skynewspolitics--2020-08-28--Britons urged to return to office after reports workers from home 'more vulnerable to sackings'

`` It is now safe to go back '' to work , a cabinet minister has told Sky News as the government prepares a push to get people to return to the office .
In new adverts next week , government messages will emphasise the benefits of employees returning to workplaces , as well as encouraging businesses to make their offices COVID-secure .
: : Follow live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates It comes after the UK reported its highest daily number of new coronavirus cases since 12 June , with 1,522 people receiving a laboratory-confirmed positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News on Friday , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said : `` What we 're saying to people is it is now safe to go back .
`` Your employer should have made arrangements which are appropriate to make sure it is coronavirus-safe to work .
`` You will see some changes , if you have n't been in for a bit , as a result . ''
Nearly half of workers did some work from home during the coronavirus lockdown .
But Mr Shapps said there was a `` limit '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Zoom , in being able to get `` some types of work done '' .
`` Clearly there are things you ca n't just do remotely , and a lot of those people have carried on working , '' he added .
`` But for the rest of us , also , you just miss out on that human spark when you 're not with people .
`` You will find the office has been reorganised into a coronavirus-avoidance friendly environment and probably a few changes as a result . ''
Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports that those who continue to work from home could be more vulnerable to being sacked .
The Daily Telegraph quoted a government source as describing working from home as `` not the benign option it seems '' .
`` Suddenly the word 'restructure ' is bandied about and people who have been working from home find themselves in the most vulnerable position , '' the source was quoted as adding .
Downing Street has distanced itself from those reports and Mr Shapps called for `` common sense '' between employers and employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're absolutely clear that employers and employees need to work together to resolve this , '' he said .
`` There are , of course , a whole host of employee protections in place .
`` If employees have concerns about the workplace , for example , the Health and Safety Executive , the local authority , will be the right places to go .
`` The vast majority of employers just want to get their businesses back up and running , they want to do the right thing . ''
: @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The new adverts will be in a similar format to previous government information campaigns such as the `` stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives '' media push .
The move represents a bolstering of Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's `` back to work '' message and puts Downing Street at odds with devolved governments around the UK .
In guidance published earlier this week , the Scottish government said that remote working `` should remain the default position for those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson said : `` In Wales , we continue to advise people to work from home where possible .
`` We recognise , however , that there will be situations where there is a pressing organisational need for employers to ask staff to return to an office or where employees feel working from home is impairing their well-being .
`` Employers are under a duty to take all reasonable measures to minimise the spread of coronavirus , which will include ensuring they do not require staff to return to workplaces in the absence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Figures compiled for Sky News revealed that worker footfall in Britain 's cities was just 17 % of pre-lockdown levels in the first two weeks of August .
Office attendance flatlined despite the government abandoning its `` work from home '' guidance on 1 August and Mr Johnson personally urging staff to return .
A survey of businesses by the Office for National Statistics showed that , between 27 July to 9 August , 42 % were working at their normal place of work .
This compared to 39 % working remotely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn , the director-general of the Confederation of British Industry , has warned the UK 's city centres will continue to be `` ghost towns '' without the return of workers to offices .
`` The UK 's offices are vital drivers of our economy , '' she said .
`` They support thousands of local firms , from dry cleaners to sandwich bars .
They help train and develop young people .
`` And they foster better work and productivity for many kinds of business . ''
Dame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' approach of encouraging both home working and office working to `` get the best of both worlds '' .

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has warned against any effort to "intimidate" people to go back to work ahead of a push by the UK government to encourage a return to offices.
In new adverts next week, UK government messages will emphasise the benefits of employees returning to workplaces, as well as encouraging businesses to make their offices COVID-secure.
It comes after the UK reported its highest daily number of new coronavirus cases since 12 June, with 1,522 people receiving a laboratory-confirmed positive COVID-19 test on Thursday.
:: Follow live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:55 'Common sense will prevail' on home working
The new adverts will be in a similar format to previous government information campaigns such as the "stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives" media push.
The move represents a bolstering of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's "back to work" message and puts Downing Street at odds with devolved governments around the UK.
In guidance published earlier this week, the Scottish government said that remote working "should remain the default position for those who can".
The Welsh government is also continuing to advise people to work from home where possible.
Ms Sturgeon warned that getting people back to workplaces "has to be done in the context of suppressing the virus".
Advertisement
Speaking at her daily coronavirus briefing on Friday, the first minister also said she would "not countenance in Scotland any kind of narrative around this that is seeking to almost intimidate people back to work before, as a country, we have taken a decision that that is safe".
Image: The government's guidance around coronavirus has become less strict over time
Ms Sturgeon spoke after Downing Street distanced itself from reports that those who continue to work from home could be more vulnerable to being sacked.
The Daily Telegraph quoted a government source as describing working from home as "not the benign option it seems".
"Suddenly the word 'restructure' is bandied about and people who have been working from home find themselves in the most vulnerable position," the source was quoted as adding.
Labour called on the government to condemn the reports.
Image: Worker footfall in cities was just 17% of pre-lockdown levels in the first two weeks of August
Speaking to Sky News earlier on Friday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps called for "common sense" between employers and employees on the return to workplaces.
He said: "We're absolutely clear that employers and employees need to work together to resolve this.
"There are, of course, a whole host of employee protections in place. If employees have concerns about the workplace, for example, the Health and Safety Executive, the local authority, will be the right places to go.
"The vast majority of employers just want to get their businesses back up and running, they want to do the right thing."
Mr Shapps added that the government's message to workers was that "it is now safe to go back", adding: "Your employer should have made arrangements which are appropriate to make sure it is coronavirus-safe to work.
"You will see some changes, if you haven't been in for a bit, as a result."
Nearly half of workers did some work from home during the coronavirus lockdown.
But Mr Shapps said there was a "limit" to the use of video-conferencing software, such as Zoom, in being able to get "some types of work done".
"Clearly there are things you can't just do remotely, and a lot of those people have carried on working," he added.
"But for the rest of us, also, you just miss out on that human spark when you're not with people.
"You will find the office has been reorganised into a coronavirus-avoidance friendly environment and probably a few changes as a result."
Figures compiled for Sky News revealed that worker footfall in Britain's cities was just 17% of pre-lockdown levels in the first two weeks of August.
Office attendance flat-lined despite the government abandoning its "work from home" guidance on 1 August and Mr Johnson personally urging staff to return.
A survey of businesses by the Office for National Statistics showed that, between 27 July to 9 August, 42% were working at their normal place of work.
This compared to 39% working remotely instead of at their normal place of work.
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
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, the director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, has warned the UK's city centres will continue to be "ghost towns" without the return of workers to offices, which she described as "vital drivers of our economy".
The CBI is calling for a "hybrid" approach of encouraging both home working and office working to "get the best of both worlds".
The British Safety Council said that now was "not the time for unnecessary trips to the office", as it expressed concerns about the UK government's new push for workers to return.
Its chair, Lawrence Waterman, said: "This new campaign should be more about choice - treating workers as responsible adults who should agree with their employers a sensible balance of work in formal workplaces and home."
Carlone Waters, the interim chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: "The lessons of 2020 show that different forms of flexible working can be combined to create effective working conditions which benefit both employer and employee.
"We'd urge the government to bring forward its planned consultation on flexible working and reiterate our calls for it to be the default, unless there is a genuine business reason not to, and to make it a day one right."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-27--Exams algorithm was not 'mutant' and contained 'predictable' errors

