inews--2020-05-15--Coronavirus latest: More than four million workers fear they will lose their jobs in the next three

Coronavirus latest: More than four million workers fear they will lose their jobs in the next three months

Coronavirus latest : More than four million workers fear they will lose their jobs in the next three months The report found that almost a third of the UK ’ s lowest-paid employees had either been furloughed or had lost their jobs More than four million people in the UK fear they will lose their jobs in the next three months as a result of the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic , according to a leading think tank .
Research from the Resolution Foundation found that close to one-in-eight workers believe they will lose their jobs in the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be added to the unemployment figures if their assumption is correct .
The survey of 6,005 adults , which was supported by the Health Foundation , also showed that 23 per cent of workers – equating to 7.6 million of the entire UK workforce of 33 million – believe their hours will be reduced as the fallout from the health crisis hits households up and down the country .
In contrast the report found , less than one in ten ( 8 per cent ) of the top fifth of earners have lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workforce as a whole , around 18 per cent of workers have lost work or been furloughed , including 25 per cent of private sector workers .
Report found that almost a third of the UK ’ s lowest-paid employees had either been furloughed or had lost their jobs ( Photo : OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty ) While Prime Minister Boris Johnson has used the phrase “ we ’ re all in this together ” when spelling out how the country is tackling the crisis , the Resolution Foundation claims it is clear poorer households @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hannah Slaughter , economist at the foundation , said : “ While the economic crisis has affected every household in Britain in some way , from having to work remotely to not being able to work at all , our research shows that some workers have been more directly affected than others .
Ms Slaughter also said the survey ’ s findings underline why the Government must combine its dialling down of the Government ’ s Job Retention Scheme ( JRS ) over the coming months with a dialling up of wider labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest unemployment levels in a quarter of the century .
She said : “ The Government ’ s bold support measures have avoided unimaginable unemployment rises but the jobs crisis is far from over , with around one in seven workers still fearing they could lose their jobs in the coming months .
We now need to see new measures – including job guarantees for young people – to tackle the high levels of joblessness that are likely to be with us long after the pandemic has subsided.
” Excluding those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patterns are , according to the survey , are most likely to lose their jobs or be furloughed .
This includes 31 per cent of employees who work variable hours , and 28 per cent of those on zero-hours contracts , compared to 14 per cent of those in traditional employment .
As well as highlighting the scale of UK labour market shock , the report added the JRS had been crucial in preventing both mass unemployment and an even bigger hit to household living standards .
Of those employees who worked before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they have been furloughed from their main job .
The report also found that 45 per cent of self-employed workers do not intend to take up the scheme offering grants of up to £7,500 over three months , due either to believing they are ineligible ( 29 per cent ) or their work not having been affected by the coronavirus crisis ( 16 per cent ) .
This , said the think tank , is potentially lower than expected , given the scheme ’ s generous terms , and the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed to be eligible for it .
Ms Slaughter added : “ The Government ’ s bold support measures have avoided unimaginable unemployment rises but the jobs crisis is far from over , with around one in seven workers still fearing they could lose their jobs in the coming months .
We now need to see new measures – including job guarantees for young people – to tackle the high levels of joblessness that are likely to be with us long after the pandemic has subsided .
”

More than four million people in the UK fear they will lose their jobs in the next three months as a result of the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, according to a leading think tank.
Research from the Resolution Foundation found that close to one-in-eight workers believe they will lose their jobs in the next three months, meaning 4.3 million could be added to the unemployment figures if their assumption is correct.
The unemployment rate stands at 1.36 million but if workers’ fears are realised that would rocket from the current 4 per cent to around 16 per cent, leading to almost 5.7 million people in the dole queue.
The survey of 6,005 adults, which was supported by the Health Foundation, also showed that 23 per cent of workers – equating to 7.6 million of the entire UK workforce of 33 million – believe their hours will be reduced as the fallout from the health crisis hits households up and down the country.
Unemployment fears
In all, around 12 million people fear losing their jobs or having their hours slashed as the country heads towards what experts claim will be the deepest recession in a 100 years.
The report, entitled “The effects of the coronavirus crisis on workers”, added that the nation’s poorest paid workers were “paying the heaviest price” during the lockdown.
It found that almost a third of the UK’s lowest-paid employees had either been furloughed or had lost their jobs altogether as a result of the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
It also showed 5 per cent of the lowest-paid fifth of earners had lost their jobs, and a further 25 per cent in this category had been furloughed.
The report examined how the current economic crisis has affected workers’ jobs, hours and working patterns so far, as well as their expectations for the future.
In contrast the report found, less than one in ten (8 per cent) of the top fifth of earners have lost work or been furloughed. Across the workforce as a whole, around 18 per cent of workers have lost work or been furloughed, including 25 per cent of private sector workers.
Toll on poorer households
While Prime Minister Boris Johnson has used the phrase “we’re all in this together” when spelling out how the country is tackling the crisis, the Resolution Foundation claims it is clear poorer households are more affected than the wealthy.
Hannah Slaughter, economist at the foundation, said: “While the economic crisis has affected every household in Britain in some way, from having to work remotely to not being able to work at all, our research shows that some workers have been more directly affected than others.
“Britain’s lowest-paid workers, as well as those on insecure employment contracts, are the most likely to have lost work during the crisis, either by being furloughed or losing their jobs altogether.
“As a country, we need to do a far better job of protecting our most economically vulnerable workers. That must be a priority for post-pandemic Britain.”
Ms Slaughter also said the survey’s findings underline why the Government must combine its dialling down of the Government’s Job Retention Scheme (JRS) over the coming months with a dialling up of wider labour market support to tackle what could be the highest unemployment levels in a quarter of the century.
She said: “The Government’s bold support measures have avoided unimaginable unemployment rises but the jobs crisis is far from over, with around one in seven workers still fearing they could lose their jobs in the coming months. We now need to see new measures – including job guarantees for young people – to tackle the high levels of joblessness that are likely to be with us long after the pandemic has subsided.”
Insecure working patterns
Excluding those who are self-employed, workers with insecure working patterns are, according to the survey, are most likely to lose their jobs or be furloughed. This includes 31 per cent of employees who work variable hours, and 28 per cent of those on zero-hours contracts, compared to 14 per cent of those in traditional employment.
As well as highlighting the scale of UK labour market shock, the report added the JRS had been crucial in preventing both mass unemployment and an even bigger hit to household living standards. Of those employees who worked before the outbreak started, 15 per cent said they have been furloughed from their main job.
The report also found that 45 per cent of self-employed workers do not intend to take up the scheme offering grants of up to £7,500 over three months, due either to believing they are ineligible (29 per cent) or their work not having been affected by the coronavirus crisis (16 per cent). This, said the think tank, is potentially lower than expected, given the scheme’s generous terms, and the fact that the vast majority of such workers were believed to be eligible for it.
Ms Slaughter added: “The Government’s bold support measures have avoided unimaginable unemployment rises but the jobs crisis is far from over, with around one in seven workers still fearing they could lose their jobs in the coming months. We now need to see new measures – including job guarantees for young people – to tackle the high levels of joblessness that are likely to be with us long after the pandemic has subsided.”
According to the think tank, policy support should include job guarantees for young people, a huge expansion of training provision, and supporting the creation of green new jobs as a priority for Britain’s post-pandemic labour market.


inews--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Teachers have a right to work safely and must be reassured that they are taking reasona

Coronavirus: Teachers have a right to work safely and must be reassured that they are taking reasonable risks

