manager has said .
`` We 've had a few players that have shown symptoms and signs ( of coronavirus ) .
We 've followed procedures and ( as a precaution ) they have been kept away from the squad , '' Brendan Rodgers said .
`` We 've self-isolated the three of them and we 'll see how that develops in the next couple of days '' This is about health , this is more than football .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so any risks that are there for their health and everyone else 's , we have to mitigate against that .
`` The game is all about the players and the fans .
If you have one of those not there , it 's obviously not the same . ''
Leicester 's next match is at Watford on Saturday lunchtime .
The future of this season 's Champions League , Europa League and this summer 's European Championships could be decided next week .
European football 's governing body , UEFA will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three tournaments can go ahead `` in the light of the ongoing developments in the spread of COVID-19 across Europe and the changing analysis of the World Health Organisation '' .
It added : `` Discussions will include all domestic and European competitions , including UEFA EURO 2020 . ''
The Champions League and Europa League could be suspended immediately , according to reports in Spain , after Real Madrid quarantined its players as a precaution after a member of the club 's basketball team tested positive for coronavirus .
On Wednesday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italian champions Juventus had tested positive for coronavirus and he and other members of the squad were being isolated .
It is understood Europa League matches that had not already been postponed will be played tonight as planned .
The next two rounds of matches in La Liga have been postponed .
Real Madrid said in a statement it had quarantined both the football and basketball first teams because they share facilities .
Sunday 's Australian Grand Prix , the opening race in the 2020 calendar , has been called off , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the McLaren team pulled out because a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19 .
F1 chiefs have already postponed next month 's Chinese Grand Prix , while next weekend 's Bahrain race is due to take place with empty grandstands .
• The Champions League game between Manchester City and Real Madrid has been postponed • French Ligue 1 games will be held behind closed doors or in front of no more than 1,000 spectators • The top two divisions in Spanish football will be played without spectators until at least March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bundesliga this weekend will be played behind closed doors • The International Olympic Committee remains fully committed to staging the Tokyo 2020 Games as scheduled this summer , but Donald Trump has said it should be called off .
• France v Ireland and Italy v England in the final round of the Six Nations have been postponed .
Wales v Scotland goes ahead • The opening four races of the MotoGP were called off • Five tournaments on golf 's European Tour have been postponed • England cricketers have been told not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during their Test tour of Sri Lanka • Cycling 's UAE Tour was cancelled with two stages left • The World Indoor Athletics Championships , due to take place in Nanjing in China this month , have been called off • Snooker 's £1million China Open , scheduled to start in Beijing at the end of March , has been cancelled The Danish football federation expects the friendly against England at Wembley on 31 March will be cancelled , a fate also likely to befall England 's friendly with Italy four days earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are set to be postponed or played behind closed doors after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs she would recommend the cancellation of gatherings of more than 500 people from Monday .
That is a day after the biggest game in Scottish football as Celtic play Rangers in the Scottish Premiership .
The Football Association is following advice from the government regarding the staging of sporting events and therefore further postponements are likely .
In the US , Major League Soccer ( MLS ) has been suspended for 30 days and the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been suspended indefinitely after a player tested positive .
The men 's ATP tennis tour has been suspended for six weeks .
Football in England - and most other sport - will almost certainly go ahead as normal this weekend despite widespread postponement and cancellation of major events around the world .
The Premier League is hoping to finish the season , behind closed doors or otherwise , as scheduled on Sunday 17 May and is taking its direction from government on how to proceed .
Despite Italy 's Serie A being postponed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ La Liga postponed for at least the next two weeks , the Dutch league halted and Germany and France 's football being played behind closed doors , English football is largely business as usual for the time being .

Three players at Premier League club Leicester City have shown symptoms of coronavirus and have been isolated, the team's manager has said.
"We've had a few players that have shown symptoms and signs (of coronavirus). We've followed procedures and (as a precaution) they have been kept away from the squad," Brendan Rodgers said.
"We've self-isolated the three of them and we'll see how that develops in the next couple of days
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
"This is about health, this is more than football. This is about players and their families, so any risks that are there for their health and everyone else's, we have to mitigate against that.
"The game is all about the players and the fans. If you have one of those not there, it's obviously not the same."
Leicester's next match is at Watford on Saturday lunchtime.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 This is how COVID-19 can damage your lungs
The future of this season's Champions League, Europa League and this summer's European Championships could be decided next week.
European football's governing body, UEFA will meet to discuss whether any of its three tournaments can go ahead "in the light of the ongoing developments in the spread of COVID-19 across Europe and the changing analysis of the World Health Organisation".
It added: "Discussions will include all domestic and European competitions, including UEFA EURO 2020."
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Image: Daniele Rugani of Juventus has tested positive for Covid-19
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Prince Charles avoids handshakes
The Champions League and Europa League could be suspended immediately, according to reports in Spain, after Real Madrid quarantined its players as a precaution after a member of the club's basketball team tested positive for coronavirus.
On Wednesday night it was revealed that Daniele Rugani of Italian champions Juventus had tested positive for coronavirus and he and other members of the squad were being isolated.
It is understood Europa League matches that had not already been postponed will be played tonight as planned.
The next two rounds of matches in La Liga have been postponed.
Real Madrid said in a statement it had quarantined both the football and basketball first teams because they share facilities.
Sunday's Australian Grand Prix, the opening race in the 2020 calendar, has been called off, the PA news agency has said, after the McLaren team pulled out because a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.
F1 chiefs have already postponed next month's Chinese Grand Prix, while next weekend's Bahrain race is due to take place with empty grandstands.
Other postponements and cancellations
The Champions League game between Manchester City and Real Madrid has been postponed
French Ligue 1 games will be held behind closed doors or in front of no more than 1,000 spectators
The top two divisions in Spanish football will be played without spectators until at least March 22
All matches in the German Bundesliga this weekend will be played behind closed doors
The International Olympic Committee remains fully committed to staging the Tokyo 2020 Games as scheduled this summer, but Donald Trump has said it should be called off.
France v Ireland and Italy v England in the final round of the Six Nations have been postponed. Wales v Scotland goes ahead
The opening four races of the MotoGP were called off
Five tournaments on golf's European Tour have been postponed
England cricketers have been told not to sign autographs or pose for selfies during their Test tour of Sri Lanka
Cycling's UAE Tour was cancelled with two stages left
The World Indoor Athletics Championships, due to take place in Nanjing in China this month, have been called off
Snooker's £1million China Open, scheduled to start in Beijing at the end of March, has been cancelled
The Danish football federation expects the friendly against England at Wembley on 31 March will be cancelled, a fate also likely to befall England's friendly with Italy four days earlier.
A number of Scottish sporting events are set to be postponed or played behind closed doors after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs she would recommend the cancellation of gatherings of more than 500 people from Monday.
That is a day after the biggest game in Scottish football as Celtic play Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
The Football Association is following advice from the government regarding the staging of sporting events and therefore further postponements are likely.
In the US, Major League Soccer (MLS) has been suspended for 30 days and the National Basketball Association (NBA) season has been suspended indefinitely after a player tested positive.
The men's ATP tennis tour has been suspended for six weeks.
Sky's sports correspondent Martha Kelner writes:
Football in England - and most other sport - will almost certainly go ahead as normal this weekend despite widespread postponement and cancellation of major events around the world.
The Premier League is hoping to finish the season, behind closed doors or otherwise, as scheduled on Sunday 17 May and is taking its direction from government on how to proceed.
Despite Italy's Serie A being postponed until at least April, Spain's La Liga postponed for at least the next two weeks, the Dutch league halted and Germany and France's football being played behind closed doors, English football is largely business as usual for the time being.


news--2020-03-11--Sir David Attenborough hopes coronavirus crisis will not hinder UK climate change summit