The marking system which threatened to downgrade the exam results was not a `` mutant algorithm '' as claimed by the prime minister , but contained errors that were `` predictable '' and `` could have been foreseen '' , according to a leading statistician .
Boris Johnson told a group of schoolchildren on Wednesday that `` I 'm afraid your grades were almost derailed by a mutant algorithm , '' a reference to the exam marking system which was scrapped after almost 40 % of A-level results were downgraded from teachers ' predictions .
Stian Westlake , the CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) said the `` colourful phrase '' did reflect the fact that ministers , officials and students `` were surprised by the results that it generated '' .
But , he said , the algorithm `` was n't a mutant or a freak of nature .
This was something that could have been foreseen '' .
Mr Westlake , a former adviser to the Universities Minister , said the results were `` a predictable surprise '' because of the demand that it reduce grade inflation .
`` The fact that this could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ translates into unfair grades for individuals , that was known , '' he said .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has blamed exam regulator Ofqual , claiming he `` consistently asked a large number of challenging questions about the system '' and was reassured about its `` robustness and its fairness '' .
But Ofqual has said that it was instructed by ministers to keep grade inflation down , which meant students ' results would have to be downgraded from teachers ' predicted grades , which tend to be higher than actual results .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ofqual 's standing advisory committee , told the BBC : `` The Secretary of State for Education asked them to produce a system which did n't allow exam results to go up from previous years .
So effectively this government has been very good at controlling grade inflation and that 's essentially what they asked for , a system that did that . ''
Asked whether or not the exam marking algorithm was `` mutant '' , Downing Street declined to comment .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leyton Sixth Form College student Wiktoria Sniadowska , who was predicted AAA by her school then given BBC by the algorithm , said she felt let down by the prime minister 's `` mutant algorithm '' comments .
`` Boris Johnson is prime minister , he 's in charge .
If it 's a mutant , we knew it was going to be created this way for months in advance , so why did n't he stop it ?
Why did n't he say : 'This is wrong , we need to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the row showed the need for transparency in the creation of algorithms , not only because it helped prevent errors , but also because it allowed a public debate about their aims .
`` I think the really important lesson from this is that we ca n't treat statistics as a holy grail , '' he said .
`` We need to prepare them with transparency , we need to make sure we understand the assumptions that are going into them and we need to make sure that we use them in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've got statistics that only have a certain degree of accuracy , as for example the A-level adjustments did , we ca n't pretend they are more accurate than they really are . ''
The RSS offered to help Ofqual with the algorithm in April , writing to the regulator to suggest that it take advice from external experts , but Ofqual would only agree to consider the assistance if the academics signed a non-disclosure agreement ( NDA ) which prevented them from commenting in any way on the final choice of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were released .
Ofqual chair Roger Taylor disputed this account , describing the NDA as a `` normal and entirely ethical mechanism to ensure people can speak freely in the discussions and can see analyses of confidential data without fear of information being made public during the deliberative process '' .
The RSS defended its stance , saying it had been advised that the NDA was `` very widely drafted '' and described Ofqual 's complaints as `` baseless '' .
The letter concluded : `` It 's time for Ofqual to cease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue . ''
Sky News revealed last weekend that the chair of Ofqual owned a medical data firm that was involved in a major NHS care scandal .
Roger Taylor 's company was criticised by the public inquiry into the Mid Staffs scandal for not giving `` complete clarity '' about an algorithm - the same fault Ofqual stands accused of .

The marking system which threatened to downgrade the exam results was not a "mutant algorithm" as claimed by the prime minister, but contained errors that were "predictable" and "could have been foreseen", according to a leading statistician.
Boris Johnson told a group of schoolchildren on Wednesday that "I'm afraid your grades were almost derailed by a mutant algorithm," a reference to the exam marking system which was scrapped after almost 40% of A-level results were downgraded from teachers' predictions.
Image: Boris Johnson said the algorithm was 'mutant'
Stian Westlake, the CEO of the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) said the "colourful phrase" did reflect the fact that ministers, officials and students "were surprised by the results that it generated".
But, he said, the algorithm "wasn't a mutant or a freak of nature. This was something that could have been foreseen".
Mr Westlake, a former adviser to the Universities Minister, said the results were "a predictable surprise" because of the demand that it reduce grade inflation. "The fact that this could have produced a lot of inaccuracy, which translates into unfair grades for individuals, that was known," he said.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has blamed exam regulator Ofqual, claiming he "consistently asked a large number of challenging questions about the system" and was reassured about its "robustness and its fairness".
Image: Education secretary, Gavin Williamson said he asked 'challenging' questions about the system
But Ofqual has said that it was instructed by ministers to keep grade inflation down, which meant students' results would have to be downgraded from teachers' predicted grades, which tend to be higher than actual results.
Professor Jo-Anne Baird, a member of Ofqual's standing advisory committee, told the BBC: "The Secretary of State for Education asked them to produce a system which didn't allow exam results to go up from previous years. So effectively this government has been very good at controlling grade inflation and that's essentially what they asked for, a system that did that."
Asked whether or not the exam marking algorithm was "mutant", Downing Street declined to comment.
Advertisement
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
Leyton Sixth Form College student Wiktoria Sniadowska, who was predicted AAA by her school then given BBC by the algorithm, said she felt let down by the prime minister's "mutant algorithm" comments.
"Boris Johnson is prime minister, he's in charge. If it's a mutant, we knew it was going to be created this way for months in advance, so why didn't he stop it? Why didn't he say: 'This is wrong, we need to do it differently'?"
Mr Westlake said the row showed the need for transparency in the creation of algorithms, not only because it helped prevent errors, but also because it allowed a public debate about their aims.
"I think the really important lesson from this is that we can't treat statistics as a holy grail," he said.
"We need to prepare them with transparency, we need to make sure we understand the assumptions that are going into them and we need to make sure that we use them in the right way.
"If you've got statistics that only have a certain degree of accuracy, as for example the A-level adjustments did, we can't pretend they are more accurate than they really are."
The RSS offered to help Ofqual with the algorithm in April, writing to the regulator to suggest that it take advice from external experts, but Ofqual would only agree to consider the assistance if the academics signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) which prevented them from commenting in any way on the final choice of the model for five years after the results were released.
Image: Ofqual's Roger Taylor disputes the RSS account of their correspondence
Ofqual chair Roger Taylor disputed this account, describing the NDA as a "normal and entirely ethical mechanism to ensure people can speak freely in the discussions and can see analyses of confidential data without fear of information being made public during the deliberative process".
The RSS defended its stance, saying it had been advised that the NDA was "very widely drafted" and described Ofqual's complaints as "baseless". The letter concluded: "It's time for Ofqual to cease defending the indefensible and focus on fixing the issue."
Sky News revealed last weekend that the chair of Ofqual owned a medical data firm that was involved in a major NHS care scandal. Roger Taylor's company was criticised by the public inquiry into the Mid Staffs scandal for not giving "complete clarity" about an algorithm - the same fault Ofqual stands accused of.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-28--Lockdown changes confirmed in hotspot areas in northern England

Lockdown restrictions will be eased in northern England next week after a decrease in coronavirus cases , meaning more than one million people in parts of the region can mix again in different households .
In line with the rest of England , social gatherings can take place between two homes in Bolton , Stockport , Trafford , Burnley , and Hyndburn - and parts of Bradford , Calderdale , and Kirklees - from Wednesday .
Businesses and organisations including bowling alleys and indoor play areas - which opened elsewhere in England on 15 August - will also be permitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was made after local political leaders submitted their recommendations to the government 's Joint Biosecurity Centre ( JBC ) .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` We 're seeing the positive results of our local approach , and are able to bring in increasingly targeted measures .
`` It is vital we can maintain this good progress . ''
He added : `` I have every faith people across the country , especially in areas where we are seeing higher numbers of cases , will continue to play their part by following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a free test as soon as they get any symptoms . ''
During the week ending 20 August , COVID-19 cases per 100,000 decreased in Burnley from 52 to 24.6 , in Bolton from 25.6 to 18.9 , in Stockport from 23 to 15.1 and in Trafford from 27.1 to 17.8 , official data from the Department of Health and Social Care showed .
The easing of restrictions in Bradford , Calderdale and Kirklees excludes the Bradford city area , the Keighley town area , Halifax , Dewsbury , and Batley .
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Tameside , Salford , Preston , and Leicester will still not be able to visit others in their homes or gardens .
And residents in Oldham , and parts of Blackburn with Pendle , where infection rates are the highest in the country , are still banned from socialising with anyone outside their household anywhere .
Gary Hall , deputy chairman of the Lancashire Resilience Forum , which is leading the county 's response to the coronavirus pandemic , said : `` If we continue on this path I am hopeful that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remaining restrictions lifted soon , but this depends on people following the rules wherever they live in the county . ''
However , council leaders in Trafford told the government that it has eased restrictions too early , following advice from its own director of public health .
Andrew Western , Labour leader of Trafford Council , said : `` It is apparent that for all of their claims of working in collaboration with local authorities , the government has decided to overrule the council and lift restrictions in Trafford .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the claims of locally led decision-making and once again shows that local government is being ignored in spite of being on the front line of this crisis . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Official government data released on Friday revealed the UK recorded 1,276 daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 , compared with 1,522 a day earlier .
Thursday 's total was the highest daily count since 12 June .
A further nine people have also died with coronavirus .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK remains the same as last week at 0.9-1.1 - indicating that the rate of infection is most likely either broadly stable or slightly growing .
The R number is a measure of how many people on average each infected person transmits the virus to .
The latest growth rate for the whole of the country is between -2 % and 1 % , the government said , meaning the number of new infections is somewhere between shrinking by 2 % and growing by 1 % every day .

