news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: What US bank results can tell us about pandemic impact

Coronavirus : What US bank results can tell us about pandemic impact Coronavirus : What US bank results can tell us about pandemic impact JPMorgan Chase is among the top US banks to have reported on its progress this week Every day , evidence has been coming in on the extent to which the US economy is deteriorating in the face of the coronavirus outbreak .
The most dramatic pieces of data have been the weekly jobless claims numbers , every Thursday , which have revealed that , during the last three weeks , an unprecedented 16 million Americans have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of data was released today revealing that , in March , retail sales were down 8.7 % on the previous month as the COVID-19 lockdown kicked in .
It is the biggest monthly fall on record and , as consumer activity accounts for getting on for nearly three-quarters of US GDP , it is an ominous indicator of how much the economy is likely to contract .
It was also revealed today that US manufacturing output in March was down by 6.3 % on February - the worst month-on-month fall for 74 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also starting to come through from America 's biggest companies as they report their earnings for the first three months of 2020 - with the banks leading the way .
The omens are not good .
On Tuesday , JPMorgan Chase , America 's largest bank , reported a 69 % drop in first quarter earnings .
The same day , Wells Fargo - America 's third-largest bank by stock market value and fourth largest by assets - reported an 89 % decline .
They were followed on Wednesday by Goldman Sachs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in first quarter profits and Bank of America , the second largest bank in the US , which reported a 45 % drop .
At the same time Citigroup , America 's third-largest bank by assets and its fourth largest by stock market value , reported a 46 % drop in first quarter earnings .
The figures themselves are no surprise .
The profits generated by banks , when all is said and done , reflect the health of the economies in which they operate and , during the first quarter , America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been eye-popping are the factors contributing to those lower profits .
For example , JPMorgan Chase set aside $ 8.3bn to cover loans it has made that it does no longer expect to be repaid either in full or in part .
That compared with $ 1.5bn in the same three months last year and was the biggest such provision since the global financial crisis was raging in 2009 , although some Wall Street analysts argue the bank has been overly conservative , since just one in 25 of its mortgage holders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some $ 4.5bn of the provisions were to cover expected consumer loan losses , in particular , in its credit card business .
Wells , meanwhile , set aside $ 4bn .
To put that in context , the equivalent figure in the same three months last year was $ 845m .
Wednesday 's numbers were no less scary .
Citi set aside $ 4.89bn to cover expected loan losses , up from just $ 20m in the same quarter last year , most of which again are expected to fall in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set aside $ 3.6bn to cover expected loan losses while Goldman also raised its provision for loan losses in the quarter to $ 937m from $ 224m in the same three months a year ago .
Other trends are also emerging .
Jamie Dimon , chairman and chief executive of JPMorgan Chase , highlighted the extent to which corporate clients had been drawing on revolving credit facilities ( RCFs ) .
These are lines of credit made available by banks to corporate clients that can be accessed at any time up to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who only last month had to undergo emergency heart surgery , said the rate at which companies drew on their RCFs was about twice the rate seem during the global financial crisis .
He added : `` People got scared and they got scared quickly .
They wanted to make sure they had liquidity .
`` I think companies are very rationally getting their liquidity in order ahead of what could be a significant downturn . ''
Bank of America provided more such evidence today .
It revealed that outstanding commercial loans during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit $ 585bn - up 13 % on the last three months of 2019 .
What may come as a surprise to those who do not follow these things closely is that there were actually some positives in with all the provisions .
There were record levels of volatility during the quarter , with US stock markets hitting record highs in January , only to plunge sickeningly in March in a way not seen since the crash in October 1987 .
They then rebounded during the final week of March .
All of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with substantial trading operations .
For example , Goldman Sachs reported a 33 % rise in revenues to $ 2.97bn from trading in fixed income ( bonds ) , currencies and commodities , which was its best quarterly performance in five years .
Trading in shares generated a 22 % rise in quarterly revenues , to $ 2.19bn , its second best quarterly performance in five years .
JP Morgan and Bank of America also reported similarly punchy trading revenues while Citi fared better still with a 39 % rise in bond and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performance in eight years .
Not that these strong trading performances have been enough to make up for the big loan loss provisions .
But they will provide a crumb of comfort for investors in US banks .
Perhaps the bigger source of comfort for the wider American public is this : The banks , on current evidence , do not look as if they are going to require rescuing by US taxpayers in the way they did during the global financial crisis .
All have made substantial provisions against potential loan losses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to American companies .
While that may be good news for US taxpayers , the bad news for banking bosses is that US politicians are watching closely to see how quickly they can process emergency loan applications under the US government 's $ 2.3trn stimulus package .
And , in an election year , they will not hesitate to make them the scapegoats for any perceived failure to get money to households and businesses that need it .

Sky's Ian King says there are some shocking but also comforting numbers as US banks update on their performances.
Coronavirus: What US bank results can tell us about pandemic impact
JPMorgan Chase is among the top US banks to have reported on its progress this week
Every day, evidence has been coming in on the extent to which the US economy is deteriorating in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.
The most dramatic pieces of data have been the weekly jobless claims numbers, every Thursday, which have revealed that, during the last three weeks, an unprecedented 16 million Americans have registered for unemployment benefit.
Another piece of data was released today revealing that, in March, retail sales were down 8.7% on the previous month as the COVID-19 lockdown kicked in.
It is the biggest monthly fall on record and, as consumer activity accounts for getting on for nearly three-quarters of US GDP, it is an ominous indicator of how much the economy is likely to contract. It was also revealed today that US manufacturing output in March was down by 6.3% on February - the worst month-on-month fall for 74 years.
This week, though, evidence is also starting to come through from America's biggest companies as they report their earnings for the first three months of 2020 - with the banks leading the way. The omens are not good.
On Tuesday, JPMorgan Chase, America's largest bank, reported a 69% drop in first quarter earnings.
Image: JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon had heart surgery last month
The same day, Wells Fargo - America's third-largest bank by stock market value and fourth largest by assets - reported an 89% decline.
They were followed on Wednesday by Goldman Sachs, which reported a 46% drop in first quarter profits and Bank of America, the second largest bank in the US, which reported a 45% drop.
At the same time Citigroup, America's third-largest bank by assets and its fourth largest by stock market value, reported a 46% drop in first quarter earnings.
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The figures themselves are no surprise. The profits generated by banks, when all is said and done, reflect the health of the economies in which they operate and, during the first quarter, America's economy began to suffer.
What has been eye-popping are the factors contributing to those lower profits.
For example, JPMorgan Chase set aside $8.3bn to cover loans it has made that it does no longer expect to be repaid either in full or in part.
That compared with $1.5bn in the same three months last year and was the biggest such provision since the global financial crisis was raging in 2009, although some Wall Street analysts argue the bank has been overly conservative, since just one in 25 of its mortgage holders have so far missed a payment.
Some $4.5bn of the provisions were to cover expected consumer loan losses, in particular, in its credit card business.
Wells, meanwhile, set aside $4bn. To put that in context, the equivalent figure in the same three months last year was $845m.
Image: The Citigroup skyscraper in London's Canary Wharf
Wednesday's numbers were no less scary. Citi set aside $4.89bn to cover expected loan losses, up from just $20m in the same quarter last year, most of which again are expected to fall in its credit card division.
Bank of America set aside $3.6bn to cover expected loan losses while Goldman also raised its provision for loan losses in the quarter to $937m from $224m in the same three months a year ago.
Other trends are also emerging. Jamie Dimon, chairman and chief executive of JPMorgan Chase, highlighted the extent to which corporate clients had been drawing on revolving credit facilities (RCFs). These are lines of credit made available by banks to corporate clients that can be accessed at any time up to a pre-arranged maximum amount.
Mr Dimon, who only last month had to undergo emergency heart surgery, said the rate at which companies drew on their RCFs was about twice the rate seem during the global financial crisis.
He added: "People got scared and they got scared quickly. They wanted to make sure they had liquidity.
"I think companies are very rationally getting their liquidity in order ahead of what could be a significant downturn."
Bank of America provided more such evidence today. It revealed that outstanding commercial loans during the first three months of the year hit $585bn - up 13% on the last three months of 2019.
What may come as a surprise to those who do not follow these things closely is that there were actually some positives in with all the provisions.
There were record levels of volatility during the quarter, with US stock markets hitting record highs in January, only to plunge sickeningly in March in a way not seen since the crash in October 1987. They then rebounded during the final week of March.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:46 'I don't know if I'll make it': US workers lose jobs
All of this was good news for those banks with substantial trading operations.
For example, Goldman Sachs reported a 33% rise in revenues to $2.97bn from trading in fixed income (bonds), currencies and commodities, which was its best quarterly performance in five years.
Trading in shares generated a 22% rise in quarterly revenues, to $2.19bn, its second best quarterly performance in five years. JP Morgan and Bank of America also reported similarly punchy trading revenues while Citi fared better still with a 39% rise in bond and equity trading revenues - its best quarterly performance in eight years.
Not that these strong trading performances have been enough to make up for the big loan loss provisions. But they will provide a crumb of comfort for investors in US banks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 Banks 'will repay favour to taxpayers'
Perhaps the bigger source of comfort for the wider American public is this:
The banks, on current evidence, do not look as if they are going to require rescuing by US taxpayers in the way they did during the global financial crisis. All have made substantial provisions against potential loan losses. And all are continuing to lend to American companies.
While that may be good news for US taxpayers, the bad news for banking bosses is that US politicians are watching closely to see how quickly they can process emergency loan applications under the US government's $2.3trn stimulus package.
And, in an election year, they will not hesitate to make them the scapegoats for any perceived failure to get money to households and businesses that need it.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Stock markets and oil costs retreat on fears of prolonged disruption