Coronavirus : Teachers have a right to work safely and must be reassured that they are taking reasonable risks Covid-19 is still too new for us to understand how infectious people of any age are to others Assuming for a moment that schools in England do reopen on 1 June ( and some won ’ t ) , would you send back your children ?
Our poll shows that parents are divided , with marginal support for telling your offspring that home schooling has been lovely but their teachers must be missing them .
Teachers have a right to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , must be reassured that they are taking reasonable risks when they return to the classroom .
From a worm ’ s eye view , as it were , the virus appears to pose relatively little risk to children : they account for very few cases , have milder disease than adults , and deaths have been mercifully rare .
What about their teachers , then , or the families of teachers and fellow pupils ?
Children are “ super spreaders ” of other viruses , with the youngest showing famously poor awareness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary school kids I know enthusiastically improved handwashing and distancing , but even adults struggle to maintain such rigours .
Whether or not children are spreaders remains unknown .
Covid-19 is still too new for us to understand how infectious people of any age are to others .
Waiting to find out the answer before reopening schools – a necessity to help kickstart the economy – may be unrealistic .
The Government argues this gamble is low risk and worthwhile , but has a catastrophic trust problem with teachers .
Teacher unions said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of opening schools in England 'raised more questions than answers ' ( Photo : Christopher Furlong/Getty ) My office eyrie above our garage affords me a pleasant view over the garden , a place I have never felt luckier to own .
While working , I can see my daughters play and dozens of birds whizz about .
Alas , an unwelcome visitor : a forgetful squirrel .
This agent of destruction has mislaid something tasty , or is indecisive and can ’ t decide where to bury his stash .
The blighter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a terrier .
I ’ m not precious , our lawn is no bowling green – but nor do I wish it to look like the Western Front .
Any advice ?

Assuming for a moment that schools in England do reopen on 1 June (and some won’t), would you send back your children? Our poll shows that parents are divided, with marginal support for telling your offspring that home schooling has been lovely but their teachers must be missing them.
Teachers have a right to work safely and, like any other employee, must be reassured that they are taking reasonable risks when they return to the classroom.
From a worm’s eye view, as it were, the virus appears to pose relatively little risk to children: they account for very few cases, have milder disease than adults, and deaths have been mercifully rare.
What about their teachers, then, or the families of teachers and fellow pupils? Children are “super spreaders” of other viruses, with the youngest showing famously poor awareness of hygiene and personal space. The primary school kids I know enthusiastically improved handwashing and distancing, but even adults struggle to maintain such rigours.
Whether or not children are spreaders remains unknown. Covid-19 is still too new for us to understand how infectious people of any age are to others. Waiting to find out the answer before reopening schools – a necessity to help kickstart the economy – may be unrealistic. The Government argues this gamble is low risk and worthwhile, but has a catastrophic trust problem with teachers.
My office eyrie above our garage affords me a pleasant view over the garden, a place I have never felt luckier to own. While working, I can see my daughters play and dozens of birds whizz about.
Alas, an unwelcome visitor: a forgetful squirrel. This agent of destruction has mislaid something tasty, or is indecisive and can’t decide where to bury his stash. The blighter is digging holes in our lawn like a terrier. I’m not precious, our lawn is no bowling green – but nor do I wish it to look like the Western Front. Any advice?
Twitter: @olyduff


inews--2020-05-15--Government trials 'Super Six' sniffer dogs to detect coronavirus among public

Government trials 'Super Six ' sniffer dogs to detect coronavirus among public Cancer sniffing dogs could help with coronavirus detection The Government is to start trialling specially-trained sniffer dogs to see if they can detect Covid-19 in humans before they begin to show symptoms as part of its plans for an “ early warning ” system .
Trials are due to start within the next two weeks to determine whether “ covid dogs ” are able to detect coronavirus in humans by taking odour samples , which scientists hope could “ revolutionise ” how the virus is monitored .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in collaboration with the charity Medical Detection Dogs , which has successfully trained dogs to detect different diseases , such as certain cancers , malaria and Parkinson ’ s .
Innovation minister Lord Bethell said : “ Bio-detection dogs already detect specific cancers and we believe this innovation might provide speedy results as part of our wider testing strategy .
“ Accuracy is essential so this trial will tell us whether ‘ covid dogs ’ can reliably detect the virus and stop it spreading.
” It reveals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to go to in order to try and gain greater control over the spread of Covid-19 .
Officials said the dogs will only be deployed if the move is backed by “ strong scientific evidence ” .
The specially trained bio-detection dogs , including Asher ( pictured ) , can already detect specific cancers , malaria and Parkinson ’ s The first stage of the trial will see odour samples collected by NHS staff in London hospitals from people who are infected with coronavirus and those who are uninfected .
These will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mixture of labradors and cocker spaniels and nicknamed in Whitehall the “ Super Six ” , to see if they can detect the virus .
The Department of Health and Social Care has provided an initial £500,000 for the initial trials .
If it is proven to be successful a second phase of trials will begin over the next four months .
Officials hope the sniffer dogs could be fully deployed in six months ’ time .
The dogs could each screen up to 250 people per hour and can be trained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the equivalent dilution of one teaspoon of sugar in two Olympic-sized swimming pools of water .
Professor James Logan , lead researcher for the work and Head of the Department of Disease Control at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , said : “ Our previous work has shown that malaria has a distinctive odour , and with Medical Detection Dogs , we successfully trained dogs to accurately detect malaria .
This , combined with the knowledge that respiratory disease can change body odour , makes us hopeful that the dogs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guest , Co-Founder and CEO of Medical Detection Dogs said : “ We have already demonstrated our expertise in canine disease detection by successfully training dogs to detect diseases like cancer , Parkinson ’ s and malaria , and we apply that same science to train life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to detect odour changes in individuals caused by their health condition .
”

The Government is to start trialling specially-trained sniffer dogs to see if they can detect Covid-19 in humans before they begin to show symptoms as part of its plans for an “early warning” system.
Trials are due to start within the next two weeks to determine whether “covid dogs” are able to detect coronavirus in humans by taking odour samples, which scientists hope could “revolutionise” how the virus is monitored.
The research is being conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in collaboration with the charity Medical Detection Dogs, which has successfully trained dogs to detect different diseases, such as certain cancers, malaria and Parkinson’s.
Revolutionary
Ministers hope the method could form part of the Government’s wider test, track and trace programme to prevent further spread of Covid-19.
Innovation minister Lord Bethell said: “Bio-detection dogs already detect specific cancers and we believe this innovation might provide speedy results as part of our wider testing strategy.
“Accuracy is essential so this trial will tell us whether ‘covid dogs’ can reliably detect the virus and stop it spreading.”
It reveals the lengths to which the Government is willing to go to in order to try and gain greater control over the spread of Covid-19. Officials said the dogs will only be deployed if the move is backed by “strong scientific evidence”.
The first stage of the trial will see odour samples collected by NHS staff in London hospitals from people who are infected with coronavirus and those who are uninfected. These will then be given to six dogs, a mixture of labradors and cocker spaniels and nicknamed in Whitehall the “Super Six”, to see if they can detect the virus.
The Department of Health and Social Care has provided an initial £500,000 for the initial trials. If it is proven to be successful a second phase of trials will begin over the next four months. Officials hope the sniffer dogs could be fully deployed in six months’ time.
The dogs could each screen up to 250 people per hour and can be trained to detect the odour of disease at the equivalent dilution of one teaspoon of sugar in two Olympic-sized swimming pools of water.
Dog detectors
Professor James Logan, lead researcher for the work and Head of the Department of Disease Control at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “Our previous work has shown that malaria has a distinctive odour, and with Medical Detection Dogs, we successfully trained dogs to accurately detect malaria. This, combined with the knowledge that respiratory disease can change body odour, makes us hopeful that the dogs can also detect COVID-19.”
He added: “If successful, this approach could revolutionise how we detect the virus, with the potential to screen high numbers of people.”
Dr Claire Guest, Co-Founder and CEO of Medical Detection Dogs said: “We have already demonstrated our expertise in canine disease detection by successfully training dogs to detect diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s and malaria, and we apply that same science to train life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to detect odour changes in individuals caused by their health condition.”