Sir David Attenborough has spoken of his `` desperate hopes '' that a crucial climate change summit hosted by the UK this year delivers concrete action – and is not blown off course by the coronavirus crisis .
The 93-year-old said the COP 26 conference in Glasgow carried the hopes of the world , and urged leaders to keep their `` eyes on the ball '' .
In an exclusive interview with Sky News , Sir David called on governments to impose a ban on deep sea mining .
He said plans by big business to `` trash '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackle climate change because of the role of the oceans in storing carbon .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Talking about the climate change conference that the UK government will host in November , he said : `` I have desperate hopes for that - we 've done the talking… what COP coming up in Glasgow is going to have to say is how ?
Where is the money ?
Who 's going to deal with it ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuts and bolts , with practical politics .
We know where we 've got to go , we know what the dangers are and we know how to fix them but now we 've got to do it .
`` The sweet talk that is easy enough to indulge in is not enough anymore , now is the hard talk - it 's going to be hard and tough - but it carries the hopes of the world with it - and we have a big responsibility - we can influence how it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The problem is things like coronavirus blow you off course but one hopes the world keeps its eye on the ball on this one . ''
Sir David was speaking exclusively to Sky News about the need for governments to agree a global ban on deep sea mining .
`` We should not go in and trash an area of the globe about which we know hardly anything until we 've done the proper research - in short we want a moratorium against action of industrialising the deep sea , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir David and published by Fauna & Flora International , says deep sea mining could damage the oceans ' ability to store carbon , which would set back efforts to curb climate change .
Industrial exploitation of the sea bed - usually for heavy metals used in electrical equipment like batteries - would also damage biodiversity and the oceans ' ability to support life , the report argues .
`` It is absolutely crucial , the deep sea , in many ways which we do not fully understand yet - there are ecosystems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health of the sea - we face the prospect of big industry going in and churning up the bottom of the ocean , '' Sir David said .
It is thought that oceans have absorbed around one third of all human generated carbon emissions and traps much of the heat created by them .
Whilst small scale deep sea mining is already under way , the rules that would govern widespread industrial mining are being developed by governments now and are due to be approved later this year .
Sir David appealed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world : `` Whatever you do please do the science before you go in and destroy - because that 's what it is - mining is a polite word , mining also means destruction .
Destruction of an ecosystem of which we know pathetically little . ''
A motion calling for a moratorium is due to be debated by the United Nations in July .
Whilst commercial deep sea mining has n't yet commenced the UK government has already issued two exploration licences .
A further 27 exploration licences have been issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany , China and Russia .
Together these licences enable companies to dig more than a million square kilometres of seabeds in the Atlantic , Pacific and Indian oceans .
A government spokesperson told Sky News : `` The UK continues to press for the highest international environmental standards , including on deep sea mineral extraction .
`` While we have sponsored two exploration licences , these allow only for marine research to understand the effects of deep sea mining .
We will not issue a single exploitation licence without a full assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wide ranging interview Sir David spoke of his admiration for climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg : `` My reading of Greta Thunberg is that she is very respectful for the science and says in a modest way ' I 'm not a scientist , I have not studied the upper atmosphere of the past 30 years but I know people who have and I know what they say and the rest of the world ought to take notice ' , that 's all she 's asking . ''
He added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to people who are at the moment young - they do n't have a vote , they have no way of expressing themselves ... but what young people can do is convince politicians that they mean it .
`` I welcome the fact that young people are explicit and clear in what they want to happen .
It 's tomorrow 's problem , but they are tomorrow . ''
Asked if overpopulation or humans encroaching on the animal world could have contributed to the coronavirus 's development , he said : `` Epidemics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone round the world in the past - I 'd like to say woah , it 's all our fault but that argument does n't hold water ...
I ca n't really say that what we 're going through now is a consequence of overpopulation . ''

Sir David Attenborough has spoken of his "desperate hopes" that a crucial climate change summit hosted by the UK this year delivers concrete action – and is not blown off course by the coronavirus crisis.
The 93-year-old said the COP 26 conference in Glasgow carried the hopes of the world, and urged leaders to keep their "eyes on the ball".
In an exclusive interview with Sky News, Sir David called on governments to impose a ban on deep sea mining.
He said plans by big business to "trash" the sea floor could set back efforts to tackle climate change because of the role of the oceans in storing carbon.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast with Dermot Murnaghan on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Talking about the climate change conference that the UK government will host in November, he said: "I have desperate hopes for that - we've done the talking… what COP coming up in Glasgow is going to have to say is how? Where is the money? Who's going to deal with it?
"It's going to deal with nuts and bolts, with practical politics. We know where we've got to go, we know what the dangers are and we know how to fix them but now we've got to do it.
"The sweet talk that is easy enough to indulge in is not enough anymore, now is the hard talk - it's going to be hard and tough - but it carries the hopes of the world with it - and we have a big responsibility - we can influence how it goes - we're the hosts.
"The problem is things like coronavirus blow you off course but one hopes the world keeps its eye on the ball on this one."
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Sir David was speaking exclusively to Sky News about the need for governments to agree a global ban on deep sea mining.
Image: Sir David has issued a warning on climate change
"We should not go in and trash an area of the globe about which we know hardly anything until we've done the proper research - in short we want a moratorium against action of industrialising the deep sea," he said.
New research, backed by Sir David and published by Fauna & Flora International, says deep sea mining could damage the oceans' ability to store carbon, which would set back efforts to curb climate change.
Industrial exploitation of the sea bed - usually for heavy metals used in electrical equipment like batteries - would also damage biodiversity and the oceans' ability to support life, the report argues.
"It is absolutely crucial, the deep sea, in many ways which we do not fully understand yet - there are ecosystems there that are very important for the health of the sea - we face the prospect of big industry going in and churning up the bottom of the ocean," Sir David said.
It is thought that oceans have absorbed around one third of all human generated carbon emissions and traps much of the heat created by them.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:38 Will the budget tackle climate change?
Whilst small scale deep sea mining is already under way, the rules that would govern widespread industrial mining are being developed by governments now and are due to be approved later this year.
Sir David appealed to big business and governments here and across the world: "Whatever you do please do the science before you go in and destroy - because that's what it is - mining is a polite word, mining also means destruction. Destruction of an ecosystem of which we know pathetically little."
A motion calling for a moratorium is due to be debated by the United Nations in July.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 David Attenborough tells Sky News young people have the power to change the future.
Whilst commercial deep sea mining hasn't yet commenced the UK government has already issued two exploration licences. A further 27 exploration licences have been issued by other countries that include France, Germany, China and Russia.
Together these licences enable companies to dig more than a million square kilometres of seabeds in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans.
A government spokesperson told Sky News: "The UK continues to press for the highest international environmental standards, including on deep sea mineral extraction.
"While we have sponsored two exploration licences, these allow only for marine research to understand the effects of deep sea mining. We will not issue a single exploitation licence without a full assessment of the environmental impact."
In a wide ranging interview Sir David spoke of his admiration for climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg: "My reading of Greta Thunberg is that she is very respectful for the science and says in a modest way 'I'm not a scientist, I have not studied the upper atmosphere of the past 30 years but I know people who have and I know what they say and the rest of the world ought to take notice', that's all she's asking."
Image: Sir David says Greta Thunberg is 'very respectful for the science'
He added: "The world we're talking about belongs to people who are at the moment young - they don't have a vote, they have no way of expressing themselves... but what young people can do is convince politicians that they mean it.
"I welcome the fact that young people are explicit and clear in what they want to happen. It's tomorrow's problem, but they are tomorrow."
Asked if overpopulation or humans encroaching on the animal world could have contributed to the coronavirus's development, he said: "Epidemics can go round the world and have gone round the world in the past - I'd like to say woah, it's all our fault but that argument doesn't hold water... I can't really say that what we're going through now is a consequence of overpopulation."


news--2020-03-12--Budget 2020: Rishi Sunak defends giveaway as he vows to steer UK economy through coronavirus crisis

