news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: Captain Tom Moore to be knighted after raising £33m for NHS

Captain Tom Moore , who raised almost £33m for the NHS as it battled to cope with coronavirus , is to be knighted , Boris Johnson has said .
The 100-year-old World War Two veteran , who raised the extraordinary sum of money by walking up and down his garden , said : `` I am absolutely overwhelmed .
Never for one moment could I have imagined to be awarded with such a great honour .
`` I 'd like to thank Her Majesty the Queen , the prime minister and the Great British public .
I will remain at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something small and I 've been overwhelmed by the gratitude and love from the British public and beyond .
`` We must take this opportunity to recognise our frontline heroes of the National Health Service who put their lives at risk everyday to keep us safe . ''
The prime minister , who recommended the award , which the Queen approved , called Captain Moore a `` true national treasure '' who `` provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus '' .
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker His knighthood comes just weeks after he was appointed an honorary colonel to mark his centenary and fundraising efforts .
When the veteran set out to walk 100 laps of his garden in Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire before his 100th birthday on 30 April , he was aiming to raise £1,000 .
But his determination to complete the challenge while using a walking frame captured the public imagination during the pandemic and within days he had raised tens of millions of pounds .
By the time his big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than £30m for NHS Charities Together .
The organisation provides food parcels and counselling sessions for NHS staff who are tackling the coronavirus outbreak , as well as electronic tablets to allow patients to talk with their loved ones .
The achievement was celebrated by a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast by a Spitfire and a Hurricane .
Capt Moore was sent more than 140,000 birthday cards which were displayed at his grandson 's school .
An online petition calling for him to be knighted received more than a million signatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ball reached number one in the charts .
The success of their version of You 'll Never Walk Alone made him the oldest artist ever to have a UK number one single .
Mr Johnson said : `` Colonel Tom 's fantastic fundraising broke records , inspired the whole country and provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus .
`` On behalf of everyone who has been moved by his incredible story , I want to say a huge thank you .
He 's a true national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Starmer congratulated the veteran , who said Capt Moore had brought `` inspiration to millions and helped all of us to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our NHS '' .
He added : `` In his actions , Tom embodied the national solidarity which has grown throughout this crisis , and showed us that everyone can play their part in helping build a better future . ''
Sir Tom enlisted into the eighth battalion of the Duke of Wellington 's Regiment ( 8 DWR ) , an infantry unit that was converted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal Armoured Corps ( RAC ) .
After being promoted to captain , he served in India and Burma and went with his regiment to Sumatra after the Japanese surrender .
After the war he returned to the UK and worked as an instructor at the Armoured Fighting Vehicle School in Bovington , Dorset .
He lived in Kent for many years before moving to Bedfordshire to be with his family in 2007 .

Captain Tom Moore, who raised almost £33m for the NHS as it battled to cope with coronavirus, is to be knighted, Boris Johnson has said.
The 100-year-old World War Two veteran, who raised the extraordinary sum of money by walking up and down his garden, said: "I am absolutely overwhelmed. Never for one moment could I have imagined to be awarded with such a great honour.
"I'd like to thank Her Majesty the Queen, the prime minister and the Great British public. I will remain at your service.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 Capt Tom Moore's 125,000 birthday cards
"This started as something small and I've been overwhelmed by the gratitude and love from the British public and beyond.
"We must take this opportunity to recognise our frontline heroes of the National Health Service who put their lives at risk everyday to keep us safe."
The prime minister, who recommended the award, which the Queen approved, called Captain Moore a "true national treasure" who "provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus".
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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His knighthood comes just weeks after he was appointed an honorary colonel to mark his centenary and fundraising efforts.
When the veteran set out to walk 100 laps of his garden in Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire before his 100th birthday on 30 April, he was aiming to raise £1,000.
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But his determination to complete the challenge while using a walking frame captured the public imagination during the pandemic and within days he had raised tens of millions of pounds.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Captain Tom Moore promised to keep walking as long as people kept donating
By the time his big day came round, he had raised more than £30m for NHS Charities Together.
The organisation provides food parcels and counselling sessions for NHS staff who are tackling the coronavirus outbreak, as well as electronic tablets to allow patients to talk with their loved ones.
The achievement was celebrated by a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast by a Spitfire and a Hurricane.
Capt Moore was sent more than 140,000 birthday cards which were displayed at his grandson's school.
An online petition calling for him to be knighted received more than a million signatures and a charity single with singer Michael Ball reached number one in the charts.
The success of their version of You'll Never Walk Alone made him the oldest artist ever to have a UK number one single.
Image: Capt Tom Moore, with (left to right) grandson Benji, daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and granddaughter Georgia
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:45 View from cockpit of Spitfire flypast
Mr Johnson said: "Colonel Tom's fantastic fundraising broke records, inspired the whole country and provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus.
"On behalf of everyone who has been moved by his incredible story, I want to say a huge thank you. He's a true national treasure."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer congratulated the veteran, who said Capt Moore had brought "inspiration to millions and helped all of us to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our NHS".
He added: "In his actions, Tom embodied the national solidarity which has grown throughout this crisis, and showed us that everyone can play their part in helping build a better future."
Sir Tom enlisted into the eighth battalion of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment (8 DWR), an infantry unit that was converted to operate Churchill tanks as part of the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC).
After being promoted to captain, he served in India and Burma and went with his regiment to Sumatra after the Japanese surrender.
After the war he returned to the UK and worked as an instructor at the Armoured Fighting Vehicle School in Bovington, Dorset.
He lived in Kent for many years before moving to Bedfordshire to be with his family in 2007.


news--2020-05-19--British Steel pension trustees in talks about £2bn insurance deal

Tens of thousands of British steelworkers are in line for a potential boost to their retirement incomes from a £2bn deal being explored by pension bosses .
Sky News has learnt that the trustees of the Old British Steel Pension Scheme ( OBSPS ) have informed more than 31,000 members that they are examining a deal that would see an insurance company buy it out and take on responsibility for paying their benefits .
The development has emerged more than two years after the OBSPS entered an assessment period overseen by Britain 's pensions lifeboat - the Pension Protection Fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the British Steel Pension Scheme 's ( BSPS ) roughly 120,000 members opted to transfer to a new scheme in 2018 , the remainder chose to move into the PPF - where their retirement benefits would be guaranteed , but at a lower level than they had accrued during their careers .
However , in a letter to OBSPS members last month , trustees said its funding had been in a better position than expected .
That paves the way for pensioners potentially to be paid more by an insurer than they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson for Open Trustees Limited , which acts as the OBSPS 's trustee , said : `` If it 's possible to secure OBSPS members ' benefits with an insurer by way of a buyout contract , members would be paid directly by the insurer at levels which would be the same or better than the PPF if members retire at normal retirement age .
`` It 's too early to say whether a buyout is going to happen .
`` However , we 've recently approached a number of different insurers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for OBSPS . ''
If a buyout deal took place , it would represent a rare piece of good news for workers at the former British Steel , which then became Corus before being sold to India 's Tata Steel in 2007 .
Growing pressure on European steelmakers has prompted a number of restructurings at Tata Steel , which owns the vast Port Talbot plant in south Wales .
In 2016 , Tata tried to sell the UK business but eventually retained it following months of talks with ministers and trade unions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping Port Talbot open was a major restructuring of its pension liabilities , which included closing the company 's final salary pension scheme and replacing it with a less generous alternative .
An agreement in 2017 involved Tata Steel injecting a £550m lump sum and handing a 33 % stake in its UK business to the PPF .
There remain questions about the value of and security provided by that equity stake given the torrid conditions in the UK steel industry .
Sky News revealed last month that Tata Steel had asked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it weather the coronavirus pandemic .
The restructuring of the company 's pension liabilities generated fresh controversy when it emerged that workers at Port Talbot were being targeted by unscrupulous financial advisers .
More than 800 steelworkers were persuaded to give up their guaranteed pensions by moving out of the scheme , a subsequent mis-selling inquiry by the Financial Conduct Authority discovered .
Separate talks are ongoing about an insurance deal with the much larger BSPS , which would be worth more than £10bn .
The OBSPS , meanwhile , had assets of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of its 31,670 members , half are deferred members and the other half pensioners drawing their retirement incomes .
The PPF said on Tuesday : `` The Old British Steel Pension Scheme 's better than expected funding position has opened up the possibility of it securing member benefits outside the PPF .
`` At this stage it 's too soon to know whether the scheme will be able to buy out or instead transfer to the PPF .
`` In the meantime OBSPS members can be reassured that they remain protected by the @ @ @