Financial markets are reflecting growing fears the coronavirus pandemic is set to inflict deeper economic damage than initially feared .
Stock market values took a hit globally on Wednesday - applying brakes to the tentative recovery seen since the share slump that began in February as COVID-19 took hold in Italy .
Analysts pointed to a slew of negative news from the likes of the International Monetary Fund , which is forecasting the worst world recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s , and projections of prolonged damage among fund managers .
Most notable , on Wednesday , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for oil would fall by 9.3 million barrels per day this year - leaving it at levels not seen since 1995 - sending prices back to fresh 18-year lows .
The declines saw US crude trading below $ 20 a barrel while Brent crude was at $ 27 - a fall of 7 % .
The price has plunged over the past 48 hours despite the so-called Opec+ group of oil-producing nations agreeing at the weekend output cuts to prop up costs .
There was also fresh data out of the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for retail sales .
The FTSE 100 followed falls in Asia and closed 3.3 % down at 5,597- leaving the index still 25 % off in the year to date .
Energy , industrial and aviation stocks were worst hit , reflecting the uncertainty on demand ahead and when full lockdown restrictions outside of China are likely to be lifted .
Neil Wilson , chief markets analyst at Markets.com , suggested the pessimistic market mood showed growing worry that the pandemic 's knock-on effects could last years .
He wrote : `` According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fund Manager Survey , just 15 % see a V-shaped recovery .
`` Over half ( 52 % ) see a U-shaped recovery , where the long line along the bottom stretches on for some time , perhaps years .
`` A fifth ( 22 % ) see a W-shaped recovery - possibly sparked by a sharp bounce back and second or third wave of infections - and 7 % see the dreaded L - a long depression like the 1930s and no real recovery .
`` The biggest tail risk is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the speed at which you reopen economies key . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Markets in France and Germany lost nearly 4 % while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was almost 2 % lower at the close on Wall Street - 20 % down on its record high .
The broader S & P 500 shed 2.2 % .
The dollar - often a safe haven in times of trouble - surged against both sterling and the euro , hitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a fall of more than 1 % for the UK currency .

Financial markets are reflecting growing fears the coronavirus pandemic is set to inflict deeper economic damage than initially feared.
Stock market values took a hit globally on Wednesday - applying brakes to the tentative recovery seen since the share slump that began in February as COVID-19 took hold in Italy.
Analysts pointed to a slew of negative news from the likes of the International Monetary Fund, which is forecasting the worst world recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s, and projections of prolonged damage among fund managers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'There will be more tough times to come'
Most notable, on Wednesday, was an International Energy Agency forecast that demand for oil would fall by 9.3 million barrels per day this year - leaving it at levels not seen since 1995 - sending prices back to fresh 18-year lows.
The declines saw US crude trading below $20 a barrel while Brent crude was at $27 - a fall of 7%.
The price has plunged over the past 48 hours despite the so-called Opec+ group of oil-producing nations agreeing at the weekend output cuts to prop up costs.
There was also fresh data out of the United States that showed a record rate of decline for retail sales.
The FTSE 100 followed falls in Asia and closed 3.3% down at 5,597- leaving the index still 25% off in the year to date.
Energy, industrial and aviation stocks were worst hit, reflecting the uncertainty on demand ahead and when full lockdown restrictions outside of China are likely to be lifted.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:24 Only 2% of businesses getting emergency loans
Neil Wilson, chief markets analyst at Markets.com, suggested the pessimistic market mood showed growing worry that the pandemic's knock-on effects could last years.
He wrote: "According to Bank of America's latest Global Fund Manager Survey, just 15% see a V-shaped recovery.
"Over half (52%) see a U-shaped recovery, where the long line along the bottom stretches on for some time, perhaps years.
"A fifth (22%) see a W-shaped recovery - possibly sparked by a sharp bounce back and second or third wave of infections - and 7% see the dreaded L - a long depression like the 1930s and no real recovery.
"The biggest tail risk is a second wave of infections, which makes the speed at which you reopen economies key."
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Markets in France and Germany lost nearly 4% while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was almost 2% lower at the close on Wall Street - 20% down on its record high. The broader S&P 500 shed 2.2%.
The dollar - often a safe haven in times of trouble - surged against both sterling and the euro, hitting $1.24 at one stage.
That is a fall of more than 1% for the UK currency.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Cut-off date extended for £2,500-a-month furlough support scheme

The government has extended the cut-off date for its scheme to protect furloughed workers ' wages by three weeks .
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme allows employers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for a government grant that covers 80 % of each of their employee 's wages , up to £2,500 per month .
It is designed to help businesses refrain from laying off their staff even as the UK economy suffers from the coronavirus lockdown measures .
Initially , in order to qualify for the scheme , employees had to be on a company 's payroll on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following a review , the Treasury has now said the eligibility date has been extended to 19 March - the day before the scheme was announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak .
The action follows pressure from people who complained they could not benefit from the scheme because they switched jobs just before the coronavirus crisis .
Business groups had also been putting pressure on ministers , saying their members have to decide by 18 April if they can keep staff on their payroll beyond the end of May .
This is because employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consultation period for mass redundancies .
The Treasury expects 200,000 employees will benefit from the date change , while also `` keeping the substantial fraud risk under control '' .
The scheme is expected to be fully operational next week .
Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis said that some people will still not be covered by the scheme it only impacts those whose new companies sent HMRC what is known as an `` RTI submission '' notifying them the employee is on their books now .
He explained : `` This can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , but typically up to a week before the payroll sate .
`` That means those who 'd started work and been paid by 19 March are definitely eligible , for those who had n't it 's in the balance . ''
Sky News political correspondent Rob Powell added : `` Many who are paid at the end of the month will still miss out as it 's unlikely the employer will have sent the info off in time . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office minister Penny Mordaunt , who is the paymaster general , said she was `` sorry '' the date change was `` not done sooner '' because of `` how worried people will have been '' .
`` This will help more people and is very welcome , '' she said .
Despite emergency economic measures brought in by Mr Sunak to support the UK economy during the coronavirus crisis , the Office for Budget Responsibility published a scenario on Tuesday in which the UK 's economy could shrink by 35 % and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the pandemic .
On the same day , Mr Sunak repeated his warning that the government will not be able to protect every business and household during the coronavirus outbreak , admitting : `` These are tough times and there will be more to come . ''