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has defended splurging the cash in his budget as he vowed to `` do what it takes '' to steer the UK economy through the impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
With £12bn to be spent on an immediate response to COVID-19 - as well as £18bn in other spending pledges - Mr Sunak 's first budget has been described as the biggest Treasury giveaway for nearly 30 years .
The chancellor 's plans are estimated to add £100bn to public borrowing by 2024 , but Mr Sunak denied allowing free rein on Whitehall spending after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show : `` It 's because of the decisions we 've made over the last few years that our public finances are in a good position ; that the foundations of our economy are strong ; and that I was able yesterday to say I would do what it takes to help get our economy through the immediate challenges of coronavirus . ''
There were some signs of disquiet among Conservative MPs - including former prime minister Theresa May and ex-chancellor Sajid Javid - over Wednesday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how he has stuck to the fiscal rules set out in the Conservatives ' general election manifesto , which were drawn up by his predecessor Mr Javid .
The Tories promised not to borrow to fund day-to-day spending , and that debt would be lower at the end of this parliament , in 2024 .
Mr Sunak said he had met both of these commitments in his first budget , although he has promised a review of the fiscal rules later in the year .
However , the chancellor did not deny that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deal with the immediate impact of coronavirus is to be fuelled by increased borrowing .
`` We still have very responsible management of the public finances , '' he said .
`` If you look at what the projections show , they show that we have stayed within the fiscal rules that we set out in our manifesto - and yesterday 's budget was about delivering on our policies - which means we absolutely do n't borrow for spending on a day-to-day spending on a forward basis .
`` And we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates we 're seeing at the moment to borrow to invest in things like infrastructure ; whether that 's road , rail or broadband . ''
Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell was supportive of Mr Sunak 's response to the coronavirus outbreak .
He claimed Tory MPs would have been `` jumping up and down '' if he had announced a giveaway budget such as Mr Sunak 's , although , he added , he would have overseen a `` much bigger programme '' if he had been in power .
`` Everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last 10 years - that austerity will not solve our economic problems - regrettably have been proved right , '' Mr McDonnell told Kay Burley @ Breakfast .

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has defended splurging the cash in his budget as he vowed to "do what it takes" to steer the UK economy through the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
With £12bn to be spent on an immediate response to COVID-19 - as well as £18bn in other spending pledges - Mr Sunak's first budget has been described as the biggest Treasury giveaway for nearly 30 years.
The chancellor's plans are estimated to add £100bn to public borrowing by 2024, but Mr Sunak denied allowing free rein on Whitehall spending after a decade of austerity.
He told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast show: "It's because of the decisions we've made over the last few years that our public finances are in a good position; that the foundations of our economy are strong; and that I was able yesterday to say I would do what it takes to help get our economy through the immediate challenges of coronavirus."
There were some signs of disquiet among Conservative MPs - including former prime minister Theresa May and ex-chancellor Sajid Javid - over Wednesday's spend-heavy budget.
But Mr Sunak highlighted how he has stuck to the fiscal rules set out in the Conservatives' general election manifesto, which were drawn up by his predecessor Mr Javid.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:52 Chancellor: I don't need a coronavirus test
The Tories promised not to borrow to fund day-to-day spending, and that debt would be lower at the end of this parliament, in 2024.
Mr Sunak said he had met both of these commitments in his first budget, although he has promised a review of the fiscal rules later in the year.
However, the chancellor did not deny that his "bold and comprehensive package" to deal with the immediate impact of coronavirus is to be fuelled by increased borrowing.
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"We still have very responsible management of the public finances," he said.
"If you look at what the projections show, they show that we have stayed within the fiscal rules that we set out in our manifesto - and yesterday's budget was about delivering on our policies - which means we absolutely don't borrow for spending on a day-to-day spending on a forward basis.
"And we do take advantage of the very low interest rates we're seeing at the moment to borrow to invest in things like infrastructure; whether that's road, rail or broadband."
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Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell was supportive of Mr Sunak's response to the coronavirus outbreak.
He claimed Tory MPs would have been "jumping up and down" if he had announced a giveaway budget such as Mr Sunak's, although, he added, he would have overseen a "much bigger programme" if he had been in power.
"Everything that we've been saying over the last 10 years - that austerity will not solve our economic problems - regrettably have been proved right," Mr McDonnell told Kay Burley@Breakfast.


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: P2P lender Ratesetter weighs sale amid funding squeeze

RateSetter , one of Britain 's biggest peer-to-peer ( P2P ) lenders , is exploring a sale or merger amid a funding squeeze exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that RateSetter has in recent days approached a number of rivals and other potential buyers about a deal .
The company , which is being advised by bankers at Lazard , is understood to be examining a fundraising among its other strategic options .
P2P lenders are being challenged by the growing risk of loan defaults among small businesses and individuals , and the accelerating rate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The wider sector has face substantial challenges in both the UK and US .
Funding Circle , which was the first major P2P lender to go public in 2018 , has seen its shares crash by more than 85 % over the last year .
Some shareholders expect it to be taken private in the coming months .
P2P platforms work by matching individual investors with consumers and SMEs which want to raise money .
Ratesetter launched in 2010 , and has become the UK 's most popular P2P lenders , with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the platform .
A RateSetter spokesperson said : `` Like all businesses , we continually look at all of our options .
The spokesman added that Lazard had been `` advising RateSetter for many years '' .
Industry sources expressed scepticism that a funding round could be achieved at anything other than a distressed price in the current environment .
It emerged last week that RateSetter was calling on the government to provide it with access to stimulus schemes that provide liquidity to the banking system .
`` There are established schemes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pump liquidity into the system in the event of these situations , '' Rhydian Lewis , RateSetter 's chief executive , told the Financial Times .
`` Now that P2P lending is fully regulated , this is a conversation we need to have . ''
The company is chaired by Paul Manduca , the respected City figure who will shortly step down as chairman of Prudential .
It was unclear on Tuesday whether any of the parties approached about a deal were pursuing talks with RateSetter .
RateSetter had set its sights on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those ambitions have effectively been abandoned .
A source close to the company pointed out that none of its investors had lost money .
Its loan portfolio stands at more than £800m , and it has attracted £280m in subscriptions to its Innovative Finance ISA .

RateSetter, one of Britain's biggest peer-to-peer (P2P) lenders, is exploring a sale or merger amid a funding squeeze exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that RateSetter has in recent days approached a number of rivals and other potential buyers about a deal.
The company, which is being advised by bankers at Lazard, is understood to be examining a fundraising among its other strategic options.
P2P lenders are being challenged by the growing risk of loan defaults among small businesses and individuals, and the accelerating rate of customers seeking to recover their money.
The wider sector has face substantial challenges in both the UK and US.
Funding Circle, which was the first major P2P lender to go public in 2018, has seen its shares crash by more than 85% over the last year.
Some shareholders expect it to be taken private in the coming months.
P2P platforms work by matching individual investors with consumers and SMEs which want to raise money.
Ratesetter launched in 2010, and has become the UK's most popular P2P lenders, with more than 700,000 people having invested or borrowed on the platform.
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A RateSetter spokesperson said: "Like all businesses, we continually look at all of our options.
"Our favoured route is a fundraise."
The spokesman added that Lazard had been "advising RateSetter for many years".
Industry sources expressed scepticism that a funding round could be achieved at anything other than a distressed price in the current environment.
It emerged last week that RateSetter was calling on the government to provide it with access to stimulus schemes that provide liquidity to the banking system.
"There are established schemes run by the Bank of England that pump liquidity into the system in the event of these situations," Rhydian Lewis, RateSetter's chief executive, told the Financial Times.
"Now that P2P lending is fully regulated, this is a conversation we need to have."
The company is chaired by Paul Manduca, the respected City figure who will shortly step down as chairman of Prudential.
It was unclear on Tuesday whether any of the parties approached about a deal were pursuing talks with RateSetter.
RateSetter had set its sights on a future stock market listing, although those ambitions have effectively been abandoned.
A source close to the company pointed out that none of its investors had lost money.
Its loan portfolio stands at more than £800m, and it has attracted £280m in subscriptions to its Innovative Finance ISA.