Tens of thousands of British steelworkers are in line for a potential boost to their retirement incomes from a £2bn deal being explored by pension bosses.
Sky News has learnt that the trustees of the Old British Steel Pension Scheme (OBSPS) have informed more than 31,000 members that they are examining a deal that would see an insurance company buy it out and take on responsibility for paying their benefits.
The development has emerged more than two years after the OBSPS entered an assessment period overseen by Britain's pensions lifeboat - the Pension Protection Fund (PPF).
While the majority of the British Steel Pension Scheme's (BSPS) roughly 120,000 members opted to transfer to a new scheme in 2018, the remainder chose to move into the PPF - where their retirement benefits would be guaranteed, but at a lower level than they had accrued during their careers.
However, in a letter to OBSPS members last month, trustees said its funding had been in a better position than expected.
That paves the way for pensioners potentially to be paid more by an insurer than they would be by the PPF.
A spokesperson for Open Trustees Limited, which acts as the OBSPS's trustee, said: "If it's possible to secure OBSPS members' benefits with an insurer by way of a buyout contract, members would be paid directly by the insurer at levels which would be the same or better than the PPF if members retire at normal retirement age.
"It's too early to say whether a buyout is going to happen.
"However, we've recently approached a number of different insurers to help determine the feasibility of a buyout for OBSPS."
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If a buyout deal took place, it would represent a rare piece of good news for workers at the former British Steel, which then became Corus before being sold to India's Tata Steel in 2007.
Growing pressure on European steelmakers has prompted a number of restructurings at Tata Steel, which owns the vast Port Talbot plant in south Wales.
Image: A 2017 deal to keep Port Talbot open included a major restructuring of its pension liabilities
In 2016, Tata tried to sell the UK business but eventually retained it following months of talks with ministers and trade unions.
The price extracted by the company for keeping Port Talbot open was a major restructuring of its pension liabilities, which included closing the company's final salary pension scheme and replacing it with a less generous alternative.
An agreement in 2017 involved Tata Steel injecting a £550m lump sum and handing a 33% stake in its UK business to the PPF.
There remain questions about the value of and security provided by that equity stake given the torrid conditions in the UK steel industry.
Sky News revealed last month that Tata Steel had asked the government for a £500m loan to help it weather the coronavirus pandemic.
The restructuring of the company's pension liabilities generated fresh controversy when it emerged that workers at Port Talbot were being targeted by unscrupulous financial advisers.
More than 800 steelworkers were persuaded to give up their guaranteed pensions by moving out of the scheme, a subsequent mis-selling inquiry by the Financial Conduct Authority discovered.
Separate talks are ongoing about an insurance deal with the much larger BSPS, which would be worth more than £10bn.
The OBSPS, meanwhile, had assets of roughly £1.9bn as at 31 March.
Of its 31,670 members, half are deferred members and the other half pensioners drawing their retirement incomes.
The PPF said on Tuesday: "The Old British Steel Pension Scheme's better than expected funding position has opened up the possibility of it securing member benefits outside the PPF.
"At this stage it's too soon to know whether the scheme will be able to buy out or instead transfer to the PPF.
"In the meantime OBSPS members can be reassured that they remain protected by the PPF."


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: How a city in Ecuador became 'Latin America's Wuhan'

A month ago , Blanca Reyes received the call dreaded by so many .
The hospital gave her the tragic news that her father had died .
He had been diagnosed with coronavirus but it still came as a huge shock .
`` 'What ? '
I said .
'That ca n't be right , he was stable .
This was the last update you gave me ' .
And then the person continued : 'No , if you are Blanca Reyes and your father ... he died .
Please come to the hospital . '
'' Compounding her shock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed since , the hospital in Guayaquil , Ecuador , still ca n't find his body .
Despite multiple phone calls and trips to the hospital , Blanca 's been given no answers .
A death certificate has been issued but no body to bury .
Blanca speaks with quiet anger and grief about the way she has been treated .
She suspects the government is trying to cover up the extent of its failure to handle the pandemic .
`` I have some theories .
One is that they did n't tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hand over the bodies in order to hide , at the beginning , the number of COVID-19 deaths . ''
Authorities admitted to Sky News they have 120 bodies that have not been identified but could not account for bodies simply going missing in the system .
Blanca 's story is symptomatic of a complete collapse in the city where she lives in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The nightmare we have all been dreading happened here .
The government failed the people in their hour of greatest need and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed so badly that bodies were left to rot on the streets or in people 's homes .
When Cesar Galvez 's father died , local authorities were too busy to take his body .
They had to keep it in their home for three days .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' We were helpless ... no one to turn to , everything turned hard and even more for the relatives .
Imagine having there a dead body and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is tough , '' said Cesar Galvez .
The city of Guayaquil has been called Latin America 's Wuhan , after the Chinese city where the virus started .
It has been among the continent 's worst hit .
It 's thought as many as 7,000 have died in this one city alone , although official figures , which count only those who tested positive for the virus before dying , are far lower .
They are used to disposing of 50 bodies a day in normal times .
As COVID-19 ravaged the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Poverty , disorganisation , and the failure of officials to anticipate the crisis led to dystopian scenes of bodies being collected from the streets .
Blanca waits for answers and a body to bury .
She is in no doubt that the government could and should have done much more .
`` The authorities did not act on time , I believe my father got sick because there was no control at all .
The airports were not shut down on time .
`` They did not even control the temperature of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January , first in China then Italy in February .
They had two months to get ready and they did not do it . ''
Her lament will be familiar to so many , far beyond Ecuador .

A month ago, Blanca Reyes received the call dreaded by so many.
The hospital gave her the tragic news that her father had died. He had been diagnosed with coronavirus but it still came as a huge shock.
"'What?' I said. 'That can't be right, he was stable. This was the last update you gave me'. And then the person continued: 'No, if you are Blanca Reyes and your father... he died. Please come to the hospital.'"
Image: Blanca Reyes' father died - but she has not yet seen his body
Compounding her shock and grief in the weeks that have passed since, the hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador, still can't find his body.
Despite multiple phone calls and trips to the hospital, Blanca's been given no answers. A death certificate has been issued but no body to bury.
Blanca speaks with quiet anger and grief about the way she has been treated.
She suspects the government is trying to cover up the extent of its failure to handle the pandemic.
"I have some theories. One is that they didn't tell the families because they didn't want to hand over the bodies in order to hide, at the beginning, the number of COVID-19 deaths."
Authorities admitted to Sky News they have 120 bodies that have not been identified but could not account for bodies simply going missing in the system.
Advertisement
Image: Guayaquil has been called Latin America's Wuhan
Blanca's story is symptomatic of a complete collapse in the city where she lives in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The nightmare we have all been dreading happened here.
Image: People in Guayaquil, Ecuador, are pictured mourning a victim of the coronavirus outbreak
The government failed the people in their hour of greatest need and the health system was overwhelmed.
It failed so badly that bodies were left to rot on the streets or in people's homes. When Cesar Galvez's father died, local authorities were too busy to take his body. They had to keep it in their home for three days.
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 the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"We were helpless... no one to turn to, everything turned hard and even more for the relatives. Imagine having there a dead body and not being able of doing anything. It is tough," said Cesar Galvez.
The city of Guayaquil has been called Latin America's Wuhan, after the Chinese city where the virus started.
It has been among the continent's worst hit.
It's thought as many as 7,000 have died in this one city alone, although official figures, which count only those who tested positive for the virus before dying, are far lower.
They are used to disposing of 50 bodies a day in normal times. As COVID-19 ravaged the city, that number rose to 500.
Poverty, disorganisation, and the failure of officials to anticipate the crisis led to dystopian scenes of bodies being collected from the streets.
Blanca waits for answers and a body to bury. She is in no doubt that the government could and should have done much more.
Image: As many as 7,000 people in Guayaquil are thought to have died from COVID-19
"The authorities did not act on time, I believe my father got sick because there was no control at all. The airports were not shut down on time.
"They did not even control the temperature of the passengers. This was known since January, first in China then Italy in February. They had two months to get ready and they did not do it."
Her lament will be familiar to so many, far beyond Ecuador.


news--2020-05-19--Coronavirus: 'I don't know who I am anymore' - Lives shattered by the coronavirus jobs crisis