The government has extended the cut-off date for its scheme to protect furloughed workers' wages by three weeks.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme allows employers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for a government grant that covers 80% of each of their employee's wages, up to £2,500 per month.
It is designed to help businesses refrain from laying off their staff even as the UK economy suffers from the coronavirus lockdown measures.
Initially, in order to qualify for the scheme, employees had to be on a company's payroll on 28 February this year.
But, following a review, the Treasury has now said the eligibility date has been extended to 19 March - the day before the scheme was announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'There will be more tough times to come'
The action follows pressure from people who complained they could not benefit from the scheme because they switched jobs just before the coronavirus crisis.
Business groups had also been putting pressure on ministers, saying their members have to decide by 18 April if they can keep staff on their payroll beyond the end of May.
This is because employment law requires companies to declare a 45-day consultation period for mass redundancies.
The Treasury expects 200,000 employees will benefit from the date change, while also "keeping the substantial fraud risk under control".
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The scheme is expected to be fully operational next week.
Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis said that some people will still not be covered by the scheme it only impacts those whose new companies sent HMRC what is known as an "RTI submission" notifying them the employee is on their books now.
He explained: "This can be done at any time between pay days, but typically up to a week before the payroll sate.
"That means those who'd started work and been paid by 19 March are definitely eligible, for those who hadn't it's in the balance."
Sky News political correspondent Rob Powell added: "Many who are paid at the end of the month will still miss out as it's unlikely the employer will have sent the info off in time."
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Cabinet Office minister Penny Mordaunt, who is the paymaster general, said she was "sorry" the date change was "not done sooner" because of "how worried people will have been".
"This will help more people and is very welcome," she said.
Despite emergency economic measures brought in by Mr Sunak to support the UK economy during the coronavirus crisis, the Office for Budget Responsibility published a scenario on Tuesday in which the UK's economy could shrink by 35% and unemployment could jump by two million due to the pandemic.
On the same day, Mr Sunak repeated his warning that the government will not be able to protect every business and household during the coronavirus outbreak, admitting: "These are tough times and there will be more to come."


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Carluccio's administrator sets bid deadline for collapsed chain

Administrators to Carluccio 's are racing to find a buyer for the collapsed restaurant chain amid growing expectations that many of its rivals will fail to survive the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that FRP Advisory , which was appointed to handle the insolvency of Carluccio 's just over two weeks ago , asked prospective bidders to table offers by 5pm on Wednesday .
Industry sources said it was increasingly unlikely that a buyer would emerge for the whole company , which employs around 2,000 people at 71 sites across the UK .
A purchaser is far more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited number of sites , they added .
Such an outcome would ensure Carluccio 's continued presence on British high streets but trigger substantial job losses .
Last week , FRP secured what it described as `` a landmark court ruling '' when it secured legal backing to for staff to receive part of their salaries through the coronavirus Job Retention Scheme .
Founded in 1999 by the late chef Antonio Carluccio , the brand become a prominent player in the UK 's casual dining culture .
Last month , Carluccio 's was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tenants who declined to pay their quarterly rent bills as they stared into the financial abyss created by the COVID-19 outbreak .
Carluccio 's had been in financial difficulty before , having over-expanded into questionable locations and agreeing excessive rent deals .
In 2018 , it undertook a Company Voluntary Arrangement , which resulted in the closure of about 35 restaurants .
The company is owned by Landmark Group , a Dubai-based company .

Administrators to Carluccio's are racing to find a buyer for the collapsed restaurant chain amid growing expectations that many of its rivals will fail to survive the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that FRP Advisory, which was appointed to handle the insolvency of Carluccio's just over two weeks ago, asked prospective bidders to table offers by 5pm on Wednesday.
Industry sources said it was increasingly unlikely that a buyer would emerge for the whole company, which employs around 2,000 people at 71 sites across the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 How the Job Retention Scheme will work for claims
A purchaser is far more likely to acquire the brand and a limited number of sites, they added.
Such an outcome would ensure Carluccio's continued presence on British high streets but trigger substantial job losses.
Last week, FRP secured what it described as "a landmark court ruling" when it secured legal backing to for staff to receive part of their salaries through the coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Image: Antonio Carluccio. Pic: Richard Barker/Shutterstock
Founded in 1999 by the late chef Antonio Carluccio, the brand become a prominent player in the UK's casual dining culture.
Last month, Carluccio's was among a large number of high street tenants who declined to pay their quarterly rent bills as they stared into the financial abyss created by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Carluccio's had been in financial difficulty before, having over-expanded into questionable locations and agreeing excessive rent deals.
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In 2018, it undertook a Company Voluntary Arrangement, which resulted in the closure of about 35 restaurants.
The company is owned by Landmark Group, a Dubai-based company.
FRP declined to comment.


news--2020-04-15--'We cannot delay': Government gives formal go-ahead for HS2 work to begin

The government has formally given the go-ahead for HS2 construction work to begin , saying the UK can not afford further delay to the rail project .
It said the work could proceed in line with guidance issued by Public Health England to contractors continuing to operate during the coronavirus pandemic .
The Department for Transport said the formal notification to proceed provided a boost to the sector at a time when it faces major uncertainty due to the outbreak - though one think-tank called the timing of the announcement `` tone deaf '' .
HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority is rightly to combat the spread of coronavirus , protect the NHS and save lives , we can not delay work on our long-term plan to level up the country .
`` HS2 will be the spine of the country 's transport network , boosting capacity and connectivity while also rebalancing opportunity fairly across our towns and cities . ''
The announcement follows the decision in February by the prime minister to proceed with the project - after years of delay and a review warning that its cost could spiral to £106bn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open in 2026 , but it could be another ten years before it opens in full .
Mr Stephenson said : `` This next step provides thousands of construction workers and businesses across the country with certainty at a time when they need it , and means that work can truly begin on delivering this transformational project . ''
The notice to proceed issued by the government means that four joint ventures awarded contracts on the project can move from carrying out scheme design and preparatory work to detailed design and construction .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In these difficult times , today 's announcement represents both an immediate boost to the construction industry - and the many millions of UK jobs that the industry supports - and an important investment in Britain 's future . ''
Preparatory work at some HS2 sites remains paused following a review launched last month of what operations can be carried out in accordance with coronavirus guidance .
This includes ensuring a minimum distance between all personnel of two metres , having facilities for regular hand washing and single occupancy of all vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ltd said the four joint ventures will `` start work immediately '' on detailed designs , site preparation work and issuing sub-contracts .
The contracts have a total value of £12bn , covering the design and construction of bridges , tunnels , embankments and viaducts for phase one of HS2 from London Euston to Birmingham .
Free-market think-tank the Adam Smith Institute called the timing of the announcement `` tone-deaf '' , with the economy taking a battering from the lockdown - and with some firms also seeing the benefits of video conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journeys .
Deputy director Matt Kilcoyne said : `` We 've got an economic crisis that 's going to cost taxpayers billions .
`` We ca n't afford vanity projects like HS2 .
We need to get back onto a sustainable financial footing . ''
Trade union GMB said the HS2 was a `` project of national importance '' but said the safety of workers and suppliers `` must be the overriding priority '' .
National officer Eamon O'Hearn said : `` Construction should be conditional on rigorous observation of social distancing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , individualised risk assessments for workers with underlying conditions , and mandatory dialogue between contractors of all levels and recognised unions . ''

The government has formally given the go-ahead for HS2 construction work to begin, saying the UK cannot afford further delay to the rail project.
It said the work could proceed in line with guidance issued by Public Health England to contractors continuing to operate during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Department for Transport said the formal notification to proceed provided a boost to the sector at a time when it faces major uncertainty due to the outbreak - though one think-tank called the timing of the announcement "tone deaf".
HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson said: "While the government's top priority is rightly to combat the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives, we cannot delay work on our long-term plan to level up the country.
"HS2 will be the spine of the country's transport network, boosting capacity and connectivity while also rebalancing opportunity fairly across our towns and cities."
Image: HS2 will run from London to the West Midlands and then on towards Leeds and Manchester
The announcement follows the decision in February by the prime minister to proceed with the project - after years of delay and a review warning that its cost could spiral to £106bn.
The line had been due to open in 2026, but it could be another ten years before it opens in full.
Mr Stephenson said: "This next step provides thousands of construction workers and businesses across the country with certainty at a time when they need it, and means that work can truly begin on delivering this transformational project."
The notice to proceed issued by the government means that four joint ventures awarded contracts on the project can move from carrying out scheme design and preparatory work to detailed design and construction.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:50 'Time we had our share': high hopes for HS2
HS2 chief executive Mark Thurston said: "In these difficult times, today's announcement represents both an immediate boost to the construction industry - and the many millions of UK jobs that the industry supports - and an important investment in Britain's future."
Preparatory work at some HS2 sites remains paused following a review launched last month of what operations can be carried out in accordance with coronavirus guidance.
This includes ensuring a minimum distance between all personnel of two metres, having facilities for regular hand washing and single occupancy of all vehicles unless agreed in advance.
But HS2 Ltd said the four joint ventures will "start work immediately" on detailed designs, site preparation work and issuing sub-contracts.
The contracts have a total value of £12bn, covering the design and construction of bridges, tunnels, embankments and viaducts for phase one of HS2 from London Euston to Birmingham.
Free-market think-tank the Adam Smith Institute called the timing of the announcement "tone-deaf", with the economy taking a battering from the lockdown - and with some firms also seeing the benefits of video conference working that obviates the need for long-distance journeys.
Deputy director Matt Kilcoyne said: "We've got an economic crisis that's going to cost taxpayers billions.
"We can't afford vanity projects like HS2. We need to get back onto a sustainable financial footing."
Trade union GMB said the HS2 was a "project of national importance" but said the safety of workers and suppliers "must be the overriding priority".
National officer Eamon O'Hearn said: "Construction should be conditional on rigorous observation of social distancing, provision of personal protective equipment where required, individualised risk assessments for workers with underlying conditions, and mandatory dialogue between contractors of all levels and recognised unions."