Lockdown restrictions will be eased in northern England next week after a decrease in coronavirus cases, meaning more than one million people in parts of the region can mix again in different households.
In line with the rest of England, social gatherings can take place between two homes in Bolton, Stockport, Trafford, Burnley, and Hyndburn - and parts of Bradford, Calderdale, and Kirklees - from Wednesday.
Businesses and organisations including bowling alleys and indoor play areas - which opened elsewhere in England on 15 August - will also be permitted to open their doors.
The decision was made after local political leaders submitted their recommendations to the government's Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC).
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "We're seeing the positive results of our local approach, and are able to bring in increasingly targeted measures.
"It is vital we can maintain this good progress."
He added: "I have every faith people across the country, especially in areas where we are seeing higher numbers of cases, will continue to play their part by following local rules, and self-isolating and requesting a free test as soon as they get any symptoms."
During the week ending 20 August, COVID-19 cases per 100,000 decreased in Burnley from 52 to 24.6, in Bolton from 25.6 to 18.9, in Stockport from 23 to 15.1 and in Trafford from 27.1 to 17.8, official data from the Department of Health and Social Care showed.
The easing of restrictions in Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees excludes the Bradford city area, the Keighley town area, Halifax, Dewsbury, and Batley.
Advertisement
People living in Manchester, Rochdale, Bury, Tameside, Salford, Preston, and Leicester will still not be able to visit others in their homes or gardens.
And residents in Oldham, and parts of Blackburn with Pendle, where infection rates are the highest in the country, are still banned from socialising with anyone outside their household anywhere.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:09 What is the 'R' rate in England's regions?
Gary Hall, deputy chairman of the Lancashire Resilience Forum, which is leading the county's response to the coronavirus pandemic, said: "If we continue on this path I am hopeful that all parts of Lancashire will have the remaining restrictions lifted soon, but this depends on people following the rules wherever they live in the county."
However, council leaders in Trafford told the government that it has eased restrictions too early, following advice from its own director of public health.
Andrew Western, Labour leader of Trafford Council, said: "It is apparent that for all of their claims of working in collaboration with local authorities, the government has decided to overrule the council and lift restrictions in Trafford.
"This action by government makes a mockery of the claims of locally led decision-making and once again shows that local government is being ignored in spite of being on the front line of this crisis."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Official government data released on Friday revealed the UK recorded 1,276 daily confirmed cases of COVID-19, compared with 1,522 a day earlier.
Thursday's total was the highest daily count since 12 June.
A further nine people have also died with coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the latest R number range for the UK remains the same as last week at 0.9-1.1 - indicating that the rate of infection is most likely either broadly stable or slightly growing.
The R number is a measure of how many people on average each infected person transmits the virus to.
The latest growth rate for the whole of the country is between -2% and 1%, the government said, meaning the number of new infections is somewhere between shrinking by 2% and growing by 1% every day.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-28--Chris Grayling quits Intelligence Committee after failing to be elected chairman

Chris Grayling , who was widely tipped to become chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee ( ISC ) before losing to fellow Tory MP Dr Julian Lewis , has resigned from the group .
The former transport secretary , nicknamed `` Failing Grayling '' for presiding over a series of government mishaps , has written to the man who beat him to the chairmanship of the committee to tender his resignation .
A statement from the committee said : `` The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP has , in accordance with the Justice and Security Act , written to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee of Parliament tendering his resignation from the Committee .
The Chairman has sent a reply . ''
Mr Grayling had been expected to become the ISC chair - putting him in charge of scrutinising the UK 's intelligence agencies MI5 , MI6 , and GCHQ - in a vote by other committee members in July .
But he was defeated by Dr Lewis in the ballot by using opposition votes to secure a majority in what was seen as a blow to prime minister Boris Johnson and his adviser Dominic Cummings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the committee , his nominee would be elected by the members .
After being elected head of the body with the backing opposition of MPs , Dr Lewis was expelled from the parliamentary Conservative Party .
A senior government source said the punishment was for `` working with Labour and other opposition MPs for his own advantage '' .
Opposition politicians called it `` psychopath politics '' and branded those behind the decision a `` grubby shower '' .
Dr Lewis later condemned what he called Downing Street 's attempt to impose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the committee .
He said in a statement that the 2013 Justice and Security Act explicitly removed the right of the prime minister to choose the ISC chairman and gave it to the committee members .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Amid the controversy , Downing Street denied the government was seeking to `` parachute '' a preferred candidate into the chairmanship , insisting it was a matter for the senior parliamentarians on the committee to decide .
The idea that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the committee raised eyebrows across the political spectrum due to his limited experience of security matters .
The row over the chairmanship came before the release of a much delayed report by the ISC on alleged Russian interference in UK politics .
Mr Johnson had been heavily criticised for blocking its publication ahead of 2019 's general election .

Chris Grayling, who was widely tipped to become chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) before losing to fellow Tory MP Dr Julian Lewis, has resigned from the group.
The former transport secretary, nicknamed "Failing Grayling" for presiding over a series of government mishaps, has written to the man who beat him to the chairmanship of the committee to tender his resignation.
A statement from the committee said: "The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP has, in accordance with the Justice and Security Act, written to the Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament tendering his resignation from the Committee. The Chairman has sent a reply."
Mr Grayling had been expected to become the ISC chair - putting him in charge of scrutinising the UK's intelligence agencies MI5, MI6, and GCHQ - in a vote by other committee members in July.
Image: Tory MP Dr Julian Lewis is the chairman of ISC. Pic: UK Parliament
But he was defeated by Dr Lewis in the ballot by using opposition votes to secure a majority in what was seen as a blow to prime minister Boris Johnson and his adviser Dominic Cummings.
Mr Johnson likely assumed given the Tory-majority on the committee, his nominee would be elected by the members.
After being elected head of the body with the backing opposition of MPs, Dr Lewis was expelled from the parliamentary Conservative Party.
A senior government source said the punishment was for "working with Labour and other opposition MPs for his own advantage".
Opposition politicians called it "psychopath politics" and branded those behind the decision a "grubby shower".
Advertisement
Dr Lewis later condemned what he called Downing Street's attempt to impose its "preferred candidate" to lead the committee.
He said in a statement that the 2013 Justice and Security Act explicitly removed the right of the prime minister to choose the ISC chairman and gave it to the committee members.
Image: Mr Grayling is the ex-transport secretary
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Amid the controversy, Downing Street denied the government was seeking to "parachute" a preferred candidate into the chairmanship, insisting it was a matter for the senior parliamentarians on the committee to decide.
The idea that Mr Johnson wanted Mr Grayling to head the committee raised eyebrows across the political spectrum due to his limited experience of security matters.
The row over the chairmanship came before the release of a much delayed report by the ISC on alleged Russian interference in UK politics.
Mr Johnson had been heavily criticised for blocking its publication ahead of 2019's general election.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-28--Britons urged to return to office - but Sturgeon warns against 'intimidating' workers