Coronavirus : ' I do n't know who I am anymore ' - Lives shattered by the coronavirus jobs crisis Coronavirus : ' I do n't know who I am anymore ' - Lives shattered by the coronavirus jobs crisis The economic consequences of coronavirus are gathering in the wake of the health emergency .
The outbreak has already upended millions of lives and left many uncertain about their future , and worse is likely to follow , with recession certain and a massive impact looming for the jobs market .
The headline job market figures from the Office of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to March , are deceptive .
They show that employment remained at a record high of nearly 77 % .
But behind that figure , which includes only a week of lockdown and lags behind the position today , are numbers that speak of a looming crisis .
A staggering 856,000 more people applied for employment benefits of some kind in April , a 67 % increase taking the total to 2.1 million .
In the same period the number of vacancies - that is positions available to fill - suffered the sharpest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the financial crisis .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker More people applying for benefits and fewer jobs for them to take instead is a grim combination that would already be worse were it not for the government support propping up employment .
The employee support furlough scheme is already paying the wages of eight million people at almost one million companies , as well as two million self-employed .
Some of that support will extend until October but when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be facing an era of mass unemployment , with social and economic consequences for millions .
Kerry Homer , from Poole , is among the first wave of the COVID unemployed .
She was the manager of two Cath Kidston shops , in Bournemouth and Southampton until , a month into lockdown , all 60 of the company 's stores were closed and she was made redundant overnight .
After 30 unbroken years working in retail , the redundancy has robbed the 48-year-old of more than her wages .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , a job , and it 's not just about the money side of it .
`` From a personality side , it takes your identity away .
It 's like you 're lost .
I do n't know who I am .
`` I was the store manager , and now I 'm Kerry .
I do n't know what I am anymore .
`` I do n't know what my job is and what it 's going to be .
`` In one way that 's exciting , but in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really scary .
`` It knocks your confidence for six , it really does .
`` I 've been so lucky my whole life , I 've always been fortunate enough to do jobs that I love , and the thought of having to take a job just because it 's a job is really scary .
`` It just turns your whole world upside down .
You spend more time at work than you do anywhere else .
And if you do n't enjoy your job ... '' The consequences of unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the young .
The Resolution Foundation estimates that a third of 16-24 year-olds have been made redundant or furloughed since the epidemic began and will face challenges for years as a result .
Many may face the prospect of debt , with charities forecasting that household and personal arrears will rise steeply in the months to come .
James Martin , who lives in Carlisle , was hoping to put years of debt behind him with a fresh start .
After working with charity Step Change to clear years of arrears , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a college lecturer to join his girlfriend in France , where they planned to run a restaurant .
Then the virus hit and the 33-year-old found himself unemployed , ineligible for furlough , and facing the prospect of borrowing to survive .
`` I 've got one last payment for work coming in .
`` From next month really my normal bills are essentially doubled because we have two houses to run , one here and one in France , where my partner is isolated , and with no income .
`` She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's closed , so we do n't have any income coming in .
`` Things are not looking very good at all .
We 're talking about a hole in finances of around about £600 a month .
`` And the only way to really solve that is by using credit cards .
I 've spoken to the landlord , he has been absolutely super , but some of the utility companies have been very difficult for any relief or any support .
`` I promised myself that I would never get into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely humiliating personally to then have to start using credit facilities to again survive , really feels like I 've come full circle . ''

The pandemic is exacting a heavy toll on livelihoods in the UK - with unemployment claims rising to more than two million.
Coronavirus: 'I don't know who I am anymore' - Lives shattered by the coronavirus jobs crisis
The economic consequences of coronavirus are gathering in the wake of the health emergency.
The outbreak has already upended millions of lives and left many uncertain about their future, and worse is likely to follow, with recession certain and a massive impact looming for the jobs market.
The headline job market figures from the Office of National Statistics, for the three months to March, are deceptive.
They show that employment remained at a record high of nearly 77%.
But behind that figure, which includes only a week of lockdown and lags behind the position today, are numbers that speak of a looming crisis.
A staggering 856,000 more people applied for employment benefits of some kind in April, a 67% increase taking the total to 2.1 million.
In the same period the number of vacancies - that is positions available to fill - suffered the sharpest fall since 2001, greater even than following the financial crisis.
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 the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
More people applying for benefits and fewer jobs for them to take instead is a grim combination that would already be worse were it not for the government support propping up employment.
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The employee support furlough scheme is already paying the wages of eight million people at almost one million companies, as well as two million self-employed.
Some of that support will extend until October but when it is withdrawn even the chancellor acknowledges we may be facing an era of mass unemployment, with social and economic consequences for millions.
Image: Kerry Homer has worked in retail for 30 years
Kerry Homer, from Poole, is among the first wave of the COVID unemployed.
She was the manager of two Cath Kidston shops, in Bournemouth and Southampton until, a month into lockdown, all 60 of the company's stores were closed and she was made redundant overnight.
After 30 unbroken years working in retail, the redundancy has robbed the 48-year-old of more than her wages.
"It's always been the biggest part of your life, a job, and it's not just about the money side of it.
"From a personality side, it takes your identity away. It's like you're lost. I don't know who I am.
"I was the store manager, and now I'm Kerry. I don't know what I am anymore.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:38 Tough time for business under lockdown rules
"I don't know what my job is and what it's going to be.
"In one way that's exciting, but in the biggest way that's really, really scary.
"It knocks your confidence for six, it really does.
"I've been so lucky my whole life, I've always been fortunate enough to do jobs that I love, and the thought of having to take a job just because it's a job is really scary.
"It just turns your whole world upside down. You spend more time at work than you do anywhere else. And if you don't enjoy your job..."
The consequences of unemployment are likely to be most severe for the young.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:04 'Going back to work puts my family at risk'
The Resolution Foundation estimates that a third of 16-24 year-olds have been made redundant or furloughed since the epidemic began and will face challenges for years as a result.
Many may face the prospect of debt, with charities forecasting that household and personal arrears will rise steeply in the months to come.
James Martin, who lives in Carlisle, was hoping to put years of debt behind him with a fresh start.
After working with charity Step Change to clear years of arrears, in January he resigned from his job as a college lecturer to join his girlfriend in France, where they planned to run a restaurant.
Image: James Martin says he faces a financial hole of £600 a month
Then the virus hit and the 33-year-old found himself unemployed, ineligible for furlough, and facing the prospect of borrowing to survive.
"I've got one last payment for work coming in.
"From next month really my normal bills are essentially doubled because we have two houses to run, one here and one in France, where my partner is isolated, and with no income.
"She is a head chef but the restaurant's closed, so we don't have any income coming in.
"Things are not looking very good at all. We're talking about a hole in finances of around about £600 a month.
"And the only way to really solve that is by using credit cards. I've spoken to the landlord, he has been absolutely super, but some of the utility companies have been very difficult for any relief or any support.
"I promised myself that I would never get into any debt.
"So it is completely humiliating personally to then have to start using credit facilities to again survive, really feels like I've come full circle."


news--2020-05-19--Big six energy firm OVO/SSE to cut 2,600 jobs in digital drive

OVO Energy , which bought the household supply business of SSE for £500m just months ago , has announced plans to slash 2,600 jobs .
The company said its integration plans , including a drive for digital and investment in a zero carbon future , had been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic .
OVO said it had initially expected the moulding of the two companies to have taken a number of years but it hoped to achieve the cuts through volunteers though it could not rule out compulsory redundancies .
The GMB union accused the company of cutting its way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects of the government 's default tariff price cap and falling wholesale energy costs .
Research by price comparison site Uswitch suggested home energy deals had fallen to their lowest since the summer of 2018 .
OVO said of the roles affected by its cuts : `` As part of the integration , the company will remove complexities and duplication by combining SSE Energy Services and OVO 's home services , lettings business , metering , commercial efforts and support functions .
`` It will continue to digitise legacy SSE processes and move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems to meet the demands of an increasingly digital consumer and a more agile workforce .
`` To accommodate these changes , and as part of a move towards more flexible working the Selkirk , Reading and Glasgow Waterloo Street office locations will be closed .
`` The employees in these sites will be able to either work from home or at an alternative office . ''
The union Unison said plans to offshore a further 700 jobs to South Africa were abandoned by the company .
Stephen Fitzpatrick , OVO 's chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very difficult day .
We have a brilliant team here and this news is n't a reflection of anyone 's work .
`` What should have been a much longer process to digitise the SSE business and integrate it with OVO has been accelerated due to the impact of the coronavirus .
`` We are seeing a rapid increase in customers using digital channels to engage with us , and in our experience , once customers start to engage differently they do not go back .
`` As a result , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for some roles , whilst other field-based roles are also heavily affected . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The GMB union accused the company of betraying its workforce .
National secretary Justin Bowden said : `` Coronavirus outbreak or not , this is a massive betrayal of promises made to workers and politicians that the sale to OVO would not result in job losses .
`` The COVID crisis and the SVT cap have affected the whole energy retail market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way out of a crisis in search of profit . ''