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Ministers fly in EY to weigh aviation bailouts

Ministers have flown in a leading accountancy firm to advise them on rescue requests from airlines and airport-owners that could cost taxpayers billions of pounds .
Sky News has learnt that EY was appointed at the weekend by the Department for Transport ( DfT ) as talks with carriers including Virgin Atlantic Airways and LoganAir , the regional airline , enter a critical phase .
Britain 's aviation industry has warned that it is running out of time to secure funding that would keep some of its most prominent players aloft as the coronavirus outbreak creates the biggest crisis in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that EY had been hired to conduct due diligence on the finances and rescue funding requests of troubled airlines and airport operators , which also face ruin as a result of the pandemic .
Rothschild , the investment bank , is also working with the government on its aviation sector rescue plans .
Last week , Rishi Sunak , the chancellor , appeared to reject pleas for a sector-wide bailout , indicating that state aid would be available `` only as a last resort '' and only once the support of broader government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been pursued .
Virgin Atlantic is seeking several hundred million pounds of government funding in the form of credit facilities and guarantees against the payments being held back by credit card companies .
EasyJet is also regarded as a likely candidate to require taxpayer 's support if the effective shutdown of the aviation industry lasts for longer than three months .
On Monday , easyJet grounded its entire fleet and said it would furlough thousands of staff .
EY , which has been acting as administrator to Flybe , the regional airline which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to comment .
A spokesman for the DfT said : `` The aviation sector is important to the UK economy , and firms can draw upon the unprecedented package of measures announced by the chancellor , including schemes to raise capital , flexibilities with tax bills , and financial support for employees .
`` We are continuing to work closely with the sector and are willing to consider the situation of individual firms , so long as all other government schemes have been explored and all commercial options exhausted , including raising capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the chief executive of lobbying group Airlines UK , described the situation facing airlines as `` grave '' and said the government was `` not doing enough on some of the cross-industry measures they could be putting in place to prop up the sector in the here and now , and to stimulate demand once we enter the recovery stage '' .
`` At the very top of the list is allowing airlines to issue vouchers instead of refunds in the event of cancellations , like other EU countries are now doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and support carriers through the coming months , '' Mr Alderslade said .
Airlines also want ministers to underwrite hundreds of millions of pounds in regulatory and air traffic control charges as they seek to navigate through the escalating coronavirus crisis .

Ministers have flown in a leading accountancy firm to advise them on rescue requests from airlines and airport-owners that could cost taxpayers billions of pounds.
Sky News has learnt that EY was appointed at the weekend by the Department for Transport (DfT) as talks with carriers including Virgin Atlantic Airways and LoganAir, the regional airline, enter a critical phase.
Britain's aviation industry has warned that it is running out of time to secure funding that would keep some of its most prominent players aloft as the coronavirus outbreak creates the biggest crisis in its history.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:13 Govt struggles to repatriate tourists
Sources said on Tuesday that EY had been hired to conduct due diligence on the finances and rescue funding requests of troubled airlines and airport operators, which also face ruin as a result of the pandemic.
Rothschild, the investment bank, is also working with the government on its aviation sector rescue plans.
Last week, Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, appeared to reject pleas for a sector-wide bailout, indicating that state aid would be available "only as a last resort" and only once the support of broader government schemes and companies' existing shareholders had been pursued.
Virgin Atlantic is seeking several hundred million pounds of government funding in the form of credit facilities and guarantees against the payments being held back by credit card companies.
EasyJet is also regarded as a likely candidate to require taxpayer's support if the effective shutdown of the aviation industry lasts for longer than three months.
On Monday, easyJet grounded its entire fleet and said it would furlough thousands of staff.
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EY, which has been acting as administrator to Flybe, the regional airline which collapsed into administration last month, declined to comment.
A spokesman for the DfT said: "The aviation sector is important to the UK economy, and firms can draw upon the unprecedented package of measures announced by the chancellor, including schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees.
"We are continuing to work closely with the sector and are willing to consider the situation of individual firms, so long as all other government schemes have been explored and all commercial options exhausted, including raising capital from existing investors."
Tim Alderslade, the chief executive of lobbying group Airlines UK, described the situation facing airlines as "grave" and said the government was "not doing enough on some of the cross-industry measures they could be putting in place to prop up the sector in the here and now, and to stimulate demand once we enter the recovery stage".
"At the very top of the list is allowing airlines to issue vouchers instead of refunds in the event of cancellations, like other EU countries are now doing, which would hugely help with liquidity and support carriers through the coming months," Mr Alderslade said.
Airlines also want ministers to underwrite hundreds of millions of pounds in regulatory and air traffic control charges as they seek to navigate through the escalating coronavirus crisis.


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Family of first NHS surgeon to die from COVID-19 speaks out after his death

The family of the first NHS surgeon to die from coronavirus has questioned whether enough was done to protect him .
Leading organ transplant consultant Dr Adil El Tayar , 64 , died on Wednesday having fallen ill a few days earlier .
The Sudanese doctor had been working at Hereford Hospital , which is where his family believe he caught the virus .
His son Osman and daughter Abeer El Tayar , also doctors , said their lives have been completely turned upside down .
Osman El Tayar said : `` My dad came here in the early 1990s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
We 've received so much from this country , but I worry about his final days and wonder if enough was done to protect him .
`` I suppose if he was properly protected perhaps this would n't have happened . ''
The father-of-four is believed to be the first working surgeon in the UK to die from COVID-19 .
He had been working in the Midlands during the week and returning to his family home in west London for the weekend .
Abeer El Tayar said : `` I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheated a couple more years out of his life but at the end of the day it was his time .
There was nothing we really could do .
`` But you do try to think of things you could have done to help .
Sometimes when you sit down you think about whether you could have called the ambulance sooner , or could the doctors have done something else ? ''
Dr El Tayar graduated from the University of Khartoum in 1982 and had previously worked in Saudi Arabia and Sudan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ before he was admitted to hospital on 20 March .
His daughter said : `` I loved him so much .
I ca n't put into words how sad our family are .
I just wished that we could have taken him to hospital earlier but it was n't until my dad was short of breath , that 's when after calling the ambulance we were taken more seriously .
`` But before that when it was just the fever we were told to stay at home .
If we could have caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would n't have happened . ''
His son , a doctor at Northwick Park Hospital , said no other medic should sacrifice their life for their job .
He said the government needed to ensure those like him working in hospitals have adequate personal protective equipment when doing their job .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Abeer El Tayar said : `` We are all scared .
My sister and I are scared for ourselves , our colleagues on the frontline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it should be a question that people on the frontline are n't equipped enough to do their job . ''
Wye Valley NHS Trust Medical Director David Mowbray said : `` We are saddened to learn of the death of Adil El Tayar and our thoughts are with his family at this time . ''
`` Adil worked as a locum at Hereford County Hospital .
We were fortunate to have someone of his skill and stature working for the Trust and many patients will have benefited from his talent and expertise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid tribute to his compassionate and friendly nature and professional demeanour .
He will be sadly missed by all who knew and worked with him . ''

