news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: NHS tracing app reveals issues in Isle of Wight trial

A trial of the NHS contact tracing app on the Isle of Wight has unveiled some issues with the software , Downing Street said .
The app uses a phone 's bluetooth technology to register contact when people come within 6ft of one another for at least 15 minutes .
Work is now being carried out to solve several issues with the app .
One problem is that it wo n't run on older phones running systems older than Apple IoS 11 or Android 8 .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said : `` A significant number of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the app .
`` As you would expect , the pilot has uncovered some issues with it but they are being fixed as we go along .
`` The view of the health secretary and those working on the app is that it is progressing well . ''
The spokesman added that the purpose of the pilot was to identify issues which needed solving `` and we are working through them as we find them '' .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the app would be rolled out across England by mid-May following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He told Sky News : `` The Isle of Wight project has gone well so far , we 've learned a lot about how the app operates .
`` We 're pleased with progress and we 're going to bring it in . ''
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News the app would be `` a fantastic way to ensure that we are really able to keep a lid on this going forward and we do n't get that second wave '' of COVID-19 infections .
He added that 50-60 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the app for it to be effective .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Downing Street said this week it was `` confident '' that a team of 18,000 contact tracers , comprising of 15,000 call handlers and 3,000 health staff , would be available from next week .
However testing again failed to meet the 100,000 daily target , 85,293 tests carried out or dispatched in the 24 hours to 9am on Tuesday .

A trial of the NHS contact tracing app on the Isle of Wight has unveiled some issues with the software, Downing Street said.
The app uses a phone's bluetooth technology to register contact when people come within 6ft of one another for at least 15 minutes.
Work is now being carried out to solve several issues with the app. One problem is that it won't run on older phones running systems older than Apple IoS 11 or Android 8.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:53 Questions over NHS tracing app
The prime minister's official spokesman said: "A significant number of people in the Isle of Wight have downloaded the app.
"As you would expect, the pilot has uncovered some issues with it but they are being fixed as we go along.
"The view of the health secretary and those working on the app is that it is progressing well."
The spokesman added that the purpose of the pilot was to identify issues which needed solving "and we are working through them as we find them".
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the app would be rolled out across England by mid-May following the trial on the Isle of Wight.
He told Sky News: "The Isle of Wight project has gone well so far, we've learned a lot about how the app operates.
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"We're pleased with progress and we're going to bring it in."
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News the app would be "a fantastic way to ensure that we are really able to keep a lid on this going forward and we don't get that second wave" of COVID-19 infections.
Image: A sign telling people in the Isle of Wight to download the NHS coronavirus contact tracing app
He added that 50-60% of the population would need to use the app for it to be effective.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Downing Street said this week it was "confident" that a team of 18,000 contact tracers, comprising of 15,000 call handlers and 3,000 health staff, would be available from next week.
However testing again failed to meet the 100,000 daily target, 85,293 tests carried out or dispatched in the 24 hours to 9am on Tuesday.


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: What Maersk can tell us about impact on global trade

Coronavirus : What Maersk can tell us about impact on global trade Coronavirus : What Maersk can tell us about impact on global trade The slowdowns in GDP reported in the UK , the US and the eurozone in recent days give an idea of the economic impact COVID-19 is having .
As important , in piecing together a picture of what is happening to economic activity on the ground , are some of the trading updates released by individual companies .
And few companies can provide as good a picture as AP Moller Maersk , the world 's biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investors on recent trading .
It was not encouraging .
Denmark 's fifth-largest company , regarded as a bellwether for global trade , said that nearly 10 % of its fleet was currently lying idle - the highest rate since the financial crisis more than a decade ago .
It said that it had cancelled more than 90 sailings , or 3.5 % of its total shipping capacity , during the first three months of the year .
It said there were likely to be as many as 140 `` blanked '' sailings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vessel 's call at a particular port , or region , or even an entire leg of the journey - during the current quarter .
Soren Skou , the chief executive , told CNBC : `` Our expectation is that we will see demand significantly down in the second quarter , maybe as much as 20 % to 25 % .
`` But we will also match that on a one-to-one basis with reductions in capacity .
It helps continue to serve the customers but also to take out a lot of costs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pricing stable . ''
AP Moller Maersk , which is estimated to transport around one in five containers around the world , said that , during the first three months of the year , global container trade fell by 4.7 % as the COVID-19 pandemic began to hit supply and demand .
This was due mainly to a marked downturn in East-West trade as China succumbed to coronavirus early in the year .
European imports from China were down by 16 % during the period , with Chinese exports almost coming to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falling in March as it too was struck by the virus .
Container imports into North America during the quarter were also down by 7.8 % .
Falling retail sales and car production in both Europe and the US were particularly to blame for the weaker container demand .
Further out , the company said , demand for containers was expected to weaken further during the current quarter but insisted it was impossible to be more precise .
It added : `` While the outlook is very uncertain , it is expected that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 2019 .
`` At present , it is difficult to predict the timing and the shape of the recovery in global trade volumes with confidence , as it will be determined by the interplay between the path of the virus and government policies in relation to the economy .
`` As a reference point , the World Trade Organisation projects global merchandised trade to decline by between 13 % and 32 % in 2020 . ''
It said the collapse in oil prices would also hurt demand from a number of oil-producing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Middle East .
Complicating matters has been the fact that , while some retailers that have had to close their stores due to the lockdown have been asking the company to delay shipments , others - most notably Amazon - had been increasing their volumes and had been asking for faster deliveries of goods .
The downbeat outlook from AP Moller Maersk , which employs 80,000 people in 130 countries around the world , will raise concerns about the health of global trade .
Before the first quarter of this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back all the way to 2012 during which demand for containers had fallen , but on both occasions it was nothing like the 4.7 % contraction seen this year .
One of those quarters , though , was for the final three months of last year - highlighting the extent to which the trade war between the US and China had already started to bite .
The challenge for the shipping industry is how it responds to the crisis .
Mr Skou 's comments suggest it has learned its lessons from the downturn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
Then , shipping companies engaged in an all-out price war , slashing their rates to a level where they barely covered the cost of fuel .
The industry suffered devastating losses as a result .
The container shipping industry globally lost an estimated $ 23bn in 2009 alone and a number of operators , including Shandong Yantai International Marine Shipping and Europe West Indies Lines , went bust .
Others like Hapag-Lloyd of Germany , one of the biggest players in the industry , had to seek a bailout by its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with more `` blanked '' sailings , suggests the industry is taking a more disciplined approach to protect rates and position itself for a possible recovery later this year .
Yet this will require a disciplined approach from the entire industry .
The recent history of oil production is a good guide to what can happen to prices when one major producer breaks ranks with others .