inews--2020-05-15--Boris Johnson to launch drive to tackle obesity in battle against coronavirus

Boris Johnson to launch drive to tackle obesity in battle against coronavirus The Prime Minister has told ministers he is convinced his excess weight was a key reason he needed intensive care treatment The Prime Minister has told ministers that he is convinced his excess weight was a key reason he needed intensive care treatment after contracting the infection .
He has told colleagues that it is “ all right for you thinnies ” and to have “ changed my mind on this ” .
Research has suggested that people with Covid-19 are twice as likely to require hospital treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Commons on Monday Mr Johnson is among the one third of UK adults categorised as being clinically obese with a body mass index ( BMI ) of over 30 .
The nation ’ s levels of obesity are among the highest in Europe .
He is believed to have weighed around 17 stone and 7 lbs when he was admitted at St Thomas ' hospital in London last month , giving him a BMI of around 36 at the time .
Mr Johnson has previously been a critic of “ nanny state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sin taxes ” such as former Chancellor George Osborne ’ s “ sugar tax ” on fizzy drinks .
Mr Osborne said : “ Good to see that the sugar tax I introduced in my 2016 Budget continues to win over those who opposed it ” .
The Prime Minister ’ s official spokesman said Public Health England was carrying out an urgent review , which will be completed this month , into the factors behind patients ’ susceptibility to Covid-19 .
“ It is critical to understand how different factors such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and obesity could be disproportionately impacting how people are affected by coronavirus , ” he said .
“ As we outlined on our Recovery Strategy this Government will invest in preventative and personalised solutions to ill-health , helping individuals to live healthier and more active lives .
”

Boris Johnson is to launch a fresh drive to tackle levels of obesity as fears grow that overweight people have been more severely affected by coronavirus, Downing Street said.
The Prime Minister has told ministers that he is convinced his excess weight was a key reason he needed intensive care treatment after contracting the infection.
He has told colleagues that it is “all right for you thinnies” and to have “changed my mind on this”.
Research has suggested that people with Covid-19 are twice as likely to require hospital treatment.
Health risks of obesity
Mr Johnson is among the one third of UK adults categorised as being clinically obese with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30. The nation’s levels of obesity are among the highest in Europe.
He is believed to have weighed around 17 stone and 7 lbs when he was admitted at St Thomas’ hospital in London last month, giving him a BMI of around 36 at the time.
Mr Johnson has previously been a critic of “nanny state” measures and pledged to review “sin taxes” such as former Chancellor George Osborne’s “sugar tax” on fizzy drinks.
Mr Osborne said: “Good to see that the sugar tax I introduced in my 2016 Budget continues to win over those who opposed it”.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Public Health England was carrying out an urgent review, which will be completed this month, into the factors behind patients’ susceptibility to Covid-19.
“It is critical to understand how different factors such as ethnicity, deprivation, age, gender and obesity could be disproportionately impacting how people are affected by coronavirus,” he said.
“As we outlined on our Recovery Strategy this Government will invest in preventative and personalised solutions to ill-health, helping individuals to live healthier and more active lives.”


inews--2020-05-15--Coronavirus latest: tributes paid to NHS and healthcare workers as death toll exceeds 170

Coronavirus latest : tributes paid to NHS and healthcare workers as death toll exceeds 170 The true number of deaths is thought to be much higher Tributes have been paid to NHS staff and careworkers who have lost their life to Covid-19 ( Photo : Getty ) Tributes have been paid to more NHS and healthcare workers who have lost their lives to Covid-19 .
Midwife , Safaa Alam , 30 , and senior mental health nurse , Lillian Mudzivare , 41 , who worked at the same NHS Trust both died after treatment for the virus .
Mrs Alam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before training as a midwife at Birmingham Women 's Hospital , where she was described as a `` true role model '' known for her kindness and compassion .
Rachel Carter , the trust 's head of midwifery , said Safaa was “ loved by all ” .
She was “ a dear friend and the glue to our team , ” she said .
The trust ’ s chief executive , Sarah-Jane Marsh , paid tribute to Mrs Mudzivare , who was married with children , recalling how her “ bubbly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of everyone who knew her .
Jun Terre , 52 , a healthcare assistant at Stoke Mandeville Hospital , whose wife also works in healthcare died on 14 May .
Neil Macdonald , Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust chief executive , spoke of `` a gracious , quiet and kind gentleman with a smile that would light up a room '' .
Andy Collier , a “ selfless ” nurse practitioner at Hollins Park Hospital in Warrington , Cheshire , died on 15 April , a spokesman for the North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 53 , who was a former rugby player for Wigan and Leigh Centurions rugby league clubs , died with his wife , Carol , by his bedside .
Mr Collier ’ s ward manager Rob Kelly said : `` Andy was all about putting other people first - whether that was patients on the ward or his colleagues across the trust .
He was very down to earth , fair and selfless.
” It is estimated that 173 NHS workers and other careworkers have died during the coronavirus pandemic .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as not all deaths will be in the public domain .

Tributes have been paid to more NHS and healthcare workers who have lost their lives to Covid-19.
Midwife, Safaa Alam, 30, and senior mental health nurse, Lillian Mudzivare, 41, who worked at the same NHS Trust both died after treatment for the virus.
Mrs Alam started her professional career as a nurse before training as a midwife at Birmingham Women’s Hospital, where she was described as a “true role model” known for her kindness and compassion.
‘Loved’
Rachel Carter, the trust’s head of midwifery, said Safaa was “loved by all”. She was “a dear friend and the glue to our team,” she said.
The trust’s chief executive, Sarah-Jane Marsh, paid tribute to Mrs Mudzivare, who was married with children, recalling how her “bubbly, vibrant and bright approach touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
Jun Terre, 52, a healthcare assistant at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, whose wife also works in healthcare died on 14 May.
Neil Macdonald, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust chief executive, spoke of “a gracious, quiet and kind gentleman with a smile that would light up a room”.
‘Selfless’
Andy Collier, a “selfless” nurse practitioner at Hollins Park Hospital in Warrington, Cheshire, died on 15 April, a spokesman for the North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said.
Mr Collier, 53, who was a former rugby player for Wigan and Leigh Centurions rugby league clubs, died with his wife, Carol, by his bedside.
Mr Collier’s ward manager Rob Kelly said: “Andy was all about putting other people first – whether that was patients on the ward or his colleagues across the trust. He was very down to earth, fair and selfless.”
It is estimated that 173 NHS workers and other careworkers have died during the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the true figure is likely to be higher as not all deaths will be in the public domain.


inews--2020-05-15--Coronavirus latest: Covid-19 infection rate rises amid easing of lockdown measures