The family of the first NHS surgeon to die from coronavirus has questioned whether enough was done to protect him.
Leading organ transplant consultant Dr Adil El Tayar, 64, died on Wednesday having fallen ill a few days earlier.
The Sudanese doctor had been working at Hereford Hospital, which is where his family believe he caught the virus.
His son Osman and daughter Abeer El Tayar, also doctors, said their lives have been completely turned upside down.
Image: Dr Adil El Tayar pictured with his family
Osman El Tayar said: "My dad came here in the early 1990s from Sudan and we were all raised here. We've received so much from this country, but I worry about his final days and wonder if enough was done to protect him.
"I suppose if he was properly protected perhaps this wouldn't have happened."
The father-of-four is believed to be the first working surgeon in the UK to die from COVID-19. He had been working in the Midlands during the week and returning to his family home in west London for the weekend.
Image: Dr Adil El Tayar is the first NHS surgeon to die after testing positive for COVID-19
Abeer El Tayar said: "I am angry. I feel like he was cheated a couple more years out of his life but at the end of the day it was his time. There was nothing we really could do.
"But you do try to think of things you could have done to help. Sometimes when you sit down you think about whether you could have called the ambulance sooner, or could the doctors have done something else?"
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Dr El Tayar graduated from the University of Khartoum in 1982 and had previously worked in Saudi Arabia and Sudan. He had been self-isolating after developing symptoms before he was admitted to hospital on 20 March.
His daughter said: "I loved him so much. I can't put into words how sad our family are. I just wished that we could have taken him to hospital earlier but it wasn't until my dad was short of breath, that's when after calling the ambulance we were taken more seriously.
Image: Dr El Tayar's family say their lives have been turned 'upside down'
Image: Dr El Tayar was a surgeon from west London
"But before that when it was just the fever we were told to stay at home. If we could have caught the coronavirus earlier on, maybe this wouldn't have happened."
His son, a doctor at Northwick Park Hospital, said no other medic should sacrifice their life for their job. He said the government needed to ensure those like him working in hospitals have adequate personal protective equipment when doing their job.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Abeer El Tayar said: "We are all scared. My sister and I are scared for ourselves, our colleagues on the frontline and our patients. I don't think it should be a question that people on the frontline aren't equipped enough to do their job."
Wye Valley NHS Trust Medical Director David Mowbray said: "We are saddened to learn of the death of Adil El Tayar and our thoughts are with his family at this time."
Image: Dr El Tayar had worked in Hereford during the week
"Adil worked as a locum at Hereford County Hospital. We were fortunate to have someone of his skill and stature working for the Trust and many patients will have benefited from his talent and expertise.
"Colleagues at the hospital have paid tribute to his compassionate and friendly nature and professional demeanour. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and worked with him."


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: A field hospital in Central Park doesn't feel that strange

I 've seen them in war zones , I 've come across them after natural disasters , but never have I seen a field hospital anywhere like Central Park .
And yet in some ways the sight of white hospital tents sitting in the shadow of Manhattan 's skyscrapers , does n't feel all that strange .
In these times , nothing surprises .
They started putting it up on Sunday afternoon - by the time you 're reading this , the first coronavirus patients will be inside , being treated by medics more used to hurricanes , earthquakes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will treat the most poorly ; 54 more beds will take patients out of the Mount Sinai health system .
In a few days it will become another centre of this spreading global crisis , but all the while New Yorkers will continue to jog , walk their dogs and wheel their children around it .
Bizarre .
In some ways it was a good start to the week for New York - not only will the field hospital help relieve pressure but the opening of a vast convention centre with 2,500 beds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ship with 1,000 , should collectively give some needed respite to the overwhelmed medical system here .
Having watched Governor Cuomo 's daily press conference on television without fail for the past two weeks , we finally managed to attend one in person .
They 've become appointment-to-view in much of America .
His frank fact-based approach , illustrated with on-screen graphics and statistics , contrasts uncomfortably with President Trump 's off-the-cuff optimism .
The two regularly use their respective television occasions to fire off insults at the other - sometimes blatant , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The television audiences might be large , but the journalists present are few .
This has n't gone the way of Downing Street media events yet - via tele-conference - but our chairs are placed a strict two metres apart and monitored by the watching National Guard .
`` Are you avoiding a tangle with President Trump ? ''
one local reporter asks .
`` How long have you known me ? ''
Cuomo shoots back .
`` Twenty years .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known me to resist a tangle ? ''
He 's not a man afraid of confrontation , but now is not the time for politics .
I ask him what he makes of the White House 's estimate that the final death toll could be between somewhere between 100,000 and 200,000 .
`` Whatever the number is , it 's going to be staggering .
The number is already staggering .
A human life is a human life .
`` We 've lost over one thousand New Yorkers .
To me we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staggering and the only point now is do everything you can to save every life possible . ''
That 's what they 're doing - in the hospitals , on a ship , in the middle of Central Park , they 're doing everything they can to save lives , however unorthodox .
Will it be enough though ?

I've seen them in war zones, I've come across them after natural disasters, but never have I seen a field hospital anywhere like Central Park.
And yet in some ways the sight of white hospital tents sitting in the shadow of Manhattan's skyscrapers, doesn't feel all that strange. In these times, nothing surprises.
They started putting it up on Sunday afternoon - by the time you're reading this, the first coronavirus patients will be inside, being treated by medics more used to hurricanes, earthquakes and conflict.
Image: The field hospital is the work of the Samaritan's Purse organisation
A 10-bed intensive care unit will treat the most poorly; 54 more beds will take patients out of the Mount Sinai health system.
In a few days it will become another centre of this spreading global crisis, but all the while New Yorkers will continue to jog, walk their dogs and wheel their children around it. Bizarre.
In some ways it was a good start to the week for New York - not only will the field hospital help relieve pressure but the opening of a vast convention centre with 2,500 beds, and the arrival of a hospital ship with 1,000, should collectively give some needed respite to the overwhelmed medical system here.
Image: The USNS Comfort arrives at Pier 90 in New York City
Having watched Governor Cuomo's daily press conference on television without fail for the past two weeks, we finally managed to attend one in person.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:32 Coronavirus numbers 'beyond staggering', Cuomo tells Sky News
They've become appointment-to-view in much of America. His frank fact-based approach, illustrated with on-screen graphics and statistics, contrasts uncomfortably with President Trump's off-the-cuff optimism.
The two regularly use their respective television occasions to fire off insults at the other - sometimes blatant, sometimes subtle.
Advertisement
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The television audiences might be large, but the journalists present are few. This hasn't gone the way of Downing Street media events yet - via tele-conference - but our chairs are placed a strict two metres apart and monitored by the watching National Guard.
Cuomo doesn't mince his words. He's a New Yorker.
"Are you avoiding a tangle with President Trump?" one local reporter asks.
"How long have you known me?" Cuomo shoots back. "Twenty years. And in 20 years, have you ever known me to resist a tangle?"
He's not a man afraid of confrontation, but now is not the time for politics.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 Trump: 'The peak in the US is in two weeks'
I ask him what he makes of the White House's estimate that the final death toll could be between somewhere between 100,000 and 200,000.
"Whatever the number is, it's going to be staggering. The number is already staggering. A human life is a human life.
"We've lost over one thousand New Yorkers. To me we're beyond staggering already, we've reached staggering and the only point now is do everything you can to save every life possible."
That's what they're doing - in the hospitals, on a ship, in the middle of Central Park, they're doing everything they can to save lives, however unorthodox. Will it be enough though?


news--2020-03-31--Cheshire role to be split in shake-up of Whitehall board jobs

Several cabinet ministers are overhauling their departments ' boards of directors under a programme authorised by Boris Johnson that may also see the government appointing an independent lead non-executive for the first time .
Sky News has learnt that the Home Office is changing at least half of its independent directors , just weeks after the home secretary , Priti Patel , found herself embroiled in a row over the resignation of its former permanent secretary .
A number of other departments , including the Cabinet Office , are also overhauling their slates of non-executives , with many of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confronting the coronavirus pandemic .
It was confirmed on Tuesday that Sir Ian Cheshire , the businessman who has been both the lead non-executive director for the government and the Cabinet Office was stepping down from the roles after five years .
Sources said the roles were expected to be split , with separate occupants being appointed in the coming months .
The changes come amid a broader shake-up of senior Whitehall personnel , with Alex Chisholm , permanent secretary at the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy , named this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating officer .
Michael Gove , chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster , is expected to play a key role in identifying Sir Ian 's successors .
`` I believe the addition of non-executives to enhanced departmental boards has promoted change and improvement in governance and risk management and that I leave the government in a strong position to continue its transformation journey , '' Sir Ian said after his departure was announced .
`` There is much more to do , but it is now time for a new perspective on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Cabinet Office said a new government lead non-executive would be named by the prime minister in due course .