Sky's Ian King says the industry is unlikely to repeat a blunder that followed the financial crisis and is currently haunting oil.
Coronavirus: What Maersk can tell us about impact on global trade
The slowdowns in GDP reported in the UK, the US and the eurozone in recent days give an idea of the economic impact COVID-19 is having.
As important, in piecing together a picture of what is happening to economic activity on the ground, are some of the trading updates released by individual companies.
And few companies can provide as good a picture as AP Moller Maersk, the world's biggest container shipping company, which today updated investors on recent trading.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:23 Chancellor warns of a 'significant recession'
It was not encouraging.
Denmark's fifth-largest company, regarded as a bellwether for global trade, said that nearly 10% of its fleet was currently lying idle - the highest rate since the financial crisis more than a decade ago.
It said that it had cancelled more than 90 sailings, or 3.5% of its total shipping capacity, during the first three months of the year.
It said there were likely to be as many as 140 "blanked" sailings - where a freight operator cancels a vessel's call at a particular port, or region, or even an entire leg of the journey - during the current quarter.
Soren Skou, the chief executive, told CNBC: "Our expectation is that we will see demand significantly down in the second quarter, maybe as much as 20% to 25%.
"But we will also match that on a one-to-one basis with reductions in capacity. It helps continue to serve the customers but also to take out a lot of costs and keep our [freight rate] pricing stable."
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Image: The company is particularly sensitive to trade disruptions as it holds about 20% of the container market
AP Moller Maersk, which is estimated to transport around one in five containers around the world, said that, during the first three months of the year, global container trade fell by 4.7% as the COVID-19 pandemic began to hit supply and demand.
This was due mainly to a marked downturn in East-West trade as China succumbed to coronavirus early in the year.
European imports from China were down by 16% during the period, with Chinese exports almost coming to a halt in February, with European demand falling in March as it too was struck by the virus.
Container imports into North America during the quarter were also down by 7.8%. Falling retail sales and car production in both Europe and the US were particularly to blame for the weaker container demand.
Further out, the company said, demand for containers was expected to weaken further during the current quarter but insisted it was impossible to be more precise.
It added: "While the outlook is very uncertain, it is expected that container demand will decline in 2020 compared to 2019.
"At present, it is difficult to predict the timing and the shape of the recovery in global trade volumes with confidence, as it will be determined by the interplay between the path of the virus and government policies in relation to the economy.
"As a reference point, the World Trade Organisation projects global merchandised trade to decline by between 13% and 32% in 2020."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:43 HMRC gives update on grants for self-employed
It said the collapse in oil prices would also hurt demand from a number of oil-producing countries in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.
Complicating matters has been the fact that, while some retailers that have had to close their stores due to the lockdown have been asking the company to delay shipments, others - most notably Amazon - had been increasing their volumes and had been asking for faster deliveries of goods.
The downbeat outlook from AP Moller Maersk, which employs 80,000 people in 130 countries around the world, will raise concerns about the health of global trade.
Before the first quarter of this year, there had been only two quarters going back all the way to 2012 during which demand for containers had fallen, but on both occasions it was nothing like the 4.7% contraction seen this year.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 14:31 'You cannot work if you are furloughed'
One of those quarters, though, was for the final three months of last year - highlighting the extent to which the trade war between the US and China had already started to bite.
The challenge for the shipping industry is how it responds to the crisis.
Mr Skou's comments suggest it has learned its lessons from the downturn in global trade which followed the financial crisis.
Then, shipping companies engaged in an all-out price war, slashing their rates to a level where they barely covered the cost of fuel. The industry suffered devastating losses as a result.
The container shipping industry globally lost an estimated $23bn in 2009 alone and a number of operators, including Shandong Yantai International Marine Shipping and Europe West Indies Lines, went bust. Others like Hapag-Lloyd of Germany, one of the biggest players in the industry, had to seek a bailout by its shareholders.
The response this time around, with more "blanked" sailings, suggests the industry is taking a more disciplined approach to protect rates and position itself for a possible recovery later this year.
Yet this will require a disciplined approach from the entire industry. The recent history of oil production is a good guide to what can happen to prices when one major producer breaks ranks with others.


news--2020-05-13--Pensions lifeboat seeks new administrator at Laura Ashley

Britain 's pensions lifeboat is engineering the appointment of a new administrator to oversee investigative work relating to the collapse of Laura Ashley , the fashion retailer .
Sky News has learnt that the Pension Protection Fund is pressing for the restructuring firm FRP Advisory to be installed in the role alongside PricewaterhouseCoopers ( PwC ) .
Confirmation of FRP 's appointment , which could come later this month , would emerge with more than 1,500 Laura Ashley employees still uncertain about their future , following the sale of the brand to Gordon Brothers last month .
City sources said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on responsibility for paying the retailer 's pension scheme members ' retirement benefits , was keen for `` a second pair of eyes '' to oversee investigations into the events leading up to its collapse .
The move echoes FRP 's role as joint administrator , and subsequently liquidator , at BHS , the department store chain which collapsed in 2016 .
That was also orchestrated by the PPF , which was concerned about the complex web of relationships between BHS 's former owners .
Laura Ashley , which was founded in 1953 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London flat , became popular because of its floral print designs .
Notable fans of its styles included the late Diana , Princess of Wales .
The company plunged into administration last month , blaming the coronavirus pandemic for a sharp fall in sales .
Talks with Hilco Capital , the former owner of HMV , about a multi-million pound capital injection fell apart just days earlier .
PwC immediately closed 70 of Laura Ashley 's 147 UK stores , triggering more than 700 redundancies .
The company , which was valued at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1980s , was valued by the stock market at just £10m prior to the suspension of its shares .
As well as its UK stores , it also has shops in Ireland and France , and franchise and licensee operations in 25 other countries .
Laura Ashley 's collapse into administration made it the first UK retailer to become insolvency during the coronavirus .
The PPF and FRP both declined to comment .

Britain's pensions lifeboat is engineering the appointment of a new administrator to oversee investigative work relating to the collapse of Laura Ashley, the fashion retailer.
Sky News has learnt that the Pension Protection Fund is pressing for the restructuring firm FRP Advisory to be installed in the role alongside PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Confirmation of FRP's appointment, which could come later this month, would emerge with more than 1,500 Laura Ashley employees still uncertain about their future, following the sale of the brand to Gordon Brothers last month.
City sources said the PPF, which is to take on responsibility for paying the retailer's pension scheme members' retirement benefits, was keen for "a second pair of eyes" to oversee investigations into the events leading up to its collapse.
The move echoes FRP's role as joint administrator, and subsequently liquidator, at BHS, the department store chain which collapsed in 2016.
That was also orchestrated by the PPF, which was concerned about the complex web of relationships between BHS's former owners.
Laura Ashley, which was founded in 1953 by Laura and Bernard Ashley in their London flat, became popular because of its floral print designs.
Notable fans of its styles included the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
The company plunged into administration last month, blaming the coronavirus pandemic for a sharp fall in sales.
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Talks with Hilco Capital, the former owner of HMV, about a multi-million pound capital injection fell apart just days earlier.
PwC immediately closed 70 of Laura Ashley's 147 UK stores, triggering more than 700 redundancies.
The company, which was valued at more than £200m when it floated during the 1980s, was valued by the stock market at just £10m prior to the suspension of its shares.
As well as its UK stores, it also has shops in Ireland and France, and franchise and licensee operations in 25 other countries.
Laura Ashley's collapse into administration made it the first UK retailer to become insolvency during the coronavirus.
The PPF and FRP both declined to comment.


news--2020-05-13--Coronavirus: Package holidays could be back by July - but Tui plans to 'reinvent' them

Holidays abroad will be `` reinvented '' to stop the spread of coronavirus with a ban on hotel buffets , nightclubs and beauty treatments to make sure people can still go away this summer .
On Tuesday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it is `` unlikely '' international holidays would be possible this year in light of the COVID-19 crisis .
But Anglo-German operator Tui says it is gearing up to start flying people out for package holidays in July , with a host of new safety measures in place to stop the spread of the virus .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean no self-service restaurants , nightclubs , saunas or childcare facilities to avoid people getting too close to each other .
Pool opening times would also be restricted to only allow a certain number of people in at a time .
Tui , which had 27 million customers last year , says guests will be expected to maintain social distancing of between 1.5m and 2m , and there will be more hand sanitiser and deep cleaning points across its 411 hotels .
Limits will be put on the number of people in communal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced for meal times , with fewer tables available at resort restaurants , the firm added .
Group sports on offer such as football and volleyball will be scrapped in favour of more socially distanced activities such as tennis .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Customers will begin their holidays with temperature checks at airports , face masks on board less crowded flights , and more transfer buses .
Some Tui hotels in Germany will become the first to reopen in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declined .
Test runs of the new COVID-secure measures have already taken place at Tui hotels in Mallorca , according to its boss Fritz Joussen .
He said : `` The main candidates are the Balearics , the Canaries , Greece Cyprus , but also Croatia and Bulgaria .
`` Areas , where actually , the infections are low and areas where tourism can be saved and areas where tourism is a very important driver of economic prosperity . ''
Tui has revealed it will have to cut 8,000 jobs because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( £747m ) in the first half of 2020 .
On its cruise ships , customers will have to fill in health questionnaires and be screened before boarding and be subject to tight restrictions for the duration of their stay .
Mr Joussen said Tui would start offering cruises of three to five days on the North Sea departing from north German ports `` soon '' .
Guest numbers would be restricted to 1,000 people at first , on ships that can hold as many as 2,900 .
Virgin Voyages , Richard Branson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said it will make changes ahead of its maiden voyages in July and August .

