news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Social distancing hampers efforts to find missing Briton in Amsterdam

Premier League stars including Liverpool 's Virgil Van Dijk and Andy Robertson have supported efforts to find a 21-year-old man missing in Amsterdam .
Matthew McCombe , from East Kilbride , was last seen in the Dutch city on the morning of Saturday 14 March - the same day that restrictive measures were placed on the public in Amsterdam as a result of the coronavirus outbreak .
Matthew , the grandson of Celtic and Scotland football legend Billy McNeill , had gone to Amsterdam with friends to celebrate his 21st birthday , amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
A number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to raise awareness of the search for him by sharing family appeals on social media , including Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish and Celtic Football Club .
Matthew had been staying with friends at the Novotel City Hotel in the centre of Amsterdam .
He was seen on CCTV leaving the hotel around 6.15am on 14th March and left without taking his phone or any form of ID .
He was then spotted between 6.50am and 7.30am crossing the Berlagebrug bridge towards east Amsterdam near the Amstel station .
Subsequently , CCTV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 8.15am that morning , again heading towards the east of the city .
Matthew 's parents , 49 year-old Paula and Charlie , 55 , have been in Amsterdam and have been joined by dozens of local volunteers in the search for their son - but it has been hampered by social distancing restrictions , as volunteers are now unable to search in groups .
His uncle , Martyn McNeill , told Sky News : `` Matthew is a smashing young man and we 're worried sick about him .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far in trying to trace him and it 's vital we reach as many people as we can .
We would ask anyone who was in the city at the time : did you see anyone matching his description around the Novotel Hotel or the Berlageburg bridge ?
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' Have you seen anything in the days since that might provide a clue ?
The smallest thing could be crucial to the search for him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , stretched by having to deal with the coronavirus outbreak but we trust in their focus on the search for him . ''
Dutch police have used specially-trained search dogs and deployed sonar boats on Amsterdam 's River Amstel .
Matthew , a keen footballer himself , was a pallbearer at the funeral of his grandfather Billy McNeill when the former Celtic player , manager and Lisbon Lion passed away in 2019 .

Premier League stars including Liverpool's Virgil Van Dijk and Andy Robertson have supported efforts to find a 21-year-old man missing in Amsterdam.
Matthew McCombe, from East Kilbride, was last seen in the Dutch city on the morning of Saturday 14 March - the same day that restrictive measures were placed on the public in Amsterdam as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Matthew, the grandson of Celtic and Scotland football legend Billy McNeill, had gone to Amsterdam with friends to celebrate his 21st birthday, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image: Matthew McCombe with his mother Paula
A number of figures from the football world have backed efforts to raise awareness of the search for him by sharing family appeals on social media, including Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish and Celtic Football Club.
Matthew had been staying with friends at the Novotel City Hotel in the centre of Amsterdam.
He was seen on CCTV leaving the hotel around 6.15am on 14th March and left without taking his phone or any form of ID.
He was then spotted between 6.50am and 7.30am crossing the Berlagebrug bridge towards east Amsterdam near the Amstel station.
Subsequently, CCTV recorded him running on the same bridge at 8.15am that morning, again heading towards the east of the city.
Matthew was wearing a sky blue Stone Island jumper, dark blue Levi jeans and blue velvet trainers.
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Image: A CCTV image of when Matthew McCombe left his hotel
Matthew's parents, 49 year-old Paula and Charlie, 55, have been in Amsterdam and have been joined by dozens of local volunteers in the search for their son - but it has been hampered by social distancing restrictions, as volunteers are now unable to search in groups.
His uncle, Martyn McNeill, told Sky News: "Matthew is a smashing young man and we're worried sick about him.
"We're very grateful for all the support so far in trying to trace him and it's vital we reach as many people as we can. We would ask anyone who was in the city at the time: did you see anyone matching his description around the Novotel Hotel or the Berlageburg bridge?
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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"Have you seen anything in the days since that might provide a clue? The smallest thing could be crucial to the search for him.
"The police and authorities are, of course, stretched by having to deal with the coronavirus outbreak but we trust in their focus on the search for him."
Dutch police have used specially-trained search dogs and deployed sonar boats on Amsterdam's River Amstel.
Matthew, a keen footballer himself, was a pallbearer at the funeral of his grandfather Billy McNeill when the former Celtic player, manager and Lisbon Lion passed away in 2019.


news--2020-03-24--Coronavirus price gouging: Amazon and eBay failing to tackle rip-off sellers, says Which?

Amazon Marketplace and eBay are failing to tackle unscrupulous sellers attempting to profit from the coronavirus epidemic , according to the consumer group Which ?
Examples it highlighted included a 50ml bottle of Carex antibacterial hand gel being sold for more than £100 by multiple sellers on eBay , despite usually costing £1.50 .
Meanwhile , a thermometer which usually retails for around £40 was priced at almost £150 by sellers on Amazon .
On eBay , a flurry of bids sent the price for a bundle of three bottles of Dettol spray and three packets of antibacterial wipes soaring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning from the Competition and Markets Authority ( CMA ) earlier this month that it would take action if traders exploited the current situation to rip consumers off by price gouging .
Recently , Sky News found baby formula , usually priced at around £11 , being sold on eBay for £310 as several brands were offered at hugely inflated prices on the site .
The Which ?
research suggested a failure of 'filters ' and other checks put in place by eBay and Amazon to adequately protect consumers , despite both having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the issue .
Sue Davies , Head of Consumer Protection at Which ?
, said : `` Online marketplaces have taken some action against coronavirus price gouging , but our investigation shows unscrupulous sellers are still cashing in on people 's fears by selling essential items at extortionate prices on eBay and Amazon .
`` These companies must make good on their pledges to stamp out coronavirus profiteering , and if they fall short the CMA must be ready to take strong enforcement action .
`` The government should consider how it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a whole to keep the price of essential items reasonable as the fallout from the coronavirus outbreak continues . ''
Reacting to the report , a spokesman for Amazon insisted there was `` no place for price gouging on Amazon '' .
He said : `` We are disappointed that bad actors are attempting to artificially raise prices on basic need products during a global health crisis and , in line with our long-standing policy , have recently blocked or removed tens of thousands of offers .
In addition to removing these offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , eBay said all the items flagged by Which ?
in its report had been removed and action taken against the sellers .
It said : `` This is a continuation of the aggressive action against price gouging , which has included suspending hundreds of accounts , removing hundreds of thousands of listings , and suspending scores of bad seller accounts . ''
: : Listen to the Daily Podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The report on the exploitation of consumers came as the National Crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surge in scams related to the coronavirus outbreak .
Graeme Biggar , director general of the National Economic Crime Centre at the NCA , said that cons used included posing as legitimate sellers of high-demand goods , or attempting to exploit financial concerns to ask for upfront fees for bogus loans or target pensions .
And more than 200 people have been victimised by phishing scams , where legitimate-looking emails request money or attempt to access a person 's personal details .
The majority of cases flagged to authorities related to online shopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hand sanitiser and other products that were never delivered .
Other people have been targeted by those selling fake testing kits or supposed cures for the virus .