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Suspected domestic abuse killings 'more than double' during lockdown

There have been at least 16 suspected domestic abuse killings since the coronavirus lockdown restrictions were introduced in the UK three weeks ago , according to campaigners .
The deaths of around five females a week at the hands of men is more than double the average rate of two for the time of year .
The 16 killings , including of children , between 23 March and 12 April were identified by the Counting Dead Women project .
In the last three weeks , the government has been telling the public to only leave home to get essential food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work and care for vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Counting Dead Women founder Karen Ingala Smith wrote the figure was `` the highest it has been for at least 11 years and is double that of a hypothetical average 21 days over the last 10 years '' .
She added : `` We do n't know yet whether this inflated rate will continue , it is possible that we will see a lower rate over the next few weeks . ''
Earlier this month , support charity Refuge said there had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline in a five-day period a week after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the lockdown on 23 March .
Refuge also said visits to their website , nationaldahelpline.org.uk , in that same period had gone up by 150 % compared with the last week in February .
At the weekend , the home secretary launched a new campaign telling people experiencing domestic abuse or who are at risk during the coronavirus lockdown that help was available to them .
Priti Patel said the Home Office was working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for domestic abuse helplines and online support .
Victims commissioner Dame Vera Baird welcomed the campaign and funding for charities but said it had come `` quite late in the day '' .
She added : `` I think to save lives in this pandemic we are ordering some people to stay locked up for a long time with people who will damage them .
And they know that .
And that has been staring the government in the face . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Home Affairs Committee of MPs , Dame Vera said the government must adapt by providing a `` system of rescue '' in the places where victims will go to during the outbreak , such as supermarkets .
She said supermarket workers should be trained to recognise code words from domestic abuse victims .
The commissioner mentioned how `` Ask for Angela '' , an emergency code to protect people from sexual assault , which alerts bar staff to the need for help , could be adapted for use at shop tills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a very similar system , easily training local workers in supermarkets , to just respond ... if people are able to come in and talk about what 's happening , fine , but maybe that 's not so straightforward and you would n't know what to say to a cashier .
`` So an option to have a codeword so that you say 'Ask Vera ' , and the person says 'that means this to me ' . ''
She said the police were looking out for signs of abuse on patrols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the alarm if things do not seem right , similar to how they report suspected terrorist issues .

There have been at least 16 suspected domestic abuse killings since the coronavirus lockdown restrictions were introduced in the UK three weeks ago, according to campaigners.
The deaths of around five females a week at the hands of men is more than double the average rate of two for the time of year.
The 16 killings, including of children, between 23 March and 12 April were identified by the Counting Dead Women project.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:43 Patel unveils campaign to help abuse victims
In the last three weeks, the government has been telling the public to only leave home to get essential food and medicine, exercise, travel to work and care for vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Counting Dead Women founder Karen Ingala Smith wrote the figure was "the highest it has been for at least 11 years and is double that of a hypothetical average 21 days over the last 10 years".
She added: "We don't know yet whether this inflated rate will continue, it is possible that we will see a lower rate over the next few weeks."
Earlier this month, support charity Refuge said there had been a 25% rise in phone calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline in a five-day period a week after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the lockdown on 23 March.
Refuge also said visits to their website, nationaldahelpline.org.uk, in that same period had gone up by 150% compared with the last week in February.
At the weekend, the home secretary launched a new campaign telling people experiencing domestic abuse or who are at risk during the coronavirus lockdown that help was available to them.
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Priti Patel said the Home Office was working with charities to provide an extra £2m for domestic abuse helplines and online support.
Victims commissioner Dame Vera Baird welcomed the campaign and funding for charities but said it had come "quite late in the day".
She added: "I think to save lives in this pandemic we are ordering some people to stay locked up for a long time with people who will damage them. And they know that. And that has been staring the government in the face."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Speaking to the Home Affairs Committee of MPs, Dame Vera said the government must adapt by providing a "system of rescue" in the places where victims will go to during the outbreak, such as supermarkets.
She said supermarket workers should be trained to recognise code words from domestic abuse victims.
The commissioner mentioned how "Ask for Angela", an emergency code to protect people from sexual assault, which alerts bar staff to the need for help, could be adapted for use at shop tills.
She said: "You could have a very similar system, easily training local workers in supermarkets, to just respond... if people are able to come in and talk about what's happening, fine, but maybe that's not so straightforward and you wouldn't know what to say to a cashier.
"So an option to have a codeword so that you say 'Ask Vera', and the person says 'that means this to me'."
She said the police were looking out for signs of abuse on patrols, and urged the public to sound the alarm if things do not seem right, similar to how they report suspected terrorist issues.


news--2020-04-15--First look at Poldark star Aidan Turner as Leonardo da Vinci

A new video showing actor Aidan Turner in the role of Leonardo da Vinci has been released to mark the Italian artist 's birthday .
In the footage , the Poldark star can be seen working by candlelight in his chambers and later executing his famous painting The Last Supper .
The original footage is accompanied by a score from series composer John Paesano .
Turner will play the renaissance artist in the television series Leonardo , which will air next year .
It will tell the story of da Vinci 's life , from a young apprentice to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Da Vinci was born on 15 April 1452 - the illegitimate son of a lawyer in a rural town in Florence , Italy - and despite having no formal academic training went on to excel in multiple fields including maths , engineering and palaeontology .
His Mona Lisa is the world 's most popular portrait and The Last Supper is the most reproduced religious painting of all time .
His ink sketch The Vitruvian Man , which represents the perfect proportions of a human being , is also universally recognised .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and producer Frank Spotnitz and Doctor Who screenwriter Steve Thompson , hopes to reveal the man behind the genius .
The drama will also star Giancarlo Giannini as da Vinci 's master and Matilda De Angelis as da Vinci 's muse .
As the world unites against the coronavirus pandemic , Luca Bernabei - Lux Vide chief executive and producer of the series - said Leonardo 's life story is more relevant than ever .
He said : `` It invites us to believe in humanity , in its extraordinary abilities and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those horizons that today appear as overwhelming obstacles , as a very modern genius like Leonardo da Vinci would do .
`` From Italy to the world a message of hope and a model of rebirth that we feel in this moment , even more relevant . ''
Leonardo comes to TV screens next year , although the UK broadcaster is yet to be confirmed .