Holidays abroad will be "reinvented" to stop the spread of coronavirus with a ban on hotel buffets, nightclubs and beauty treatments to make sure people can still go away this summer.
On Tuesday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it is "unlikely" international holidays would be possible this year in light of the COVID-19 crisis.
But Anglo-German operator Tui says it is gearing up to start flying people out for package holidays in July, with a host of new safety measures in place to stop the spread of the virus.
Image: Test runs of the new COVID-secure measures have already taken place at Tui hotels in Mallorca
The new "reinvented" all-inclusive holiday would mean no self-service restaurants, nightclubs, saunas or childcare facilities to avoid people getting too close to each other.
Pool opening times would also be restricted to only allow a certain number of people in at a time.
Tui, which had 27 million customers last year, says guests will be expected to maintain social distancing of between 1.5m and 2m, and there will be more hand sanitiser and deep cleaning points across its 411 hotels.
Limits will be put on the number of people in communal areas and a booking system could be introduced for meal times, with fewer tables available at resort restaurants, the firm added.
Group sports on offer such as football and volleyball will be scrapped in favour of more socially distanced activities such as tennis.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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Customers will begin their holidays with temperature checks at airports, face masks on board less crowded flights, and more transfer buses.
Some Tui hotels in Germany will become the first to reopen in the coming days after case numbers there declined.
Test runs of the new COVID-secure measures have already taken place at Tui hotels in Mallorca, according to its boss Fritz Joussen.
He said: "The main candidates are the Balearics, the Canaries, Greece Cyprus, but also Croatia and Bulgaria.
"Areas, where actually, the infections are low and areas where tourism can be saved and areas where tourism is a very important driver of economic prosperity."
Tui has revealed it will have to cut 8,000 jobs because of the pandemic and has suffered losses of €845.8m (£747m) in the first half of 2020.
On its cruise ships, customers will have to fill in health questionnaires and be screened before boarding and be subject to tight restrictions for the duration of their stay.
Mr Joussen said Tui would start offering cruises of three to five days on the North Sea departing from north German ports "soon". Guest numbers would be restricted to 1,000 people at first, on ships that can hold as many as 2,900.
Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson's new cruise ship venture, has also said it will make changes ahead of its maiden voyages in July and August.


news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: 'Phased' reopening of schools will see pupils return at different times

Schoolchildren in England will not all return to lessons at the same time , the education secretary has confirmed , in a strong hint that many will not be back until the autumn .
Gavin Williamson has told a committee of MPs that he could not give a date for schools in England to begin reopening , but that it would have to be `` phased '' .
He revealed that he had asked the government 's scientific advisory group ( SAGE ) to report on which children should return first - taking into account the effect of coronavirus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minority school staff may be at higher risk .
Mr Williamson said : `` The decision to return schools in a phased manner will be made right across government in the best interests of the schools and the teachers , making sure all considerations are taken on board .
`` We are looking at many countries across the globe which are some weeks ahead of us - such as Germany and Denmark . ''
Deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam said it was `` premature '' to be discussing a return to classrooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the mix '' .
The education secretary , who was challenged by MPs on whether he would provide a `` catch-up premium '' to fund one-on-one tuition for the poorest pupils when they return to school , said he was considering all options , but could not announce further policies yet .
Committee chair , the Conservative MP Robert Halfon , put it to the education secretary that the widening attainment gap for the vulnerable ; significant safeguarding issues and the `` digital divide '' affecting children who do not have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cascade of mounting social injustice which could last a generation '' .
Mr Williamson said a range of policies was being considered to help all schoolchildren `` who will suffer from missing out on a period of their education '' , but with additional support targeted to the most disadvantaged .
A scheme to provide 200,000 free laptops and wifi connections to some children - those in care , with a social worker , and some disadvantaged children in year 10 - will not start to deliver those laptops until late May , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Williamson said , suggesting many pupils will still be at home during the summer term .
A source at the education department said the laptop delivery scheme was not linked to the reopening of schools , as the children would be able to keep them .
The government has consistently refused to say when schools may start to re-open , but sources say the earliest date being discussed is the beginning of June .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and peers wrote to the education secretary , warning that urgent action is needed to prevent the poorest pupils falling behind long-term .
They suggested funding of £300m - or £700 per pupil for those on free school meals - be used to fund 30 minutes of tuition three times a week for 12 weeks , to help these pupils catch up when schools reopen .
The MPs , all representing northern constituencies , said in the letter : `` The most disadvantaged children fall behind their peers over a long summer holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's disadvantage gap and with it the North-South education divide .
`` We need to deal with the consequences of this crisis for the most vulnerable in our society and that must include children from low-income households . ''
They cited research from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership showing pupils in the North of England are most likely to be from communities who make the slowest progress at secondary school including white working class boys and girls .
Mr Williamson has said there are no current plans for schools to stay open during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the lesson time they have missed , and suggested that enforcing social distancing in schools would be challenging .
While some schools have remained open to teach the children of key workers and those who are most vulnerable , official figures show attendance last week was below 2 % of all pupils .
Sky News has highlighted the difficulties for large numbers of families in accessing online lessons since schools closed a month ago .
Some headteachers reported that up to 40 % of their pupils live in a home with no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to share one device with parents and siblings .

Schoolchildren in England will not all return to lessons at the same time, the education secretary has confirmed, in a strong hint that many will not be back until the autumn.
Gavin Williamson has told a committee of MPs that he could not give a date for schools in England to begin reopening, but that it would have to be "phased".
He revealed that he had asked the government's scientific advisory group (SAGE) to report on which children should return first - taking into account the effect of coronavirus on children, and whether black and ethnic minority school staff may be at higher risk.
Image: Gavin Williamson was asked if poorer students would be given extra help
Mr Williamson said: "The decision to return schools in a phased manner will be made right across government in the best interests of the schools and the teachers, making sure all considerations are taken on board.
"We are looking at many countries across the globe which are some weeks ahead of us - such as Germany and Denmark."
He promised headteachers "plenty of notice".
Deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam said it was "premature" to be discussing a return to classrooms, but that the idea was "in the mix".
The education secretary, who was challenged by MPs on whether he would provide a "catch-up premium" to fund one-on-one tuition for the poorest pupils when they return to school, said he was considering all options, but could not announce further policies yet.
Committee chair, the Conservative MP Robert Halfon, put it to the education secretary that the widening attainment gap for the vulnerable; significant safeguarding issues and the "digital divide" affecting children who do not have a computer at home would fuel "a cascade of mounting social injustice which could last a generation".
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Mr Williamson said a range of policies was being considered to help all schoolchildren "who will suffer from missing out on a period of their education", but with additional support targeted to the most disadvantaged.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 12:10 Minister 'can't put date on schools opening'
A scheme to provide 200,000 free laptops and wifi connections to some children - those in care, with a social worker, and some disadvantaged children in year 10 - will not start to deliver those laptops until late May, with most sent out in June, Mr Williamson said, suggesting many pupils will still be at home during the summer term.
A source at the education department said the laptop delivery scheme was not linked to the reopening of schools, as the children would be able to keep them.
The government has consistently refused to say when schools may start to re-open, but sources say the earliest date being discussed is the beginning of June.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Earlier on Wednesday, more than 50 MPs and peers wrote to the education secretary, warning that urgent action is needed to prevent the poorest pupils falling behind long-term.
They suggested funding of £300m - or £700 per pupil for those on free school meals - be used to fund 30 minutes of tuition three times a week for 12 weeks, to help these pupils catch up when schools reopen.
The MPs, all representing northern constituencies, said in the letter: "The most disadvantaged children fall behind their peers over a long summer holiday and the shutdown will widen the North's disadvantage gap and with it the North-South education divide.
"We need to deal with the consequences of this crisis for the most vulnerable in our society and that must include children from low-income households."
They cited research from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership showing pupils in the North of England are most likely to be from communities who make the slowest progress at secondary school including white working class boys and girls.
Mr Williamson has said there are no current plans for schools to stay open during the summer holidays to help pupils catch up on the lesson time they have missed, and suggested that enforcing social distancing in schools would be challenging.
While some schools have remained open to teach the children of key workers and those who are most vulnerable, official figures show attendance last week was below 2% of all pupils.
Sky News has highlighted the difficulties for large numbers of families in accessing online lessons since schools closed a month ago.
Some headteachers reported that up to 40% of their pupils live in a home with no computer, while many more children have to share one device with parents and siblings.


news--2020-04-29--Satellite images of luxury boats 'suggest Kim Jong Un is in North Korean coastal resort'