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has warned against any effort to `` intimidate '' people to go back to work ahead of a push by the UK government to encourage a return to offices .
In new adverts next week , UK government messages will emphasise the benefits of employees returning to workplaces , as well as encouraging businesses to make their offices COVID-secure .
It comes after the UK reported its highest daily number of new coronavirus cases since 12 June , with 1,522 people receiving a laboratory-confirmed positive COVID-19 test on Thursday .
: : Follow live coverage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The new adverts will be in a similar format to previous government information campaigns such as the `` stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives '' media push .
The move represents a bolstering of Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's `` back to work '' message and puts Downing Street at odds with devolved governments around the UK .
In guidance published earlier this week , the Scottish government said that remote working `` should remain the default position for those who can '' .
The Welsh government is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home where possible .
Ms Sturgeon warned that getting people back to workplaces `` has to be done in the context of suppressing the virus '' .
Speaking at her daily coronavirus briefing on Friday , the first minister also said she would `` not countenance in Scotland any kind of narrative around this that is seeking to almost intimidate people back to work before , as a country , we have taken a decision that that is safe '' .
Ms Sturgeon spoke after Downing Street distanced itself from reports that those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more vulnerable to being sacked .
The Daily Telegraph quoted a government source as describing working from home as `` not the benign option it seems '' .
`` Suddenly the word 'restructure ' is bandied about and people who have been working from home find themselves in the most vulnerable position , '' the source was quoted as adding .
Labour called on the government to condemn the reports .
Speaking to Sky News earlier on Friday , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps called for `` common sense '' between employers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said : `` We 're absolutely clear that employers and employees need to work together to resolve this .
`` There are , of course , a whole host of employee protections in place .
If employees have concerns about the workplace , for example , the Health and Safety Executive , the local authority , will be the right places to go .
`` The vast majority of employers just want to get their businesses back up and running , they want to do the right thing . ''
Mr Shapps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers was that `` it is now safe to go back '' , adding : `` Your employer should have made arrangements which are appropriate to make sure it is coronavirus-safe to work .
`` You will see some changes , if you have n't been in for a bit , as a result . ''
Nearly half of workers did some work from home during the coronavirus lockdown .
But Mr Shapps said there was a `` limit '' to the use of video-conferencing software , such as Zoom , in being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work done '' .
`` Clearly there are things you ca n't just do remotely , and a lot of those people have carried on working , '' he added .
`` But for the rest of us , also , you just miss out on that human spark when you 're not with people .
`` You will find the office has been reorganised into a coronavirus-avoidance friendly environment and probably a few changes as a result . ''
Figures compiled for Sky News revealed that worker footfall in Britain 's cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first two weeks of August .
Office attendance flat-lined despite the government abandoning its `` work from home '' guidance on 1 August and Mr Johnson personally urging staff to return .
A survey of businesses by the Office for National Statistics showed that , between 27 July to 9 August , 42 % were working at their normal place of work .
This compared to 39 % working remotely instead of at their normal place of work .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fairbairn , the director-general of the Confederation of British Industry , has warned the UK 's city centres will continue to be `` ghost towns '' without the return of workers to offices , which she described as `` vital drivers of our economy '' .
The CBI is calling for a `` hybrid '' approach of encouraging both home working and office working to `` get the best of both worlds '' .
The British Safety Council said that now was `` not the time for unnecessary trips to the office '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK government 's new push for workers to return .
Its chair , Lawrence Waterman , said : `` This new campaign should be more about choice - treating workers as responsible adults who should agree with their employers a sensible balance of work in formal workplaces and home . ''
Carlone Waters , the interim chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission , said : `` The lessons of 2020 show that different forms of flexible working can be combined to create effective working conditions which benefit both employer and employee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring forward its planned consultation on flexible working and reiterate our calls for it to be the default , unless there is a genuine business reason not to , and to make it a day one right . ''


skynewspolitics--2020-08-28--Local council 'overruled' as lockdown restrictions to be lifted against its wishes

The government has been accused of `` overruling '' a local council by lifting coronavirus restrictions in parts of Greater Manchester .
Andrew Western , the leader of Trafford Council , reacted angrily as he revealed the government would announce later on Friday that COVID-19 restrictions would be eased .
: : Follow live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates On 31 July , local residents in Trafford - along with other parts of Greater Manchester , Lancashire and West Yorkshire - were told to no longer socialise with other households in their own homes , gardens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday , the controlling Labour group on Trafford Council revealed they had asked for the local restrictions to remain in place for another week or two `` in the interests of public safety '' .
They cited a slight increase in the local rate of coronavirus infections in the last few days .
But the Labour statement said the government had instead overruled them and decided to lift the local measures , with an announcement expected later .
Mr Western claimed `` nobody has bothered '' to discuss the expected decision with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a population of 230,000 people but government could n't be bothered to pick up the phone to tell me we were being overruled , let alone explain why , '' he posted on Twitter .
The council leader added : `` It is absolutely clear that government claims of partnership working with local authorities are nonsense and approach all about placating Tory MPs . ''
But Nathan Evans , the leader of the Conservative group on Trafford Council , hailed a collaborative approach to reaching the decision .
He posted on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence based data , local leaders and our MP the government has agreed to shortly lift extended restrictions in Trafford .
Last week , Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced a more targeted approach to local COVID-19 restrictions in which the views of MPs would also be sought to gain `` the maximum possible local consensus '' .
Among Trafford 's three MPs is Sir Graham Brady , the chair of the influential 1922 committee of Conservative backbenchers .
He told Sky News he had been `` unpersuaded '' by Trafford Council 's request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he asked for more local data earlier in the week .
`` I understand that the Department of Health and Social Care offered a choice of ending restrictions on the wards with the lowest infection rates or ending restrictions for the whole borough and the council chose the latter , '' he added .
`` It is worth noting that 19 of 21 wards had between zero and five cases in the last week with 11 wards having no cases or a single case .
`` In most wards with any infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household that is affected .
Hospital admissions continue to fall .
`` Continuing restrictions that make it illegal for people to see their families seems like an extreme measure in these circumstances . ''
Ahead of the expected announcement on local coronavirus restrictions in Greater Manchester on Friday , political leaders in Stockport and Bolton reached a consensus to ask the government to remove current restrictions on social gatherings in homes .
Hazel Grove MP William Wragg told the Manchester Evening News on Friday that the restrictions would be lifted in Stockport .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier in the week that restrictions in Oldham , Manchester , Rochdale , Bury , Tameside , Salford and Trafford should remain for now .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It was also announced on Friday that restrictions on mixing between different households in homes or gardens in Burnley and Hyndburn will be lifted from next Wednesday and brought into line with the rest of England .
Lancashire 's director of public health Dr Sakthi Karunanithi said : `` People living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that government has lifted the additional restrictions in their areas , but this should not lead to complacency .
`` In both Burnley and Hyndburn infection rates are significantly above the national average with an increasing rate in Hyndburn .
`` Coronavirus does not respect administrative boundaries and there is a high volume of social , educational and commuting travel between these areas and Lancashire 's hotspots . ''