A new video showing actor Aidan Turner in the role of Leonardo da Vinci has been released to mark the Italian artist's birthday.
In the footage, the Poldark star can be seen working by candlelight in his chambers and later executing his famous painting The Last Supper.
The original footage is accompanied by a score from series composer John Paesano.
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Turner will play the renaissance artist in the television series Leonardo, which will air next year.
It will tell the story of da Vinci's life, from a young apprentice to one of the greatest painters of all time.
Da Vinci was born on 15 April 1452 - the illegitimate son of a lawyer in a rural town in Florence, Italy - and despite having no formal academic training went on to excel in multiple fields including maths, engineering and palaeontology.
His Mona Lisa is the world's most popular portrait and The Last Supper is the most reproduced religious painting of all time.
Image: The Last Supper is the most reproduced religious painting ever. Pic: Lux Vide
His ink sketch The Vitruvian Man, which represents the perfect proportions of a human being, is also universally recognised.
The TV series, created by X-Files writer and producer Frank Spotnitz and Doctor Who screenwriter Steve Thompson, hopes to reveal the man behind the genius.
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The drama will also star Giancarlo Giannini as da Vinci's master and Matilda De Angelis as da Vinci's muse.
Image: Turner famously portrayed Poldark in the BBC drama series. Pic: BBC
As the world unites against the coronavirus pandemic, Luca Bernabei - Lux Vide chief executive and producer of the series - said Leonardo's life story is more relevant than ever.
He said: "It invites us to believe in humanity, in its extraordinary abilities and the possibility of looking to the future beyond those horizons that today appear as overwhelming obstacles, as a very modern genius like Leonardo da Vinci would do.
"From Italy to the world a message of hope and a model of rebirth that we feel in this moment, even more relevant."
Leonardo comes to TV screens next year, although the UK broadcaster is yet to be confirmed.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Chinese hospital built in two weeks is to close after last patients leave

The Chinese hospital built in less than two weeks to tackle coronavirus is set to close later , after its last patients were moved out .
Leishenshan Hospital was built by 15,000 workers in the Chinese city of Wuhan , the city where the coronavirus was thought to have originated .
For a time , China bore the worst of the virus and the hospital was built to handle the massive increase in patients needing medical care .
It had around 1,500 beds and received its first patients on 8 February , two days after construction was completed .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were moved to a permanent hospital in the city .
All four had been in serious condition and had been at Leishenshan for more than a month .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Yuan Yufeng , the hospital 's vice president , said : `` Three of the four patients are over 70 years of age , so mostly seniors .
`` The novel coronavirus pneumonia on these patients has already been cured . ''
They still need treatment for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with chronic diseases , however .
Mr Yuan said the hospital had treated 2,011 COVID-19 patients during its time .
Some 55 % of those patients were older than 60 and nearly 10 % were older than 80 .
Twelve patients were older than 90 and 1,078 had serious conditions .
Leishenshan will be disinfected on Wednesday before being closed .
It comes just days after Wuhan 's 11 million residents were allowed to travel in and out of their city without permission for the first time in 11 weeks .
Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes only to buy food or attend to other tasks deemed absolutely necessary during the 76-day lockdown which was aimed at limiting the spread of the virus .
China has around 83,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus , with 3,220 deaths , according to data from US university Johns Hopkins .
But the number of new cases has been falling significantly in recent weeks .

The Chinese hospital built in less than two weeks to tackle coronavirus is set to close later, after its last patients were moved out.
Leishenshan Hospital was built by 15,000 workers in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the city where the coronavirus was thought to have originated.
For a time, China bore the worst of the virus and the hospital was built to handle the massive increase in patients needing medical care.
Image: The massive hospital was built in less than two weeks
It had around 1,500 beds and received its first patients on 8 February, two days after construction was completed.
But on Tuesday, its last four patients were moved to a permanent hospital in the city.
All four had been in serious condition and had been at Leishenshan for more than a month.
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Yuan Yufeng, the hospital's vice president, said: "Three of the four patients are over 70 years of age, so mostly seniors.
"The novel coronavirus pneumonia on these patients has already been cured."
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They still need treatment for the organ damage caused by the coronavirus, along with chronic diseases, however.
Image: The last four patients have been moved from Leishenshan Hospital
Mr Yuan said the hospital had treated 2,011 COVID-19 patients during its time.
Some 55% of those patients were older than 60 and nearly 10% were older than 80. Twelve patients were older than 90 and 1,078 had serious conditions.
Leishenshan will be disinfected on Wednesday before being closed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 Light show as Wuhan opens up after lockdown
It comes just days after Wuhan's 11 million residents were allowed to travel in and out of their city without permission for the first time in 11 weeks.
Wuhan residents had been allowed out of their homes only to buy food or attend to other tasks deemed absolutely necessary during the 76-day lockdown which was aimed at limiting the spread of the virus.
China has around 83,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with 3,220 deaths, according to data from US university Johns Hopkins. But the number of new cases has been falling significantly in recent weeks.


news--2020-04-14--Saracens owner Wray cheers Castleton software deal

The embattled owner of Premiership Rugby side Saracens will land a multimillion pound payday this week with the takeover of a listed software company that he owns a big stake in .
Sky News has learnt that Castleton Technology , whose customers include the managers of social housing estates , is on the brink of agreeing a sale to US-based MRI Software .
A deal is expected to be announced to the London Stock Exchange by the end of the week .
It is thought to be the first agreed takeover of a London-listed company since the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sources said on Tuesday night that MRI was expected to pay 95p-a-share for Castleton - a premium of more than 40 % to the day 's closing stock price .
It would also represent a significantly higher valuation than where the company was trading prior to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Merger and takeover activity has been brought to an abrupt halt by the outbreak of the disease , with the lack of visibility about its duration prompting boards to pause non-essential corporate activity .
For Mr Wray , who has endured a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after being found to have breached rugby union 's salary cap , the takeover of Castleton will provide a piece of good news .
As the owner of more than 10 % of the company , his stake is expected to be worth more than £7m .
MRI , which specialises in housing software , is largely owned by three private equity firms : TA Associates , GI Partners and Harvest Partners .
Castleton is being advised by bankers at Finncap , while Raymond James is advising MRI Software .
Leading shareholders in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefed on the prospective deal .

The embattled owner of Premiership Rugby side Saracens will land a multimillion pound payday this week with the takeover of a listed software company that he owns a big stake in.
Sky News has learnt that Castleton Technology, whose customers include the managers of social housing estates, is on the brink of agreeing a sale to US-based MRI Software.
A deal is expected to be announced to the London Stock Exchange by the end of the week.
It is thought to be the first agreed takeover of a London-listed company since the start of the UK lockdown triggered by the coronavirus outbreak.
Sources said on Tuesday night that MRI was expected to pay 95p-a-share for Castleton - a premium of more than 40% to the day's closing stock price.
It would also represent a significantly higher valuation than where the company was trading prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Merger and takeover activity has been brought to an abrupt halt by the outbreak of the disease, with the lack of visibility about its duration prompting boards to pause non-essential corporate activity.
For Mr Wray, who has endured a torrid few months after Saracens were relegated after being found to have breached rugby union's salary cap, the takeover of Castleton will provide a piece of good news.
As the owner of more than 10% of the company, his stake is expected to be worth more than £7m.
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MRI, which specialises in housing software, is largely owned by three private equity firms: TA Associates, GI Partners and Harvest Partners.
Castleton is being advised by bankers at Finncap, while Raymond James is advising MRI Software.
Leading shareholders in Castleton are understood to have already been briefed on the prospective deal.
A spokeswoman for Castleton declined to comment.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Grieving family 'relieved' by council's decision to allow mourners to attend funerals

A bereaved family say they are `` relieved '' after York Council backtracked on its decision to ban grieving relatives from funerals .
The council previously said only `` direct cremations '' would take place , with mourners unable to attend and `` no exceptions '' , due to fears the ceremonies could spread coronavirus .
Following an online petition signed by over 4,000 supporters and backlash from York Central MP Rachael Maskell , the council said it would allow up to 10 close family members to attend a 10-minute service and committal outside the crematorium .
Kelsey Dobson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncle passed away , told Sky News her family are `` absolutely relieved to be able to say their final goodbyes and give my uncle the final journey that he truly deserved '' .
However , Labour MP Ms Maskell has argued the decision still did not go far enough , saying : `` To stipulate that a service should only take 10 minutes does not acknowledge the needs of families to say their final goodbyes in those precious moments together with words , prayers , a eulogy , music or song or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety reason why a family should have such limitations placed on them and I would ask the council again to remove such unnecessary restrictions and allow families the time and space they need . ''
Ms Dobson 's uncle , Colin Dean , was a 61-year-old army veteran who had passed away from a non-coronavirus-related condition .
His wife and children were initially told they would not be able to attend his funeral .
Ms Dobson said : `` To think that families would be denied access to the crematorium and would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one went on that final journey and the body was committed with no family member there , it was appalling .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' My auntie , she was married to my uncle for over 42 years and they 've got two children together and it was a very sudden and unexpected loss .
`` I do n't think she 's even accepted that he 's gone because for the past week we 've had to battle with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to go and say goodbye . ''
Mr Dean was described by his loved ones as a `` family man '' with an `` infectious personality '' and the `` biggest heart '' .
Ms Dobson said her family were `` by no means asking for a funeral of the usual size '' and respected social distancing measures .
According to guidance from Public Health England , mourners must keep two metres apart at funerals and only members of the same household or close family should attend .
On Saturday , York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crematorium but would have to wait outside while a service took place in the chapel .
The updated plans mean family members can attend a short service outside under cover , and the celebrant or minister can also give a 10-minute service inside the chapel which families will be given a video of free of charge .
Ms Dobson claims she was `` misinformed '' about this on Tuesday night by Ian Floyd , interim head of paid services at York Council , who allegedly said there had been no change from Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been left upset and `` in tears '' following the phone call .
In an email seen by Sky News , Mr Floyd said : `` I felt I explained what is a very difficult situation in accordance with the letter sent , and the further steps we were taken and the options available .
However clearly you feel this was not fully explained and please accept my apologies for that . ''
Cllr Keith Aspden , leader of City of York Council , said : `` With confirmation of these arrangements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we hope that moving forward , they will bring some much needed comfort to grieving families at what is an exceptionally difficult time for them .
`` This exceptional decision has been taken to limit the spread of coronavirus and therefore , protect the public , the city 's funeral directors and our bereavement services staff .
`` We have a very small skilled team at the crematorium and if they became infected , we would have a further public health risk in not being able to undertake cremations at all . ''