Satellite images showing the recent movements of luxury boats suggest Kim Jong Un is in the coastal resort of Wonsan , according to experts who monitor his secretive regime .
Photographs of vessels used by the North Korean leader and his entourage have emerged amid speculation about his health and whereabouts .
Kim has not been seen in public since 11 April and was absent from celebrations to mark the birthday of his late grandfather and North Korea 's founder Kim Il Sung four days later .
NK Pro , a North Korean-monitoring website , says commercial satellite images show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entourage in the Wonsan area .
The site added that the vessels made unusual movements around the time of a missile test by Pyongyang on 14 April .
The photographs come after 38 North , a US-based North Korea monitoring project , shared satellite images showing what was believed to be Kim 's personal train in Wonsan .
The train was parked at a station reserved for his use .
US and South Korean officials say it is plausible Kim is staying there , possibly to avoid exposure to coronavirus .
The officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dictator had some kind of serious illness .
They cautioned that Kim 's health and location are closely guarded secrets and reliable information is difficult to obtain in North Korea .
The last time North Korean state media reported on Kim 's whereabouts was when he presided over a meeting on 11 April , but there have been near-daily reports of him sending letters and diplomatic messages .
Kim 's seaside compound in Wonsan , on the country 's east coast , is dotted with guest villas and serviced by a private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ train station , according to experts and satellite imagery .
An airstrip was bulldozed last year to build a horse riding track , while a boathouse nearby shelters Kim 's Princess 95 luxury yacht , valued at around $ 7m ( £5.6m ) in 2013 .
Michael Madden , a North Korea leadership expert at the US-based Stimson Center , said : `` It 's one of his favourite houses . ''
He also compared Kim 's affinity for Wonsan to US President Donald Trump 's favoured Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 13 significant compounds around the country , though he appears to only regularly use about half of them .
He continued : `` All of them are set up to serve as the leader 's headquarters , so they are all equipped for him to run the country . ''
Mr Madden said Wonsan is one of the larger and better appointed compounds , but it also has a useful location that allows Kim to easily travel to other areas along the coast .
He added it also allows him to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or along a special highway designated for use only by the Kim family or top officials .

Satellite images showing the recent movements of luxury boats suggest Kim Jong Un is in the coastal resort of Wonsan, according to experts who monitor his secretive regime.
Photographs of vessels used by the North Korean leader and his entourage have emerged amid speculation about his health and whereabouts.
Kim has not been seen in public since 11 April and was absent from celebrations to mark the birthday of his late grandfather and North Korea's founder Kim Il Sung four days later.
NK Pro, a North Korean-monitoring website, says commercial satellite images show boats often used by Kim or his entourage in the Wonsan area.
The site added that the vessels made unusual movements around the time of a missile test by Pyongyang on 14 April.
The photographs come after 38 North, a US-based North Korea monitoring project, shared satellite images showing what was believed to be Kim's personal train in Wonsan.
Image: A satellite image shows a luxury boat used by Kim Jong Un or his entourage in Wonsan. Pic: EOS Landviewer
The train was parked at a station reserved for his use.
US and South Korean officials say it is plausible Kim is staying there, possibly to avoid exposure to coronavirus.
The officials are also sceptical of media reports claiming the dictator had some kind of serious illness.
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They cautioned that Kim's health and location are closely guarded secrets and reliable information is difficult to obtain in North Korea.
The last time North Korean state media reported on Kim's whereabouts was when he presided over a meeting on 11 April, but there have been near-daily reports of him sending letters and diplomatic messages.
Kim's seaside compound in Wonsan, on the country's east coast, is dotted with guest villas and serviced by a private beach, basketball court, and private train station, according to experts and satellite imagery.
An airstrip was bulldozed last year to build a horse riding track, while a boathouse nearby shelters Kim's Princess 95 luxury yacht, valued at around $7m (£5.6m) in 2013.
Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership expert at the US-based Stimson Center, said: "It's one of his favourite houses."
Image: A train believed to belong to Kim Jong Un has also been photographed in Wonsan. Pic: Airbus Defence & Space and 38 North/Pleiades © CNES 2020, Distribution Airbus DS
He also compared Kim's affinity for Wonsan to US President Donald Trump's favoured Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
Mr Madden said Kim is believed to have about 13 significant compounds around the country, though he appears to only regularly use about half of them.
He continued: "All of them are set up to serve as the leader's headquarters, so they are all equipped for him to run the country."
Mr Madden said Wonsan is one of the larger and better appointed compounds, but it also has a useful location that allows Kim to easily travel to other areas along the coast.
He added it also allows him to return quickly to Pyongyang in his private train or along a special highway designated for use only by the Kim family or top officials.


news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Tui extends holiday cancellations until mid-June

Tui , the UK 's biggest tour operator , has extended the cancellation of its holidays until mid-June in another blow to the travel industry following the COVID-19 pandemic .
All trips until and including 11 June will be cancelled due to the coronavirus , with the company warning customers who want a cash refund to be patient as phone lines are `` extremely busy '' .
Before Wednesday , only trips up until 11 May had been suspended .
The firm 's cruise operations , Marella Cruises , have been suspended until the end of June , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ river cruise programme until late November .
A spokeswoman for the operator said almost 900,000 people have now had their holidays cancelled .
Affected customers have been told they will get a full credit for the full value of their trip , which can be used to book another holiday that takes place before the end of October 2021 .
They will also receive additional credit , worth up to 20 % of their booking .
Those who are `` unable to accept '' a refund credit can apply for a cash refund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff are `` incredibly busy '' so waiting times are `` considerably longer than usual '' .
Simon Cooper , founder and chief executive of rival travel agency On The Beach , said last week that failing to pay cash refunds to those customers is a `` bad idea '' as it will likely mean struggling companies will have to `` massively increase '' their prices for next year to avoid bankruptcy .
UK laws state that full refunds should be given within 14 days for cancelled package holidays .
But consumer group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK 's 10 biggest holiday companies or airlines have been offering those refunds within the legal time frame - with some refusing to provide refunds altogether .
Many travel companies are seeing huge financial losses due to the sudden collapse in demand because of the COVID-19 outbreak .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against all but essential international travel since 17 March .
Rory Boland , editor of magazine Which ?
Travel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making the refund process as straightforward as possible '' .
He added : `` The travel industry is under unprecedented strain , and the lack of action from the government on measures to support operators to process refunds is unacceptable . ''

Tui, the UK's biggest tour operator, has extended the cancellation of its holidays until mid-June in another blow to the travel industry following the COVID-19 pandemic.
All trips until and including 11 June will be cancelled due to the coronavirus, with the company warning customers who want a cash refund to be patient as phone lines are "extremely busy".
Before Wednesday, only trips up until 11 May had been suspended.
Image: All trips until and including 11 June will be cancelled due to the coronavirus
The firm's cruise operations, Marella Cruises, have been suspended until the end of June, and it has postponed the launch of its new river cruise programme until late November.
A spokeswoman for the operator said almost 900,000 people have now had their holidays cancelled.
Affected customers have been told they will get a full credit for the full value of their trip, which can be used to book another holiday that takes place before the end of October 2021.
They will also receive additional credit, worth up to 20% of their booking.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 March: Flights virtually empty across the world
Those who are "unable to accept" a refund credit can apply for a cash refund, but warned that its call centre staff are "incredibly busy" so waiting times are "considerably longer than usual".
Simon Cooper, founder and chief executive of rival travel agency On The Beach, said last week that failing to pay cash refunds to those customers is a "bad idea" as it will likely mean struggling companies will have to "massively increase" their prices for next year to avoid bankruptcy.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:42 Hunt calls for travel flights review after science change
UK laws state that full refunds should be given within 14 days for cancelled package holidays.
But consumer group Which? has found that none of the UK's 10 biggest holiday companies or airlines have been offering those refunds within the legal time frame - with some refusing to provide refunds altogether.
Many travel companies are seeing huge financial losses due to the sudden collapse in demand because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
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The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against all but essential international travel since 17 March.
Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, said Tui "must ensure it is making the refund process as straightforward as possible".
He added: "The travel industry is under unprecedented strain, and the lack of action from the government on measures to support operators to process refunds is unacceptable."


news--2020-04-29--Colorado man wins $1m lottery prize twice in one day with the same numbers

A Colorado man won two $ 1m ( £800,000 ) lottery prizes with the same numbers in one day .
@ @ @ @ @ as Joe B , he bought a few tickets in the morning on 25 March @ @ @ @ @ at night , the agency said in a news release .
Two of his plays @ @ @ @ @ often uses , ended up winners , and he claimed his two Powerball jackpot prizes @ @ @ @ @ able to pick up his prize money at a drive-through claims office that Colorado 's @ @ @ @ @ tickets worth $ 10,000 ( £8,000 ) or more amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Winners @ @ @ @ @ claim their prize , or do so through the mail .
When Joe was asked @ @ @ @ @ with the money , he said : `` The boss has plans for it .
@ @ @ @ @ written for NBC News and can be found here .