OVO Energy, which bought the household supply business of SSE for £500m just months ago, has announced plans to slash 2,600 jobs.
The company said its integration plans, including a drive for digital and investment in a zero carbon future, had been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
OVO said it had initially expected the moulding of the two companies to have taken a number of years but it hoped to achieve the cuts through volunteers though it could not rule out compulsory redundancies.
Image: SSE's retail division became part of OVO in January
The GMB union accused the company of cutting its way to profitability as the industry suffers the effects of the government's default tariff price cap and falling wholesale energy costs.
Research by price comparison site Uswitch suggested home energy deals had fallen to their lowest since the summer of 2018.
OVO said of the roles affected by its cuts: "As part of the integration, the company will remove complexities and duplication by combining SSE Energy Services and OVO's home services, lettings business, metering, commercial efforts and support functions.
"It will continue to digitise legacy SSE processes and move the business onto a common set of systems to meet the demands of an increasingly digital consumer and a more agile workforce.
"To accommodate these changes, and as part of a move towards more flexible working the Selkirk, Reading and Glasgow Waterloo Street office locations will be closed.
"The employees in these sites will be able to either work from home or at an alternative office."
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The union Unison said plans to offshore a further 700 jobs to South Africa were abandoned by the company.
Image: OVO is now the second-biggest player by customer numbers in the UK household energy supply market
Stephen Fitzpatrick, OVO's chief executive, said: "Today is a very difficult day. We have a brilliant team here and this news isn't a reflection of anyone's work.
"What should have been a much longer process to digitise the SSE business and integrate it with OVO has been accelerated due to the impact of the coronavirus.
"We are seeing a rapid increase in customers using digital channels to engage with us, and in our experience, once customers start to engage differently they do not go back.
"As a result, we are expecting a permanent reduction in demand for some roles, whilst other field-based roles are also heavily affected."
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The GMB union accused the company of betraying its workforce.
National secretary Justin Bowden said: "Coronavirus outbreak or not, this is a massive betrayal of promises made to workers and politicians that the sale to OVO would not result in job losses.
"The COVID crisis and the SVT cap have affected the whole energy retail market but you cannot just cut your way out of a crisis in search of profit."


news--2020-04-29--Coronavirus: The last places on Earth which have no reported COVID-19 cases

There are still 32 countries and territories across the world which have not yet reported a single case of the novel coronavirus .
Many are small , hard-to-reach island nations in the Pacific such as Nauru , Kiribati and the Solomon Islands .
Others include Comoros , Lesotho , and Turkmenistan .
Several of these nations are some of the least-populated places in the world .
There have been more than three million cases of coronavirus across the world , and 215 countries and territories recognised by the United Nations have seen at least one case of COVID-19 .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - when the virus spreads within the community .
There have been deaths in at least 166 of them .
All countries in North America and the Middle East have had at least one COVID-19 case .
Just because a nation has not reported any infections , it does not necessarily mean there have been no cases .
North Korea has not reported any coronavirus cases , but it borders China , Russia and South Korea , which have all reported high levels of infection .
The secretive state relies heavily on propaganda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Five countries and territories say they have managed to eradicate the virus .
These are Anguilla , Greenland , the Caribbean islands of St Barts and Saint Lucia , and Yemen .
Each says they do not have any currently active infections and have reported no deaths , despite previously recording cases .
Other countries say they have managed to dramatically reduce the number of new cases .
On Wednesday , China 's National Health Commission reported 22 new cases on the mainland , 21 of which came from abroad .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even thousands of daily new cases being tallied until early March .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker New Zealand , which has recorded 1,474 cases , has celebrated a victory over the virus and said it is well on its way to `` elimination '' .
On Monday , it reported just one new case of the virus and has begun relaxing its strict lockdown .
Other countries which have started to ease some lockdown restrictions include Spain , Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Spain , which had imposed some of the strictest lockdown measures in Europe , children have been allowed one hour of daily outdoor exercise , while the rest of the country will be allowed to leave the home for short walks or exercise from 2 May .
Germany , which began easing restrictions on 20 April , is facing the prospect of having to restore stricter measures as its number and rate of infections grew again .
The country had allowed some retailers to reopen after seeing a decrease in cases .

There are still 32 countries and territories across the world which have not yet reported a single case of the novel coronavirus.
Many are small, hard-to-reach island nations in the Pacific such as Nauru, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands.
Others include Comoros, Lesotho, and Turkmenistan. Several of these nations are some of the least-populated places in the world.
There have been more than three million cases of coronavirus across the world, and 215 countries and territories recognised by the United Nations have seen at least one case of COVID-19.
Some 191 of these have experienced local transmission - when the virus spreads within the community.
There have been deaths in at least 166 of them.
All countries in North America and the Middle East have had at least one COVID-19 case.
Just because a nation has not reported any infections, it does not necessarily mean there have been no cases.
North Korea has not reported any coronavirus cases, but it borders China, Russia and South Korea, which have all reported high levels of infection.
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The secretive state relies heavily on propaganda and reveals little to the outside world.
Five countries and territories say they have managed to eradicate the virus.
These are Anguilla, Greenland, the Caribbean islands of St Barts and Saint Lucia, and Yemen.
Each says they do not have any currently active infections and have reported no deaths, despite previously recording cases.
Other countries say they have managed to dramatically reduce the number of new cases.
On Wednesday, China's National Health Commission reported 22 new cases on the mainland, 21 of which came from abroad.
This is a sharp decline from the hundreds and even thousands of daily new cases being tallied until early March.
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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New Zealand, which has recorded 1,474 cases, has celebrated a victory over the virus and said it is well on its way to "elimination".
On Monday, it reported just one new case of the virus and has begun relaxing its strict lockdown.
Other countries which have started to ease some lockdown restrictions include Spain, Germany, Hungary, Cyprus and Norway.
In Spain, which had imposed some of the strictest lockdown measures in Europe, children have been allowed one hour of daily outdoor exercise, while the rest of the country will be allowed to leave the home for short walks or exercise from 2 May.
Germany, which began easing restrictions on 20 April, is facing the prospect of having to restore stricter measures as its number and rate of infections grew again.
The country had allowed some retailers to reopen after seeing a decrease in cases.


news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Apple changes Face ID so users don't have to remove masks

Apple has quietly introduced a new change to its Face ID feature so people wearing masks during the coronavirus pandemic do n't have to remove them to unlock their phones .
Face ID was introduced with the iPhone X , allowing users to unlock their iPhones using only their facial image instead of a fingerprint or a password .
However the face masks which have become so prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic are obscuring many of the details the iPhone uses to confirm identities .
Now , instead of fumbling around with the phone to try and access the passcode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ID fails to recognise a face multiple times - Apple is detecting if people are wearing a mask and automatically jumping them there .
This is n't the only feature with Apple is working on to tackle the coronavirus pandemic .
In a rare collaboration with Google , the technology giants are updating the iOS and Android mobile operating systems so they can use Bluetooth in the background and register when they come within close proximity of another mobile phone .
This feature will be essential for digital contact-tracing apps which will automatically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with and then alert them if one of those people turns out to be infected with the virus .
The company has also recently revealed its long-awaited cheaper device , the iPhone SE , bringing back the look of the iPhone 8 in red , white and black .
Reports had suggested that Apple 's plans to increase iPhone production and launch a cheaper model could be disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak .
Apple 's quarterly financial results will be announced on Thursday .
The company previously warned investors it would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of the outbreak on production and sales in China .