A bereaved family say they are "relieved" after York Council backtracked on its decision to ban grieving relatives from funerals.
The council previously said only "direct cremations" would take place, with mourners unable to attend and "no exceptions", due to fears the ceremonies could spread coronavirus.
Following an online petition signed by over 4,000 supporters and backlash from York Central MP Rachael Maskell, the council said it would allow up to 10 close family members to attend a 10-minute service and committal outside the crematorium.
Image: Labour MP Rachael Maskell campaigned to help bereaved families
Kelsey Dobson, who set up the petition after her uncle passed away, told Sky News her family are "absolutely relieved to be able to say their final goodbyes and give my uncle the final journey that he truly deserved".
However, Labour MP Ms Maskell has argued the decision still did not go far enough, saying: "To stipulate that a service should only take 10 minutes does not acknowledge the needs of families to say their final goodbyes in those precious moments together with words, prayers, a eulogy, music or song or even silence.
"There is no safety reason why a family should have such limitations placed on them and I would ask the council again to remove such unnecessary restrictions and allow families the time and space they need."
Ms Dobson's uncle, Colin Dean, was a 61-year-old army veteran who had passed away from a non-coronavirus-related condition.
His wife and children were initially told they would not be able to attend his funeral.
Ms Dobson said: "To think that families would be denied access to the crematorium and would have to remain at home while their loved one went on that final journey and the body was committed with no family member there, it was appalling.
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"My auntie, she was married to my uncle for over 42 years and they've got two children together and it was a very sudden and unexpected loss.
"I don't think she's even accepted that he's gone because for the past week we've had to battle with York Council just for her to be able to go and say goodbye."
Mr Dean was described by his loved ones as a "family man" with an "infectious personality" and the "biggest heart".
Ms Dobson said her family were "by no means asking for a funeral of the usual size" and respected social distancing measures.
According to guidance from Public Health England, mourners must keep two metres apart at funerals and only members of the same household or close family should attend.
On Saturday, York Council said families could go to the crematorium but would have to wait outside while a service took place in the chapel.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:43 Remote orchestra replaces cancelled funeral
The updated plans mean family members can attend a short service outside under cover, and the celebrant or minister can also give a 10-minute service inside the chapel which families will be given a video of free of charge.
Ms Dobson claims she was "misinformed" about this on Tuesday night by Ian Floyd, interim head of paid services at York Council, who allegedly said there had been no change from Saturday's decision.
She said her family had been left upset and "in tears" following the phone call.
In an email seen by Sky News, Mr Floyd said: "I felt I explained what is a very difficult situation in accordance with the letter sent, and the further steps we were taken and the options available. However clearly you feel this was not fully explained and please accept my apologies for that."
Cllr Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said: "With confirmation of these arrangements and how they will be implemented, we hope that moving forward, they will bring some much needed comfort to grieving families at what is an exceptionally difficult time for them.
"This exceptional decision has been taken to limit the spread of coronavirus and therefore, protect the public, the city's funeral directors and our bereavement services staff.
"We have a very small skilled team at the crematorium and if they became infected, we would have a further public health risk in not being able to undertake cremations at all."


news--2020-04-15--Hillsborough survivor from poignant image dies with coronavirus

A Liverpool fan who appeared in a poignant image from the Hillsborough tragedy has died after catching coronavirus .
Dave Roland , 65 , was captured sitting on a debris-strewn terrace with his head in his hands .
Ninety-six men , women and children died after a crush during the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest on 15 April 1989 .
Mr Roland 's daughter , Michelle Hopwood , told the Liverpool Echo that her father died at the Royal Liverpool Hospital on 6 April - just over a week before today 's 31st anniversary .
She confirmed he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We have received so many messages from people who have explained the impact Dad had on their lives , from taking so many to their first Liverpool game standing them on a box in the Kop , to pouring out words of advice which some men are now saying changed their lives , even keeping them out of prison . ''
She praised the NHS staff who took care of him , telling the paper : `` If I could 've taken a picture of what the ICU staff are facing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been enough to shock everyone to stay home . ''
At the Hillsborough inquests in 2015 , Mr Roland told how he had held the hand of a 17-year-old victim , Henry Rogers , on the pitch .
He later contacted Henry 's parents , Stephen and Veronica , after seeing his picture in the newspaper , and attended his funeral .
At the court hearing , Mr Roland described meeting Mr and Mrs Rogers and said : `` The exact words I used - because I can remember it to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain to you that Henry was n't on his own when he died , and we thought it would be comfort for you to know , rather than not know . '
'' Tributes were paid to Mr Roland and his photograph was shared online following his death .
Louise Brookes , whose brother Andrew died in the tragedy , wrote on Twitter : `` Heaven has gained a true gentleman and a hero !
Take a seat at Heaven 's Bar , and make sure Andy buys you a pint ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ silence for players , staff and supporters later to remember fans who lost their lives .
The silence will be held at 15.06pm , the time the match was halted .

A Liverpool fan who appeared in a poignant image from the Hillsborough tragedy has died after catching coronavirus.
Dave Roland, 65, was captured sitting on a debris-strewn terrace with his head in his hands.
Ninety-six men, women and children died after a crush during the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest on 15 April 1989.
Image: A memorial service was held at Anfield on the 30th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster in 2019
Mr Roland's daughter, Michelle Hopwood, told the Liverpool Echo that her father died at the Royal Liverpool Hospital on 6 April - just over a week before today's 31st anniversary.
She confirmed he was suffering from COVID-19.
She said: "We have received so many messages from people who have explained the impact Dad had on their lives, from taking so many to their first Liverpool game standing them on a box in the Kop, to pouring out words of advice which some men are now saying changed their lives, even keeping them out of prison."
She praised the NHS staff who took care of him, telling the paper: "If I could've taken a picture of what the ICU staff are facing on a daily basis I fully believe it would have been enough to shock everyone to stay home."
At the Hillsborough inquests in 2015, Mr Roland told how he had held the hand of a 17-year-old victim, Henry Rogers, on the pitch.
He later contacted Henry's parents, Stephen and Veronica, after seeing his picture in the newspaper, and attended his funeral.
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At the court hearing, Mr Roland described meeting Mr and Mrs Rogers and said: "The exact words I used - because I can remember it to this day - 'We have come to explain to you that Henry wasn't on his own when he died, and we thought it would be comfort for you to know, rather than not know.'"
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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Tributes were paid to Mr Roland and his photograph was shared online following his death.
Louise Brookes, whose brother Andrew died in the tragedy, wrote on Twitter: "Heaven has gained a true gentleman and a hero! Take a seat at Heaven's Bar, and make sure Andy buys you a pint!"
Liverpool FC is holding a minute's silence for players, staff and supporters later to remember fans who lost their lives.
The silence will be held at 15.06pm, the time the match was halted.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Funeral directors struggling for space for bodies during virus crisis