The rate of Covid-19 infections in the UK is creeping back up just days after the Prime Minister eased the nationwide lockdown , government scientists have said .
According to data published by the Office for Science , the rate of transmission of the virus - known as the R number - has increased to between 0.7 and 1.o , bringing it close to the threshold when the disease can begin spreading quickly through the population .
Last week , the R number range was between 0.5 and 0.9 , and allowed Boris Johnson to begin easing some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop the spread of the disease .
Speaking during the daily Downing Street press briefing , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the R value was a “ very important figure ” but insisted that scientists “ do n't think that it is above one ” .
Officials believe the rise in the R number is being driven by the continuing epidemic in care homes and hospitals , where infections are persistent but decreasing .
The R number is one of the key measures the Government will look to in order to decide whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing rules in place across the country , having warned that if it goes above 1 it could lead to restrictions being reinstated .
The fact that the reproduction rate has returned to close to 1 in some parts of the country , ahead of what is expected to be a sunny weekend has sparked fears it could lead to a rapid increase in infections .
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said the new figure was based on “ historical data ” and added : “ We know that we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to some areas of risks .
“ So obviously in recent weeks , care homes have been heightened interest , hospitals also and we keep an eye on those .
So this is very much a national average.
” Mr Hancock said being able to test and trace the virus more effectively would mean a more accurate R number , but ministers admitted just a fraction of the Covid-19 contact tracers had been recruited .
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said just 1,500 0f the required 18,000 trackers had been hired .
Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date and the govt will have its promised 18,000 contact tracers in place by the end of next week .

The rate of Covid-19 infections in the UK is creeping back up just days after the Prime Minister eased the nationwide lockdown, government scientists have said.
According to data published by the Office for Science, the rate of transmission of the virus – known as the R number – has increased to between 0.7 and 1.o, bringing it close to the threshold when the disease can begin spreading quickly through the population.
Last week, the R number range was between 0.5 and 0.9, and allowed Boris Johnson to begin easing some of the stringent restrictions placed on the country to stop the spread of the disease.
Important figure
Speaking during the daily Downing Street press briefing, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the R value was a “very important figure” but insisted that scientists “don’t think that it is above one”.
Officials believe the rise in the R number is being driven by the continuing epidemic in care homes and hospitals, where infections are persistent but decreasing.
The R number is one of the key measures the Government will look to in order to decide whether it can continue lifting some of social distancing rules in place across the country, having warned that if it goes above 1 it could lead to restrictions being reinstated.
The fact that the reproduction rate has returned to close to 1 in some parts of the country, ahead of what is expected to be a sunny weekend has sparked fears it could lead to a rapid increase in infections.
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said the new figure was based on “historical data” and added: “We know that we have slightly different ‘R’ values relating to some areas of risks.
“So obviously in recent weeks, care homes have been heightened interest, hospitals also and we keep an eye on those. So this is very much a national average.”
Contact tracers
Mr Hancock said being able to test and trace the virus more effectively would mean a more accurate R number, but ministers admitted just a fraction of the Covid-19 contact tracers had been recruited.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said just 1,500 0f the required 18,000 trackers had been hired. Downing Street said the figure was out of date and the govt will have its promised 18,000 contact tracers in place by the end of next week.


inews--2020-05-15--Coronavirus latest: Fire and theft threaten UK's rare wildlife species during lockdown

Skeleton staff on conservation workers ‘ battling ’ to prevent damage to sites across the country Wildlife reserves are meant to be a haven for Britain ’ s rarest species .
But during the lockdown they are becoming dangerous places , with conservation workers battling to prevent wildlife being shot and habitats destroyed .
The Wildlife Trusts , the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trusts , the RSPB and the Countryside Alliance have all told i of an increase in damaging activities , from trespassing and fly-tipping to arson and shootings .
The few staff members still at work are struggling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as continuing conservation work , said Craig Bennett , CEO of the Wildlife Trusts .
“ These are desperate times .
Income from visitor centres has crashed , yet the demands of caring for thousands of nature reserves are higher than ever , ” he said .
Brian Bleese , chief executive of the Dorset Wildlife Trust , told i he believed the fire was started either deliberately or through negligence .
“ Heathland fires rarely if ever start spontaneously , ” he said .
“ They are usually the result of carelessness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with civic waste disposal sites closed and garden waste collections not happening , many people are resorting to burning in their gardens .
This can cause sparks which will ignite dry heathland.
” The RSPB suffered a major fire at the Dove Stone nature reserve in greater Manchester .
It burned 3sq km of nature reserve and destroyed £40,000 worth of conservation work , the RSPB said .
Crucial maintenance activities like litter picking have stopped during lockdown ( Photo : Peter Cairns ) Many staff are furloughed , so skeleton teams are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports of people attempting to break into sites on motorbikes , or picking locks , climbing gates and cutting fences .
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust ( WWT ) reported bird eggs thefts , fly-tipping and illicit fishing taking place after break-ins at its sites .
A Wildlife Trust site in Hertfordshire has reported illegal wildfowl shootings after people entered through a hole in the fence .
The reserve is home to the only breeding population of black-necked grebe in the South East .
Martin Senior , head of operations ( South ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff are struggling to cope .
“ It ’ s unfortunate that crimes are occurring on our sites during the crisis , ” he told i .
“ They not only add to the stress of the site teams who have to deal with the incidents , but also pose an additional concern to the charity at an exceptionally challenging time.
” This week the RSPB revealed its investigations unit has been “ overrun ” with confirmed reports of rare birds being illegally shot .
Hen harriers , peregrines , buzzards , red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have all been killed in the past six weeks , in what staff described as actions “ targeted and malicious in nature ” .
“ Since lockdown began , the RSPB has been overrun with reports of birds of prey being targeted , ” said Mark Thomas , RSPB ’ s head of investigations .
“ It is clear that criminals on some sporting estates have used the wider closure of the countryside as an opportunity to kill birds of prey.
” Sheep rustling is on the rise too , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Wales waking up to find 120 ewes and lambs had been stolen overnight from his farm last month .