Apple has quietly introduced a new change to its Face ID feature so people wearing masks during the coronavirus pandemic don't have to remove them to unlock their phones.
Face ID was introduced with the iPhone X, allowing users to unlock their iPhones using only their facial image instead of a fingerprint or a password.
However the face masks which have become so prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic are obscuring many of the details the iPhone uses to confirm identities.
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
Now, instead of fumbling around with the phone to try and access the passcode screen - which usually happens after Face ID fails to recognise a face multiple times - Apple is detecting if people are wearing a mask and automatically jumping them there.
This isn't the only feature with Apple is working on to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
In a rare collaboration with Google, the technology giants are updating the iOS and Android mobile operating systems so they can use Bluetooth in the background and register when they come within close proximity of another mobile phone.
This feature will be essential for digital contact-tracing apps which will automatically record who people had been in close contact with and then alert them if one of those people turns out to be infected with the virus.
The company has also recently revealed its long-awaited cheaper device, the iPhone SE, bringing back the look of the iPhone 8 in red, white and black.
Reports had suggested that Apple's plans to increase iPhone production and launch a cheaper model could be disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak.
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Apple's quarterly financial results will be announced on Thursday.
The company previously warned investors it would not meet its financial targets due to the impact of the outbreak on production and sales in China.


news--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: Markets surge after US retail bounce and UK drug trial results

Global stock markets have rallied after a record rise in US retail sales and `` breakthrough '' results in a COVID-19 drug trial .
The double boost helped build on positive investor sentiment after the US central bank said it was stepping up its efforts to keep lending markets running smoothly , following earlier jitters over a second wave of coronavirus infections .
The FTSE 100 ended nearly 3 % , or 180 points , higher while in New York the Dow Jones Industrial Average finished 2 % up .
US data showed a better-than-expected 17.7 % rise in retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the world 's biggest economy would see a `` V-shaped '' bounce-back in activity from the coronavirus-driven recession .
Meanwhile , data showed reduced COVID-19 death rates in a UK trial of a generic steroid drug hailed as a `` breakthrough '' by scientists .
Reacting to the stock market rally , Jennifer Lee , a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets , said : `` This may very well be the shortest , but still deepest , recession ever . ''
Not all were so optimistic , however - notably Jerome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reserve .
He said that until the public is confident the disease has been contained , `` a full recovery is unlikely '' .
The chairman warned that a prolonged downturn could inflict severe harm especially to low-income workers who have been hit hardest .
Stock market values have been knocked over the past week over fears of a second wave of coronavirus infections - first in the US and latterly in China .
But a sell-off on Monday was brought to an end when the US Federal Reserve said it would begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bonds as part of its pandemic commitments .
That helped Wall Street recover and end the day positively , and the momentum extended into overnight trading in Asia .
News on Tuesday that Japan 's central bank was to maintain its lending-friendly conditions also helped Asian stock markets put on weight with the Nikkei in Tokyo closing almost 5 % higher .
Markets in London , Paris and Frankfurt picked up the baton , and developments from the US retail sector as well as the UK trial buoyed sentiment still further .
Analysts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News report that the Trump administration was preparing to announce details of a possible new stimulus package to support the economic recovery ahead .
Fed chairman Mr Powell told reporters last week that US interest rates could be at their current low right through 2022 as part of its support .
In fresh comments on Tuesday , Mr Powell warned that the US economy faces a deep downturn with `` significant uncertainty '' about the timing and strength of a recovery .
He cautioned that the longer the recession lasts , the worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the job market and businesses .
But he stressed that the Fed is committed to using all its financial tools to cushion the economic damage from the coronavirus .
Neil Wilson , chief market analyst at Markets.com , said of the moves : `` The Fed is stepping things up after its statement last week left investors more than a little concerned about the pace of recovery .
`` The move suggests that the Fed , as was clear last week , is worried about the economy enduring a protracted downturn .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be mulling a $ 1tn infrastructure plan to stimulate the economy .
`` The two horsemen of risk sentiment recovery - monetary and fiscal stimulus - riding to the rescue again . ''

Global stock markets have rallied after a record rise in US retail sales and "breakthrough" results in a COVID-19 drug trial.
The double boost helped build on positive investor sentiment after the US central bank said it was stepping up its efforts to keep lending markets running smoothly, following earlier jitters over a second wave of coronavirus infections.
The FTSE 100 ended nearly 3%, or 180 points, higher while in New York the Dow Jones Industrial Average finished 2% up.
US data showed a better-than-expected 17.7% rise in retail sales in May, adding to hopes that the world's biggest economy would see a "V-shaped" bounce-back in activity from the coronavirus-driven recession.
Meanwhile, data showed reduced COVID-19 death rates in a UK trial of a generic steroid drug hailed as a "breakthrough" by scientists.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 US consumers 'are going out spending money'
Reacting to the stock market rally, Jennifer Lee, a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, said: "This may very well be the shortest, but still deepest, recession ever."
Not all were so optimistic, however - notably Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve.
He said that until the public is confident the disease has been contained, "a full recovery is unlikely".
The chairman warned that a prolonged downturn could inflict severe harm especially to low-income workers who have been hit hardest.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 Is 'bath tub-shaped' recovery on the way?
Stock market values have been knocked over the past week over fears of a second wave of coronavirus infections - first in the US and latterly in China.
But a sell-off on Monday was brought to an end when the US Federal Reserve said it would begin buying a broad spread of individual corporate bonds as part of its pandemic commitments.
That helped Wall Street recover and end the day positively, and the momentum extended into overnight trading in Asia.
News on Tuesday that Japan's central bank was to maintain its lending-friendly conditions also helped Asian stock markets put on weight with the Nikkei in Tokyo closing almost 5% higher.
Markets in London, Paris and Frankfurt picked up the baton, and developments from the US retail sector as well as the UK trial buoyed sentiment still further.
Analysts also cited additional support from a Bloomberg News report that the Trump administration was preparing to announce details of a possible new stimulus package to support the economic recovery ahead.
Fed chairman Mr Powell told reporters last week that US interest rates could be at their current low right through 2022 as part of its support.
In fresh comments on Tuesday, Mr Powell warned that the US economy faces a deep downturn with "significant uncertainty" about the timing and strength of a recovery.
He cautioned that the longer the recession lasts, the worse the damage that would be inflicted on the job market and businesses.
But he stressed that the Fed is committed to using all its financial tools to cushion the economic damage from the coronavirus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 'We see signs of economy coming back to life'
Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com, said of the moves: "The Fed is stepping things up after its statement last week left investors more than a little concerned about the pace of recovery.
"The move suggests that the Fed, as was clear last week, is worried about the economy enduring a protracted downturn.
"Meanwhile the White House is again said to be mulling a $1tn infrastructure plan to stimulate the economy.
"The two horsemen of risk sentiment recovery - monetary and fiscal stimulus - riding to the rescue again."


news--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: What is the 'breakthrough' treatment dexamethasone - and what are its side-effects?

The discovery of the common steroid dexamethasone as a treatment for coronavirus has been hailed as a `` major breakthrough '' .
Having been available for decades , it is relatively cheap and readily available .
But what is the drug 's history , what did research around its effectiveness in COVID-19 patients actually find , and what are its possible side-effects ?
Sky News looks at the drug Boris Johnson hailed as `` cause to celebrate '' , and the professor leading the trial called `` quite remarkable '' .
What is dexamethasone and what has it been used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ widely used steroid drug , known as a corticosteroid , which works to reduce inflammation .
In use since the early 1960s , it treats a range of conditions , including rheumatoid arthritis and asthma .
The drug can work to prevent the immune system from destroying blood platelets in people with blood disorders and is also used in end-of-life care People with a brain tumour may also be prescribed dexamethasone to reduce swelling around the tumour .
What did the study on coronavirus patients find ?
A total of 2,104 patients received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mouth or intravenous injection for 10 days .
Researchers then compared their outcomes with those of a control group of 4,321 patients .
They found that - over a 28-day period - the death rate among patients requiring ventilation was 41 % , and for those needing oxygen it was 25 % .
The figure was 13 % among those not requiring respiratory intervention .
However , there was no change in deaths among patients who did not require respiratory support .
How much does it cost ?
It is relatively cheap , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course of treatment for eight people seriously ill with coronavirus at £40 .
Dexamethasone is also available globally at cheap prices , allowing lower income countries to benefit .
What are the potential side-effects ?
The UK 's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ( NICE ) lists the following conditions as common or very common side-effects of all corticosteroids , including dexamethasone : : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Further warnings around side-effects centre on increased risks associated with prolonged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the case with patients suffering from COVID-19 .
However , those taking corticosteroids are advised to take special care to avoid exposure to chicken pox - unless they have previously had the illness - and measles , both of which are believed to place a patient at greater risk .
The NICE guidance also says systemic corticosteroids , particularly in high doses , are linked to `` psychiatric reactions including euphoria , insomnia , irritability , mood lability , suicidal thoughts , and behavioural disturbances '' .