The government has been accused of "overruling" a local council by lifting coronavirus restrictions in parts of Greater Manchester.
Andrew Western, the leader of Trafford Council, reacted angrily as he revealed the government would announce later on Friday that COVID-19 restrictions would be eased.
:: Follow live coverage of the latest coronavirus news and updates
On 31 July, local residents in Trafford - along with other parts of Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire - were told to no longer socialise with other households in their own homes, gardens, pubs or restaurants.
Image: The health secretary announced a more targeted approach to local COVID-19 restrictions
In a statement on Friday, the controlling Labour group on Trafford Council revealed they had asked for the local restrictions to remain in place for another week or two "in the interests of public safety".
They cited a slight increase in the local rate of coronavirus infections in the last few days.
But the Labour statement said the government had instead overruled them and decided to lift the local measures, with an announcement expected later.
Mr Western claimed "nobody has bothered" to discuss the expected decision with him.
"I lead a council with a population of 230,000 people but government couldn't be bothered to pick up the phone to tell me we were being overruled, let alone explain why," he posted on Twitter.
Advertisement
The council leader added: "It is absolutely clear that government claims of partnership working with local authorities are nonsense and approach all about placating Tory MPs."
But Nathan Evans, the leader of the Conservative group on Trafford Council, hailed a collaborative approach to reaching the decision.
He posted on Twitter: "After working in collaboration with evidence based data, local leaders and our MP the government has agreed to shortly lift extended restrictions in Trafford.
"This is great positive news, local listening."
Last week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced a more targeted approach to local COVID-19 restrictions in which the views of MPs would also be sought to gain "the maximum possible local consensus".
Among Trafford's three MPs is Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the influential 1922 committee of Conservative backbenchers.
He told Sky News he had been "unpersuaded" by Trafford Council's request for an extension to the restrictions and that he asked for more local data earlier in the week.
"I understand that the Department of Health and Social Care offered a choice of ending restrictions on the wards with the lowest infection rates or ending restrictions for the whole borough and the council chose the latter," he added.
"It is worth noting that 19 of 21 wards had between zero and five cases in the last week with 11 wards having no cases or a single case.
"In most wards with any infection at all this will be a single household that is affected. Hospital admissions continue to fall.
"Continuing restrictions that make it illegal for people to see their families seems like an extreme measure in these circumstances."
Ahead of the expected announcement on local coronavirus restrictions in Greater Manchester on Friday, political leaders in Stockport and Bolton reached a consensus to ask the government to remove current restrictions on social gatherings in homes.
Hazel Grove MP William Wragg told the Manchester Evening News on Friday that the restrictions would be lifted in Stockport.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham had said earlier in the week that restrictions in Oldham, Manchester, Rochdale, Bury, Tameside, Salford and Trafford should remain for now.
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
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
It was also announced on Friday that restrictions on mixing between different households in homes or gardens in Burnley and Hyndburn will be lifted from next Wednesday and brought into line with the rest of England.
Lancashire's director of public health Dr Sakthi Karunanithi said: "People living in Burnley and Hyndburn will be pleased that government has lifted the additional restrictions in their areas, but this should not lead to complacency.
"In both Burnley and Hyndburn infection rates are significantly above the national average with an increasing rate in Hyndburn.
"Coronavirus does not respect administrative boundaries and there is a high volume of social, educational and commuting travel between these areas and Lancashire's hotspots."


skynewspolitics--2020-08-29--Hancock warns of nationwide restrictions in case of second COVID spike

There could be nationwide restrictions or very extensive local lockdowns in England if there is a second spike in COVID-19 cases this winter , Matt Hancock has warned .
The health secretary also said in a worst-case scenario , the UK could be fighting a bad outbreak of flu and a growth in coronavirus as people spend more time indoors .
He continued : `` Cases go up again , and we have to use very extensive local lockdowns or take further national action .
We do n't rule that out , but we do n't want to see it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would remain for the `` foreseeable '' future and suggested that , unless a vaccine was approved , grandparents would be unable to hug their grandchildren this Christmas .
`` I yearn to be able to remove the restrictions on social contact but those restrictions are absolutely necessary at the moment .
`` We 'll be keeping them in place for the foreseeable .
We hope for the best and we prepare for the worst . ''
Speaking to The Times , Mr Hancock said a second wave could be `` avoidable but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools reopening next week presenting new challenges in stopping the spread of the virus .
He said countries in others parts of the world were already experiencing a second spike , adding it was `` a very serious threat '' .
But he said the UK was managing to keep the number of new cases `` flat '' through the test and trace system and local lockdowns .
Under the initial lockdown in March , retail and hospitality industries had to close across the country .
Boris Johnson has compared the prospect of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deterrent '' .
The UK government is now encouraging workers to go back to offices , with adverts emphasising the benefits of employees returning to workplaces .
The health secretary said a vaccine was likely to be available `` some time next year '' , although he hoped this would be sooner .
Before then , he said , the government was relying on three `` lines of defence '' to stop the spread of the coronavirus - social distancing , NHS test and trace , and local lockdowns .
He hoped these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccination programme in history , would ensure that the NHS could cope .
His comments come as local COVID-19 restrictions were eased in northern England , which will allow social gatherings between two homes from Wednesday in Bolton , Stockport , Trafford , Burnley , Hyndburn and parts of Bradford , Calderdale and Kirklees .
Meanwhile , the latest R number range for the UK remains the same as last week at 0.9-1.1 - indicating that the rate of infection is most likely either broadly stable or slightly growing .
The R number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on average each infected person transmits the virus to .
The latest growth rate for the whole of the country is between -2 % and 1 % , the government said , meaning the number of new infections is somewhere between shrinking by 2 % and growing by 1 % every day .
Official government data released on Friday revealed the UK recorded 1,276 daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 , compared with 1,522 a day earlier .

There could be nationwide restrictions or very extensive local lockdowns in England if there is a second spike in COVID-19 cases this winter, Matt Hancock has warned.
The health secretary also said in a worst-case scenario, the UK could be fighting a bad outbreak of flu and a growth in coronavirus as people spend more time indoors.
He said: "Cases go up again, and we have to use very extensive local lockdowns or take further national action. We don't rule that out, but we don't want to see it."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 Govt issues 'levels of urgency' for schools in lockdown
Mr Hancock claimed social-distancing measures would remain for the "foreseeable" future and suggested that, unless a vaccine was approved, grandparents would be unable to hug their grandchildren this Christmas.
"I yearn to be able to remove the restrictions on social contact but those restrictions are absolutely necessary at the moment.
"We'll be keeping them in place for the foreseeable. We hope for the best and we prepare for the worst."
Speaking to The Times, Mr Hancock said a second wave could be "avoidable but it's not easy", with schools reopening next week presenting new challenges in stopping the spread of the virus.
He said countries in other parts of the world were already experiencing a second spike, adding it was "a very serious threat".
But he said the UK was managing to keep the number of new cases "flat" through the test and trace system and local lockdowns.
Advertisement
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:37 Workers in Europe 'keen to return to office'
Under the initial lockdown in March, retail and hospitality industries had to close across the country.
Boris Johnson has compared the prospect of another nationwide lockdown to a "nuclear deterrent".
The UK government is now encouraging workers to go back to offices, with adverts emphasising the benefits of employees returning to workplaces.
The health secretary said a vaccine was likely to be available "some time next year", although he hoped this would be sooner.
Before then, he said, the government was relying on three "lines of defence" to stop the spread of coronavirus - social distancing, NHS test and trace, and local lockdowns.
He hoped these measures, combined with the biggest flu vaccination programme in history, would ensure that the NHS could cope.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 'Weary inevitability' about govt guidance on schools
His comments come as local COVID-19 restrictions were eased in northern England, which will allow social gatherings between two homes from Wednesday in Bolton, Stockport, Trafford, Burnley, Hyndburn and parts of Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees.
Meanwhile, the latest R number range for the UK remains the same as last week at 0.9-1.1 - indicating the rate of infection is most likely either broadly stable or slightly growing.
The R number is a measure of how many people on average each infected person transmits the virus to.
The latest growth rate for the whole of the country is between -2% and 1%, the government said, meaning the number of new infections is somewhere between shrinking by 2% and growing by 1% every day.
Official government data released on Friday revealed the UK recorded 1,276 daily confirmed cases of COVID-19, compared with 1,522 a day earlier.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-28--‘The incompetence is insulting’: Govt attacked over last-minute COVID-19 rules for schoo

‘The incompetence is insulting’: Govt attacked over last-minute COVID-19 rules for schools