Amazon Marketplace and eBay are failing to tackle unscrupulous sellers attempting to profit from the coronavirus epidemic, according to the consumer group Which?
Examples it highlighted included a 50ml bottle of Carex antibacterial hand gel being sold for more than £100 by multiple sellers on eBay, despite usually costing £1.50.
Meanwhile, a thermometer which usually retails for around £40 was priced at almost £150 by sellers on Amazon.
On eBay, a flurry of bids sent the price for a bundle of three bottles of Dettol spray and three packets of antibacterial wipes soaring to £210.
The investigation follows a warning from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) earlier this month that it would take action if traders exploited the current situation to rip consumers off by price gouging.
Recently, Sky News found baby formula, usually priced at around £11, being sold on eBay for £310 as several brands were offered at hugely inflated prices on the site.
The Which? research suggested a failure of 'filters' and other checks put in place by eBay and Amazon to adequately protect consumers, despite both having stated publicly that they have taken action on the issue.
Image: eBay insisted it was taking aggressive action against price gouging
Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection at Which?, said: "Online marketplaces have taken some action against coronavirus price gouging, but our investigation shows unscrupulous sellers are still cashing in on people's fears by selling essential items at extortionate prices on eBay and Amazon.
"These companies must make good on their pledges to stamp out coronavirus profiteering, and if they fall short the CMA must be ready to take strong enforcement action.
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"The government should consider how it will work with the retail sector as a whole to keep the price of essential items reasonable as the fallout from the coronavirus outbreak continues."
Reacting to the report, a spokesman for Amazon insisted there was "no place for price gouging on Amazon".
He said: "We are disappointed that bad actors are attempting to artificially raise prices on basic need products during a global health crisis and, in line with our long-standing policy, have recently blocked or removed tens of thousands of offers. In addition to removing these offers, we are terminating accounts."
Meanwhile, eBay said all the items flagged by Which? in its report had been removed and action taken against the sellers.
It said: "This is a continuation of the aggressive action against price gouging, which has included suspending hundreds of accounts, removing hundreds of thousands of listings, and suspending scores of bad seller accounts."
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The report on the exploitation of consumers came as the National Crime Agency (NCA) warned of a surge in scams related to the coronavirus outbreak.
Graeme Biggar, director general of the National Economic Crime Centre at the NCA, said that cons used included posing as legitimate sellers of high-demand goods, or attempting to exploit financial concerns to ask for upfront fees for bogus loans or target pensions.
And more than 200 people have been victimised by phishing scams, where legitimate-looking emails request money or attempt to access a person's personal details.
The majority of cases flagged to authorities related to online shopping scams where people ordered protective face masks, hand sanitiser and other products that were never delivered.
Other people have been targeted by those selling fake testing kits or supposed cures for the virus.


news--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Champions League and Europa League finals postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak

The Champions League and Europa League finals have been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak , UEFA has said .
The finals were scheduled for May .
No decision has yet been made on rearranged dates , according to European football 's governing body .
Domestic leagues across Europe , as well as the continent 's showpiece club tournaments , have been on hold because of COVID-19 .
But with the crisis only getting worse , UEFA has formally postponed the finals , which include the women 's Champions League .
A statement from the organisation said it will `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a working group is already looking at the calendar for a possible date .
The Champions League is still at the quarter-final stage , which has seen Spurs and Liverpool knocked out .
However , Manchester City have a lead over Real Madrid going into their home leg - which has still to be played because of the coronavirus crisis .
Chelsea are also still involved but have a 3-0 deficit after losing at home to Bayern Munich .
Teams also left in the running included Barcelona and Juventus .
The Europa League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage , with none of the matches able to take place .
Manchester United , Rangers and Wolves are all still involved .
A question mark remains over British football and it is still unclear when domestic leagues will be able to resume .

The Champions League and Europa League finals have been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak, UEFA has said.
The finals were scheduled for May. No decision has yet been made on rearranged dates, according to European football's governing body.
Domestic leagues across Europe, as well as the continent's showpiece club tournaments, have been on hold because of COVID-19.
But with the crisis only getting worse, UEFA has formally postponed the finals, which include the women's Champions League.
A statement from the organisation said it will "analyse the options available" and that a working group is already looking at the calendar for a possible date.
The Champions League is still at the quarter-final stage, which has seen Spurs and Liverpool knocked out.
However, Manchester City have a lead over Real Madrid going into their home leg - which has still to be played because of the coronavirus crisis.
Chelsea are also still involved but have a 3-0 deficit after losing at home to Bayern Munich.
Teams also left in the running included Barcelona and Juventus.
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The Europa League competition was also paused at the quarter-final stage, with none of the matches able to take place.
Manchester United, Rangers and Wolves are all still involved.
A question mark remains over British football and it is still unclear when domestic leagues will be able to resume.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Almost half a million new benefits claims in nine days amid COVID-19 outbreak

Almost half a million new benefits claims have been received by the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) in the past nine days alone , MPs have been told .
An unprecedented 477,000 applications have been `` processed '' since last Tuesday , with 105,000 of these made yesterday alone by people facing uncertainty due to coronavirus .
Therese Coffey , the welfare secretary , said the benefits system was facing surging demand from those facing financial hardship , including the self-employed who are waiting to hear what additional support is available from the chancellor .
She told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ universal credit system is ready to take that , help them through the safety net of the welfare state .
`` In the past nine days we have processed around half a million claims . ''
Those claiming universal credit must have their circumstances , including their rent and how many children they have , verified by a DWP adviser and then face a five-week wait for their first payment .
Ms Coffey claimed it was nonetheless possible for people struggling to get help `` pretty darn quick '' by applying for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , people have reported struggling to get through on the website or helpline for several days .
DWP permanent secretary Peter Schofield told MPs that 70,000 of the 272,000 claimants who applied last week had requested an advance payment , but he could not say how many had yet received the money .
Mr Schofield said there had been `` capacity challenges '' in verifying the additional claims , which is being done through an online verification website .
But he said there had been a `` massive redeployment of staff '' away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and to try to `` ensure people are paid in full and on time '' .
Ms Coffey was asked about repeated calls from MPs , food banks and charities to scrap the five-week wait for the first benefits payment , saying it was not `` technically feasible '' .
The welfare secretary also rejected suggestions the advance payments issued to people while they wait five weeks be made into a grant - to take account of the hardship caused by the virus .
She cited technical challenges and said the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the wider taxpayer '' .
Campaigners have raised the issue of foreign nationals working in the UK legally who are not eligible for universal credit and how they could be helped - in order to prevent them continuing to work if they have symptoms .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker MPs were told by the welfare secretary that the government 's £500m hardship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that discussions were underway with the Home Office about this policy .
SNP MP Chris Stephens said unions had raised concerns about whether DWP staff were following appropriate guidance on hand-washing and social distancing .
In response , Mr Schofield said that this was an `` absolute priority '' and that `` we are doing everything we can , and certainly implementing the government guidelines '' .
Universal credit - which rolls six benefits into one - has been beset by delays and is now only due to be fully rolled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said re-assessments for people claiming the disability benefit PIP had been put on hold , to free up medical staff , and that current claimants would be allowed to carrying on receiving it .

Almost half a million new benefits claims have been received by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the past nine days alone, MPs have been told.
An unprecedented 477,000 applications have been "processed" since last Tuesday, with 105,000 of these made yesterday alone by people facing uncertainty due to coronavirus.
Therese Coffey, the welfare secretary, said the benefits system was facing surging demand from those facing financial hardship, including the self-employed who are waiting to hear what additional support is available from the chancellor.
Image: Construction workers have been pictured not following the two-metre social distancing advice
She told the Commons Welfare Committee: "The universal credit system is ready to take that, help them through the safety net of the welfare state.
"In the past nine days we have processed around half a million claims."
Those claiming universal credit must have their circumstances, including their rent and how many children they have, verified by a DWP adviser and then face a five-week wait for their first payment.
Ms Coffey claimed it was nonetheless possible for people struggling to get help "pretty darn quick" by applying for an advance payment.
But on social media, people have reported struggling to get through on the website or helpline for several days.
DWP permanent secretary Peter Schofield told MPs that 70,000 of the 272,000 claimants who applied last week had requested an advance payment, but he could not say how many had yet received the money.
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Mr Schofield said there had been "capacity challenges" in verifying the additional claims, which is being done through an online verification website.
But he said there had been a "massive redeployment of staff" away from other tasks to clear the backlog, and to try to "ensure people are paid in full and on time".
Ms Coffey was asked about repeated calls from MPs, food banks and charities to scrap the five-week wait for the first benefits payment, saying it was not "technically feasible".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 Coronavirus: Govt to enforce business rules through police
The welfare secretary also rejected suggestions the advance payments issued to people while they wait five weeks be made into a grant - to take account of the hardship caused by the virus.
She cited technical challenges and said the government had to consider "aspects of fairness to the wider taxpayer".
Campaigners have raised the issue of foreign nationals working in the UK legally who are not eligible for universal credit and how they could be helped - in order to prevent them continuing to work if they have symptoms.
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MPs were told by the welfare secretary that the government's £500m hardship fund could be used for this purpose, and that discussions were underway with the Home Office about this policy.
SNP MP Chris Stephens said unions had raised concerns about whether DWP staff were following appropriate guidance on hand-washing and social distancing.
In response, Mr Schofield said that this was an "absolute priority" and that "we are doing everything we can, and certainly implementing the government guidelines".
Universal credit - which rolls six benefits into one - has been beset by delays and is now only due to be fully rolled out nationwide by 2024.
Ms Coffey said re-assessments for people claiming the disability benefit PIP had been put on hold, to free up medical staff, and that current claimants would be allowed to carrying on receiving it.