Several cabinet ministers are overhauling their departments' boards of directors under a programme authorised by Boris Johnson that may also see the government appointing an independent lead non-executive for the first time.
Sky News has learnt that the Home Office is changing at least half of its independent directors, just weeks after the home secretary, Priti Patel, found herself embroiled in a row over the resignation of its former permanent secretary.
A number of other departments, including the Cabinet Office, are also overhauling their slates of non-executives, with many of the changes coming as Whitehall is consumed with confronting the coronavirus pandemic.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that Sir Ian Cheshire, the businessman who has been both the lead non-executive director for the government and the Cabinet Office was stepping down from the roles after five years.
Sources said the roles were expected to be split, with separate occupants being appointed in the coming months.
The changes come amid a broader shake-up of senior Whitehall personnel, with Alex Chisholm, permanent secretary at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, named this week as the Civil Service's chief operating officer.
Michael Gove, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is expected to play a key role in identifying Sir Ian's successors.
"I believe the addition of non-executives to enhanced departmental boards has promoted change and improvement in governance and risk management and that I leave the government in a strong position to continue its transformation journey," Sir Ian said after his departure was announced.
"There is much more to do, but it is now time for a new perspective on how the non-executives continue to contribute."
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The Cabinet Office said a new government lead non-executive would be named by the prime minister in due course.


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: World-renowned neurosurgeon dies after being diagnosed with COVID-19

A world-renowned surgeon who separated conjoined twins four years ago has died after being diagnosed with coronavirus .
Dr James Goodrich , a paediatric neurosurgeon at New York City 's Montefiore Medical Center , died on Monday after suffering complications related to COVID-19 .
`` Dr Goodrich was a beacon of our institution and he will be truly missed , '' Montefiore Medicine CEO Dr Philip Ozuah said in a statement .
`` His expertise and ability were second only to his kind heart and manner .
`` Dr Goodrich was admired by his Montefiore Einstein colleagues and adored by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the same without his presence . ''
The 73-year-old was part of the team of 40 specialists who separated twins Jadon and Anais McDonald four years ago in a 27-hour operation .
They were joined at the crown and shared a 7cm section of brain tissue .
In a tweet the hospital said : `` The Montefiore community is mourning the loss of Dr James T Goodrich .
`` Not only was he an elite surgeon , over the years he was a generous mentor and teacher who shared his craft with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his footsteps . ''
Emad Eskandar , head of the hospital 's neurosurgery department , added : `` Jim was in many ways the heart and soul of our department .
`` A master surgeon and a world-class educator , and a beloved colleague for all . ''
The hospital said Dr Goodrich , originally from Oregon , served as a Marine during the Vietnam war .
It was during this time he decided to pursue a medical career .
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @

A world-renowned surgeon who separated conjoined twins four years ago has died after being diagnosed with coronavirus.
Dr James Goodrich, a paediatric neurosurgeon at New York City's Montefiore Medical Center, died on Monday after suffering complications related to COVID-19.
"Dr Goodrich was a beacon of our institution and he will be truly missed," Montefiore Medicine CEO Dr Philip Ozuah said in a statement.
"His expertise and ability were second only to his kind heart and manner.
"Dr Goodrich was admired by his Montefiore Einstein colleagues and adored by his patients and Montefiore Einstein will not be the same without his presence."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:55 New York at crisis point - with worse to come
The 73-year-old was part of the team of 40 specialists who separated twins Jadon and Anais McDonald four years ago in a 27-hour operation.
They were joined at the crown and shared a 7cm section of brain tissue.
In a tweet the hospital said: "The Montefiore community is mourning the loss of Dr James T Goodrich.
"Not only was he an elite surgeon, over the years he was a generous mentor and teacher who shared his craft with many young surgeons who wanted to follow in his footsteps."
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Emad Eskandar, head of the hospital's neurosurgery department, added: "Jim was in many ways the heart and soul of our department.
"A master surgeon and a world-class educator, and a beloved colleague for all."
The hospital said Dr Goodrich, originally from Oregon, served as a Marine during the Vietnam war.
It was during this time he decided to pursue a medical career.
Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: Anger is growing at China over COVID-19 and its apparent cover-up attempt

We 've long known about the dangers of a wild animal virus leaping the species gap and ravaging humans and so has China .
The government there has been told repeatedly about the risks posed by their animal markets for decades .
In 2005 , we filmed secretly while being offered pangolins , rare lizards and snakes in an endangered animal restaurant in southern China .
Year in , year out since , China has been warned by virologists that it was only a matter of time before a new lethal virus was unleashed threatening a global pandemic if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restaurants and markets have remained open .
A previous version of this article and embedded video used images of animals for sale that we wrongly believed were from markets in China .
The images were from markets outside China and were described incorrectly as a result of human error .
We have now corrected this article .
Making matters worse , once that nightmare scenario came to pass , China appears to have tried to cover up their outbreak at first .
Doctors were punished and persecuted for reporting it .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reports this weekend , the British government has been told China may have lied about the extent of their own outbreak by a factor of 40 .
Precious time was lost for other countries to prepare for the virus and when China did , it seems it was based on fudged figures and dodgy data .
The Chinese government appears to have indulged in a Kremlin-style disinformation campaign too .
Its foreign minister tweeted about the possibility the `` US military brought the virus to Wuhan '' .
Its online mouthpiece , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have been to blame , producing no evidence whatsoever for the irresponsible claim .
China is facing a public relations catastrophe that is only likely to deepen .
Western countries have their populations on lockdown , their economies frozen or in freefall , and the country where the virus most likely originated is suspected to have lied , covered up and spread misinformation about its role .
It has not helped either that some of the medical supplies sent by China to western countries to help battle the pandemic have been rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Britain , there is reportedly rising anger about the Chinese government 's conduct and increasing pressure for a wholesale review of relations with China .
Backbench anger may force a rethink on the government 's controversial decision to allow Chinese telephony company Huawei an , albeit limited , role in building the UK 's 5G network .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In America , the Trump administration has wasted no time using China as a scapegoat for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's team may have botched its response but his officials are keen to labour the point when it comes to where COVID-19 is thought to have originated , calling it the Wuhan or China virus .
As the death toll mounts that is likely to remain the strategy in the run up to the election in November .
The world may need its two greatest powers working together to bring this pandemic under control .
There is little sign of that happening for now .

We've long known about the dangers of a wild animal virus leaping the species gap and ravaging humans and so has China.
The government there has been told repeatedly about the risks posed by their animal markets for decades.
In 2005, we filmed secretly while being offered pangolins, rare lizards and snakes in an endangered animal restaurant in southern China.
Year in, year out since, China has been warned by virologists that it was only a matter of time before a new lethal virus was unleashed threatening a global pandemic if the status quo was preserved.
And yet the restaurants and markets have remained open.
A previous version of this article and embedded video used images of animals for sale that we wrongly believed were from markets in China. The images were from markets outside China and were described incorrectly as a result of human error. We have now corrected this article.
Making matters worse, once that nightmare scenario came to pass, China appears to have tried to cover up their outbreak at first.
Doctors were punished and persecuted for reporting it. Some of them have died.
Image: A Wuhan doctor hugs a medic after leaving work earlier this month
And according to reports this weekend, the British government has been told China may have lied about the extent of their own outbreak by a factor of 40.
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Precious time was lost for other countries to prepare for the virus and when China did, it seems it was based on fudged figures and dodgy data.
The Chinese government appears to have indulged in a Kremlin-style disinformation campaign too.
Image: Xi Jinping wears a mask during an appearance in Wuhan
Its foreign minister tweeted about the possibility the "US military brought the virus to Wuhan".
Its online mouthpiece, the Global Times, reported that Italy may have been to blame, producing no evidence whatsoever for the irresponsible claim.
China is facing a public relations catastrophe that is only likely to deepen.
Image: The coronavirus outbreak began in Wuhan, China
Western countries have their populations on lockdown, their economies frozen or in freefall, and the country where the virus most likely originated is suspected to have lied, covered up and spread misinformation about its role.
It has not helped either that some of the medical supplies sent by China to western countries to help battle the pandemic have been rejected as substandard and potentially dangerous to use.
In Britain, there is reportedly rising anger about the Chinese government's conduct and increasing pressure for a wholesale review of relations with China.
Backbench anger may force a rethink on the government's controversial decision to allow Chinese telephony company Huawei an, albeit limited, role in building the UK's 5G network.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In America, the Trump administration has wasted no time using China as a scapegoat for a crisis that threatens its re-election.
Donald Trump's team may have botched its response but his officials are keen to labour the point when it comes to where COVID-19 is thought to have originated, calling it the Wuhan or China virus.
As the death toll mounts that is likely to remain the strategy in the run up to the election in November.
The world may need its two greatest powers working together to bring this pandemic under control. There is little sign of that happening for now.