The discovery of the common steroid dexamethasone as a treatment for coronavirus has been hailed as a "major breakthrough".
Having been available for decades, it is relatively cheap and readily available.
But what is the drug's history, what did research around its effectiveness in COVID-19 patients actually find, and what are its possible side-effects?
Sky News looks at the drug Boris Johnson hailed as "cause to celebrate", and the professor leading the trial called "quite remarkable".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:51 'COVID-19 drug breakthrough is cause to celebrate'
What is dexamethasone and what has it been used for until now?
It is a widely used steroid drug, known as a corticosteroid, which works to reduce inflammation.
In use since the early 1960s, it treats a range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.
The drug can work to prevent the immune system from destroying blood platelets in people with blood disorders and is also used in end-of-life care
People with a brain tumour may also be prescribed dexamethasone to reduce swelling around the tumour.
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Image: Dexamethasone is used in the treatment of many conditions
What did the study on coronavirus patients find?
A total of 2,104 patients received 6mg of dexamethasone once a day by mouth or intravenous injection for 10 days.
Researchers then compared their outcomes with those of a control group of 4,321 patients.
They found that - over a 28-day period - the death rate among patients requiring ventilation was 41%, and for those needing oxygen it was 25%.
The figure was 13% among those not requiring respiratory intervention.
However, there was no change in deaths among patients who did not require respiratory support.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 Drug saves 'one in eight' COVID patients in intensive care
How much does it cost?
It is relatively cheap, with researchers putting the cost of a course of treatment for eight people seriously ill with coronavirus at £40.
Dexamethasone is also available globally at cheap prices, allowing lower income countries to benefit.
Image: There is not yet a vaccine for COVID-19
What are the potential side-effects?
The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) lists the following conditions as common or very common side-effects of all corticosteroids, including dexamethasone:
Anxiety; behaviour abnormal; cataract subcapsular; cognitive impairment; Cushing's syndrome; electrolyte imbalance; fatigue; fluid retention; gastrointestinal discomfort; headache; healing impaired; hirsutism; hypertension; increased risk of infection; menstrual cycle irregularities; mood altered; nausea; osteoporosis; peptic ulcer; psychotic disorder; skin reactions; sleep disorders; weight increase.
More uncommon side-effects include increased appetite, eye disorders, heart failure, seizure, tuberculosis reactivation and vertigo.
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 the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Further warnings around side-effects centre on increased risks associated with prolonged therapy with corticosteroids, which is unlikely to be the case with patients suffering from COVID-19.
However, those taking corticosteroids are advised to take special care to avoid exposure to chicken pox - unless they have previously had the illness - and measles, both of which are believed to place a patient at greater risk.
The NICE guidance also says systemic corticosteroids, particularly in high doses, are linked to "psychiatric reactions including euphoria, insomnia, irritability, mood lability, suicidal thoughts, and behavioural disturbances".


news--2020-06-16--Coronavirus: US airlines threaten to ban passengers who refuse to wear masks

Passengers could be barred from flying with US airlines if they refuse to wear face coverings during their journey , the industry 's main lobby group said .
The airlines , which include American Airlines and Delta Air Lines , will tell passengers what their individual face mask policies are is during the coronavirus pandemic .
Each carrier will decide what the repercussions are for passengers who fail to comply , including being put on that airline 's no-fly list or being barred from boarding .
There will be exemptions , including when people are eating or drinking .
Carriers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , Hawaiian Airlines , JetBlue Airways , Southwest Airlines and United Airlines , lobby group Airlines for America said in a statement .
United said those who do not comply with the rule will be placed on an internal travel restriction list , preventing them from flying with the airline for a set time period .
Delta said it would be working hard to ensure customers are aware of and comply with the rules around face coverings .
The measures are expected to remain in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has not mandated any airline safety requirements .
Sara Nelson , president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA , said : `` The federal government has completely abdicated its responsibility to keep the flying public and aviation workers safe during COVID-19 . ''
She added : `` The industry alone can not fix this . ''

Passengers could be barred from flying with US airlines if they refuse to wear face coverings during their journey, the industry's main lobby group said.
The airlines, which include American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, will tell passengers what their individual face mask policies are is during the coronavirus pandemic.
Each carrier will decide what the repercussions are for passengers who fail to comply, including being put on that airline's no-fly list or being barred from boarding.
Image: Before now the use of face masks has not been mandatory on a number of US airlines
There will be exemptions, including when people are eating or drinking.
Carriers with the stricter policy include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, lobby group Airlines for America said in a statement.
United said those who do not comply with the rule will be placed on an internal travel restriction list, preventing them from flying with the airline for a set time period.
Delta said it would be working hard to ensure customers are aware of and comply with the rules around face coverings.
The measures are expected to remain in place throughout the coronavirus crisis.
The US government has not mandated any airline safety requirements.
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Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, said: "The federal government has completely abdicated its responsibility to keep the flying public and aviation workers safe during COVID-19."
She added: "The industry alone cannot fix this."


news--2020-06-16--EU launches two investigations into Apple

Europe 's competition watchdog has launched two investigations into Apple - including the way it limits the use of the contactless payment function on iPhones .
The European Commission said it was looking into the US tech giant 's Apple Pay platform as well as its mobile app store .
It said there were concerns that the company 's practices hurt consumers by limiting choice and innovation and keeping prices high .
The commission is looking at whether Apple Pay 's rules require online stores to make it the preferred or default option - effectively shutting out rival payment systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` tap and go '' function of Apple 's iPhone handsets being reserved for the use of the Apple Pay platform .
EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager said it came at a time when growth in mobile payment systems was accelerating due to the coronavirus crisis increasing online transactions and contactless payments in-store .
`` It is important that Apple 's measures do not deny consumers the benefits of new payment technologies , including better choice , quality , innovation and competitive prices , '' she said .
`` I have therefore decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's practices regarding Apple Pay and their impact on competition . ''
The EU 's investigation into the app store will look at concerns that Apple forces developers to use the company 's own in-app purchasing system - which charges them a 30 % commission .
Rules also restrict app developers from telling iPhone and iPad users about other ways to pay for digital services such as music and e-books , which are usually cheaper , the commission said .
The app store investigation follows a complaint from rival Spotify and an e-book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ store 's rules on competition .
Ms Vestager said : `` It appears that Apple obtained a 'gatekeeper ' role when it comes to the distribution of apps and content to users of Apple 's popular devices . ''
Apple said : `` It 's disappointing the European Commission is advancing baseless complaints from a handful of companies who simply want a free ride , and do n't want to play by the same rules as everyone else . ''
Spotify welcomed the EU 's investigation , accusing Apple of creating an `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of choice .

Europe's competition watchdog has launched two investigations into Apple - including the way it limits the use of the contactless payment function on iPhones.
The European Commission said it was looking into the US tech giant's Apple Pay platform as well as its mobile app store.
It said there were concerns that the company's practices hurt consumers by limiting choice and innovation and keeping prices high.
Apple dismissed the complaints as "baseless".
Image: Growth in mobile payments has accelerated due to the coronavirus crisis, the EU said
The commission is looking at whether Apple Pay's rules require online stores to make it the preferred or default option - effectively shutting out rival payment systems.
It is also concerned about the "tap and go" function of Apple's iPhone handsets being reserved for the use of the Apple Pay platform.
EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager said it came at a time when growth in mobile payment systems was accelerating due to the coronavirus crisis increasing online transactions and contactless payments in-store.
"It is important that Apple's measures do not deny consumers the benefits of new payment technologies, including better choice, quality, innovation and competitive prices," she said.
"I have therefore decided to take a close look at Apple's practices regarding Apple Pay and their impact on competition."
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Image: EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager launched the investigations
The EU's investigation into the app store will look at concerns that Apple forces developers to use the company's own in-app purchasing system - which charges them a 30% commission.
Rules also restrict app developers from telling iPhone and iPad users about other ways to pay for digital services such as music and e-books, which are usually cheaper, the commission said.
The app store investigation follows a complaint from rival Spotify and an e-book distributor on the impact of the app store's rules on competition.
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Ms Vestager said: "It appears that Apple obtained a 'gatekeeper' role when it comes to the distribution of apps and content to users of Apple's popular devices."
Apple said: "It's disappointing the European Commission is advancing baseless complaints from a handful of companies who simply want a free ride, and don't want to play by the same rules as everyone else."
Spotify welcomed the EU's investigation, accusing Apple of creating an "unlevel playing field" and depriving consumers of choice.


news--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: How do you lock down an entire country like Italy?