news--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: Rise in domestic abuse incidents during COVID-19 outbreak, police leader warns

There has been a rise in domestic abuse incidents during the coronavirus outbreak , a police leader has warned .
Baroness Beverley Hughes , Greater Manchester 's deputy mayor for policing and crime , said authorities were preparing for serious incidents after the government announced a three-week lockdown .
After a meeting of the region 's COVID-19 emergency committee , Baroness Hughes said : `` I think we are beginning to see a rise in domestic abuse incidents .
`` We anticipated this might happen in the very stressful circumstances for many families . ''
She later said the overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected , but that officers were classifying incidents believed to have a connection to the virus .
Baroness Hughes added that families were being asked to stay at home and that many had significantly less money , or no income , after tougher measures were put in place .
She said : `` The potential for tension to arise in the home as a result of what we are asking people to cope with , in order to suppress the virus , is going to increase and therefore we would be right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in the number of domestic incidents we are called to .
`` We are preparing for that .
`` Some of those most serious incidents will be challenging to deal with , particularly if the victim needs to be moved to a refuge , but the police specialise in these kind of cases and the local partners , local authorities , they 're working together really closely to prepare for that . ''
Baroness Hughes said there had also been a small rise in the number of hate crimes .
On Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commons Justice Committee that the UK may see more cases of domestic abuse , as well as online crime and fraud during the pandemic .
Avon and Somerset Police has reported a 20.9 % increase in domestic abuse incidents in the last two weeks - from 718 to 868 .
In Cumbria , officers have asked postal workers and delivery drivers to look out for signs of abuse .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker .
Detective Chief Inspector Dan St Quintin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for each other as much as possible '' in the coming weeks and months .
He added : `` We would also like to extend this plea to those such as postal workers , delivery drivers , food delivery companies and carers who will still be visiting houses , to keep an eye out for any signs of abuse and to report any concerns to us . ''
He said the Bright Sky app , which can be disguised for those worried about partners checking their phones , provides support and information for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Violence says it `` fully supports '' the plea , as it warned of `` huge dangers lurking for victims '' , as the whole country `` grapples with the consequences of COVID-19 '' .

There has been a rise in domestic abuse incidents during the coronavirus outbreak, a police leader has warned.
Baroness Beverley Hughes, Greater Manchester's deputy mayor for policing and crime, said authorities were preparing for serious incidents after the government announced a three-week lockdown.
After a meeting of the region's COVID-19 emergency committee, Baroness Hughes said: "I think we are beginning to see a rise in domestic abuse incidents.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
"We anticipated this might happen in the very stressful circumstances for many families."
She later said the overall level of domestic abuse cases was as expected, but that officers were classifying incidents believed to have a connection to the virus.
Baroness Hughes added that families were being asked to stay at home and that many had significantly less money, or no income, after tougher measures were put in place.
She said: "The potential for tension to arise in the home as a result of what we are asking people to cope with, in order to suppress the virus, is going to increase and therefore we would be right to think this might display itself in an increase in the number of domestic incidents we are called to.
"We are preparing for that.
"Some of those most serious incidents will be challenging to deal with, particularly if the victim needs to be moved to a refuge, but the police specialise in these kind of cases and the local partners, local authorities, they're working together really closely to prepare for that."
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Baroness Hughes said there had also been a small rise in the number of hate crimes.
On Tuesday, Justice Secretary Robert Buckland told the Commons Justice Committee that the UK may see more cases of domestic abuse, as well as online crime and fraud during the pandemic.
Avon and Somerset Police has reported a 20.9% increase in domestic abuse incidents in the last two weeks - from 718 to 868.
In Cumbria, officers have asked postal workers and delivery drivers to look out for signs of abuse.
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Detective Chief Inspector Dan St Quintin is urging people to "look out for each other as much as possible" in the coming weeks and months.
He added: "We would also like to extend this plea to those such as postal workers, delivery drivers, food delivery companies and carers who will still be visiting houses, to keep an eye out for any signs of abuse and to report any concerns to us."
He said the Bright Sky app, which can be disguised for those worried about partners checking their phones, provides support and information for victims.
The National Centre for Domestic Violence says it "fully supports" the plea, as it warned of "huge dangers lurking for victims", as the whole country "grapples with the consequences of COVID-19".


news--2020-03-30--Coronavirus support loophole leaves workers without pay

Full-time workers who have recently changed jobs are being sacked or left without pay because of an apparent loophole in the government 's coronavirus support scheme , Sky News can reveal .
To be eligible for the wage subsidy of up to £2,500-a-month because of the COVID-19 outbreak affect on workers , an employee must have been on their company 's payroll on 28 February .
Job change data from the website LinkedIn suggests at least several thousand people could be affected by the clause .
Sky News spoke to dozens of workers who started new roles in the days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dundee-based software engineer Kuljit Athwal has worked full time for 25 years but was laid off just weeks into a new job because he started three days after the cut-off point .
`` I have three children under ten who are no longer going to school… my wife is a healthcare assistant in a pharmacy , so she works sometimes 12 hour shifts a day , '' he said .
`` This scheme was a lifeline for me…it just so happened this great opportunity came up for me when it did in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong moment in time . ''
The Treasury says the measures are already protecting thousands of jobs .
It is understood the 28 February date has been used so the government can reference claims against pay data .
But Tim Roache , General Secretary of the GMB Union said : `` If you 've been working , paid your taxes , done everything you were supposed to but just happened to have changed jobs at the wrong time , it ca n't be right that there 's no support '' .
Labour 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised the issue with the government and will continue to press for action .
A Facebook group calling for change has hundreds of members while thousands of people have signed a petition against the clause .
Treasury guidance states that employers can re-hire staff that have been made redundant and still claim the subsidy .
But that does n't apply if the worker has voluntarily left their post and some employees say firms are reluctant to keep former or outgoing staff on their books .
One person , who did n't want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-month notice period but says her new employer can not claim the subsidy for her when she joins them in the coming weeks .
While her existing firm could extend her contract and claim the wage subsidy , she says they wo n't do it as they have `` no obligation '' to help .
`` Why would they waste their resources even sorting it out ?
It also raises legal issues - my firm will not assist and would n't touch it with a barge pole , '' she said .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced to choose between sacking new starters or further financial pressure .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Heather Backstrom , who runs a small firm that trains welders in Chester , says she has not been able to claim the subsidy for one new starter .
`` For as long as we can we 're going to pay him but unfortunately we do n't know when we 're going to actually re-open… it 's just very confusing these guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I just do n't understand where they 've got that date from , '' she said .
Ellen Florence from Berkshire applied for job seekers allowance after the start date of her new role at a marketing agency was pushed back to July , but says high demand means she has n't yet heard anything back .
She also said that jobs she 's applied for with other companies have been suspended because of the coronavirus outbreak .
London-based Samuel Kier was made redundant from the charity sector job he started in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get help from Citizen 's Advice as they are already running at full capacity .
`` None of this is the fault of my employer , who had no legal alternative other than to make me redundant .
The fault lies solely with the Job Retention Scheme itself , '' he said .
Transport Secretry Grant Shapps admitted that it was `` probably the case '' that the government `` wo n't be able to capture every single individual circumstance '' in its economic support package .
He told Sky News ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The chancellor has launched unprecedented size of schemes to help the employed , to help the self-employed , to help businesses themselves .
`` There will be circumstances under which not every single last business or individual is helped .
`` This is unfortunately the nature of the scale of this thing . ''
But Mr Shapps said Chancellor Rishi Sunak had been `` very proactive '' in the economic response to the coronavirus crisis , adding : `` I do n't know what else he may do in the future . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not qualify for the scheme `` will be able to access a range of other support - including an increase in the Universal Credit allowance , income tax deferrals , £1bn more support for renters and access to three-month mortgage holidays '' .