Teachers ' unions have reacted with dismay after the government published new COVID-19 guidelines for secondary schools last night - just days before millions of pupils in England are due to return to the classroom next week .
One leader said there was a sense of `` weary inevitability '' about the plan , while Labour said the `` incompetence is insulting '' .
If there is a local lockdown in an area with significant numbers of infections , schools could have to bring in a rota system for students who would spend two weeks in the classroom and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The staggered approach would be aimed at reducing a person 's contacts , helping to limit the spread of the coronavirus and giving enough time at home for symptoms to show up .
The Department for Education guidance does not apply to primary school children , as scientific evidence indicates they `` play a limited role in transmission '' .
The guidelines said schools should base their plans on a four-tier system so they respond to changing levels of coronavirus cases , and the approach prioritises keeping primary schools open .
Tier 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils attend school full-time .
And the extra measures should be introduced at the second tier if health and education officials believe infection levels are too high .
In this case , secondary school pupils would move to a part-time rota , where they would study at school for a fortnight and then study online at home for two weeks .
Tier 1 - Requires students in year seven and above , and staff , to wear face coverings in corridors and communal areas .
Tier 2 - Early years and primary schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will move to a rota system , combining face-to-face and remote learning .
Tier 3 - Early years and primary schools will remain open but secondaries and further education institutes will go to full remote learning , with the exception of key worker children .
Tier 4 - All early years , primaries and secondaries will move to full remote learning other than for key worker children .
Teachers have criticised the announcement and its timing .
Geoff Barton , general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders , told Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a sense of weary inevitability about this , that we 've been saying for a long time for weeks and weeks 'what 's the Plan B ? '
`` What do we do once we 've opened our schools and colleges , and welcomed children in , if there had to be a local lockdown ?
`` And that was responded to by the government as that it was a gross act of heresy even to question that .
`` So here we are , right at the end of all that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend , children starting to come back on Tuesday , and late-ish last night the guidance suddenly arrives with some confusion over exactly what is implied .
`` Of course we will respond to that and will make sure we do the planning that is necessary , but we could have been doing this weeks and weeks and weeks ago . ''
Meanwhile , Labour 's shadow education secretary Kate Green said the timing `` beggars belief '' .
She added : `` The government 's incompetence is insulting to the school leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over summer to prepare schools for children to return . ''
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said any changes to school attendance `` will only ever be an absolute last resort '' .
But he added : `` However , it is important that both government and schools prepare for a worst-case scenario , so this framework represents the sensible contingency planning any responsible government would put in place . ''
The guidance also said : `` In all areas of national government intervention , at schools where students in year seven and above @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worn by adults and pupils when moving around the premises , outside of classrooms , such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing can not easily be maintained . ''
Official government data released on Friday revealed the UK recorded 1,276 daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 , compared with 1,522 a day earlier .
Thursday 's total was the highest daily count since 12 June .
A further nine people have also died with coronavirus .

Teachers' unions have reacted with dismay after the government published new COVID-19 guidelines for secondary schools last night - just days before millions of pupils in England are due to return to the classroom next week.
One leader said there was a sense of "weary inevitability" about the plan, while Labour said the "incompetence is insulting".
If there is a local lockdown in an area with significant numbers of infections, schools could have to bring in a rota system for students who would spend two weeks in the classroom and then a fortnight studying online at home.
The staggered approach would be aimed at reducing a person's contacts, helping to limit the spread of the coronavirus and giving enough time at home for symptoms to show up.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:48 Govt issues 'levels of urgency' for schools in lockdown
The Department for Education guidance does not apply to primary school children, as scientific evidence indicates they "play a limited role in transmission".
The guidelines said schools should base their plans on a four-tier system so they respond to changing levels of coronavirus cases, and the approach prioritises keeping primary schools open.
Tier 1 will be the default setting where all pupils attend school full-time.
And the extra measures should be introduced at the second tier if health and education officials believe infection levels are too high.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Headteacher criticises '11th hour' guidance changes
In this case, secondary school pupils would move to a part-time rota, where they would study at school for a fortnight and then study online at home for two weeks.
Advertisement
Tier 1 - Requires students in year seven and above, and staff, to wear face coverings in corridors and communal areas.
Tier 2 - Early years and primary schools will stay open, while secondary schools will move to a rota system, combining face-to-face and remote learning.
Tier 3 - Early years and primary schools will remain open but secondaries and further education institutes will go to full remote learning, with the exception of key worker children.
Tier 4 - All early years, primaries and secondaries will move to full remote learning other than for key worker children.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:00 Face coverings U-turn for England's schools
Teachers have criticised the announcement and its timing.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, told Sky News: "I think there will be a sense of weary inevitability about this, that we've been saying for a long time for weeks and weeks 'what's the Plan B?'
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 'Weary inevitability' about govt guidance on schools
"What do we do once we've opened our schools and colleges, and welcomed children in, if there had to be a local lockdown?
"And that was responded to by the government as that it was a gross act of heresy even to question that.
"So here we are, right at the end of all that planning process, on a bank holiday weekend, children starting to come back on Tuesday, and late-ish last night the guidance suddenly arrives with some confusion over exactly what is implied.
"Of course we will respond to that and will make sure we do the planning that is necessary, but we could have been doing this weeks and weeks and weeks ago."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:05 Risk of reopening schools 'small' - Whitty
Meanwhile, Labour's shadow education secretary Kate Green said the timing "beggars belief".
She added: "The government's incompetence is insulting to the school leaders and teachers who have worked so hard over summer to prepare schools for children to return."
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said any changes to school attendance "will only ever be an absolute last resort".
But he added: "However, it is important that both government and schools prepare for a worst-case scenario, so this framework represents the sensible contingency planning any responsible government would put in place."
The guidance also said: "In all areas of national government intervention, at schools where students in year seven and above are educated, face coverings should be worn by adults and pupils when moving around the premises, outside of classrooms, such as in corridors and communal areas where social distancing cannot easily be maintained."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:59 Public Health study supports schools return
Official government data released on Friday revealed the UK recorded 1,276 daily confirmed cases of COVID-19, compared with 1,522 a day earlier.
Thursday's total was the highest daily count since 12 June.
A further nine people have also died with coronavirus.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-29--'Staying away from school risks huge dent in children's life chances,' warns Williamson

The education secretary has warned that parents who do not send their children school risk putting a `` huge dent in their future life chances '' .
In an open letter to parents , Gavin Williamson writes there is a `` far greater risk to children 's health and wellbeing if they do n't go to school '' .
The comments come two days before millions of pupils in England return to the classroom and amid criticism from teachers and Tory MPs of the government 's handling of education during the coronavirus pandemic .
One former Conservative minister told Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mess '' with a series of U-turns that were `` wholly avoidable '' .
`` There is no enthusiasm about going back to parliament… some of us spend our time gambling on how long before the next U-turn happens '' , said the senior Tory MP .
Teachers and union leaders rounded on the Department for Education on Saturday for issuing new guidance on schools days before pupils were due to return .
Officials are confident that a vast majority of schools in England will be open on Tuesday though , saying they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June when an initial attempt to restart education stalled .
But a poll published by Opinium shows shrinking public support for the government 's handling of the crisis .
Out of 2002 people surveyed , 47 % said they disapproved of the way ministers had dealt with the pandemic , compared to 31 % who approved .
The data also shows Labour now level pegging with the Conservatives with voting intention for both at 40 % .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mishandling of education matters were causing a `` steady deterioration '' in the polls and that a `` relaunch '' was now needed .
Senior Conservative MP and Brexiteer Charles Walker also lashed out at the prime minister , telling the Observer `` it is becoming increasingly difficult for backbenchers now to promote and defend government policy as so often that policy is changed or abandoned without notice '' .
He predicted a `` busy and workman-like '' first week when backbenchers return to Westminster on Tuesday .