Italy 's prime minister has placed the entire country on lockdown in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
Giuseppe Conte said the strict measures would be extended to the whole country on Tuesday - some 60 million people - after parts of northern Italy were shut down earlier .
The measures , which he described as `` I stay home '' , mean people will only be permitted to travel for work or family emergencies .
There is already some confusion over what Italian citizens will still be allowed to do .
But what do these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Mr Conte said public transport would remain operational and airports and train stations would stay open .
Tourists will be allowed to return home , but those departing and arriving on flights will have to justify their movements .
Under the previous lockdown affecting only the north , travellers at train stations had to sign police forms to say they were travelling for `` proven work needs '' , situations of necessity , health reasons or to return home .
People have had their temperatures checked at train stations .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether drivers are complying with the movement restrictions .
At some ports , cruise ships have been forbidden to dock .
Checks were earlier introduced for cruise ship passengers arriving in Venice , who were not allowed to disembark to visit the city .
Bars and restaurants are only permitted to open between 6am to 6pm .
They must also be able to guarantee customers are at least one metre apart .
Businesses will be closed if they do not adhere to the rules .
Shops can remain open if they are able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers .
Food stores are allowed to remain open at all hours .
On Monday evening , Sky News Italia reported many people had rushed to supermarkets across Italy following the prime minister 's announcement .
Large and medium-sized shopping centres and markets have been told to close at weekends .
All sports events and competitions have been cancelled until 3 April at the earliest .
Mr Conte also said gyms would be closed .
Schools and universities will be closed until 3 April .
Some schools in the north and centre of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen on 16 March , but the closures have now been extended .
All outdoor gatherings have been banned , and events including religious activities , fairs and sports are suspended .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Pope Francis celebrated morning Mass by himself in the chapel of the Vatican hotel where he lives , with the mass live-streamed instead .
Mr Conte also warned young people should not gather at pubs and bars , saying : `` We can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of meeting , which become occasions of contagion . ''
All weddings have been suspended until 3 April .
Across Italy , museums and archaeological sites have been closed .
Ski lifts have also been closed after students whose classes were cancelled began booking trips to ski resorts .
Cinemas and theatres have shut too .
All visits to prisons have been suspended .
The containment measures caused riots at prisons across the country , leading to the deaths of six inmates .
People accompanying patients to A & E units are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting rooms without permission .
Leave for healthcare workers has been cancelled .
Are you a British citizen stuck in northern Italy ?
Get in touch with your story :

Italy's prime minister has placed the entire country on lockdown in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Giuseppe Conte said the strict measures would be extended to the whole country on Tuesday - some 60 million people - after parts of northern Italy were shut down earlier.
The measures, which he described as "I stay home", mean people will only be permitted to travel for work or family emergencies.
There is already some confusion over what Italian citizens will still be allowed to do.
But what do these measures mean for different aspects of life?
Public transport
Mr Conte said public transport would remain operational and airports and train stations would stay open.
Tourists will be allowed to return home, but those departing and arriving on flights will have to justify their movements.
Under the previous lockdown affecting only the north, travellers at train stations had to sign police forms to say they were travelling for "proven work needs", situations of necessity, health reasons or to return home.
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Image: Police officers make checks at Milan's main train station
People have had their temperatures checked at train stations.
Cars
On the main roads, police have been checking whether drivers are complying with the movement restrictions.
Image: Military police check documents in San Fiorano, southeast of Milan
Cruise ships
At some ports, cruise ships have been forbidden to dock.
Checks were earlier introduced for cruise ship passengers arriving in Venice, who were not allowed to disembark to visit the city.
Restaurants
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:02 Italy coronavirus: Living in lockdown
Bars and restaurants are only permitted to open between 6am to 6pm.
They must also be able to guarantee customers are at least one metre apart.
Businesses will be closed if they do not adhere to the rules.
Shops
Shops can remain open if they are able to guarantee the one-metre safety distance for customers.
Food stores are allowed to remain open at all hours.
On Monday evening, Sky News Italia reported many people had rushed to supermarkets across Italy following the prime minister's announcement.
Large and medium-sized shopping centres and markets have been told to close at weekends.
Sports events
All sports events and competitions have been cancelled until 3 April at the earliest.
Image: A cleaner sanitises seats at the San Paolo stadium
This includes Serie A football matches.
Mr Conte also said gyms would be closed.
Schools
Schools and universities will be closed until 3 April.
Some schools in the north and centre of Italy had already been closed and expected to reopen on 16 March, but the closures have now been extended.
Social gatherings
All outdoor gatherings have been banned, and events including religious activities, fairs and sports are suspended.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Pope Francis celebrated morning Mass by himself in the chapel of the Vatican hotel where he lives, with the mass live-streamed instead.
Mr Conte also warned young people should not gather at pubs and bars, saying: "We cannot allow ourselves any more these occasions of meeting, which become occasions of contagion."
All weddings have been suspended until 3 April.
Leisure activities
Across Italy, museums and archaeological sites have been closed.
Ski lifts have also been closed after students whose classes were cancelled began booking trips to ski resorts.
Cinemas and theatres have shut too.
Prisons
All visits to prisons have been suspended.
The containment measures caused riots at prisons across the country, leading to the deaths of six inmates.
Image: Several inmates at a jail in Milan climbed onto the roof
Health sector
People accompanying patients to A&E units are not allowed to stay with them in the waiting rooms without permission.
Leave for healthcare workers has been cancelled.
Virus Outbreak: Global Emergency - Watch a special Sky News programme on coronavirus at 6pm weekdays
Virus Outbreak: Your questions answered #AskSkyNews at 12.30pm weekdays
Are you a British citizen stuck in northern Italy? Get in touch with your story:
:: WhatsApp - 07583 000853
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news--2020-03-10--Budget 2020: What should we expect from Rishi Sunak?

Chancellor Rishi Sunak will reveal his first budget on Wednesday after just 27 days in the job .
But what is he expected to announce ?
And what else should you be looking out for ?
The global coronavirus outbreak , which has seen stock markets crash and countries such as Italy place their entire population into quarantine , has naturally dominated the build-up to the budget .
The chancellor has promised to `` give the NHS whatever it needs '' in response to COVID-19 , while he is also expected to set out measures to support affected businesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a change to rules on sick pay , but Mr Sunak is under pressure to go further and help low earners and those who are self-employed .
The coronavirus crisis came shortly after many parts of the UK were struck by severe flooding , leading to criticism of the prime minister 's response .
Mr Sunak will use the budget to announce a doubling of spending on flood defences - an increase from £2.6bn to £5.2bn between 2015 and 2021 .
A £2.5bn fund for fixing up to 50 million potholes over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrastructure projects will also get a boost with the announcement that capital spending will increase from £500bn to £600bn in the next five years .
The Treasury is promising to triple the average net investment seen over the past 40 years .
This will put public investment at the highest levels in real terms since 1955 .
The chancellor will reportedly raise the employment allowance from £3,000 to £4,000 , meaning firms will not have to pay employer national insurance contributions on the first £4,000 of their annual bill .
The action for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manifesto before the general election .
The Federation of Small Businesses has welcomed the move at a time when firms will face an increase in the minimum wage from next month .
Another change on national insurance will see firms who employ military veterans pay no national insurance contributions for the first year of their work .
Mr Sunak will seek to fulfil a further Conservative manifesto promise by confirming a £5bn investment to roll out faster broadband across the UK by 2025 .
The Tories have pledged to bring full fibre and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Britain within five years .
The chancellor is also expected to announce a £1bn deal with the mobile phone industry to boost 4G coverage .
The chancellor will scrap VAT on women 's sanitary products , in a move being celebrated by `` tampon tax '' campaigners .
There is currently a 5 % levy on women 's sanitary products , which ministers have said they were prevented from removing due to EU rules on VAT .
Under the plans , VAT on sanitary products will be abolished from 1 January 2021.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Sunak is reportedly preparing a £5bn package of loans to encourage investment in UK exporters , with it hoped the money will encourage green growth and boost the defence industry .
Extra cash is being pledged by Mr Sunak to toughen measures for criminals on probation .
More sophisticated electronic tags , for those released from prison half-way through their sentences , will monitor location and also analyse if alcohol has been drunk by measuring samples of skin sweat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also pay for the tightening of curfews and increasing the hours of unpaid work that those undertaking community service need to carry out .
Mr Sunak will spend £10m to curb domestic abuse by tackling `` high-risk , high-harm perpetrators '' through early action and using one-to-one interventions .
A further £5m will be used to trial a new domestic abuse court .
The chancellor will also spend £15m to improve the court process for victims of rape and sexual abuse .
That money will go on hiring independent sexual advisers who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the justice system .
A planned memorial in Southampton to commemorate the Spitfire is to receive a £3m grant from the government .
This year is the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain .
Mr Sunak is set to spend £30m on new fully accessible public toilets - with specialist equipment such as an adult-sized changing bench and a hoist system - as well as making such facilities compulsory in new public buildings by the end of the year .
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR The chancellor will be looking at ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through tax changes .
In the days before the budget , a group of Conservative MPs warned Mr Sunak not to hike fuel duty as they urged him to show they are a `` government for workers '' .
Despite fuel duty having been frozen since 2010 , it has been reported the chancellor could move to end the long freeze as part of measures to help the UK meet climate change targets .
Mr Sunak could also help fund his spending pledges by axing higher-rate pension tax relief , which has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been estimated this could generate an annual saving for the Treasury of £10bn .
The Conservative manifesto promised to `` review and reform '' entrepreneurs ' relief , which cuts the amount of capital gains tax paid when business owners sell their firms .
It was set up in a bid to encourage people to start businesses , but it has been suggested Mr Sunak might bring entreperneurs ' relief to an end on the grounds that it disproportionately helps richer people in the South of England .
However , others have argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North than in London and should be kept .
In the Conservative manifesto , the party promised they would stick to a number of fiscal rules .
This included not borrowing to fund day-to-day spending , ensuring public sector net investment averages no more than 3 % of GDP , and to reassess spending if debt interest reaches 6 % of revenue .
The Tories also promised that debt would be lower at the end of this parliament , in 2024 .
Ex-chancellor Sajid Javid drew up the rules but , following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has hinted he could make them more flexible .