Wildlife reserves are meant to be a haven for Britain’s rarest species. But during the lockdown they are becoming dangerous places, with conservation workers battling to prevent wildlife being shot and habitats destroyed.
The Wildlife Trusts, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trusts, the RSPB and the Countryside Alliance have all told i of an increase in damaging activities, from trespassing and fly-tipping to arson and shootings.
The few staff members still at work are struggling to control the spike in crime as well as continuing conservation work, said Craig Bennett, CEO of the Wildlife Trusts. “These are desperate times. Income from visitor centres has crashed, yet the demands of caring for thousands of nature reserves are higher than ever,” he said.
Arson
Wildfires are a serious problem. In Dorset, a fire in April damaged heathland the size of two football pitches, harming crucial habitat for nesting birds and native snakes.
Brian Bleese, chief executive of the Dorset Wildlife Trust, told i he believed the fire was started either deliberately or through negligence. “Heathland fires rarely if ever start spontaneously,” he said. “They are usually the result of carelessness or negligence. At this time, with civic waste disposal sites closed and garden waste collections not happening, many people are resorting to burning in their gardens. This can cause sparks which will ignite dry heathland.”
Very sad – this fire destroyed 1.2 hectares of habitat for rare and threatened wildlife. We are pleading with visitors using our nature reserves to help take care of our wild spaces, especially during bird nesting season. Thank you ? Read more: https://t.co/iUuW9t1v1P pic.twitter.com/ZFpVlXEPIp — Dorset WildlifeTrust (@DorsetWildlife) April 7, 2020
The RSPB suffered a major fire at the Dove Stone nature reserve in greater Manchester. It burned 3sq km of nature reserve and destroyed £40,000 worth of conservation work, the RSPB said.
Fire services in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland are all reporting an increase in countryside fires.
Crime
Many staff are furloughed, so skeleton teams are stretched to their limit. There are reports of people attempting to break into sites on motorbikes, or picking locks, climbing gates and cutting fences.
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) reported bird eggs thefts, fly-tipping and illicit fishing taking place after break-ins at its sites. A Wildlife Trust site in Hertfordshire has reported illegal wildfowl shootings after people entered through a hole in the fence. The reserve is home to the only breeding population of black-necked grebe in the South East.
Martin Senior, head of operations (South) at WWT, said the crimes mean staff are struggling to cope. “It’s unfortunate that crimes are occurring on our sites during the crisis,” he told i. “They not only add to the stress of the site teams who have to deal with the incidents, but also pose an additional concern to the charity at an exceptionally challenging time.”
This week the RSPB revealed its investigations unit has been “overrun” with confirmed reports of rare birds being illegally shot. Hen harriers, peregrines, buzzards, red kites, goshawks and a barn owl have all been killed in the past six weeks, in what staff described as actions “targeted and malicious in nature”.
“Since lockdown began, the RSPB has been overrun with reports of birds of prey being targeted,” said Mark Thomas, RSPB’s head of investigations. “It is clear that criminals on some sporting estates have used the wider closure of the countryside as an opportunity to kill birds of prey.”
Sheep rustling is on the rise too, according to the Countryside Alliance, with one farmer in North Wales waking up to find 120 ewes and lambs had been stolen overnight from his farm last month.
Sarah Lee, head of policy at the Countryside Alliance, said: “The crimes have a huge impact on people’s livelihoods, often causing them severe financial hardship and crippling anxiety.”


inews--2020-05-15--Coronavirus lockdown: Cycling has never been so popular amid hopes it could become the UK’s preferre

Coronavirus lockdown: Cycling has never been so popular amid hopes it could become the UK’s preferred method of transport

Coronavirus lockdown : Cycling has never been so popular amid hopes it could become the UK ’ s preferred method of transport Bike sales are booming and cycle shops have never been busier — is the UK in the thick of a love affair with cycling ?
Cycling has become a family hobby once again , says Lee Craigie , Scotland ’ s Active Nation Commissioner .
“ I ’ ve really enjoyed seeing families in particular riding together in groups on roads that they would not normally dream of accessing , ” she told i .
“ You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the dim and distant past - there are bikes from the 1980s being ridden out there .
It ’ s fantastic to see.
” Officials hope the lockdown hobby can turn into a permanent habit for many Brits ( Photo : PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty ) There ’ s a small window of time to take action before the lockdown lifts and people revert back to using their cars or are forced on to public transport in unsafe numbers , Mr Boardman warns .
“ We ’ ve got days and weeks to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to go , ” he says .
“ You ’ ve turned traffic off , and you have one chance to re-establish how you use your roads '' .
“ [ The lockdown ] has legitimised cycling in the public ’ s eyes as an alternative to public transport , ” he tells i .
“ The press has done quite a good job at celebrating the success of our sporting cyclists , but to some extent that ’ s almost put too much of an emphasis on the idea that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are lycra louts and tour de France winners .
So actually what we are seeing is a normalising of cycling.
” William Sellwood and his family out biking ( Photo : William Sellwood ) “ We ’ ve always had bikes for the kids but we haven ’ t used them that much .
But since the lockdown , all the clubs have stopped , so we ’ ve been thinking , ‘ OK how are we going to structure our time so that we have something to look forward to on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started planning a route and doing a bike tour each weekend .
I ’ ve got a GPS plotting tool so we ’ re planning where we are going to go on Saturdays , and my youngest quite likes looking at the map and working out where we are going to be , and counting up how many miles we have done.
” “ We 've had no space to store bikes , but we ’ ve recently moved house so we were thinking about getting some .
But we probably wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
My brother was mowing the lawn , and out of the shed these two folded bikes sort of fell on him - he ’ d forgotten he had them .
So he ’ s given us those to start off with .
The gears are stuck in six , so we can ’ t go up a hill .
But we ’ ve been out having fun in the park.
” “ Ivy is three , and we bought her first bike last Friday .
She loves it , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dolly seat on the back .
The aim is to get us all cycling together .
It ’ s healthy and it ’ s environmentally friendly .
I want to stop using my car so much , and once Ivy is a bit older hopefully we can go on a bike ride on one of the nearby bike trails.
” Richard Lewis and his wife out biking ( Photo : Richard Lewis ) '' During the lockdown we suddenly woke up to the fact that these bikes were in the shed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fitted mine out with a better saddle and we ’ ve been out most days on them .
It was very freeing to get back in the saddle .
The fact that it was actually comfortable was brilliant .
`` Then I got stuck at my parents for lockdown and I ’ d injured my ankle so couldn ’ t run .
I thought biking would be good , so my mum posted on Rampton ’ s village forum asking if anyone had a bike they could lend me .
The local chef @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could borrow and dropped it off , so I ’ ve been using his bike .
I started off doing five miles a day , and now I ’ ve caught the bike and am doing 15 miles a day .
I enjoy being out in the countryside and seeing no one , and I ’ m really enjoying the exercise side of it .
My nan has a really good bike but she ’ s decided that she ’ s too old to cycle now , because she can ’ t get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s given me her bike to take back down to London.
” '' I ’ m not a racer , or a ‘ beast-biker ’ .
I ’ ve adopted what I ’ m calling ‘ mindful cycling ’ : I go out ( aiming to ride for about ) and start a circular route .
I cycle at a leisurely pace , listening for birds , watching the colour of tree leaves dance on the breeze , watching the setting sun light up the evening sky .
The physical and mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more able to ride further , and my mind feels sharper .
Emotionally , I feel happier and more resilient . ''