news--2020-05-08--Gogglebox star June Bernicoff dies aged 82

Gogglebox star June Bernicoff has died at the age of 82 after a short illness .
A statement from Channel 4 and production company Studio Lambert said she had died at home on 5 May with her family by her side .
She was on the show from the beginning with her husband Leon , who died in December 2017 .
The statement added : `` As the first couple to be cast for Gogglebox back in 2013 , June and her husband Leon were a huge part of the programme 's success .
`` Their warmth , wit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the course of the first 10 series . ''
June 's death was not related to COVID-19 , the broadcaster said .
The statement described her as `` remarkably independent , principled woman with a vivacious sense of humour and a huge passion for life '' , adding that she would be `` dearly missed '' .
`` Our thoughts are with June 's family - Helen and Ian , Julie and Marc , and her beloved grandchildren Frances , Sam and Faye .
`` The family would like to ask for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would like to thank the hospice staff that supported them and cared for June so wonderfully and with such compassion in her final weeks .
`` Despite her departure from the show in 2017 , she remained a passionate supporter of the programme , watching it every week , and she was in regular contact with the production team . ''
Gogglebox star Sandi Bogle wrote on Twitter : `` So sad the beautiful June Bernicoff has sadly passed away '' and actress Frances Barber said the news of June 's death had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` I adored them both so very much .
Leon and June .
`` What a wonderful couple they were . ''
June wrote her first book about her and Leon 's love and life together following his death .
They met in 1955 and married five years later .

Gogglebox star June Bernicoff has died at the age of 82 after a short illness.
A statement from Channel 4 and production company Studio Lambert said she had died at home on 5 May with her family by her side.
She was on the show from the beginning with her husband Leon, who died in December 2017.
The statement added: "As the first couple to be cast for Gogglebox back in 2013, June and her husband Leon were a huge part of the programme's success.
Image: June's husband died in 2017
"Their warmth, wit and contrasting personalities endeared them to the nation during the course of the first 10 series."
June's death was not related to COVID-19, the broadcaster said.
The statement described her as "remarkably independent, principled woman with a vivacious sense of humour and a huge passion for life", adding that she would be "dearly missed".
"Our thoughts are with June's family - Helen and Ian, Julie and Marc, and her beloved grandchildren Frances, Sam and Faye.
"The family would like to ask for privacy at this sad time, but would like to thank the hospice staff that supported them and cared for June so wonderfully and with such compassion in her final weeks.
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"Despite her departure from the show in 2017, she remained a passionate supporter of the programme, watching it every week, and she was in regular contact with the production team."
Gogglebox star Sandi Bogle wrote on Twitter: "So sad the beautiful June Bernicoff has sadly passed away" and actress Frances Barber said the news of June's death had made her "weep".
She added: "I adored them both so very much. Leon and June.
"What a wonderful couple they were."
June wrote her first book about her and Leon's love and life together following his death.
They met in 1955 and married five years later.


news--2020-05-08--High street tycoons Ashley and Cowgill lock horns again over Office

The retail tycoons Mike Ashley and Peter Cowgill are locking horns in a race to buy Office , the shoe retailer , just days after they clashed over a controversial order for JD Sports Fashion to sell Footasylum .
Sky News has learnt that Mr Ashley and JD Sports are among the bidders for Office , the South African-owned chain which is seeking new funding to help it emerge from the coronavirus pandemic .
Sources said on Friday that at least two other parties had also expressed interest in buying the footwear retailer .
Truworths International , Office 's owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to retake control of parts of the company , possibly through a pre-pack administration , the insiders added .
It is the contest between Sports Direct founder Mr Ashley and Mr Cowgill that will be of greatest industry , however , given the bitter rivalry which has erupted between Britain 's two biggest sportswear retailers .
On Thursday , the Competition and Markets Authority told JD Sports that it must offload Footasylum , which it bought last year , on the basis that it risked leaving shoppers disadvantaged .
Mr Cowgill branded the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it relied on `` an inaccurate and outdated analysis of the UK sports retail competitive landscape '' .
The executive chairman of JD Sports , who has presided its growth into a company now valued by the London stock market at £5.4bn , said he would consider whether to appeal against the CMA 's verdict .
The mutual enmity between the two sportswear bosses was heightened by Mr Cowgill 's assertion that `` the CMA has been taken in by the self-serving testimony of one notoriously vocal competitor '' .
He added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirming their ongoing investment in their elevation strategy and who has blatantly participated in the process for their own commercial interests rather than for the benefit of consumers '' .
Office 's presence in the broader casual footwear market means that JD Sports ' interest in the chain is unlikely to trigger any competition concerns of the kind that scuppered the Footasylum deal .
One person close to JD , which declined to comment , suggested that other bidders were likely to be pursuing Office more aggressively than it would .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest in Office was being expressed through Frasers Group or one of his private investment vehicles .
Shareholders in Frasers have previously sounded the alarm about the scale of Mr Ashley 's acquisition spree , after he orchestrated takeovers - usually through insolvency processes - of brands such as Evans Cycles , Game Digital , House of Fraser , Jack Wills and Sofa.com .
Shares in Frasers have fallen by about 13 % during the past year , reflecting investors ' concerns about its ability to move upmarket and make a success of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it bought two years ago .
It now has a market value of just £1.3bn .
The sale of Office , which is being handled by professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal ( A & M ) , is likely to conclude this month .
A & M declined to comment , while Frasers could not be reached .
Office trades from 130 stores in the UK and Europe , and last changed hands in a £250m deal five years ago .
Truworths considered restructuring Office through a company voluntary arrangement ( CVA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using the mechanism to close unprofitable stores .
Instead , it concluded a refinancing in September , and said it would shut unwanted shops when their leases expired .
Truworths bought the Office chain in 2015 in a deal worth about £250m .
In addition to its UK estate , it trades from stores in Germany and Ireland .
The prospects of a solvent sale are unclear .
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 , Cath Kidston , Debenhams and the Oasis and Warehouse Group have all called in administrators , citing the calamitous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the lack of visibility about a recovery in consumer confidence .