Chancellor Rishi Sunak will reveal his first budget on Wednesday after just 27 days in the job. But what is he expected to announce? And what else should you be looking out for?
WHAT IS EXPECTED?
Coronavirus
The global coronavirus outbreak, which has seen stock markets crash and countries such as Italy place their entire population into quarantine, has naturally dominated the build-up to the budget.
The chancellor has promised to "give the NHS whatever it needs" in response to COVID-19, while he is also expected to set out measures to support affected businesses.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already announced a change to rules on sick pay, but Mr Sunak is under pressure to go further and help low earners and those who are self-employed.
Floods
The coronavirus crisis came shortly after many parts of the UK were struck by severe flooding, leading to criticism of the prime minister's response.
Mr Sunak will use the budget to announce a doubling of spending on flood defences - an increase from £2.6bn to £5.2bn between 2015 and 2021.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 18:00 Chancellor Rishi Sunak talks budget, coronavirus and Nando's
Potholes
A £2.5bn fund for fixing up to 50 million potholes over the next five years is expected.
Infrastructure
Bigger infrastructure projects will also get a boost with the announcement that capital spending will increase from £500bn to £600bn in the next five years.
The Treasury is promising to triple the average net investment seen over the past 40 years.
This will put public investment at the highest levels in real terms since 1955.
National insurance
The chancellor will reportedly raise the employment allowance from £3,000 to £4,000, meaning firms will not have to pay employer national insurance contributions on the first £4,000 of their annual bill.
The action for small businesses was promised in the Conservative manifesto before the general election.
The Federation of Small Businesses has welcomed the move at a time when firms will face an increase in the minimum wage from next month.
Military veterans
Another change on national insurance will see firms who employ military veterans pay no national insurance contributions for the first year of their work.
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
Broadband
Mr Sunak will seek to fulfil a further Conservative manifesto promise by confirming a £5bn investment to roll out faster broadband across the UK by 2025.
The Tories have pledged to bring full fibre and gigabit-capable broadband to every home and business in Britain within five years.
The chancellor is also expected to announce a £1bn deal with the mobile phone industry to boost 4G coverage.
'Tampon tax'
The chancellor will scrap VAT on women's sanitary products, in a move being celebrated by "tampon tax" campaigners.
There is currently a 5% levy on women's sanitary products, which ministers have said they were prevented from removing due to EU rules on VAT.
Under the plans, VAT on sanitary products will be abolished from 1 January 2021.
:: Listen to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Exports
Mr Sunak is reportedly preparing a £5bn package of loans to encourage investment in UK exporters, with it hoped the money will encourage green growth and boost the defence industry.
Criminal probation
Extra cash is being pledged by Mr Sunak to toughen measures for criminals on probation.
More sophisticated electronic tags, for those released from prison half-way through their sentences, will monitor location and also analyse if alcohol has been drunk by measuring samples of skin sweat every 30 minutes.
The investment will also pay for the tightening of curfews and increasing the hours of unpaid work that those undertaking community service need to carry out.
Domestic abuse
Mr Sunak will spend £10m to curb domestic abuse by tackling "high-risk, high-harm perpetrators" through early action and using one-to-one interventions.
A further £5m will be used to trial a new domestic abuse court.
The chancellor will also spend £15m to improve the court process for victims of rape and sexual abuse.
That money will go on hiring independent sexual advisers who are trained to guide and support victims through the justice system.
Spitfire memorial
A planned memorial in Southampton to commemorate the Spitfire is to receive a £3m grant from the government.
This year is the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
Image: This year is the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain
Public toilets
Mr Sunak is set to spend £30m on new fully accessible public toilets - with specialist equipment such as an adult-sized changing bench and a hoist system - as well as making such facilities compulsory in new public buildings by the end of the year.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Fuel duty
The chancellor will be looking at ways to fund his spending pledges, perhaps through tax changes.
In the days before the budget, a group of Conservative MPs warned Mr Sunak not to hike fuel duty as they urged him to show they are a "government for workers".
Despite fuel duty having been frozen since 2010, it has been reported the chancellor could move to end the long freeze as part of measures to help the UK meet climate change targets.
Pension tax relief
Mr Sunak could also help fund his spending pledges by axing higher-rate pension tax relief, which has been a heavily speculated move.
It has been estimated this could generate an annual saving for the Treasury of £10bn.
Image: Will the chancellor and prime minister tear up the Tories' fiscal rules?
Entrepreneurs' relief
The Conservative manifesto promised to "review and reform" entrepreneurs' relief, which cuts the amount of capital gains tax paid when business owners sell their firms.
It was set up in a bid to encourage people to start businesses, but it has been suggested Mr Sunak might bring entreperneurs' relief to an end on the grounds that it disproportionately helps richer people in the South of England.
However, others have argued the scheme is growing much faster in the North than in London and should be kept.
Fiscal rules
In the Conservative manifesto, the party promised they would stick to a number of fiscal rules.
This included not borrowing to fund day-to-day spending, ensuring public sector net investment averages no more than 3% of GDP, and to reassess spending if debt interest reaches 6% of revenue.
The Tories also promised that debt would be lower at the end of this parliament, in 2024.
Ex-chancellor Sajid Javid drew up the rules but, following his resignation, his successor Mr Sunak has hinted he could make them more flexible.


news--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: NASA employee tests positive for COVID-19

NASA has confirmed that one of its employees has tested positive for the coronavirus .
The employee works at the Ames Research Centre in Silicon Valley .
According to NASA , physical access to the centre has been restricted - and many staff are being told to work remotely - `` out of an abundance of caution '' .
NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said : `` Limiting personnel at the centre will allow Ames medical personnel and public health officials to determine potential contacts and assess areas that may require additional cleaning and mitigate potential exposure to centre personnel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership and medical personnel are working to trace the contacts of the employee and notifying individuals who may have had significant contact with that person . ''
Only staff who are needed on site to `` life , property , and critical mission functions '' will be allowed in .
The Ames Research Centre , located at Moffett Field in California , is one of 10 NASA field centres .
It conducts research and development in aeronautics , exploration technology and science .
NASA has also confirmed that three Earth Science airborne missions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Scientists are warning that even if coronavirus transmissions dip as we head into the spring and summer , such a reduction should n't be mistaken for an end to the outbreak .
Instead a reduction of cases during the summer should be seen as a precious opportunity to prepare for next winter , when a new model suggests the virus could infect 100 times more people .
More than 760 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the US so far , and at least 27 people have died .

NASA has confirmed that one of its employees has tested positive for the coronavirus.
The employee works at the Ames Research Centre in Silicon Valley.
According to NASA, physical access to the centre has been restricted - and many staff are being told to work remotely - "out of an abundance of caution".
NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said: "Limiting personnel at the centre will allow Ames medical personnel and public health officials to determine potential contacts and assess areas that may require additional cleaning and mitigate potential exposure to centre personnel.
"Working with county officials, Ames leadership and medical personnel are working to trace the contacts of the employee and notifying individuals who may have had significant contact with that person."
Only staff who are needed on site to "life, property, and critical mission functions" will be allowed in.
The Ames Research Centre, located at Moffett Field in California, is one of 10 NASA field centres.
It conducts research and development in aeronautics, exploration technology and science.
NASA has also confirmed that three Earth Science airborne missions are being delayed until later this year.
Advertisement
Scientists are warning that even if coronavirus transmissions dip as we head into the spring and summer, such a reduction shouldn't be mistaken for an end to the outbreak.
Instead a reduction of cases during the summer should be seen as a precious opportunity to prepare for next winter, when a new model suggests the virus could infect 100 times more people.
More than 760 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the US so far, and at least 27 people have died.