Full-time workers who have recently changed jobs are being sacked or left without pay because of an apparent loophole in the government's coronavirus support scheme, Sky News can reveal.
To be eligible for the wage subsidy of up to £2,500-a-month because of the COVID-19 outbreak affect on workers, an employee must have been on their company's payroll on 28 February.
Job change data from the website LinkedIn suggests at least several thousand people could be affected by the clause.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Sunak lays out huge economic measures
Sky News spoke to dozens of workers who started new roles in the days and weeks after the cut-off point.
Dundee-based software engineer Kuljit Athwal has worked full time for 25 years but was laid off just weeks into a new job because he started three days after the cut-off point.
"I have three children under ten who are no longer going to school… my wife is a healthcare assistant in a pharmacy, so she works sometimes 12 hour shifts a day," he said.
"This scheme was a lifeline for me…it just so happened this great opportunity came up for me when it did in January and I changed jobs just at the wrong moment in time."
The Treasury says the measures are already protecting thousands of jobs.
It is understood the 28 February date has been used so the government can reference claims against pay data.
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But Tim Roache, General Secretary of the GMB Union said: "If you've been working, paid your taxes, done everything you were supposed to but just happened to have changed jobs at the wrong time, it can't be right that there's no support".
Labour's shadow chancellor John McDonnell says he's raised the issue with the government and will continue to press for action.
A Facebook group calling for change has hundreds of members while thousands of people have signed a petition against the clause.
Treasury guidance states that employers can re-hire staff that have been made redundant and still claim the subsidy.
But that doesn't apply if the worker has voluntarily left their post and some employees say firms are reluctant to keep former or outgoing staff on their books.
One person, who didn't want to be named, is currently working a three-month notice period but says her new employer cannot claim the subsidy for her when she joins them in the coming weeks.
While her existing firm could extend her contract and claim the wage subsidy, she says they won't do it as they have "no obligation" to help.
"Why would they waste their resources even sorting it out? It also raises legal issues - my firm will not assist and wouldn't touch it with a barge pole," she said.
Some small businesses also say they are being forced to choose between sacking new starters or further financial pressure.
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Heather Backstrom, who runs a small firm that trains welders in Chester, says she has not been able to claim the subsidy for one new starter.
"For as long as we can we're going to pay him but unfortunately we don't know when we're going to actually re-open… it's just very confusing these guidelines over the date of the 28 February. I just don't understand where they've got that date from," she said.
Ellen Florence from Berkshire applied for job seekers allowance after the start date of her new role at a marketing agency was pushed back to July, but says high demand means she hasn't yet heard anything back.
She also said that jobs she's applied for with other companies have been suspended because of the coronavirus outbreak.
London-based Samuel Kier was made redundant from the charity sector job he started in mid-March but says he's been unable to get help from Citizen's Advice as they are already running at full capacity.
"None of this is the fault of my employer, who had no legal alternative other than to make me redundant. The fault lies solely with the Job Retention Scheme itself," he said.
Transport Secretry Grant Shapps admitted that it was "probably the case" that the government "won't be able to capture every single individual circumstance" in its economic support package.
He told Sky News' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show: "The chancellor has launched unprecedented size of schemes to help the employed, to help the self-employed, to help businesses themselves.
"There will be circumstances under which not every single last business or individual is helped.
"This is unfortunately the nature of the scale of this thing."
But Mr Shapps said Chancellor Rishi Sunak had been "very proactive" in the economic response to the coronavirus crisis, adding: "I don't know what else he may do in the future."
A Treasury spokesperson said those who do not qualify for the scheme "will be able to access a range of other support - including an increase in the Universal Credit allowance, income tax deferrals, £1bn more support for renters and access to three-month mortgage holidays".


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: 'Challenger' audit firm Grant Thornton slashes pay

One of the main challengers to the 'big four ' audit firms has asked its 4,500 UK employees to volunteer for drastic pay cuts or face a substantial redundancy programme .
Sky News has learnt that Grant Thornton - which was appointed yesterday as administrator to the rent-to-own retailer BrightHouse - informed its workforce about the move on Tuesday morning .
Staff have been asked to accept pay cuts of 40 % to avoid the need for an alternative package that would involve unpaid leave and an undisclosed number of job losses , according to one insider .
The move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarded as being more resilient to an economic downturn are starting to feel the pain from the coronavirus outbreak .
Although firms with major restructuring practices - which advise companies in distress about their survival options , and handle insolvency processes - are expected to increase their earnings from that area of their businesses , other divisions are likely to suffer .
Consulting revenues , for example , are likely to suffer for many months as corporate clients hunker down , while audit fees may also be impacted if sizeable companies fall prey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been through a difficult period in its UK business , with management upheaval and weak profitability at a time when its nearest rival , BDO , has enjoyed a surge in earnings .
The big four - Deloitte , EY , KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers - are also implementing significant cost-cutting measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
The Financial Times reported that KPMG was considering withholding equity payments to partners in order to conserve cash .
Partners in the bigger audit firms typically earn pay deals worth an average of more than £500,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thornton last year was £373,000 , meaning a 40 % cut would have reduced their packages to about £225,000 .
Responding to a request from Sky News , a spokesperson for Grant Thornton UK LLP said : `` The coronavirus pandemic means all businesses , including our firm , are operating in unprecedented and uncertain times .
`` We know that this is a difficult time for many of our people , particularly those who have caring responsibilities .
`` Therefore , today , we have offered all our employees the opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contractual hours or a short-term sabbatical .
`` These are clearly exceptional times and these voluntary measures help us to support our people while also continuing to support our clients . ''

One of the main challengers to the 'big four' audit firms has asked its 4,500 UK employees to volunteer for drastic pay cuts or face a substantial redundancy programme.
Sky News has learnt that Grant Thornton - which was appointed yesterday as administrator to the rent-to-own retailer BrightHouse - informed its workforce about the move on Tuesday morning.
Staff have been asked to accept pay cuts of 40% to avoid the need for an alternative package that would involve unpaid leave and an undisclosed number of job losses, according to one insider.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 Support loophole leaves workers without pay
The move underlines how even professional services firms typically regarded as being more resilient to an economic downturn are starting to feel the pain from the coronavirus outbreak.
Although firms with major restructuring practices - which advise companies in distress about their survival options, and handle insolvency processes - are expected to increase their earnings from that area of their businesses, other divisions are likely to suffer.
Consulting revenues, for example, are likely to suffer for many months as corporate clients hunker down, while audit fees may also be impacted if sizeable companies fall prey to the COVID-19 crisis.
Grant Thornton has been through a difficult period in its UK business, with management upheaval and weak profitability at a time when its nearest rival, BDO, has enjoyed a surge in earnings.
The big four - Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers - are also implementing significant cost-cutting measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Financial Times reported that KPMG was considering withholding equity payments to partners in order to conserve cash.
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Partners in the bigger audit firms typically earn pay deals worth an average of more than £500,000 annually.
Average partner pay at Grant Thornton last year was £373,000, meaning a 40% cut would have reduced their packages to about £225,000.
Responding to a request from Sky News, a spokesperson for Grant Thornton UK LLP said: "The coronavirus pandemic means all businesses, including our firm, are operating in unprecedented and uncertain times.
"We know that this is a difficult time for many of our people, particularly those who have caring responsibilities.
"Therefore, today, we have offered all our employees the opportunity to volunteer for a temporary reduction in their contractual hours or a short-term sabbatical.
"These are clearly exceptional times and these voluntary measures help us to support our people while also continuing to support our clients."