A Colorado man won two $1m (£800,000) lottery prizes with the same numbers in one day.
Identified by the Colorado Lottery as Joe B, he bought a few tickets in the morning on 25 March, and a few more at night, the agency said in a news release.
Two of his plays, with numbers Joe B often uses, ended up winners, and he claimed his two Powerball jackpot prizes on Friday.
He was able to pick up his prize money at a drive-through claims office that Colorado's lottery now uses for winning tickets worth $10,000 (£8,000) or more amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Winners must make an appointment to claim their prize, or do so through the mail.
When Joe was asked about what he will do with the money, he said: "The boss has plans for it."
This story was originally written for NBC News and can be found here.


news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: US news reporter appears on air without trousers in live WFH fail

A US news reporter caused hilarity on Tuesday when he accidentally appeared on air without any trousers .
Journalist Will Reeve appeared live on Good Morning America while working from home because of COVID-19 .
He was there to report on the fact that some pharmacies in the US have started using drones to deliver prescriptions to patients during the coronavirus pandemic .
However , viewers were quick to notice that he appeared to have forgotten to put on any trousers .
Instead the camera , which had been set up by Mr Reeve himself , showed the reporter wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his top half and apparently bare legs .
`` I have ARRIVED , '' Reeve tweeted in response to a viewer comment .
`` In the most hilariously mortifying way possible . ''
The journalist went on to try and reassure people that he had , in fact , been wearing shorts and was n't just wearing underwear .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker He blamed the mistake on a badly framed camera shot and joked that he would not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon .
In a further statement on Twitter he said : `` Trying to be efficient I got ready for a post GMA workout a little too soon this morning .
`` The camera angle , along with friends , family and several hundred strangers on social media made me rethink my morning routine .
`` Any sartorial tips from these people who are wearing a belt , trousers and shoes during their work video calls at home are most welcome .

A US news reporter caused hilarity on Tuesday when he accidentally appeared on air without any trousers.
Journalist Will Reeve appeared live on Good Morning America while working from home because of COVID-19.
He was there to report on the fact that some pharmacies in the US have started using drones to deliver prescriptions to patients during the coronavirus pandemic.
However, viewers were quick to notice that he appeared to have forgotten to put on any trousers.
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Instead the camera, which had been set up by Mr Reeve himself, showed the reporter wearing a shirt and a suit jacket on his top half and apparently bare legs.
"I have ARRIVED," Reeve tweeted in response to a viewer comment.
"In the most hilariously mortifying way possible."
The journalist went on to try and reassure people that he had, in fact, been wearing shorts and wasn't just wearing underwear.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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He blamed the mistake on a badly framed camera shot and joked that he would not be getting hired as a camera operator anytime soon.
In a further statement on Twitter he said: "Trying to be efficient I got ready for a post GMA workout a little too soon this morning.
"The camera angle, along with friends, family and several hundred strangers on social media made me rethink my morning routine.
"Any sartorial tips from these people who are wearing a belt, trousers and shoes during their work video calls at home are most welcome.
"Now, back to work. Wearing pants."


news--2020-04-29--When Odeon cinemas reopen, they won't be showing Universal films

Films from Universal Pictures are no longer going to be shown in Odeon cinemas because of a bitter row over how movies are released .
The ban by AMC Theatres , Odeon 's parent company , comes after Universal released Trolls On Tour digitally because of the coronavirus outbreak - meaning the animated film was available in homes immediately .
Jeff Shell , the CEO of NBC Universal , said that decision had been a success , with the film selling five million copies and making $ 100m ( £80.4m ) through digital sales alone .
Mr Shell told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to release future films in cinemas and direct to homes simultaneously - prompting an angry response from AMC Theatres .
In a letter to Universal Studios , AMC chief executive Adam Aron said the radical change is `` unacceptable '' - and in retaliation , he confirmed that the company 's movies will not be shown in any of its 1,000 theatres around the world .
Some of Universal 's best-known releases include Jurassic World , the Fast & Furious franchise and Minions .
Mr Aron wrote : `` When a movie is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to be higher quality entertainment .
Countless filmmakers and moviegoers believe that their creative works are best enjoyed by consumers on the big screen .
`` And we all know that those theatrical releases indeed boost publicity , positive word-of-mouth , critical acclaim and downstream revenues .
`` Going forward , AMC will not license any Universal movies in any of our 1,000 theatres globally ... AMC believes that with this proposed action to go to the home and theatres simultaneously , Universal is breaking the business model and dealings between our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Universal of wanting to `` have its cake and eat it too '' - and said AMC had no choice but to act .
Warning his company is not making `` some hollow or ill-considered threat '' , he said a ban on Universal movies is now in force at AMC 's theatres across the US , Europe and the Middle East - and will remain when its outlets reopen .
In response , Universal said Mr Shell 's comments had been misconstrued .
The company said : `` We absolutely believe in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement to the contrary .
`` As we stated earlier , going forward , we expect to release future films directly to theatres , as well as on PVOD ( premium video on demand ) when that distribution outlet makes sense .
`` We look forward to having additional private conversations with our exhibition partners but are disappointed by this seemingly coordinated attempt from AMC and NATO to confuse our position and our actions . ''
Universal is owned by Comcast .
Comcast also owns Sky , the parent company of Sky News @

Films from Universal Pictures are no longer going to be shown in Odeon cinemas because of a bitter row over how movies are released.
The ban by AMC Theatres, Odeon's parent company, comes after Universal released Trolls On Tour digitally because of the coronavirus outbreak - meaning the animated film was available in homes immediately.
Jeff Shell, the CEO of NBC Universal, said that decision had been a success, with the film selling five million copies and making $100m (£80.4m) through digital sales alone.
Image: Trolls World Tour was released direct to homes after its theatrical release was disrupted
Mr Shell told the Wall Street Journal that the company expects to release future films in cinemas and direct to homes simultaneously - prompting an angry response from AMC Theatres.
In a letter to Universal Studios, AMC chief executive Adam Aron said the radical change is "unacceptable" - and in retaliation, he confirmed that the company's movies will not be shown in any of its 1,000 theatres around the world.
Some of Universal's best-known releases include Jurassic World, the Fast & Furious franchise and Minions.
Mr Aron wrote: "When a movie is 'only in theatres', consumers perceive it to be higher quality entertainment. Countless filmmakers and moviegoers believe that their creative works are best enjoyed by consumers on the big screen.
"And we all know that those theatrical releases indeed boost publicity, positive word-of-mouth, critical acclaim and downstream revenues.
"Going forward, AMC will not license any Universal movies in any of our 1,000 theatres globally... AMC believes that with this proposed action to go to the home and theatres simultaneously, Universal is breaking the business model and dealings between our two companies."
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Mr Aron accused Universal of wanting to "have its cake and eat it too" - and said AMC had no choice but to act.
Image: The film has been downloaded five million times
Warning his company is not making "some hollow or ill-considered threat", he said a ban on Universal movies is now in force at AMC's theatres across the US, Europe and the Middle East - and will remain when its outlets reopen.
In response, Universal said Mr Shell's comments had been misconstrued.
The company said: "We absolutely believe in the theatrical experience and have made no statement to the contrary.
"As we stated earlier, going forward, we expect to release future films directly to theatres, as well as on PVOD (premium video on demand) when that distribution outlet makes sense.
"We look forward to having additional private conversations with our exhibition partners but are disappointed by this seemingly coordinated attempt from AMC and NATO to confuse our position and our actions."
Universal is owned by Comcast. Comcast also owns Sky, the parent company of Sky News.