For millions, the lockdown has turned the daily commute into a vague memory. Across the country, cars have been parked in the same spot for weeks. Trains idle in their sidings, with networks running a skeleton surface. Aircraft are going nowhere.
Cycling, however, has defied the odds to emerge as a lockdown boom industry.
In an effort to keep fit, entertain the family and get around the neighbourhood, thousands of us have dug out old bikes from sheds, garages and basements and jumped back in the saddle.
In Scotland, cycle journeys have more than doubled, while in parts of the UK cyclist numbers are up 70 per cent since the pandemic began.
Bike shop boom
Bike repair shops are struggling to cope with demand for their services, with firms across the country reporting record sales. Rhythm & Bikes in Brighton has never been this busy. Even with two extra mechanics, waiting times for a service have doubled from one week to two.
“And we just do services, we don’t sell bikes,” one of the staff told i. “So that’s just people dusting off their bikes they have found in the shed covered in cobwebs and bringing them into us.”
Edward Clarke, owner of the Bicycle Workshop in Nottingham, told i he has also been overrun with “very dusty bikes that have been in the shed for a long time.” He estimates his trade during the lockdown is at least double that of last year’s summer peak.
Sales of new bikes have also taken off. Halfords has enjoyed a 23 per cent jump in share price after reporting “very strong” bicycle sales, while Brompton Bikes says sales are at Christmas levels.
Cycling has become a family hobby once again, says Lee Craigie, Scotland’s Active Nation Commissioner. “I’ve really enjoyed seeing families in particular riding together in groups on roads that they would not normally dream of accessing,” she told i. “You can see that people have resurrected the bikes from the dim and distant past – there are bikes from the 1980s being ridden out there. It’s fantastic to see.”
Greener commutes
That’s good news for the planet, as well as our waistlines. Transport is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, and a large chunk comes from private cars. With the average car journey in the UK just five miles, cycling campaigners are keen to replace at least some of those journeys with two wheels to stop air pollution, traffic congestion, and carbon emissions rebounding after the lockdown ends.
For some cities, converting the nation’s lockdown hobby into new commuting habits is a matter of necessity. London is expecting a tenfold increase in cyclists, as thousands of returning commuters are urged to stay away from the tube, trains and buses that usually keep the city moving.
Likewise, in Greater Manchester, one-third of households don’t own a car, and a large proportion of those people are key workers. Those people must have a safe way of getting around, says Chris Boardman, Olympic gold medallist and Manchester’s Cycling and Walking Commissioner.
“This is about travel, and normal people having to do normal things,” he tells i. “This has got nothing to do with exercise. It hasn’t even got anything to do with the environment at the moment. It’s got to do with practicalities.”
Window for action
There’s a small window of time to take action before the lockdown lifts and people revert back to using their cars or are forced on to public transport in unsafe numbers, Mr Boardman warns. “We’ve got days and weeks to make a decision on which way we are going to go,” he says. “You’ve turned traffic off, and you have one chance to re-establish how you use your roads”.
Government is therefore scrambling to prepare the ground for a new wave of cyclists. Last weekend Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced a £2bn programme to expand cycling and walking across the country, including £200m for immediate improvements like ‘pop-up’ cycle lanes in towns and cities.
The hope is that safer streets will help to turn the cycling surge into a permanent cultural shift, says Matt Mallinder, director of influence and engagement at Cycling UK. He believes the lockdown is the start of the UK public adopting a European-style attitude of seeing cycling as a part of everyday life.
“[The lockdown] has legitimised cycling in the public’s eyes as an alternative to public transport,” he tells i. “The press has done quite a good job at celebrating the success of our sporting cyclists, but to some extent that’s almost put too much of an emphasis on the idea that the only people who cycling in the UK are lycra louts and tour de France winners. So actually what we are seeing is a normalising of cycling.”
As the harshest restrictions on normal life begin to ease, the temptation to jump in the car will return. Ministers and campaigners alike will be hoping people hang on to their new lockdown habit.
William Sellwood, a GP from Truro, Cornwall
“I’ve got three kids, aged between ten and 15, so life is pretty busy. During school time usually we are dashing about going to lots of clubs – there’s sailing club, the girls play hockey, and my youngest plays football. So usually we spend our evenings and weekends taxiing the kids around between that sort of thing.
“We’ve always had bikes for the kids but we haven’t used them that much. But since the lockdown, all the clubs have stopped, so we’ve been thinking, ‘OK how are we going to structure our time so that we have something to look forward to on the weekends’? So we’ve started planning a route and doing a bike tour each weekend. I’ve got a GPS plotting tool so we’re planning where we are going to go on Saturdays, and my youngest quite likes looking at the map and working out where we are going to be, and counting up how many miles we have done.”
“The roads can be quite busy, so one of the advantages of the lockdown is that it has been so safe to get about on a bike. So I feel a lot more confident on the roads with the kids now.”
Anne-Marie Mealey, cabin crew, from Basingstoke, Hampshire
“We’ve had no space to store bikes, but we’ve recently moved house so we were thinking about getting some. But we probably wouldn’t have done so without lockdown happening. My brother was mowing the lawn, and out of the shed these two folded bikes sort of fell on him – he’d forgotten he had them. So he’s given us those to start off with. The gears are stuck in six, so we can’t go up a hill. But we’ve been out having fun in the park.”
“Ivy is three, and we bought her first bike last Friday. She loves it, it’s pink with cupcakes all over it and a dolly seat on the back . The aim is to get us all cycling together. It’s healthy and it’s environmentally friendly. I want to stop using my car so much, and once Ivy is a bit older hopefully we can go on a bike ride on one of the nearby bike trails.”
“Everyone in the neighbourhood has dusted their bikes off from the garage and they are going out. Before you might have just seen teenagers out on the bike, or the dad, but you’re seeing now all four or five of them in a line.”
Richard Lewis, retired Bishop, from Leominster, Herefordshire
“My wife has always been keen, going on bike rides with groups for years. I’m much less keen, partly because I find bikes pretty uncomfortable. Before the lockdown, the last time I’d been cycling must have been about three years ago.
“A few years ago we bought a couple of American Montague folding mountain bikes, based on a design for ones dropped with American paratroopers. They are great because they both fit in the boot of our hatchback.
“During the lockdown we suddenly woke up to the fact that these bikes were in the shed and put them together. I’ve fitted mine out with a better saddle and we’ve been out most days on them. It was very freeing to get back in the saddle. The fact that it was actually comfortable was brilliant.
“We’re both in our seventies. We’re not spring chickens. A few people have made patronising comments. When we passed them on our ride at the top of the hill, seeing the look on their faces was wonderful.”
Jihan Ahmed, marketing executive, staying in Rampton, Nottinghamshire
“When I was growing up as a teenager in the middle of nowhere, it took me six times to pass my driving test, so I used to have to cycle everywhere. I used to hate it. And then I went to uni, and went to London, and apart from a bit of Boris biking just hadn’t really cycled.
“Then I got stuck at my parents for lockdown and I’d injured my ankle so couldn’t run. I thought biking would be good, so my mum posted on Rampton’s village forum asking if anyone had a bike they could lend me. The local chef said he had a road bike I could borrow and dropped it off, so I’ve been using his bike. I started off doing five miles a day, and now I’ve caught the bike and am doing 15 miles a day. I enjoy being out in the countryside and seeing no one, and I’m really enjoying the exercise side of it. My nan has a really good bike but she’s decided that she’s too old to cycle now, because she can’t get her legs over it. So she’s given me her bike to take back down to London.”
Stuart McCormack, teaching assistant, from Harrogate, Yorkshire
“As a Teaching Assistant at a Special Needs School I am still working full time, albeit from home. The new routine has meant I have not been as physically active, and I could feel myself slipping into a state of physical lethargy. My wife noticed that Resurrection Bikes, based in Harrogate, was offering reduced cost bikes to keyworkers thanks to a donation from Cycling UK, and suggested I had a look.
“I previously found cycling painful (physically and mentally!) and avoided it at all costs. But my wife is wise, and I had a look, identified a nice Scott Peak bike – I knew immediately it was what I needed. That was about two weeks ago and since the start of May I have cycled over 125km – quite an achievement for me!
“I’m not a racer, or a ‘beast-biker’. I’ve adopted what I’m calling ‘mindful cycling’: I go out (aiming to ride for about) and start a circular route. I cycle at a leisurely pace, listening for birds, watching the colour of tree leaves dance on the breeze, watching the setting sun light up the evening sky. The physical and mental benefits are already showing as I feel more able to ride further, and my mind feels sharper. Emotionally, I feel happier and more resilient.”


inews--2020-05-15--Coronavirus latest: Hopes for effective vaccine as leading candidate passes tests well in monkeys

Coronavirus latest : Hopes for effective vaccine as leading candidate passes tests well in monkeys Vaccine found to protect against pneumonia — and with no side effects Hopes that an effective vaccine for Covid-19 could soon be available were given a boost after one of the most promising candidates was successfully tested on monkeys .
Furthermore , it didn ’ t trigger an immune system response that was worse than the virus or any other side effects .
“ No pneumonia was observed in vaccinated rhesus macaques… [ and ] Importantly , there was no evidence of immune-enhanced disease , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oxford University .
Within 28 days of being vaccinated , all of the animals had Covid-19 antibodies - produced by the body to give it some immunity from the virus .
Nobody knows the answer to the long-term Covid-19 problem but until we have a vaccine or treatment lockdown should only be lifted slowly and carefully ( Photo : George Wood/Getty ) Experts welcomed the development but cautioned that it remained to be seen whether the jab would work on humans .
Stephen Evans , professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the London School of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results were “ very definitely ” good news .
“ The most important finding to me is the combination of considerable efficacy in terms of viral load and subsequent pneumonia , but no evidence of immune-enhanced disease , ” he said .
On Thursday , researchers said the results of the human trial could be available within a month .
The challenge now is to be able to manufacture at scale once it is approved by the regulators , he said .
They predicted that , in a best case scenario , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October - although many experts said they thought it would take much longer to produce an effective vaccine .