news--2020-03-31--The winners and losers as the financial quarter comes to an end

The winners and losers as the financial quarter comes to an end The winners and losers as the financial quarter comes to an end It has been the worst quarter for world stock markets since the final three months of 2008 .
That is no surprise when the coronavirus has blighted economies - and , accordingly , corporate earnings - everywhere .
Nonetheless , it is striking to compare the performances of individual markets .
It will surprise many that the two main Chinese stock indices , the Shanghai Composite and the CSI300 , fell by 9.8 % and 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performance compared with the 19.4 % fall suffered by the Kospi , South Korea 's main stock index and the 16.3 % fall notched up by the Hang Seng , the main index in Hong Kong .
And those in turn outshone the Straits Times index in Singapore , which fell by 23 % , despite the island state proving largely immune to coronavirus , and the Nikkei 225 , Japan 's main stock index , which fell by 20 % .
Worse still were the falls suffered by the Sensex in India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , respectively , fell by 28.6 % and 24 % .
Paras Anand , chief investment officer for Asia Pacific at fund management giant Fidelity International , said there were a couple of factors at play in China 's outperformance .
He told Sky News : `` When we look at the markets and China in particular they were trading at relatively low valuations coming into this so , in terms of the relative valuation of China relative to Asia versus other markets in the world , China was it was trading at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you have seen a very strong quick response to the virus outbreak [ from China ] .
I think there was a sense with the combination of the control measures and the fiscal stimulus measures , the policy measures that the government put in place , that the economy would return to normal growth over a reasonably near term period . ''
Some markets , meanwhile , might arguably have fared even worse than they did .
The Nikkei , which suffered its worst quarter since the end of 2008 , would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been for heavy buying of exchange traded funds ( ETFs ) - an instrument that tracks the performance of a particular index or basket of assets - by the Bank of Japan .
European equity markets have fared worse than their Asian counterparts .
The Stoxx 600 , the most widely-used pan-European stock index , is down by more than 23 % since the beginning of the year - representing its worst quarterly performance since 2002 .
Some of the individual European country indices have done even more badly , with the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 25 % , the CAC 40 in France down by more than 26 % and the MIB in coronavirus-battered Italy down by more than 27 % .
The IBEX in Spain , meanwhile , is down by nearly 29 % .
In the United States , where the policy response from the Federal Reserve and the Trump administration is regarded by investors as having been more effective certainly than anything seen on mainland Europe , equity markets have traded more in line with those in Asia .
The S & P 500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US stock indices , looks set to finish the quarter down by just over 18 % - its second-worst quarter in history .
The tech-heavy Nasdaq looks set to finish down by around 9 % or so , a comparatively modest hit , reflecting the fact that some of its constituents - notably Microsoft , Tesla , Netflix , Amazon and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals - actually rose during the quarter .
Only the more narrowly-focused Dow Jones Industrial Average , consisting of just 30 stocks and which can be distorted by the outperformance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has notched up a loss in the quarter approaching the 20 % + declines that have been commonplace in Europe .
This quarter will be the worst ever first quarter for the Dow .
For the FTSE-100 , this has been the worst quarter since the final three months of 1987 , which included `` Black Monday '' and `` Black Tuesday '' in October that year .
Several sessions in March this year have gone into the record books , most notably the rout on Thursday 12 March , in which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single day - the second-worst one-day fall in history after `` Black Tuesday '' .
So why have European stocks fallen so heavily ?
Partly it reflects the damage being inflicted in certain economies , most notably Italy and France , by coronavirus .
German stocks have suffered because the fortunes of the DAX 's constituents are particularly tied to world trade and , in particular , to demand from Chinese buyers .
And partly it reflects the general consensus that , even before coronavirus struck , parts of the Eurozone were already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no surprise to see the FTSE-100 being battered in the same way and particularly when the composition of the index is studied closely .
The second and seventh-biggest companies in the Footsie , Royal Dutch Shell and BP , have both seen their earnings prospects dented by the oil price war that has broken out between Saudi Arabia and Russia , which has sent the price of crude oil down some 63 % during the first three months of the year , its worst-ever quarterly performance .
Two more heavyweights are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respectively the sixth and eighth-largest stocks in the Footsie , whose earnings have been hurt by lower commodity prices .
The price of copper has fallen by just over 20 % since the beginning of the year , its worst quarterly performance since 2011 , while aluminium has fallen by 15 % .
The Footsie also includes a number of constituents whose fortunes are particularly closed tied to travel and tourism , the sector worst-hit by coronavirus .
The single worst performer in the index during the quarter was Carnival Corporation , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O Cruises , which has lost almost three-quarters of its value during the quarter .
It is followed by International Airlines Group , the owner of British Airways , Iberia and Aer Lingus , which is off by just over 70 % .
Just behind it is Melrose Industries , owner of GKN , a major supplier of parts to aircraft makers .
It is down by 61 % .
Also badly hurt have been EasyJet , which is down by 59 % and Meggitt , another aircraft components maker , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the world 's biggest aircraft engine makers , has seen its share price halve in value during the quarter .
A clutch of Footsie stocks have also seen their share price fall partly because of a decision to cancel or suspend dividend payments to conserve cash .
They include the Premier Inn owner Whitbread , down by nearly 38 % ; the broadcaster ITV , down by nearly 57 % ; the mining and commodity trading house Glencore , down by nearly 48 % and the housebuilder Persimmon , down by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also contains five banking stocks whose shares have also fallen in line with weakening prospects for the economies in which they operate and growing expectations that they will be ordered by regulators to suspend their dividends : Barclays is off by 48 % during the quarter , Lloyds Banking Group by 49 % and Royal Bank of Scotland by nearly 51 % .
Africa and Asia-focused lender Standard Chartered is down by just over 38 % and HSBC , the third-biggest company in the Footsie , is down by over 23 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Securities have fallen by 48 % and 45 % respectively after a number of their tenants in the retail sector failed to make quarterly rental payments after being forced to close their stores .
Then there have been specific factors : healthcare provider NMC saw its shares fall by 47 % , before they were suspended , after it was rocked by an accounting scandal .
M & G , the fund manager , has fallen by nearly 53 % amid concerns over client outflows .
Only a handful of members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rout and actually seen their shares rise during the quarter .
They include Pennon Group , the owner of South West Water , whose share price has been boosted by plans to sell its waste arm , Viridor , for £4.2billion .
National Grid , another utility renowned for its safe haven qualities , has also avoided the turmoil .
So too did Reckitt Benckiser , the maker of Dettol and Lysol , whose share price was more or less unchanged on the quarter .
But the Footsie 's best-performing member during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gold miner , reflecting the yellow metal 's near-7 % gain during the quarter .
Gold was not , however , the best-performing asset class overall during the first three months of the year .
Treasuries , US government bonds , have done better still as fund managers have switched from equities into bond holdings .
As the biggest and most liquid type of bond , US Treasuries have benefited from this , rising by more than 13 % during the quarter .
The trade became more attractive once the Federal Reserve announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the jargon - and creating further demand .
It feels like an investment trend set to continue into the second quarter of the year .