The retail tycoons Mike Ashley and Peter Cowgill are locking horns in a race to buy Office, the shoe retailer, just days after they clashed over a controversial order for JD Sports Fashion to sell Footasylum.
Sky News has learnt that Mr Ashley and JD Sports are among the bidders for Office, the South African-owned chain which is seeking new funding to help it emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.
Sources said on Friday that at least two other parties had also expressed interest in buying the footwear retailer.
Truworths International, Office's owner since 2015, is also considering whether to retake control of parts of the company, possibly through a pre-pack administration, the insiders added.
It is the contest between Sports Direct founder Mr Ashley and Mr Cowgill that will be of greatest industry, however, given the bitter rivalry which has erupted between Britain's two biggest sportswear retailers.
On Thursday, the Competition and Markets Authority told JD Sports that it must offload Footasylum, which it bought last year, on the basis that it risked leaving shoppers disadvantaged.
Mr Cowgill branded the decision "extraordinary", and said it relied on "an inaccurate and outdated analysis of the UK sports retail competitive landscape".
The executive chairman of JD Sports, who has presided its growth into a company now valued by the London stock market at £5.4bn, said he would consider whether to appeal against the CMA's verdict.
The mutual enmity between the two sportswear bosses was heightened by Mr Cowgill's assertion that "the CMA has been taken in by the self-serving testimony of one notoriously vocal competitor".
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He added that Frasers had "made numerous public announcements confirming their ongoing investment in their elevation strategy and who has blatantly participated in the process for their own commercial interests rather than for the benefit of consumers".
Office's presence in the broader casual footwear market means that JD Sports' interest in the chain is unlikely to trigger any competition concerns of the kind that scuppered the Footasylum deal.
One person close to JD, which declined to comment, suggested that other bidders were likely to be pursuing Office more aggressively than it would.
It was unclear on Friday whether Mr Ashley's interest in Office was being expressed through Frasers Group or one of his private investment vehicles.
Shareholders in Frasers have previously sounded the alarm about the scale of Mr Ashley's acquisition spree, after he orchestrated takeovers - usually through insolvency processes - of brands such as Evans Cycles, Game Digital, House of Fraser, Jack Wills and Sofa.com.
Shares in Frasers have fallen by about 13% during the past year, reflecting investors' concerns about its ability to move upmarket and make a success of the House of Fraser department store chain it bought two years ago.
It now has a market value of just £1.3bn.
The sale of Office, which is being handled by professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), is likely to conclude this month.
A&M declined to comment, while Frasers could not be reached.
Office trades from 130 stores in the UK and Europe, and last changed hands in a £250m deal five years ago.
Truworths considered restructuring Office through a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) last year but ultimately decided against using the mechanism to close unprofitable stores.
Instead, it concluded a refinancing in September, and said it would shut unwanted shops when their leases expired.
Truworths bought the Office chain in 2015 in a deal worth about £250m.
In addition to its UK estate, it trades from stores in Germany and Ireland.
The prospects of a solvent sale are unclear.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Cath Kidston, Debenhams and the Oasis and Warehouse Group have all called in administrators, citing the calamitous collapse in revenues with their stores closed and the lack of visibility about a recovery in consumer confidence.


news--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Working from home is here to stay - and it might do us all good

For many people the chance to work from home has allowed them to skip the commute , have more family time and be more productive .
Jo Wimble-Groves , award-winning entrepreneur , writer and Guilty Mother blogger , says we should all embrace a bit more flexibility .
As the world adjusts to the COVID-19 pandemic , one of the biggest changes faced by many of us is the sudden switch to working from home .
Employers and employees alike are now facing the challenge of juggling work , childcare and home schooling .
As a mother of three myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be .
However , while the speed with which these changes have come about may be unique , the changes themselves were destined to happen at some stage .
For , let us be honest , millions of people have been asking for remote working for years .
At my organisation we already had a number of employees working remotely , who rarely ever come in to the office .
However , for others , including myself , the last few weeks have been a huge shift .
Despite having permission to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office environment .
I thrive on the social aspects of being with my team or meeting with clients in the city .
But now , I am home and sometimes I fear I am getting lost in the hours and the days .
Nor am I alone in feeling like this .
The lockdown has left many people feeling isolated .
Many have job concerns which are causing disrupted sleep .
However , an enforced period of working from home has also revealed a number of unexpected benefits .
Friends I have spoken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some say they are more productive as they are taking more breaks from their screens .
Many are getting more exercise outside which in turn is improving their overall health .
Working full time , I have never spent so much time with my own children .
Now we take time to go for a family walk every day - even if it is only for 20 minutes .
Speeding up the future may have seemed impossible , but it has happened .
Employers who have ignored requests for flexible working must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which will impact the way we think about work in the years to come and could cause a rise in employee productivity and well-being .
Active Digital , the company I co-own with my brother , has always been an advocate of remote working .
For this setup to succeed , an important place to start is by building trust with our employees , so that they feel empowered to be productive wherever they are .
We have seen plenty of benefits over the years from giving our employees more flexibility to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distractions from the traditional workforce , contributing to higher efficiency , lower stress and increased morale .
Team spirit and camaraderie can also be maintained remotely when needed .
During lockdown some of our team have been uploading their fitness workouts to our company app for other team members to try .
I am currently at home with an 11-week-old baby and have just completed my first 5k run postpartum .
I then tagged five of my team to try and complete a similar task .
It has been great to see how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise when they want to or choose when they take a break or eat their lunch .
Work is still getting done , just in different ways than before .
The lockdown has reinforced my belief that `` work-life balance '' does n't exist .
It is simply life .
We are human beings and as such , work is as much a part of our life as our families and friends .
Balancing all these things is what makes us who we are , and more than that , it can make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now become business as usual .

For many people the chance to work from home has allowed them to skip the commute, have more family time and be more productive.
Jo Wimble-Groves, award-winning entrepreneur, writer and Guilty Mother blogger, says we should all embrace a bit more flexibility.
Image: Jo Wimble-Groves is the co-owner of Active Digital
As the world adjusts to the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the biggest changes faced by many of us is the sudden switch to working from home.
Employers and employees alike are now facing the challenge of juggling work, childcare and home schooling. As a mother of three myself, I know how hard it can be.
However, while the speed with which these changes have come about may be unique, the changes themselves were destined to happen at some stage.
For, let us be honest, millions of people have been asking for remote working for years.
At my organisation we already had a number of employees working remotely, who rarely ever come in to the office.
However, for others, including myself, the last few weeks have been a huge shift.
Despite having permission to work anywhere, I enjoy being in an office environment. I thrive on the social aspects of being with my team or meeting with clients in the city.
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But now, I am home and sometimes I fear I am getting lost in the hours and the days.
Image: Working from home can be a struggle for some people.
Nor am I alone in feeling like this. The lockdown has left many people feeling isolated. Many have job concerns which are causing disrupted sleep.
However, an enforced period of working from home has also revealed a number of unexpected benefits.
Friends I have spoken to say they are actually working harder. Some say they are more productive as they are taking more breaks from their screens.
Many are getting more exercise outside which in turn is improving their overall health.
Working full time, I have never spent so much time with my own children. Now we take time to go for a family walk every day - even if it is only for 20 minutes.
Image: Families with parents working from home now have more time together.
Speeding up the future may have seemed impossible, but it has happened.
Employers who have ignored requests for flexible working must now embrace the positives of these changes, which will impact the way we think about work in the years to come and could cause a rise in employee productivity and well-being.
Active Digital, the company I co-own with my brother, has always been an advocate of remote working.
For this setup to succeed, an important place to start is by building trust with our employees, so that they feel empowered to be productive wherever they are.
We have seen plenty of benefits over the years from giving our employees more flexibility to work from home.
This includes fewer distractions from the traditional workforce, contributing to higher efficiency, lower stress and increased morale.
Image: Working from home can have unexpected benefits, besides not having to commute.
Team spirit and camaraderie can also be maintained remotely when needed.
During lockdown some of our team have been uploading their fitness workouts to our company app for other team members to try.
I am currently at home with an 11-week-old baby and have just completed my first 5k run postpartum. I then tagged five of my team to try and complete a similar task.
It has been great to see how our employees are enjoying the flexibility to exercise when they want to or choose when they take a break or eat their lunch.
Work is still getting done, just in different ways than before.
The lockdown has reinforced my belief that "work-life balance" doesn't exist. It is simply life.
We are human beings and as such, work is as much a part of our life as our families and friends.
Balancing all these things is what makes us who we are, and more than that, it can make us happy. Business as unusual has now become business as usual.