The education secretary has warned that parents who do not send their children to school risk putting a "huge dent in their future life chances".
In an open letter to parents, Gavin Williamson writes there is a "far greater risk to children's health and well-being if they don't go to school".
The comments come two days before millions of pupils in England return to the classroom and amid criticism from teachers and Tory MPs of the government's handling of education during the coronavirus pandemic.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:23 Geoff Barton: 'Weary inevitability' about govt guidance on schools
One former Conservative minister told Sky News the response had been a "mess" with a series of U-turns that were "wholly avoidable".
"There is no enthusiasm about going back to parliament… some of us spend our time gambling on how long before the next U-turn happens", said the senior Tory MP.
Teachers and union leaders rounded on the Department for Education on Saturday for issuing new guidance on schools days before pupils were due to return.
Officials are confident that a vast majority of schools in England will be open on Tuesday though, saying they are in a far better place than June when an initial attempt to restart education stalled.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:52 Shapps: A 'limit' to what can be done at home
But a poll published by Opinium shows shrinking public support for the government's handling of the crisis.
Out of 2,002 people surveyed, 47% said they disapproved of the way ministers had dealt with the pandemic, compared to 31% who approved.
Advertisement
The data also shows Labour now level pegging with the Conservatives with voting intention for both at 40%.
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
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
One Conservative peer said U-turns and the mishandling of education matters were causing a "steady deterioration" in the polls and that a "relaunch" was now needed.
Senior Conservative MP and Brexiteer Charles Walker also lashed out at the prime minister, telling the Observer "it is becoming increasingly difficult for backbenchers now to promote and defend government policy as so often that policy is changed or abandoned without notice".
He predicted a "busy and workman-like" first week when backbenchers return to Westminster on Tuesday.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-28--'The incompetence is insulting': Govt attacked over last-minute COVID-19 rules for schools


skynewspolitics--2020-08-29--Education secretary urges parents to send children to school as government slumps in poll

The education secretary has warned that parents who do not send their children to school risk putting a `` huge dent in their future life chances '' .
In an open letter to parents , Gavin Williamson writes there is a `` far greater risk to children 's health and well-being if they do n't go to school '' .
The comments come two days before millions of pupils in England return to the classroom and amid criticism from teachers and Tory MPs of the government 's handling of education during the coronavirus pandemic .
One former Conservative minister told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` mess '' with a series of U-turns that were `` wholly avoidable '' .
`` There is no enthusiasm about going back to parliament… some of us spend our time gambling on how long before the next U-turn happens '' , said the senior Tory MP .
Teachers and union leaders rounded on the Department for Education on Saturday for issuing new guidance on schools days before pupils were due to return .
Officials are confident that a vast majority of schools in England will be open on Tuesday though , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than June when an initial attempt to restart education stalled .
But a poll published by Opinium shows shrinking public support for the government 's handling of the crisis .
Out of 2,002 people surveyed , 47 % said they disapproved of the way ministers had dealt with the pandemic , compared to 31 % who approved .
The data also shows Labour now level pegging with the Conservatives with voting intention for both at 40 % .
: : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the mishandling of education matters were causing a `` steady deterioration '' in the polls and that a `` relaunch '' was now needed .
Senior Conservative MP and Brexiteer Charles Walker also lashed out at the prime minister , telling the Observer `` it is becoming increasingly difficult for backbenchers now to promote and defend government policy as so often that policy is changed or abandoned without notice '' .
He predicted a `` busy and workman-like '' first week when backbenchers return to Westminster on Tuesday .


skynewspolitics--2020-08-30--Reality TV stars who failed to social distance in photos paid to promote Test and Trace

Taxpayer money was used to pay social media influencers and reality TV stars to promote the NHS Test and Trace system , the government has admitted .
As the system failed to reach its 80 % target for the ninth week in a row , a spokesman said the government had a responsibility to `` use every means possible '' to keep the public informed during the coronavirus pandemic .
He said : `` Our use of social media influencers has meant over seven million people have been reached .
`` This is just one part of a wider campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ print and other advertisements to ensure the public has the information it needs . ''
Love Island stars Shaughna Phillips , Josh Denzel and Chris Hughes were among those paid by the Cabinet Office to tell their online followers testing for COVID-19 was `` free , quick and vital to stop the spread '' , the Daily Mirror reported .
Both Phillips and Hughes have also posted photos online in the last month in which they are not socially distancing on Mediterranean islands .
The Mirror cited a social media expert as saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £5,000 and £10,000 for an ad post .
The government 's spokesman added : `` All costs involved in the campaign will be published as part of the regular transparency reports on gov.uk . ''
Stars who took part in the campaign could be investigated by the Advertising Standards Agency after not labelling their posts as advertisements initially .
The government 's spokesman said the Cabinet Office had been clear they needed to label such content correctly and all three posts now are marked as ads .
Recent data showed only three-quarters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for COVID-19 were reached through the Test and Trace programme .
In the week ending 19 August , 75.5 % of close contacts in England were reached - below the target of isolating 80 % of contacts of coronavirus cases within 48-72 hours .
Ahead of the figures being published , Health Secretary Matt Hancock acknowledged the system was `` not quite there '' .

Taxpayer money was used to pay social media influencers and reality TV stars to promote the NHS Test and Trace system, the government has admitted.
As the system failed to reach its 80% target for the ninth week in a row, a spokesman said the government had a responsibility to "use every means possible" to keep the public informed during the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: "Our use of social media influencers has meant over seven million people have been reached.
"This is just one part of a wider campaign utilising TV, radio, social, print and other advertisements to ensure the public has the information it needs."
Image: Before posting the ad, Shaughna Phillips posted a picture of her with friends in Malaga. Pic: Instagram/Shaughna Phillips
Love Island stars Shaughna Phillips, Josh Denzel and Chris Hughes were among those paid by the Cabinet Office to tell their online followers testing for COVID-19 was "free, quick and vital to stop the spread", the Daily Mirror reported.
Both Phillips and Hughes have also posted photos online in the last month in which they are not socially distancing on Mediterranean islands.
The Mirror cited a social media expert as saying the influencers would usually be paid between £5,000 and £10,000 for an ad post.
The government's spokesman added: "All costs involved in the campaign will be published as part of the regular transparency reports on gov.uk."
Stars who took part in the campaign could be investigated by the Advertising Standards Agency after not labelling their posts as advertisements initially.
Advertisement
Image: Former Love Island contestant Josh Denzel urged his followers to get tested if they had symptoms. Pic: Instagram/Josh Denzel
Image: The reality TV star's next post was him hugging friends and saying 'a couple extra inches never hurt anyone'. Pic: Instagram/Josh Denzel
The government's spokesman said the Cabinet Office had been clear they needed to label such content correctly and all three posts now are marked as ads.
Recent data showed only three-quarters of close contacts of people who tested positive for COVID-19 were reached through the Test and Trace programme.
In the week ending 19 August, 75.5% of close contacts in England were reached - below the target of isolating 80% of contacts of coronavirus cases within 48-72 hours.
Ahead of the figures being published, Health Secretary Matt Hancock acknowledged the system was "not quite there".


skynewspolitics--2020-08-30--Call for Cabinet reshuffle as government under fire over summer U-turns

Conservative backbenchers have criticised the government for a string of `` avoidable '' summer U-turns , ahead of MPs returning to Westminster on Tuesday .
One former Conservative minister told Sky News that some Tory MPs were now spending their time `` gambling on how long before the next U-turn happens '' .
The senior politician also called on the Boris Johnson to hold an autumn Cabinet reshuffle to clear out the `` third-rate sycophants and hangers on '' .
Another MP , from a seat won by the Conservatives in December , said the summer U-turns were `` predictable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to start listening to the parliamentary party .
`` Our radar needs to dramatically improve… everyone knows these things are looming '' , the MP said .
Former First Secretary of State Damian Green told Sky News that Mr Johnson now needs to give ministers `` a sense of direction '' .
`` The last few weeks have been difficult '' , he said .
`` What I think is essential , as parliament comes back this week , is that the government gets back on to the levelling up agenda , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It comes as a poll by Opinium shows Labour now level-pegging with the Conservatives at 40 % in the voting intention poll .
One Conservative peer said the poll changes were not dramatic or dire , but that the mishandling of issues like education was causing a `` steady deterioration '' .
`` New MPs normally take about two years at least to turn on the person who got them elected… and the absence of conference and by-elections will help the government '' , he said .
A Council leader from a traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was an issue only for `` the bubble '' and that among the grassroots , the prime minister was still getting `` a lot of the benefit of the doubt because of the pandemic '' .
It comes amid renewed speculation about how ministers will pay for the financial fallout from the pandemic .
Treasury sources dismissed newspaper reports that the chancellor was planning to raise capital gains tax and corporation tax as `` random speculation '' .
However , Rishi Sunak has admitted there would be `` difficult times ahead '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under control .
Former Conservative chancellor Lord Lamont told Sky News that tax rises or spending cuts were now `` probably inevitable '' .
He said : `` At some point there will have to be a tightening of the public finances , my own preference would be not to do it immediately , but perhaps to indicate in the autumn that this will be done .
Rebalancing the books is one of a number of challenges ministers will face in the coming months , alongside a predicted increase in coronavirus cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Senior Conservative MP and Brexiteer Charles Walker said the prime minister had created a `` climate of uncertainty '' that he needed to fix .
`` It is becoming increasingly difficult for backbenchers now to promote and defend government policy as so often that policy is changed or abandoned without notice '' , he told the Observer .
Last night , Mr Walker predicted a `` busy and workman-like '' first week when backbenchers return to @ @ @ @ @ @