The winners and losers as the financial quarter comes to an end
It has been the worst quarter for world stock markets since the final three months of 2008.
That is no surprise when the coronavirus has blighted economies - and, accordingly, corporate earnings - everywhere.
Nonetheless, it is striking to compare the performances of individual markets.
Take the Asia-Pacific region.
It will surprise many that the two main Chinese stock indices, the Shanghai Composite and the CSI300, fell by 9.8% and 10% respectively.
That is a stellar performance compared with the 19.4% fall suffered by the Kospi, South Korea's main stock index and the 16.3% fall notched up by the Hang Seng, the main index in Hong Kong.
Image: More than 800,000 people have been infected by COVID-19
And those in turn outshone the Straits Times index in Singapore, which fell by 23%, despite the island state proving largely immune to coronavirus, and the Nikkei 225, Japan's main stock index, which fell by 20%.
Worse still were the falls suffered by the Sensex in India and the ASX 200 in Australia which, respectively, fell by 28.6% and 24%.
Paras Anand, chief investment officer for Asia Pacific at fund management giant Fidelity International, said there were a couple of factors at play in China's outperformance.
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He told Sky News: "When we look at the markets and China in particular they were trading at relatively low valuations coming into this so, in terms of the relative valuation of China relative to Asia versus other markets in the world, China was it was trading at more attractive levels.
"And secondly, you have seen a very strong quick response to the virus outbreak [from China]. I think there was a sense with the combination of the control measures and the fiscal stimulus measures, the policy measures that the government put in place, that the economy would return to normal growth over a reasonably near term period."
Some markets, meanwhile, might arguably have fared even worse than they did. The Nikkei, which suffered its worst quarter since the end of 2008, would arguably have fallen further had it not been for heavy buying of exchange traded funds (ETFs) - an instrument that tracks the performance of a particular index or basket of assets - by the Bank of Japan.
European equity markets have fared worse than their Asian counterparts.
The Stoxx 600, the most widely-used pan-European stock index, is down by more than 23% since the beginning of the year - representing its worst quarterly performance since 2002. Some of the individual European country indices have done even more badly, with the UK's FTSE-100 and Germany's DAX down by 25%, the CAC 40 in France down by more than 26% and the MIB in coronavirus-battered Italy down by more than 27%. The IBEX in Spain, meanwhile, is down by nearly 29%.
In the United States, where the policy response from the Federal Reserve and the Trump administration is regarded by investors as having been more effective certainly than anything seen on mainland Europe, equity markets have traded more in line with those in Asia.
Image: Barclays is one of the banking stocks to have struggled
The S&P 500, the most wide-ranging and representative of the US stock indices, looks set to finish the quarter down by just over 18% - its second-worst quarter in history. The tech-heavy Nasdaq looks set to finish down by around 9% or so, a comparatively modest hit, reflecting the fact that some of its constituents - notably Microsoft, Tesla, Netflix, Amazon and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals - actually rose during the quarter.
Only the more narrowly-focused Dow Jones Industrial Average, consisting of just 30 stocks and which can be distorted by the outperformance of just a handful of constituents, has notched up a loss in the quarter approaching the 20%+ declines that have been commonplace in Europe. This quarter will be the worst ever first quarter for the Dow.
For the FTSE-100, this has been the worst quarter since the final three months of 1987, which included "Black Monday" and "Black Tuesday" in October that year.
Several sessions in March this year have gone into the record books, most notably the rout on Thursday 12 March, in which the index fell by 10.87% in a single day - the second-worst one-day fall in history after "Black Tuesday".
Image: British Airways is owned by International Airlines Group
So why have European stocks fallen so heavily? Partly it reflects the damage being inflicted in certain economies, most notably Italy and France, by coronavirus. German stocks have suffered because the fortunes of the DAX's constituents are particularly tied to world trade and, in particular, to demand from Chinese buyers. And partly it reflects the general consensus that, even before coronavirus struck, parts of the Eurozone were already facing a recession this year.
It is no surprise to see the FTSE-100 being battered in the same way and particularly when the composition of the index is studied closely. The second and seventh-biggest companies in the Footsie, Royal Dutch Shell and BP, have both seen their earnings prospects dented by the oil price war that has broken out between Saudi Arabia and Russia, which has sent the price of crude oil down some 63% during the first three months of the year, its worst-ever quarterly performance.
Two more heavyweights are the mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto, respectively the sixth and eighth-largest stocks in the Footsie, whose earnings have been hurt by lower commodity prices. The price of copper has fallen by just over 20% since the beginning of the year, its worst quarterly performance since 2011, while aluminium has fallen by 15%.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 Support loophole leaves workers without pay
The Footsie also includes a number of constituents whose fortunes are particularly closed tied to travel and tourism, the sector worst-hit by coronavirus. The single worst performer in the index during the quarter was Carnival Corporation, the cruise operator and owner of P&O Cruises, which has lost almost three-quarters of its value during the quarter. It is followed by International Airlines Group, the owner of British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus, which is off by just over 70%.
Just behind it is Melrose Industries, owner of GKN, a major supplier of parts to aircraft makers. It is down by 61%. Also badly hurt have been EasyJet, which is down by 59% and Meggitt, another aircraft components maker, which is down by 56%. Rolls-Royce, one of the world's biggest aircraft engine makers, has seen its share price halve in value during the quarter.
A clutch of Footsie stocks have also seen their share price fall partly because of a decision to cancel or suspend dividend payments to conserve cash.
They include the Premier Inn owner Whitbread, down by nearly 38%; the broadcaster ITV, down by nearly 57%; the mining and commodity trading house Glencore, down by nearly 48% and the housebuilder Persimmon, down by just over 29%.
Image: Airlines have been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic
The Footsie also contains five banking stocks whose shares have also fallen in line with weakening prospects for the economies in which they operate and growing expectations that they will be ordered by regulators to suspend their dividends: Barclays is off by 48% during the quarter, Lloyds Banking Group by 49% and Royal Bank of Scotland by nearly 51%.
Africa and Asia-focused lender Standard Chartered is down by just over 38% and HSBC, the third-biggest company in the Footsie, is down by over 23%. The property giants British Land and Land Securities have fallen by 48% and 45% respectively after a number of their tenants in the retail sector failed to make quarterly rental payments after being forced to close their stores.
Then there have been specific factors: healthcare provider NMC saw its shares fall by 47%, before they were suspended, after it was rocked by an accounting scandal. M&G, the fund manager, has fallen by nearly 53% amid concerns over client outflows.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:53 Coronavirus threatens future of public transport
Only a handful of members of the UK's blue-chip index have survived the rout and actually seen their shares rise during the quarter. They include Pennon Group, the owner of South West Water, whose share price has been boosted by plans to sell its waste arm, Viridor, for £4.2billion. National Grid, another utility renowned for its safe haven qualities, has also avoided the turmoil. So too did Reckitt Benckiser, the maker of Dettol and Lysol, whose share price was more or less unchanged on the quarter.
But the Footsie's best-performing member during the quarter has been Polymetal, the Russian gold miner, reflecting the yellow metal's near-7% gain during the quarter.
Gold was not, however, the best-performing asset class overall during the first three months of the year.
Treasuries, US government bonds, have done better still as fund managers have switched from equities into bond holdings. As the biggest and most liquid type of bond, US Treasuries have benefited from this, rising by more than 13% during the quarter. The trade became more attractive once the Federal Reserve announced open-ended asset purchases - Quantitative Easing in the jargon - and creating further demand.
It feels like an investment trend set to continue into the second quarter of the year.