Hopes that an effective vaccine for Covid-19 could soon be available were given a boost after one of the most promising candidates was successfully tested on monkeys.
The injection, developed by Oxford University, strengthened the immune system in six rhesus macaques.
It appeared to protect the animals against developing pneumonia, a major cause of death in Covid-19 patients.
Furthermore, it didn’t trigger an immune system response that was worse than the virus or any other side effects.
“No pneumonia was observed in vaccinated rhesus macaques…[and] Importantly, there was no evidence of immune-enhanced disease,” said Professor Sarah Gilbert, of Oxford University.
Within 28 days of being vaccinated, all of the animals had Covid-19 antibodies – produced by the body to give it some immunity from the virus.
Welcome development
Experts welcomed the development but cautioned that it remained to be seen whether the jab would work on humans.
Stephen Evans, professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said the results were “very definitely” good news.
“The most important finding to me is the combination of considerable efficacy in terms of viral load and subsequent pneumonia, but no evidence of immune-enhanced disease,” he said.
The Oxford vaccine is perhaps the biggest single hope for an early effective vaccine.
Human trials
It is currently being trialled on humans in parallel tests.
On Thursday, researchers said the results of the human trial could be available within a month.
Professor Sir John Bell, of Oxford University, said “several hundred” people have already been vaccinated in the human trial.
The challenge now is to be able to manufacture at scale once it is approved by the regulators, he said.
At the end of April a team of researchers at Oxford started testing a Covid-19 vaccine in human volunteers.
They predicted that, in a best case scenario, a vaccine could be available for use by October – although many experts said they thought it would take much longer to produce an effective vaccine.


inews--2020-05-15--Modern Family finale, Sky One, review: A bittersweet farewell to old friends

Modern Family finale , Sky One , review : A bittersweet farewell to old friends The Dunphys and the Pritchetts said goodbye after a brilliant 11-year run I ’ ve been dropping in on the lives of the Dunphys and Pritchetts of Modern Family for the last 11 years .
No matter how much my own circumstances changed in that time , it was always a comfort to see these two families support ( and irritate the hell out of ) each other .
Friday night ’ s finale of the US sitcom felt like a bittersweet farewell to friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with – especially the charmingly naive Dunphy patriarch , Phil ( Ty Burrell ) .
It ’ s a miracle that none of the actors had left the show , considering the time it has been on television , a clue perhaps to how fond they all are of this project .
The whole gang was here , though a few , namely Joe ( Jeremy McGuire ) and Lily ( Aubrey Anderson-Emmons ) , had grown so much they were virtually unrecognisable from the early episodes .
The problem with concluding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is coming up with a reason to call it quits .
Hence why Cam ( Eric Stonestreet ) was offered a job in Missouri out of the blue and all three of the Dunphy children magically found a reason to move out – Alex ( Ariel Winter ) to become a researcher in Switzerland , Haley ( Sarah Hyland ) to begin a new life with her own small family and Luke ( Nolan Gould ) to finally go to university .
All a bit unlikely , but it gave us a reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that was fine by me .
The Dunphy children all found reasons to move out of their parent 's home ( Photo : Sky ) Often shows that have run this long peter out before the official end , but the jokes in the final episode remained strong enough to confirm that the magic viewers detected from the start was still there .
And we never stopped caring about this lot .
As usual , the episode was also gently self-mocking , taking the trope of an emotional goodbye and repeating it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s flight was delayed later and later .
Few sitcoms have captured the intricacies , annoyances and joys of a tangled family web quite like Modern Family .
I ’ ll miss them all very much .

Modern Family, 8:30pm, Sky One ★★★★
I’ve been dropping in on the lives of the Dunphys and Pritchetts of Modern Family for the last 11 years. No matter how much my own circumstances changed in that time, it was always a comfort to see these two families support (and irritate the hell out of) each other. Friday night’s finale of the US sitcom felt like a bittersweet farewell to friends you wish you had spent more time with – especially the charmingly naive Dunphy patriarch, Phil (Ty Burrell).
It’s a miracle that none of the actors had left the show, considering the time it has been on television, a clue perhaps to how fond they all are of this project. The whole gang was here, though a few, namely Joe (Jeremy McGuire) and Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons), had grown so much they were virtually unrecognisable from the early episodes.
The problem with concluding a show driven by character rather than narrative is coming up with a reason to call it quits. Hence why Cam (Eric Stonestreet) was offered a job in Missouri out of the blue and all three of the Dunphy children magically found a reason to move out – Alex (Ariel Winter) to become a researcher in Switzerland, Haley (Sarah Hyland) to begin a new life with her own small family and Luke (Nolan Gould) to finally go to university. All a bit unlikely, but it gave us a reason to indulge in a little sentimentality, and that was fine by me.
Often shows that have run this long peter out before the official end, but the jokes in the final episode remained strong enough to confirm that the magic viewers detected from the start was still there. And we never stopped caring about this lot. As usual, the episode was also gently self-mocking, taking the trope of an emotional goodbye and repeating it several times as Cam and Mitch’s flight was delayed later and later.
Few sitcoms have captured the intricacies, annoyances and joys of a tangled family web quite like Modern Family. I’ll miss them all very much.


inews--2020-05-15--Edvard Munch's masterpiece The Scream could be saved as researchers find moisture is cause of its de

Edvard Munch's masterpiece The Scream could be saved as researchers find moisture is cause of its degradation

Edvard Munch 's masterpiece The Scream could be saved as researchers find moisture is cause of its degradation The international team of scientists are optimistic the findings will help with preservation of the painting Edvard Munch ’ s experiments with materials for The Scream left it vulnerable to damage from exposure to moisture , a new micro-analysis has found ( Photo : Oli Scarff/Getty ) Degradation of Edvard Munch ’ s masterpiece , The Scream , could be halted as researchers have pinpointed moisture as the main cause of damage to the painting .
Some of these were conducted at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France , which is the source of the world ’ s brightest X-rays .
Researchers analysed The Scream ( 1910 ) and have found moisture is partly to blame for its degradation ( Photo : Irina Crina Anca Sandu and Eva Storevik Tveit , Munch Museum ) The version of The Scream analysed , thought to have been painted in 1910 , is one of the best known of several created by Munch .
It has signs of degradation in areas where yellow cadmium-sulfide-based pigments have been used .
Some yellow brushstrokes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the anguished central figure have turned an off-white colour .
The lake section is also flaking .
Cadmium-sulfide-based yellows are not only present in Munch 's artwork but also in the work of other artists contemporary to him , such as Henri Matisse , Vincent van Gogh and James Ensor .
Researchers studied in detail the nature of the cadmium-sulfide pigments used by Munch , and how these have degraded over the years .
The findings , published in Science Advances , could help with future preservation of the painting which is seldom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The synchrotron micro-analyses allowed us to pinpoint the main reason that made the painting decline , which is moisture , ” explained Letizia Monico , an author of the study .
Costanza Miliani , coordinator of the mobile platform MOLAB , which is a network of facilities from Italy , France , Poland , Greece and Germany , and second corresponding author of the study said : `` This kind of work shows that art and science are intrinsically linked and that science can help preserve pieces of art so that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come . ''