news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Restaurant titans ask ministers to cook up six month aid extension

Some of the biggest names in British restaurants will beg ministers not to end the lockdown on their industry too soon , or risk triggering a wave of permanent closures .
Sky News understands that restaurateurs including celebrity chef Rick Stein and Tom Kerridge - owner of Britain 's first pub to be awarded two Michelin stars - have been asked to sign the industry-wide letter , which will be sent to Alok Sharma , the business secretary , and Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove in the coming days .
`` We are concerned that opening the restaurant sector too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of businesses failing , given the discrepancy between the costs they will incur and the revenues they will be able to achieve , '' it will say .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' The impact on long-term employment in the sector , and wider economic damage this would cause , would be very painful . ''
Their letter will come as the administrators to Carluccio 's , the restaurant chain which collapsed last month , enter exclusive talks with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would preserve some of the company 's 2,000 jobs .
The restaurant chiefs ' plea to the government underlines the fears of many in the industry about its post-lockdown recovery , with consumer finances under severe strain and customers concerned about the possible health implications of eating out .
`` We strongly believe that a removal of the lockdown as soon as it safe to do is crucial for the restaurant sector , but we would point out that an early , partial reopening of restaurant businesses as the government starts to lift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restaurateurs ' letter is understood to say .
`` Unfortunately , it will not be possible for most restaurants to open in an economical way until we can ensure a critical mass of customer visits .
`` Should we be asked to re-open too early , and pay full staff costs , rent and all of our supply costs , it will be impossible for most restaurants to operate sustainably until we are also able to return to serving customers at our normal capacity . ''
Sources said that Harvey Smyth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mama-owner Azzurri Group , and Rooney Anand , chairman of the Las Iguanas and Café Rouge-owner Casual Dining Group , were expected to sign it .
The letter asked Mr Sharma and Mr Gove to provide ongoing financial support in the form of furloughing and rent assistance `` through any period of restart where a lighter-touch social distancing regime would require a sub-economic opening of our businesses '' .
UKHospitality , the industry body , has estimated that it could take at least six months after the lockdown ends for restaurants to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The restaurant chiefs ' letter is expected to argue that `` a far more sustainable approach to the hospitality industry might be to first reopen those sectors which operate in a 'low care ' environment or whose business models enable them to operate sustainably with a smaller footfall ( such as cinemas , food to go , hotels or holiday parks ) ; and to wait - hopefully for not too long thereafter - until the science dictates that a significant plurality of the population is able to visit other 'higher care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since the coronavirus outbreak began , restaurant chains including Wahaca and Byron have called in advisers to help restructure their finances .
In addition to Carluccio 's , Chiquito 's has fallen into administration .
Sources said that FRP Advisory , which is overseeing Carluccio 's insolvency process , had begun exclusive talks with Boparan Restaurants , which owns the Giraffe chain .
It was unclear on Wednesday how many of the 2,000 people and 71 sites would be salvaged as part of any deal .

Some of the biggest names in British restaurants will beg ministers not to end the lockdown on their industry too soon, or risk triggering a wave of permanent closures.
Sky News understands that restaurateurs including celebrity chef Rick Stein and Tom Kerridge - owner of Britain's first pub to be awarded two Michelin stars - have been asked to sign the industry-wide letter, which will be sent to Alok Sharma, the business secretary, and Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove in the coming days.
"We are concerned that opening the restaurant sector too early could lead to a substantial number of businesses failing, given the discrepancy between the costs they will incur and the revenues they will be able to achieve," it will say.
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"The impact on long-term employment in the sector, and wider economic damage this would cause, would be very painful."
Their letter will come as the administrators to Carluccio's, the restaurant chain which collapsed last month, enter exclusive talks with the owner of Giraffe about a sale that would preserve some of the company's 2,000 jobs.
The restaurant chiefs' plea to the government underlines the fears of many in the industry about its post-lockdown recovery, with consumer finances under severe strain and customers concerned about the possible health implications of eating out.
"We strongly believe that a removal of the lockdown as soon as it safe to do is crucial for the restaurant sector, but we would point out that an early, partial reopening of restaurant businesses as the government starts to lift lockdown restrictions may be counterproductive," the restaurateurs' letter is understood to say.
"Unfortunately, it will not be possible for most restaurants to open in an economical way until we can ensure a critical mass of customer visits.
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"Should we be asked to re-open too early, and pay full staff costs, rent and all of our supply costs, it will be impossible for most restaurants to operate sustainably until we are also able to return to serving customers at our normal capacity."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:56 UK 'likely to follow Europe in opening up'
Sources said that Harvey Smyth, chairman of the ASK and Coco di Mama-owner Azzurri Group, and Rooney Anand, chairman of the Las Iguanas and Café Rouge-owner Casual Dining Group, were expected to sign it.
The letter asked Mr Sharma and Mr Gove to provide ongoing financial support in the form of furloughing and rent assistance "through any period of restart where a lighter-touch social distancing regime would require a sub-economic opening of our businesses".
UKHospitality, the industry body, has estimated that it could take at least six months after the lockdown ends for restaurants to return to 70% of normal trading levels.
The restaurant chiefs' letter is expected to argue that "a far more sustainable approach to the hospitality industry might be to first reopen those sectors which operate in a 'low care' environment or whose business models enable them to operate sustainably with a smaller footfall (such as cinemas, food to go, hotels or holiday parks); and to wait - hopefully for not too long thereafter - until the science dictates that a significant plurality of the population is able to visit other 'higher care' sectors such as restaurants".
Since the coronavirus outbreak began, restaurant chains including Wahaca and Byron have called in advisers to help restructure their finances.
In addition to Carluccio's, Chiquito's has fallen into administration.
Sources said that FRP Advisory, which is overseeing Carluccio's insolvency process, had begun exclusive talks with Boparan Restaurants, which owns the Giraffe chain.
It was unclear on Wednesday how many of the 2,000 people and 71 sites would be salvaged as part of any deal.
FRP and Boparan declined to comment.


news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus school closures will worsen north/south education divide, say MPs

The schools shutdown will widen the education gap between north and south , MPs will warn the education secretary today .
In an open letter to Gavin Williamson , more than 50 MPs and peers have said urgent action is needed to prevent the poorest pupils falling behind long-term .
Two thirds of secondary schools teaching the most disadvantaged communities are in the north of England , new figures show .
The parliamentarians , including Tories in northern constituencies , are demanding that funding for one-on-one tuition be provided to these pupils when they return to school .
They say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disadvantaged children fall behind their peers over a long summer holiday , and the shutdown will widen the north 's disadvantage gap and with it the north-south education divide .
`` We need to deal with the consequences of this crisis for the most vulnerable in our society , and that must include children from low-income households . ''
They say a `` catch-up premium '' of at least £300m - equating to £700 for every pupil on free school meals - would fund 30 minutes of tuition three times a week for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say when schools may start to re-open , but sources say the earliest date being discussed is the beginning of June .
Mr Williamson has said there are no current plans for schools to stay open during the summer holidays to help pupils catch up on the lesson time they have missed , and suggested that enforcing social distancing in schools would be challenging .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker While some schools have remained open to teach the children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most vulnerable , officials figures show turnout last week was below 2 % of all pupils .
Sky News has highlighted the difficulties for large numbers of families in accessing online lessons since schools closed a month ago .
In some schools , headteachers say up to 40 % of their pupils live in a home with no computer , while many more children have to share one device with parents and siblings .
Mr Williamson announced a week ago that the government would provide laptops and internet access to some children - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a social worker , or disadvantaged pupils taking their GCSEs next year - but there is no timescale for the scheme .
Signatories to today 's open letter include Lord Jim O'Neill , who served as a Treasury minister under David Cameron , and some newly elected Tories in former Labour seats .
They cite research from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership showing pupils in the north are most likely to be from the economic and ethnic groups who make the slowest progress at secondary school including white working class boys and girls .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We will do everything possible to make sure no child , whatever their background , falls behind as a result of coronavirus .
`` The government has already committed over £100m to support remote education , including providing devices and internet access to those children who need it most .
`` Schools are also continuing to receive additional funding in the form of the pupil premium - worth around £2.4bn annually - to help them support their disadvantaged pupils .
`` The department is considering , with a range of partner organisations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make up for time out of school . ''