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: £1.9bn grocery stockpiling spree ahead of lockdown

UK shoppers spent an extra £1.9bn stockpiling groceries in the run-up to the coronavirus lockdown , according to figures for the industry .
The data from Nielsen follows a brutal week for the wider retail sector that has seen high street operations all but shut down , with hundreds of thousands of staff given a leave of absence pending wage support from the government .
Supermarkets handled an additional 79 million shopping trips in the four weeks to 21 March , the report said , as consumers rushed to get essentials as COVID-19 spread Separate data from Kantar Worldpanel showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on record for UK grocery sales , with households spending an average of almost £63 extra over the four weeks to 22 March .
The figures were released as Tesco updated on its operations , saying it had added more than 200 vans , 2,500 drivers and 5,000 store pickers to ramp up Click & Collect and deliveries - especially to the vulnerable .
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Nielsen charted an 84 % surge in frozen food sales across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to the same period last year , saying there was a clear trend showing that households had already picked up other necessities including medicines .
As the government announced the closure of pubs and restaurants , in-store sales of beer , wine and spirits were 67 % up - meaning that around £200m extra was spent on booze .
The report said `` finite '' capacity limited sales growth for online grocery operations .
Fraser McKevitt , head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar , said : `` Retailers and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as households prepare for an extended stay at home , with grocery sales amounting to £10.8bn during the past four weeks alone - that 's even higher than levels seen at Christmas , the busiest time of year under normal circumstances . ''
Its figures showed Sainsbury 's recording the biggest jump in sales growth among the 'big four ' chains .
Kantar said its sales were 7.4 % up in the 12 weeks to 22 March - with Tesco 5.5 % higher .
Asda and Morrisons saw growth of 4.9 % and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was forced to take a days-long time-out as its website struggled , saw its sales rise 12.5 % .
Supermarket chains have largely been spared the cull in stock market values of recent weeks because of their central position as an essential service to keep the nation fed during the virus crisis .
The sales data was credited for bolstering the market values of the listed groups on Tuesday - with Sainsbury 's share price leading the way - surging by 3 % .

UK shoppers spent an extra £1.9bn stockpiling groceries in the run-up to the coronavirus lockdown, according to figures for the industry.
The data from Nielsen follows a brutal week for the wider retail sector that has seen high street operations all but shut down, with hundreds of thousands of staff given a leave of absence pending wage support from the government.
Supermarkets handled an additional 79 million shopping trips in the four weeks to 21 March, the report said, as consumers rushed to get essentials as COVID-19 spread
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:06 Saturday shoppers descend on supermarkets
Separate data from Kantar Worldpanel showed the month of March was the biggest on record for UK grocery sales, with households spending an average of almost £63 extra over the four weeks to 22 March.
The figures were released as Tesco updated on its operations, saying it had added more than 200 vans, 2,500 drivers and 5,000 store pickers to ramp up Click & Collect and deliveries - especially to the vulnerable.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker.
Nielsen charted an 84% surge in frozen food sales across the grocery sector last week alone, compared to the same period last year, saying there was a clear trend showing that households had already picked up other necessities including medicines.
As the government announced the closure of pubs and restaurants, in-store sales of beer, wine and spirits were 67% up - meaning that around £200m extra was spent on booze.
The report said "finite" capacity limited sales growth for online grocery operations.
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Image: Sainsbury's recorded the best sales growth over the past 12 weeks, according to Kantar Worldpanel
Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar, said: "Retailers and their staff have been on the front line as households prepare for an extended stay at home, with grocery sales amounting to £10.8bn during the past four weeks alone - that's even higher than levels seen at Christmas, the busiest time of year under normal circumstances."
Its figures showed Sainsbury's recording the biggest jump in sales growth among the 'big four' chains.
Kantar said its sales were 7.4% up in the 12 weeks to 22 March - with Tesco 5.5% higher.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:08 'Think of others when you shop'
Asda and Morrisons saw growth of 4.9% and 4.6% respectively.
Online-only Ocado, which was forced to take a days-long time-out as its website struggled, saw its sales rise 12.5%.
Supermarket chains have largely been spared the cull in stock market values of recent weeks because of their central position as an essential service to keep the nation fed during the virus crisis.
The sales data was credited for bolstering the market values of the listed groups on Tuesday - with Sainsbury's share price leading the way - surging by 3%.


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus lockdown leaves third of 'ornamental growers' facing ruin

A major part of the UK 's gardening industry could be destroyed by the coronavirus lockdown - with a third of `` ornamental growers '' facing ruin within weeks .
The Horticultural Trades Association ( HTA ) is asking the government to provide direct help to the sector which is facing sales losses of £687m by the end of June due to COVID-19 .
And with around 70 % of bedding plant sales made between March and the end of May , it warned at least a third of UK ornamental producers may fail in a matter of weeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that an estimated £200m of seasonal plants will have to be scrapped across the ornamental horticulture industry .
HTA chairman James Barnes said : `` We have hit a perfect storm in the UK .
`` The seasonality and perishability that is unique to our industry means that growers are potentially facing stock losses on an ever-rising scale as each day passes .
`` Stock is one of the biggest components of asset value in the sector - stock write offs will destroy the balance sheets of many and make it impossible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling for the government to work with the HTA , as the industry 's representative body , to come up with a financial support scheme to help those businesses which have had to scrap perishable stock and are facing a huge financial crisis . ''
Around 650 businesses across the UK produce ornamental crops and employ more than 15,000 people directly and almost 30,000 indirectly .
Natalie Porter , of Porters Fuchsias in Merseyside , said : `` Time is running out .
`` Most of our summer stock has already been planted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Our remaining stock due to be planted will be ready in five weeks and go to waste in eight .
`` We are facing a potential write-off of £350,000 in the next three weeks due to perishable stock .
This would jump to £200,000 per week thereafter . ''
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A major part of the UK's gardening industry could be destroyed by the coronavirus lockdown - with a third of "ornamental growers" facing ruin within weeks.
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is asking the government to provide direct help to the sector which is facing sales losses of £687m by the end of June due to COVID-19.
And with around 70% of bedding plant sales made between March and the end of May, it warned at least a third of UK ornamental producers may fail in a matter of weeks.
The perishability and seasonality of plants means that an estimated £200m of seasonal plants will have to be scrapped across the ornamental horticulture industry.
HTA chairman James Barnes said: "We have hit a perfect storm in the UK.
"The seasonality and perishability that is unique to our industry means that growers are potentially facing stock losses on an ever-rising scale as each day passes.
"Stock is one of the biggest components of asset value in the sector - stock write offs will destroy the balance sheets of many and make it impossible for them to continue.
"We are calling for the government to work with the HTA, as the industry's representative body, to come up with a financial support scheme to help those businesses which have had to scrap perishable stock and are facing a huge financial crisis."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Sunak lays out huge economic measures
Around 650 businesses across the UK produce ornamental crops and employ more than 15,000 people directly and almost 30,000 indirectly.
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Natalie Porter, of Porters Fuchsias in Merseyside, said: "Time is running out.
"Most of our summer stock has already been planted and will be ready in three weeks.
"Our remaining stock due to be planted will be ready in five weeks and go to waste in eight.
"We are facing a potential write-off of £350,000 in the next three weeks due to perishable stock. This would jump to £200,000 per week thereafter."
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news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: The cleaners tasked with killing off the virus in hospitals