There is a group of people whose role and whose compassion has not been a focus in this extraordinary time , but it must be recognised .
A family firm in Nuneaton has invited us to spend the day with them .
Devall & Son have been funeral directors for three generations .
We are with them not to tell another story of despair or grief , but to show another profession which , in unparalleled circumstances , is continuing to work so hard .
They are providing support for the bereaved and dignity for the dead .
Their day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 8am .
The boss Daniel Devall does the talking .
His tone is calm and reassuring for a team who are under so much pressure .
`` If you are struggling or you need help then please talk to us , '' he tells the team .
The Easter weekend has just passed and they know they will be exceptionally busy .
`` Listen , I know it 's been a little bit exceptional but thank you for the hard work and the commitment .
It is very much appreciated , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bluntly , that there is now a significant backlog of families needing their help .
The moment the meeting is over Elliot Maunder and Shaun James prepare one of the fleet of private ambulances .
They are heading to the Warwickshire countryside to a farm for a collection .
Not all those whose bodies they collect are confirmed COVID-19 cases .
But these days , the respectful formality of this process must be hidden underneath white suits .
Daniel shows me his chapels of rest .
They are all in use .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for space in the mortuary too .
`` There is never a good time to lose someone but during this period it just , you know , makes the whole process so much more difficult . ''
Daniel says .
By mid-morning Shaun and Eliot are back .
Carefully , they bring the latest arrival into their care .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Waiting for them is Ellayna Bambury .
The deceased will remain in her care until burial or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking three weeks or more for that to happen .
And when it does , only a handful of close family can attend .
`` It 's a blur to be honest , '' she says .
`` It 's just crazy .
All the sensitivity has been taken out of a funeral .
It 's unbelievable .
I have never known anything like it . ''
Our conversation is interrupted .
She 's called away .
At lunchtime they were expecting a delivery of 30 coffins but it has n't arrived .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We 'll catch up with the delivery and then we 'll reassess things , '' Daniel tells a colleague .
I imagine he is increasingly overwhelmed inside but it does n't show .
In the office , there is a calm professionalism from a team who must be exhausted in every way .
There 's a buzz of conversation .
Unbearably difficult phone calls are taking place .
`` Just a call this morning just to say obviously we are looking after your dad .
He 's safely with us at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some paperwork .
Each wad is neatly paper-clipped together .
Each represents a family bereaved .
`` Today we 've booked in 25 funerals , '' he says .
`` To give you an idea , we usually do about 50 to 60 funerals a month . ''
And then he reveals that , tragically , one of the funerals will be his own uncle 's .
`` Through COVID-19 my uncle sadly passed away , '' he says .
`` He 'd been battling with the virus for just over two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our professional commitments , have also got a family bereavement to look after .
`` We will do all we can to give my uncle the dignified send off he deserves but again it will be with a great level of restrictions . ''
As they prepare for many more days of this , what we have found at this funeral home has not been despair but a reassurance that should be a comfort for many of us .

There is a group of people whose role and whose compassion has not been a focus in this extraordinary time, but it must be recognised.
A family firm in Nuneaton has invited us to spend the day with them.
Devall & Son have been funeral directors for three generations.
We are with them not to tell another story of despair or grief, but to show another profession which, in unparalleled circumstances, is continuing to work so hard.
They are providing support for the bereaved and dignity for the dead.
Their day begins early. The morning meeting is at 8am. The boss Daniel Devall does the talking.
His tone is calm and reassuring for a team who are under so much pressure.
Image: Staff are wearing PPE when out working
"If you are struggling or you need help then please talk to us," he tells the team.
The Easter weekend has just passed and they know they will be exceptionally busy.
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"Listen, I know it's been a little bit exceptional but thank you for the hard work and the commitment. It is very much appreciated," he says.
Image: Funeral homes are having to take more bookings than usual
The message is, bluntly, that there is now a significant backlog of families needing their help.
The moment the meeting is over Elliot Maunder and Shaun James prepare one of the fleet of private ambulances.
They are heading to the Warwickshire countryside to a farm for a collection.
They wear full personal protective kit.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:07 Funeral director on his own COVID-19 bereavement
Not all those whose bodies they collect are confirmed COVID-19 cases. But these days, the respectful formality of this process must be hidden underneath white suits.
Daniel shows me his chapels of rest. They are all in use. At the back, there is a struggle for space in the mortuary too.
"There is never a good time to lose someone but during this period it just, you know, makes the whole process so much more difficult." Daniel says.
By mid-morning Shaun and Eliot are back. Carefully, they bring the latest arrival into their care.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Waiting for them is Ellayna Bambury. The deceased will remain in her care until burial or cremation.
At the moment it is taking three weeks or more for that to happen. And when it does, only a handful of close family can attend.
"It's a blur to be honest," she says.
"It's just crazy. All the sensitivity has been taken out of a funeral. It's unbelievable. I have never known anything like it."
Our conversation is interrupted. She's called away.
Image: The office staff are having difficult conversations
At lunchtime they were expecting a delivery of 30 coffins but it hasn't arrived. There's a shortage with the supplier.
"We'll catch up with the delivery and then we'll reassess things," Daniel tells a colleague. I imagine he is increasingly overwhelmed inside but it doesn't show.
In the office, there is a calm professionalism from a team who must be exhausted in every way.
There's a buzz of conversation. Unbearably difficult phone calls are taking place.
Image: Devall & Son says it has struggled for space to store bodies
"Just a call this morning just to say obviously we are looking after your dad. He's safely with us at the moment.
"I understand your father was sadly a COVID-19 patient?"
Daniel shows us a some paperwork. Each wad is neatly paper-clipped together. Each represents a family bereaved.
"Today we've booked in 25 funerals," he says. "To give you an idea, we usually do about 50 to 60 funerals a month."
And then he reveals that, tragically, one of the funerals will be his own uncle's.
"Through COVID-19 my uncle sadly passed away," he says.
"He'd been battling with the virus for just over two weeks.
"So our family, amongst our professional commitments, have also got a family bereavement to look after.
"We will do all we can to give my uncle the dignified send off he deserves but again it will be with a great level of restrictions."
As they prepare for many more days of this, what we have found at this funeral home has not been despair but a reassurance that should be a comfort for many of us.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Suspected arsonists target phone mast providing Nightingale field hospital