The schools shutdown will widen the education gap between north and south, MPs will warn the education secretary today.
In an open letter to Gavin Williamson, more than 50 MPs and peers have said urgent action is needed to prevent the poorest pupils falling behind long-term.
Two thirds of secondary schools teaching the most disadvantaged communities are in the north of England, new figures show.
The parliamentarians, including Tories in northern constituencies, are demanding that funding for one-on-one tuition be provided to these pupils when they return to school.
They say in the letter: "The most disadvantaged children fall behind their peers over a long summer holiday, and the shutdown will widen the north's disadvantage gap and with it the north-south education divide.
"We need to deal with the consequences of this crisis for the most vulnerable in our society, and that must include children from low-income households."
They say a "catch-up premium" of at least £300m - equating to £700 for every pupil on free school meals - would fund 30 minutes of tuition three times a week for 12 weeks.
The government has refused to say when schools may start to re-open, but sources say the earliest date being discussed is the beginning of June.
Mr Williamson has said there are no current plans for schools to stay open during the summer holidays to help pupils catch up on the lesson time they have missed, and suggested that enforcing social distancing in schools would be challenging.
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While some schools have remained open to teach the children of key workers and those who are most vulnerable, officials figures show turnout last week was below 2% of all pupils.
Sky News has highlighted the difficulties for large numbers of families in accessing online lessons since schools closed a month ago.
In some schools, headteachers say up to 40% of their pupils live in a home with no computer, while many more children have to share one device with parents and siblings.
Mr Williamson announced a week ago that the government would provide laptops and internet access to some children - those identified by their school as having a social worker, or disadvantaged pupils taking their GCSEs next year - but there is no timescale for the scheme.
Signatories to today's open letter include Lord Jim O'Neill, who served as a Treasury minister under David Cameron, and some newly elected Tories in former Labour seats.
They cite research from the Northern Powerhouse Partnership showing pupils in the north are most likely to be from the economic and ethnic groups who make the slowest progress at secondary school including white working class boys and girls.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: "We will do everything possible to make sure no child, whatever their background, falls behind as a result of coronavirus.
"The government has already committed over £100m to support remote education, including providing devices and internet access to those children who need it most.
"Schools are also continuing to receive additional funding in the form of the pupil premium - worth around £2.4bn annually - to help them support their disadvantaged pupils.
"The department is considering, with a range of partner organisations, how best to support all pupils to make up for time out of school."


news--2020-04-29--Mother of murdered NHS worker forgives his killers

The mother of an NHS worker who was murdered days after his father died from coronavirus has told Sky News she forgives her son 's killers .
David Gomoh , 24 , was stabbed to death in what police called a `` totally unprovoked attack '' in Newham , east London , after leaving his home on Sunday .
Detectives investigating his murder are appealing for witnesses who saw a silver Dodge Caliber found abandoned after the killing in Lincoln Road , Plaistow .
His killers left the scene in the vehicle which had cloned number plates and was seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cumberland Road .
The car was stolen in Dagenham on 16 April and was distinctive as it had a temporary front wheel on the passenger side .
`` He was a very good boy .
He was always doing things to make me happy .
He went and finished university and got a good job in the NHS , '' his mother , Miran Gomoh , said .
The mother-of-two found her son collapsed in front of the family home on Sunday evening , just after 10.30pm .
She said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strength with all of his guts that was coming out to come and collapse outside the home .
I do n't know where got the energy to knock on the door .
I came out and held on to him .
I had him in my arms . ''
The nurse and midwife at Newham University Hospital had already been grieving for David 's father , Ken Gomoh , who had contracted coronavirus and died earlier this month .
Mr Gomoh 's funeral was held on Wednesday .
David , who graduated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was already struggling to come to terms with the death of his father .
`` My husband died on April 7 and my son 's birthday was two days after that .
I have not buried my husband and my son was killed as well .
I have already cried enough and I just want this to be over now , '' said Ms Gomoh .
Ms Gomoh said the decision to forgive her son 's attackers was the hardest one she has had to make , but she was embracing her Christian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come forward and help the police .
`` To the people who did this , I forgive you from my heart , '' she said .
`` I forgive you because you did not know what you were doing .
I pray for mercy for you .
I do n't know why you have done this but wherever you are , please come forward .
`` I want you to know I forgive you .
You have killed my son .
You butchered him - he did nothing at all .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Laurence Smith said : `` David was on the phone to his girlfriend at the time and heartbreakingly for her she heard the initial interaction between the attackers and David .
`` It appeared he dropped the phone as he ran away and the phone line was open for that time of the attack .
So you can understandably understand that she 's devastated .
`` We 're desperately keen to found out who was using that silver Dodge Caliber vehicle and where that vehicle was stored .
`` The car is quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jog people 's memories as to where that car might have been during that period . ''
Anyone with information should call police on 0208 345 3985 quoting CAD 8371/26APR or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

The mother of an NHS worker who was murdered days after his father died from coronavirus has told Sky News she forgives her son's killers.
David Gomoh, 24, was stabbed to death in what police called a "totally unprovoked attack" in Newham, east London, after leaving his home on Sunday.
Detectives investigating his murder are appealing for witnesses who saw a silver Dodge Caliber found abandoned after the killing in Lincoln Road, Plaistow.
His killers left the scene in the vehicle which had cloned number plates and was seen being driven through a no-entry sign from Cumberland Road.
The car was stolen in Dagenham on 16 April and was distinctive as it had a temporary front wheel on the passenger side.
Image: David Gomoh was stabbed to death in a 'totally unprovoked attack'
"He was a very good boy. He was always doing things to make me happy. He went and finished university and got a good job in the NHS," his mother, Miran Gomoh, said.
The mother-of-two found her son collapsed in front of the family home on Sunday evening, just after 10.30pm.
She said: "I don't know how he got the strength with all of his guts that was coming out to come and collapse outside the home. I don't know where got the energy to knock on the door. I came out and held on to him. I had him in my arms."
The nurse and midwife at Newham University Hospital had already been grieving for David's father, Ken Gomoh, who had contracted coronavirus and died earlier this month. Mr Gomoh's funeral was held on Wednesday.
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David, who graduated with a marketing degree from Southbank University, was already struggling to come to terms with the death of his father.
"My husband died on April 7 and my son's birthday was two days after that. I have not buried my husband and my son was killed as well. I have already cried enough and I just want this to be over now," said Ms Gomoh.
Ms Gomoh said the decision to forgive her son's attackers was the hardest one she has had to make, but she was embracing her Christian faith and appealing for anyone with information to come forward and help the police.
"To the people who did this, I forgive you from my heart," she said.
"I forgive you because you did not know what you were doing. I pray for mercy for you. I don't know why you have done this but wherever you are, please come forward.
"I want you to know I forgive you. You have killed my son. You butchered him - he did nothing at all. I forgive you."
Det Chief Insp Laurence Smith said: "David was on the phone to his girlfriend at the time and heartbreakingly for her she heard the initial interaction between the attackers and David.
"It appeared he dropped the phone as he ran away and the phone line was open for that time of the attack. So you can understandably understand that she's devastated.
"We're desperately keen to found out who was using that silver Dodge Caliber vehicle and where that vehicle was stored.
"The car is quite unique. We are hoping that will jog people's memories as to where that car might have been during that period."
Anyone with information should call police on 0208 345 3985 quoting CAD 8371/26APR or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: Airport services groups renew call for Sunak help

Airport ground handlers are renewing their plea for emergency government support as they call on the chancellor to taper the end of his emergency job retention scheme in line with returning demand for their services .
Sky News has seen a letter from Dnata , Swissport and WFS - three of the sector 's dominant players - in which they argue that a sudden halt to the salary subsidy programme would force them to make mass redundancies .
The executives insisted to Rishi Sunak that they were `` not seeking a bailout '' , but asked him to pave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work on an incremental basis .
`` In order for you to manage costs to the taxpayer , this tapering could be on fixed terms , for example decreasing % eligibility month by month , allowing both sides to plan accordingly , '' they wrote .
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was announced by Mr Sunak last month , providing companies with up to 80 % of individual workers ' salaries if they were furloughed rather than being made redundant .
The ground handlers , which provide services such as refuelling and baggage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were within hours of making tens of thousands of staff redundant unless the scheme was extended .
Mr Sunak agreed a month-long reprieve but in their latest letter to him , the ground handlers said they would need to know by 15 May about any further extension in order to avoid permanent layoffs .
Sky News revealed at the weekend that British airlines were also seeking a tapered end to the job retention scheme .
In recent days , there have been signals that the chancellor is open to such a plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is likely to sanction a `` gradual '' winding-down of the scheme , the Financial Times reported earlier this week .
A further reminder of the stark realities facing the aviation industry was provided on Tuesday when British Airways ' parent said it was starting a consultation process that could lead to 12,000 employees of the UK flag-carrier losing their jobs .