As the coronavirus pandemic in the UK magnifies our hospitals are becoming inundated with patients .
The virus on isolation wards and intensive care units across the country is incredibly prominent and there is one group of people tasked to kill it .
Hospital trusts across the country have drafted in more cleaning staff to tackle this pandemic .
There are now more cleaners working in our hospitals than ever before and their role has never been so important .
Milton Keynes University Hospital has been hit hard by coronavirus - patients here are dying .
Sky News was invited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the cleaning teams are working flat out to help the medics save as many lives as possible .
The cleaners are an integral part of this hospital 's assault on COVID-19 .
The invisible killer lurks everywhere , which means cleaning staff are putting their own lives on the line .
Rita O'Brian , 67 , has come out of retirement to be on the frontline in the battle against the virus .
`` I 've never seen anything like this before , '' she said .
`` We 're used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , but this is an eye-opener really . ''
She added : `` It 's such a high risk for me , especially because of my age as well .
But I 'm here to look after the patients .
I 'll carry on working until I can carry on working , to look after the patients .
Just like all the staff - we 've all got to pull together . ''
Rita realises the risk she is taking .
`` If I get it , I get it , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help the NHS .
If you do n't get the cleaning done , none of these hospitals would be open .
`` I know I 'm putting my life on the line , but I have to . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Milton Keynes University Hospital has upped the number of cleaners it has since the COVID-19 crisis in the UK began .
Overnight now they deep clean the hospital while daytime staff are working round the clock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another cleaner , Thamie Munro , told Sky News that she and her colleagues were `` under a lot of pressure '' .
She added : `` Everyone is worried but you have to do what we have to do .
We work in a hospital , this is our job and our main priority is keeping the patients safe .
`` I 've got kids , I 've got parents who are in their 70s , so it 's a worry every day that we 're coming to work where patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I just try not to think too much about it to be honest . ''
She continued : `` We 've had the training and we have the PPE .
We just have to try and treat it as another day job .
But obviously we have to take caution and make sure that everyone around us knows exactly what they 're doing .
It 's scary for us to be fair . ''
A nurse stopped to speak to us and had nothing but praise for the cleaners , saying they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment , doing more than anybody to try and eradicate this virus '' .
Professor Joe Harrison , chief executive of Milton Keynes University Hospital , said : `` It 's really important that all our staff are prepared for what we know is going to come and that we are carrying out infection prevention and control measured through our cleaners and all our staff .
`` What we know is that our cleaners may have some exposure to the coronavirus , ( and ) we need to make sure all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing that we can make sure that we are in a position to look after our patients in the most appropriate way . ''

As the coronavirus pandemic in the UK magnifies our hospitals are becoming inundated with patients.
The virus on isolation wards and intensive care units across the country is incredibly prominent and there is one group of people tasked to kill it.
Hospital trusts across the country have drafted in more cleaning staff to tackle this pandemic. There are now more cleaners working in our hospitals than ever before and their role has never been so important.
Milton Keynes University Hospital has been hit hard by coronavirus - patients here are dying.
Sky News was invited in to get a first-hand account of how the cleaning teams are working flat out to help the medics save as many lives as possible.
The cleaners are an integral part of this hospital's assault on COVID-19. The invisible killer lurks everywhere, which means cleaning staff are putting their own lives on the line.
Image: Rita O'Brian has come out of retirement to help in the battle against COVID-19
Rita O'Brian, 67, has come out of retirement to be on the frontline in the battle against the virus.
"I've never seen anything like this before," she said.
"We're used to infections and having to clean up after that, but this is an eye-opener really."
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She added: "It's such a high risk for me, especially because of my age as well. But I'm here to look after the patients. I'll carry on working until I can carry on working, to look after the patients. Just like all the staff - we've all got to pull together."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:00 Take a look inside NHS Nightingale
Rita realises the risk she is taking. "If I get it, I get it," she said. "I'm here to help the NHS. If you don't get the cleaning done, none of these hospitals would be open.
"I know I'm putting my life on the line, but I have to."
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Milton Keynes University Hospital has upped the number of cleaners it has since the COVID-19 crisis in the UK began.
Overnight now they deep clean the hospital while daytime staff are working round the clock to kill any traces of the virus.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 How cleaners are keeping coronavirus under control
Another cleaner, Thamie Munro, told Sky News that she and her colleagues were "under a lot of pressure".
She added: "Everyone is worried but you have to do what we have to do. We work in a hospital, this is our job and our main priority is keeping the patients safe.
"I've got kids, I've got parents who are in their 70s, so it's a worry every day that we're coming to work where patients are positive and dying because of coronavirus. I just try not to think too much about it to be honest."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:19 The antibody test ready to identify virus patients
She continued: "We've had the training and we have the PPE. We just have to try and treat it as another day job. But obviously we have to take caution and make sure that everyone around us knows exactly what they're doing. It's scary for us to be fair."
A nurse stopped to speak to us and had nothing but praise for the cleaners, saying they are the "most important people at the moment, doing more than anybody to try and eradicate this virus".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 New ventilators available to NHS 'next week'
Professor Joe Harrison, chief executive of Milton Keynes University Hospital, said: "It's really important that all our staff are prepared for what we know is going to come and that we are carrying out infection prevention and control measured through our cleaners and all our staff.
"What we know is that our cleaners may have some exposure to the coronavirus, (and) we need to make sure all of our staff are kept safe and by doing that we can make sure that we are in a position to look after our patients in the most appropriate way."


news--2020-03-31--Coronavirus: FTSE 100 marks worst quarter since 1987 amid COVID-19 pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the FTSE 100 marking its worst quarter since 1987 .
Britain 's top share index was up by 1.95 % at the close of trading on Tuesday , a small upturn after weeks of volatility .
But it has lost a quarter of its value this year , despite a recovery of more than 15 % from the lows seen in mid-March , when many countries ordered residents to stay home to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
Tuesday saw tentative gains for world markets on hopes the economic disruption from the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Investors bought in after data from China - the first country to be hit by COVID-19 - showed activity in its crucial manufacturing sector unexpectedly rebounded to growth in the month of March .
UBS strategist Kiran Ganesh said : `` What we 're really looking at the China data is to see if it 's an indicator of how quickly Europe and the US can get back to work potentially after their lockdown .
`` If the lockdown ends in May , which is what we 're broadly pricing in , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what we 've seen in China . ''
A recovery in oil prices also stoked optimism , after US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to discuss stabilising energy markets .
The FTSE 250 index rose 3.3 % on Tuesday but it is still down more than 30 % this year , its worst quarterly decline .
Mazen Issa , a strategist at TD Securities , said in a note to clients : `` This is the calm before the storm .
`` Economic data this week will capture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` That , alongside no earnings guidance , could spell trouble for risk assets . ''
Among the losers were travel and leisure stocks which have lost 45 % in the first quarter , victims of falling demand and travel restrictions brought about by governments ' reactions to the virus pandemic .

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the FTSE 100 marking its worst quarter since 1987.
Britain's top share index was up by 1.95% at the close of trading on Tuesday, a small upturn after weeks of volatility.
But it has lost a quarter of its value this year, despite a recovery of more than 15% from the lows seen in mid-March, when many countries ordered residents to stay home to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Tuesday saw tentative gains for world markets on hopes the economic disruption from the pandemic would be weaker than some estimates fear.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Lockdown: The dos and don'ts
Investors bought in after data from China - the first country to be hit by COVID-19 - showed activity in its crucial manufacturing sector unexpectedly rebounded to growth in the month of March.
UBS strategist Kiran Ganesh said: "What we're really looking at the China data is to see if it's an indicator of how quickly Europe and the US can get back to work potentially after their lockdown.
"If the lockdown ends in May, which is what we're broadly pricing in, then we may see a similar path of what we've seen in China."
A recovery in oil prices also stoked optimism, after US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to discuss stabilising energy markets.
The FTSE 250 index rose 3.3% on Tuesday but it is still down more than 30% this year, its worst quarterly decline.
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Mazen Issa, a strategist at TD Securities, said in a note to clients: "This is the calm before the storm.
"Economic data this week will capture the early stages of a collapse.
"That, alongside no earnings guidance, could spell trouble for risk assets."
Among the losers were travel and leisure stocks which have lost 45% in the first quarter, victims of falling demand and travel restrictions brought about by governments' reactions to the virus pandemic.