Suspected arsonists have targeted a mobile phone mast providing network connectivity to one of the new NHS Nightingale field hospitals .
While a scientifically ignorant and deeply flawed conspiracy theory linking the deployment of 5G to the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread , police have responded to a spate of attacks on antennas across the UK .
At least 20 suspected arson attacks were reported over the Easter weekend alone , with one now confirmed to have been carried out on a mast serving the NHS Nightingale at Birmingham 's National Exhibition Centre .
With the Midlands only behind London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the 500-bed field hospital became fully operational last week and is designed to help stop existing hospitals from becoming overwhelmed .
Vodafone chief executive Nick Jeffrey said the `` selfish actions '' of `` deluded conspiracy theorists '' could rob coronavirus patients who are isolated from their families of a phone or video call from their hospital bed .
`` It 's heart-rending enough that families can not be there at the bedside of loved ones who are critically ill , '' he said .
`` It 's even more upsetting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or video call may now be denied them because of the selfish actions of a few deluded conspiracy theorists .
`` In practice , this means families not being able to say a final goodbye to their loved ones ; hard-working doctors , nurses , and police officers not being able to phone their kids , partners or parents for a comforting chat .
`` Arsonists , please think about what you are doing and stop .
`` Imagine if it were your mum or dad , your gran or grandad in hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see or hear them one last time .
All because you 've swallowed a dangerous lie . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Other recent cases of phone masts being attacked include : • Two men aged 19 and 18 being arrested on suspicion of arson over fire damage to a phone mast in Dagenham , which forced several homes to be evacuated as a precaution .
• Fire destroyed a phone mast on a chimney in Huddersfield that was used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one used by the local emergency services .
• West Midlands Police are investigating eight separate reports of telecommunications infrastructure being vandalised or set on fire .
NHS England 's medical director has said he is `` outraged and disgusted '' by the conspiracy theories linking 5G to the coronavirus pandemic , calling them `` the worst kind of fake news '' .
Speaking at one of the government 's daily briefings last week , Stephen Powis said : `` The reality is the mobile phone networks are absolutely critical to all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and unable to see families and friends . ''
Among those to have been criticised for comments about the conspiracy theories is This Morning 's Eamonn Holmes , who said he did not accept the `` mainstream media immediately slapping down '' the theories .
TV watchdog Ofcom said it had received more than 400 complaints and that it was assessing the programme .
Holmes , 60 , has since moved to clarify his comments , saying : `` Every theory relating to such a connection has been proven to be false @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Suspected arsonists have targeted a mobile phone mast providing network connectivity to one of the new NHS Nightingale field hospitals.
While a scientifically ignorant and deeply flawed conspiracy theory linking the deployment of 5G to the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread, police have responded to a spate of attacks on antennas across the UK.
At least 20 suspected arson attacks were reported over the Easter weekend alone, with one now confirmed to have been carried out on a mast serving the NHS Nightingale at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre.
With the Midlands only behind London in terms of COVID-19 cases and deaths, the 500-bed field hospital became fully operational last week and is designed to help stop existing hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:54 How do you make a misinformation vaccine?
Vodafone chief executive Nick Jeffrey said the "selfish actions" of "deluded conspiracy theorists" could rob coronavirus patients who are isolated from their families of a phone or video call from their hospital bed.
"It's heart-rending enough that families cannot be there at the bedside of loved ones who are critically ill," he said.
"It's even more upsetting that even the small solace of a phone or video call may now be denied them because of the selfish actions of a few deluded conspiracy theorists.
"Burning down masts means damaging important national infrastructure.
"In practice, this means families not being able to say a final goodbye to their loved ones; hard-working doctors, nurses, and police officers not being able to phone their kids, partners or parents for a comforting chat.
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"Arsonists, please think about what you are doing and stop.
"Imagine if it were your mum or dad, your gran or grandad in hospital.
"Imagine not being able to see or hear them one last time. All because you've swallowed a dangerous lie."
Image: 5G phone masts have been built across the UK
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Other recent cases of phone masts being attacked include:
Two men aged 19 and 18 being arrested on suspicion of arson over fire damage to a phone mast in Dagenham, which forced several homes to be evacuated as a precaution.
Fire destroyed a phone mast on a chimney in Huddersfield that was used by three mobile network providers, including one used by the local emergency services.
West Midlands Police are investigating eight separate reports of telecommunications infrastructure being vandalised or set on fire.
NHS England's medical director has said he is "outraged and disgusted" by the conspiracy theories linking 5G to the coronavirus pandemic, calling them "the worst kind of fake news".
Speaking at one of the government's daily briefings last week, Stephen Powis said: "The reality is the mobile phone networks are absolutely critical to all of us, especially when we're at home and unable to see families and friends."
Among those to have been criticised for comments about the conspiracy theories is This Morning's Eamonn Holmes, who said he did not accept the "mainstream media immediately slapping down" the theories.
TV watchdog Ofcom said it had received more than 400 complaints and that it was assessing the programme.
Holmes, 60, has since moved to clarify his comments, saying: "Every theory relating to such a connection has been proven to be false and we would like to emphasise that."


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Carer says 'day after day we are losing people to this virus - each shift is getting wo

Coronavirus: Carer says 'day after day we are losing people to this virus - each shift is getting worse'

For nursing home carer Anne Clark these are long , dark days .
This is the third shift in a row where a patient in her care has died with COVID-19 .
And there 's nothing she can do about it .
On this occasion , the man was discharged from hospital into the home and while it is not known how he caught the virus his condition worsened rapidly over the course of a few days .
The man 's family could not be by his bedside due to strict quarantine rules put in place by the care home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 13 deaths in the last two weeks .
Anne has been nursing the man since the beginning of her shift and while we were there he gets worse .
At 4pm , he passed away .
`` Day after day we are losing people to this virus .
Each shift is getting worse .
I 'm exhausted , '' Anne tells me , as she removes her paper mask and rubber gloves .
We have been allowed access to the home under strict conditions .
We have supplied our own personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been trained in infection control so that we do not pose a risk to ourselves or others .
Inside the home we witness over-stretched staff wearing inadequate PPE on wards usually staffed by double the number of carers .
We see weak , frail patients struggling to breath .
And we see how COVID-19 positive residents are kept behind closed doors and only visited by designated nurses .
The ward corridors are sometimes quiet , still places .
Anne tells me : `` It 's not always a good sign when things get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes in to check the patients are okay .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The care sector , which employs around 1.6 million people , has been crying out for better PPE and testing kits so they can work in a safer environment .
Care homes have found it difficult to operate not knowing who has the disease and who has not .
The government has been struggling to get its hands on testing kits for frontline NHS workers and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing in social care .
`` We need tests right now - it 's so important , '' says Anne .
And tests have now been pledged to all who need them in care homes - including staff and residents , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said .
But specific numbers are vague and timescales have been left open to interpretation .
And it is not clear where the government will get tests from .
A few days earlier , we filmed in the same nursing home as a man called John was being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he could go home but he was in no state to be moved .
He began to stop eating and drinking and became very weak .
Two days later he died .
I discovered that John was 76 years old and had until recently worked as a driver delivering prescriptions in his community .
He was described by his family as kind and gentle .
But John , like so many others , died without his family around him .
Now Matt Hancock wants to make it possible for families , under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say goodbye to their loved ones .
`` Amid this awful disease we 're changing the rules to give more people the right to say goodbye , '' Mr Hancock said .
It may help ease the pain caused by a virus that cruelly separates loved ones .
Anne 's shift is nearing the end and she looks tired .
`` I 'm off for two days now .
I 'm going to try to take my mind off it and sit in the sun .
`` But I know it 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come back .
That 's the terrible thing about this virus . ''

For nursing home carer Anne Clark these are long, dark days.
This is the third shift in a row where a patient in her care has died with COVID-19.
And there's nothing she can do about it.
Image: Anne Clark: 'We need COVID-19 tests right now - it's so important'
On this occasion, the man was discharged from hospital into the home and while it is not known how he caught the virus his condition worsened rapidly over the course of a few days.
The man's family could not be by his bedside due to strict quarantine rules put in place by the care home owner, who has seen 50 confirmed cases and 13 deaths in the last two weeks.
Anne has been nursing the man since the beginning of her shift and while we were there he gets worse.
At 4pm, he passed away.
"Day after day we are losing people to this virus. Each shift is getting worse. I'm exhausted," Anne tells me, as she removes her paper mask and rubber gloves.
We have been allowed access to the home under strict conditions.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:30 Government unveils care homes plan amid 'crisis'
We have supplied our own personal protective equipment (PPE) and have been trained in infection control so that we do not pose a risk to ourselves or others.
Inside the home we witness over-stretched staff wearing inadequate PPE on wards usually staffed by double the number of carers. We see weak, frail patients struggling to breath.
And we see how COVID-19 positive residents are kept behind closed doors and only visited by designated nurses.
The ward corridors are sometimes quiet, still places.
Anne tells me: "It's not always a good sign when things get quiet."
Every hour a nurse goes in to check the patients are okay.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The care sector, which employs around 1.6 million people, has been crying out for better PPE and testing kits so they can work in a safer environment.
Care homes have found it difficult to operate not knowing who has the disease and who has not.
The government has been struggling to get its hands on testing kits for frontline NHS workers and has come under growing pressure to roll out testing in social care.
"We need tests right now - it's so important," says Anne.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:51 Care home nurse: 'We haven't even got to our worst point'
And tests have now been pledged to all who need them in care homes - including staff and residents, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said.
But specific numbers are vague and timescales have been left open to interpretation.
And it is not clear where the government will get tests from.
A few days earlier, we filmed in the same nursing home as a man called John was being nursed.
He was confused and asked if he could go home but he was in no state to be moved.
He began to stop eating and drinking and became very weak. Two days later he died.
Image: John was described by his family as kind and gentle
I discovered that John was 76 years old and had until recently worked as a driver delivering prescriptions in his community. He was described by his family as kind and gentle.
But John, like so many others, died without his family around him.
Now Matt Hancock wants to make it possible for families, under certain circumstances, to be able to say goodbye to their loved ones.
Image: Sky's Nick Martin spoke to Matt Hancock
"Amid this awful disease we're changing the rules to give more people the right to say goodbye," Mr Hancock said.
It may help ease the pain caused by a virus that cruelly separates loved ones.
Anne's shift is nearing the end and she looks tired.
"I'm off for two days now. I'm going to try to take my mind off it and sit in the sun.
"But I know it's not going to be any better when I come back. That's the terrible thing about this virus."