Airport ground handlers are renewing their plea for emergency government support as they call on the chancellor to taper the end of his emergency job retention scheme in line with returning demand for their services.
Sky News has seen a letter from Dnata, Swissport and WFS - three of the sector's dominant players - in which they argue that a sudden halt to the salary subsidy programme would force them to make mass redundancies.
The executives insisted to Rishi Sunak that they were "not seeking a bailout", but asked him to pave the way for their employees to return to work on an incremental basis.
"In order for you to manage costs to the taxpayer, this tapering could be on fixed terms, for example decreasing % eligibility month by month, allowing both sides to plan accordingly," they wrote.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was announced by Mr Sunak last month, providing companies with up to 80% of individual workers' salaries if they were furloughed rather than being made redundant.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Workers laid off despite furlough scheme
The ground handlers, which provide services such as refuelling and baggage processing at airports, warned recently that they were within hours of making tens of thousands of staff redundant unless the scheme was extended.
Mr Sunak agreed a month-long reprieve but in their latest letter to him, the ground handlers said they would need to know by 15 May about any further extension in order to avoid permanent layoffs.
Sky News revealed at the weekend that British airlines were also seeking a tapered end to the job retention scheme.
In recent days, there have been signals that the chancellor is open to such a plan.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:16 Loans scheme: govt 'has not acted decisively'
Mr Sunak has told MPs that he is likely to sanction a "gradual" winding-down of the scheme, the Financial Times reported earlier this week.
A further reminder of the stark realities facing the aviation industry was provided on Tuesday when British Airways' parent said it was starting a consultation process that could lead to 12,000 employees of the UK flag-carrier losing their jobs.


news--2020-04-29--Lost Oasis song released after old CD found 'lying around', Noel Gallagher announces

A lost Oasis song has been released after an old CD was found in Noel Gallagher 's home , the musician has said .
Called Do n't Stop , the song was never recorded in a studio and only exists as a demo the songwriter said he thought was `` lost forever '' .
He said it was recorded at a sound check in Hong Kong `` about 15 years ago '' , but that there is no date on the CD .
Oasis reunion has persisted since the group split in 2009 , but continuing acrimony between Gallagher and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparently thwarted fans ' hopes so far .
Speculation around anreunion has persisted since the group split in 2009 , but continuing acrimony between Gallagher and his brother , frontman Liam , has apparently thwarted fans ' hopes so far .
Liam has suggested performing a concert to raise money for coronavirus relief , while Noel recently admitted he had considered doing a show together .
`` I 've often thought , 'Let 's just do a gig . '
But I realised I would only be doing it to shut this f***ing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vogue last month .

A lost Oasis song has been released after an old CD was found in Noel Gallagher's home, the musician has said.
Called Don't Stop, the song was never recorded in a studio and only exists as a demo the songwriter said he thought was "lost forever". He said it was recorded at a sound check in Hong Kong "about 15 years ago", but that there is no date on the CD.
In a message posted on Twitter, he wrote: "Like the rest of the world I've had infinite time to kill lately so I thought I'd finally look and find out what was actually on the hundreds of faceless unmarked CDs I've got lying around at home." "As fate would have it, I have stumbled across an old demo which I thought had been lost forever. "I know some of you love this tune so we thought we'd put it 'out there' for you to enjoy/argue over. "Hope everyone is staying safe and trying to ride out the lockdown with a minimum of fuss. You're welcome by the way." More on Oasis Liam Gallagher describes Noel's version of Joy Division classic as 'blasphemous'
Noel Gallagher says writing latest album helped him 'come to terms' with divorce
Oasis fans think reunion may be on cards after Noel Gallagher's latest comments
Image: Noel and Liam Gallagher perform together in one of their final shows before Oasis split in 2009
Oasis reunion has persisted since the group split in 2009, but continuing acrimony between Gallagher and his brother, frontman Liam, has apparently thwarted fans' hopes so far. Speculation around anreunion has persisted since the group split in 2009, but continuing acrimony between Gallagher and his brother, frontman Liam, has apparently thwarted fans' hopes so far.
Liam has suggested performing a concert to raise money for coronavirus relief, while Noel recently admitted he had considered doing a show together.
"I've often thought, 'Let's just do a gig.' But I realised I would only be doing it to shut this f***ing idiot up," he told British Vogue last month.


news--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Trump to 'temporarily suspend immigration' to US due to COVID-19

Donald Trump has vowed to `` temporarily suspend immigration '' into the US due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The US president wrote on Twitter : `` In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy , as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens , I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States ! ''
He did not give further details , however , and the White House did not clarify .
Reaction was mixed , with former Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro tweeting : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our nation 's already weakened economy .
What a dumb move . ''
But Thomas Homan , Mr Trump 's former acting director of US immigration and customs enforcement , said : `` It makes sense to protect opportunities for our workforce while this pandemic plays out .
`` It 's really not about immigration - it 's about the pandemic and keeping our country safer while protecting opportunities for unemployed Americans . ''
It comes as COVID-19 continues to tighten its grip on the US .
More than 785,000 people have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 42,000 have died .
The virus has also hit the economy and seen more than 22 million people apply for unemployment benefits in the last month .
Due to measures taken to limit the virus 's spread , almost all visa processing by the State Department has been suspended for the past few weeks .
Mr Trump 's anti-immigration move comes as he continues to push for the re-opening of the US economy .
This is despite Dr Anthony Fauci , the government 's top infectious-disease expert , warning on ABC : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control , the real recovery economically is not going to happen . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Georgia 's governor , Brian Kemp , plans to restart his state 's economy before the end of next week and Texas has started to reopen , beginning with state parks and saying that stores will be able to provide some services later this week .
Tennessee 's governor , Bill Lee , has said businesses there will start reopening as early as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not cover some of the largest cities .
Elective surgery will resume under certain rules in West Virginia , and Colorado 's stay-at-home order expires next week .
But many other governors said their states did not have enough testing supplies , leaving them vulnerable to a second wave of infections .

Donald Trump has vowed to "temporarily suspend immigration" into the US due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The US president wrote on Twitter: "In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!"
He did not give further details, however, and the White House did not clarify.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:06 New York's governor blasts Trump over funding
Reaction was mixed, with former Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro tweeting: "You cut off immigration, you crater our nation's already weakened economy. What a dumb move."
But Thomas Homan, Mr Trump's former acting director of US immigration and customs enforcement, said: "It makes sense to protect opportunities for our workforce while this pandemic plays out.
"It's really not about immigration - it's about the pandemic and keeping our country safer while protecting opportunities for unemployed Americans."
It comes as COVID-19 continues to tighten its grip on the US. More than 785,000 people have been confirmed as having the virus and more than 42,000 have died.
The virus has also hit the economy and seen more than 22 million people apply for unemployment benefits in the last month.
Due to measures taken to limit the virus's spread, almost all visa processing by the State Department has been suspended for the past few weeks.
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This includes visas for immigrants.
Mr Trump's anti-immigration move comes as he continues to push for the re-opening of the US economy.
This is despite Dr Anthony Fauci, the government's top infectious-disease expert, warning on ABC: "Unless we get the virus under control, the real recovery economically is not going to happen."
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Georgia's governor, Brian Kemp, plans to restart his state's economy before the end of next week and Texas has started to reopen, beginning with state parks and saying that stores will be able to provide some services later this week.
Tennessee's governor, Bill Lee, has said businesses there will start reopening as early as next week, although the order did not cover some of the largest cities.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 Hundreds gather to protest lockdown in Minnesota
Elective surgery will resume under certain rules in West Virginia, and Colorado's stay-at-home order expires next week.
But many other governors said their states did not have enough testing supplies, leaving them vulnerable to a second wave of infections.