Conservative backbenchers have criticised the government for a string of "avoidable" summer U-turns, ahead of MPs returning to Westminster on Tuesday.
One former Conservative minister told Sky News that some Tory MPs were now spending their time "gambling on how long before the next U-turn happens".
The senior politician also called on Boris Johnson to hold an autumn cabinet reshuffle to clear out the "third-rate sycophants and hangers on".
Image: Boris Johnson's been criticised for a summer of U-turns
Another MP, from a seat won by the Conservatives in December, said the summer U-turns were "predictable and fixable" and that Number 10 needs to start listening to the parliamentary party.
"Our radar needs to dramatically improve… everyone knows these things are looming", the MP said.
Former first secretary of state Damian Green told Sky News that Mr Johnson now needs to give ministers "a sense of direction".
"The last few weeks have been difficult", he said.
"What I think is essential, as parliament comes back this week, is that the government gets back on to the levelling up agenda, the agenda of spreading prosperity."
It comes as a poll by Opinium shows Labour now level-pegging with the Conservatives at 40% in the voting intention poll.
Advertisement
One Conservative peer said the poll changes were not dramatic or dire, but that the mishandling of issues like education was causing a "steady deterioration".
"New MPs normally take about two years at least to turn on the person who got them elected… and the absence of conference and by-elections will help the government", he said.
A council leader from a traditional Tory area also said fury over U-turns was an issue only for "the bubble" and that among the grassroots, the prime minister was still getting "a lot of the benefit of the doubt because of the pandemic".
It comes amid renewed speculation about how ministers will pay for the financial fallout from the pandemic.
Image: Rishi Sunak has warned there would be 'difficult times ahead'
Treasury sources dismissed newspaper reports that the chancellor was planning to raise capital gains tax and corporation tax as "random speculation".
However, Rishi Sunak has admitted there would be "difficult times ahead", as the government brings public finances back under control.
Former Conservative chancellor Lord Lamont told Sky News that tax rises or spending cuts were now "probably inevitable".
Image: Lord Lamont claims tax rises or spending cuts are now 'probably inevitable'
He said: "At some point there will have to be a tightening of the public finances, my own preference would be not to do it immediately, but perhaps to indicate in the autumn that this will be done.
Rebalancing the books is one of a number of challenges ministers will face in the coming months, alongside a predicted increase in coronavirus cases, Brexit and the usual winter pressures.
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
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Senior Conservative MP and Brexiteer Charles Walker said the prime minister had created a "climate of uncertainty" that he needed to fix.
"It is becoming increasingly difficult for backbenchers now to promote and defend government policy as so often that policy is changed or abandoned without notice", he told the Observer.
Last night, Mr Walker predicted a "busy and workman-like" first week when backbenchers return to Westminster in the coming days.


skynewspolitics--2020-08-30--Eat Out To Help Out officially ends but some restaurants will extend offer

All good things must come to an end , they say , and today sees the end of the government funded Eat Out To Help Out scheme .
Launched by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in July , for three days a week the deal offered half-price discounts on eat-in food up to the value of £10 per person .
It was designed to help kick-start a hospitality industry decimated by the COVID-19 lockdown .
And it worked - 84,000 restaurants and cafes took part in the scheme , serving more than 64 million meals in just three weeks .
But despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth of the scheme - with 10.5 million meals claimed for in the first week , 35 million meals in the second , and 64 million meals in the third - it has so far ignored calls for it to be extended .
The Federation for Small Businesses is among those wanting a continuation of the practice .
Its chief of external affairs , Craig Beaumont , said : `` This scheme has been an overwhelming success .
We 've seen the behaviour change , we 've seen people going in and enjoying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 've seen our high streets beginning to reinvigorate .
`` And that 's why we really want to see an extension to the scheme , or some form of the scheme , to continue to guarantee that this continues throughout the autumn .
We need the economic recovery to really take place , and the hospitality sector should be at the heart of that . ''
In a sector where 80 % halted trading and 1.4 million employees were furloughed , the scheme was such a welcome boost that many restaurants have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue it .
The hospitality sector was one of the industries hardest hit by the virus , with 80 % of firms halting trading and 1.4 million workers being furloughed in April .
Chains like Pizza Hut , Bill 's and Pizza Pilgrims are among restaurants to say they will continue with the 50 % discount next month .
Other smaller businesses are also following suit , such as The Arabica Bar And Kitchen in London 's Borough Market .
Its operations manager Pedro Oliveira said : `` The incentive from Rishi has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive one , to give some formal normality to the lives of the public .
So we thought it 's time for us to do something as well , so we decided to carry on that scheme for September . ''
With government debt now standing at around £2 trillion , and rumours of tax hikes on the horizon to service it , there is no indication that the chancellor will change his mind .
In a statement , Mr Sunak said : `` As the Eat Out to Help Out scheme draws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say thank you to the diners who have fallen back in love with their local , to the managers who have spent weeks ensuring their restaurants were safe and to the chefs , waiters and waitresses across the country who have worked tirelessly , sometimes with more customers than they 've ever had before - all helping to protect 1.8 million jobs in the hospitality sector .
`` The scheme reminded us why we as a nation love dining out and I urge diners to maintain the momentum to help continue our economic @ @ @

All good things must come to an end, they say, and today sees the end of the government funded Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
Launched by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in July, for three days a week the deal offered half-price discounts on eat-in food up to the value of £10 per person.
It was designed to help kick-start a hospitality industry decimated by the COVID-19 lockdown.
And it worked - 84,000 restaurants and cafes took part in the scheme, serving more than 64 million meals in just three weeks.
Image: A number of chains and establishments have said they will extend the discount deal into September
But despite the government's data showing the rapid growth of the scheme - with 10.5 million meals claimed for in the first week, 35 million meals in the second, and 64 million meals in the third - it has so far ignored calls for it to be extended.
The Federation for Small Businesses is among those wanting a continuation of the practice.
Its chief of external affairs, Craig Beaumont, said: "This scheme has been an overwhelming success. We've seen the behaviour change, we've seen people going in and enjoying their local small businesses safely, and we've seen our high streets beginning to reinvigorate.
"And that's why we really want to see an extension to the scheme, or some form of the scheme, to continue to guarantee that this continues throughout the autumn. We need the economic recovery to really take place, and the hospitality sector should be at the heart of that."
In a sector where 80% halted trading and 1.4 million employees were furloughed, the scheme was such a welcome boost that many restaurants have taken it into their own hands to continue it.
Advertisement
The hospitality sector was one of the industries hardest hit by the virus, with 80% of firms halting trading and 1.4 million workers being furloughed in April.
Chains like Pizza Hut, Bill's and Pizza Pilgrims are among restaurants to say they will continue with the 50% discount next month.
Other smaller businesses are also following suit, such as The Arabica Bar And Kitchen in London's Borough Market.
Its operations manager Pedro Oliveira said: "The incentive from Rishi has definitely had an impact, and a positive one, to give some formal normality to the lives of the public. So we thought it's time for us to do something as well, so we decided to carry on that scheme for September."
Image: The government has refused to extend the subsidy
With government debt now standing at around £2 trillion, and rumours of tax hikes on the horizon to service it, there is no indication that the chancellor will change his mind.
In a statement, Mr Sunak said: "As the Eat Out to Help Out scheme draws to a close, I want to say thank you to the diners who have fallen back in love with their local, to the managers who have spent weeks ensuring their restaurants were safe and to the chefs, waiters and waitresses across the country who have worked tirelessly, sometimes with more customers than they've ever had before - all helping to protect 1.8 million jobs in the hospitality sector.
"The scheme reminded us why we as a nation love dining out and I urge diners to maintain the momentum to help continue our economic recovery."