Degradation of Edvard Munch’s masterpiece, The Scream, could be halted as researchers have pinpointed moisture as the main cause of damage to the painting.
Scientists carried out non-destructive experiments which included analysis of micro-flakes from the painting.
Some of these were conducted at the European Synchrotron in Grenoble, south-east France, which is the source of the world’s brightest X-rays.
Challenge
Munch experimented to create colours mixing a range of binding media, including tempera, oil and pastel, with bold synthetic pigments.
These methods, however, have posed a challenge for the long-term preservation of his works.
The version of The Scream analysed, thought to have been painted in 1910, is one of the best known of several created by Munch.
It has signs of degradation in areas where yellow cadmium-sulfide-based pigments have been used.
Some yellow brushstrokes in the sky and in the neck of the anguished central figure have turned an off-white colour. The lake section is also flaking.
Cadmium-sulfide-based yellows are not only present in Munch’s artwork but also in the work of other artists contemporary to him, such as Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh and James Ensor.
Preservation
Researchers studied in detail the nature of the cadmium-sulfide pigments used by Munch, and how these have degraded over the years.
The findings, published in Science Advances, could help with future preservation of the painting which is seldom exhibited because of its fragile state.
“The synchrotron micro-analyses allowed us to pinpoint the main reason that made the painting decline, which is moisture,” explained Letizia Monico, an author of the study.
“I am very pleased that our study could contribute to preserve this famous masterpiece.”
Costanza Miliani, coordinator of the mobile platform MOLAB, which is a network of facilities from Italy, France, Poland, Greece and Germany, and second corresponding author of the study said: “This kind of work shows that art and science are intrinsically linked and that science can help preserve pieces of art so that the world can continue admiring them for years to come.”
The 1910 painting was famously stolen from Oslo’s Munch Museum in 2004. It was recovered in 2006.


inews--2020-05-15--Coronavirus in Spain: Social unrest feared as draconian lockdown cripples economy

There has been growing opposition to the state of emergency , which the Prime Minister , Pedro Sánchez , wants to extend until 30 June Street disturbances and isolated protests are likely , according to a confidential document , which was drawn up by the Guard to re-organise security forces during the easing of confinement restrictions .
Spain imposed one of the most draconian lockdowns in the world in March in an effort to halt the spread of Covid-19 , which has hit the country particularly hard .
Protesters took to the streets in Salamanca , one of the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in contravention of lockdown restrictions ( Photo : GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty ) “ Politically-motivated or separatist attacks aimed at disturbing the peace ” are also likely , according to the document , which was first revealed by the Spanish newspaper El Periodico .
People could violate rules of self-protection if the Government does not allow popular fiestas to go ahead ( Photo : GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty ) Seven million people – almost 30 per cent of the Spanish workforce – have lost their jobs , been laid off or have fallen sick in since coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Potential instigators of future attacks could be those who are out of work and “ production or services sectors that might consider themselves harmed by the ongoing restrictions and limitations ” .
Spain is easing lockdown measures at different rates across the country according to infection rates and the provision of hospital beds in case of a resurgence of the illness .
However , the report warns attacks might be carried out in “ geographical areas that view themselves as being marginalised by the asymmetrical application of de-escalation measures ” as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People could violate rules of self-protection if the Government does not allow popular fiestas to go ahead or stops being from moving around at the weekends or during holidays .
Burglaries could soar on second homes , commercial properties or farms .
The elderly or children , two of the most vulnerable groups in society , could also be targeted .

Spain’s Civil Guard has warned about the “high probability” of growing social unrest over the coming months as a lockdown-induced recession hits many of the country’s poorest.
Street disturbances and isolated protests are likely, according to a confidential document, which was drawn up by the Guard to re-organise security forces during the easing of confinement restrictions.
Spain imposed one of the most draconian lockdowns in the world in March in an effort to halt the spread of Covid-19, which has hit the country particularly hard.
There has been growing opposition to the state of emergency, which Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez wants to extend until 30 June.
Social unrest feared
The police document has emerged as a series of street demonstrations were held in Madrid this week against the government’s handling of the crisis.
Protesters took to the streets in Salamanca, one of the most exclusive areas of the Spanish capital, in contravention of lockdown restrictions which prohibit public meetings.
The Civil Guard internal report warns of the risk of “acts of sabotage against critical infrastructure or buildings with ties to political parties”.
“Politically-motivated or separatist attacks aimed at disturbing the peace” are also likely, according to the document, which was first revealed by the Spanish newspaper El Periodico.
Job losses
Seven million people – almost 30 per cent of the Spanish workforce – have lost their jobs, been laid off or have fallen sick in since coronavirus outbreak forced the country into economic hibernation.
Potential instigators of future attacks could be those who are out of work and “production or services sectors that might consider themselves harmed by the ongoing restrictions and limitations”.
Spain is easing lockdown measures at different rates across the country according to infection rates and the provision of hospital beds in case of a resurgence of the illness.
However, the report warns attacks might be carried out in “geographical areas that view themselves as being marginalised by the asymmetrical application of de-escalation measures” as well as in “economically depressed areas”.
Grim warnings
People could violate rules of self-protection if the Government does not allow popular fiestas to go ahead or stops being from moving around at the weekends or during holidays.
Crime rates could rise again once more, despite a dramatic fall during the lockdown.
Burglaries could soar on second homes, commercial properties or farms. The elderly or children, two of the most vulnerable groups in society, could also be targeted.
Despite the grim warnings, the report notes Spaniards have largely complied with confinement regulations.
Spain is not alone in fearing civil disturbances.
In France, there were signs the economic fallout from the coronavirus crisis was beginning to tell after three nights of rioting in the impoverished northern suburbs of Paris last month.
In southern Italy, extra police reinforcements were ordered into action after authorities blamed the mafia for causing riots. The criminal organisation was blamed for exploiting the crisis by distributing supplies to underprivileged families.


inews--2020-05-15--Who are the winners and losers from Friday's meeting of League One and League Two clubs?

Who are the winners and losers from Friday 's meeting of League One and League Two clubs ?
A disparity of interests has meant that a consensus across the divisions has been hard to find The teams of the fourth tier voted by 20-4 that the league table will be decided on an un-weighted points-per-game basis – meaning there will be no adjustments derived from the ratio of home and away fixtures different clubs were still to play .
There will still be the play-offs to come to decide who gets the final promotion spot , and the matter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prove to be less straightforward to settled , entailing as it does a potentially catastrophic drop out of the Football League for one unlucky side .
The ease with which the decision was reached relative to the Premier League and Championship is largely to do with the special circumstances faced by clubs at the lower end of the Football League .
Playing matches without supporters inside stadiums would mean teams would be facing significant financial losses for each home game they stage , not to mention the costs involved in providing for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to restart , such as mandatory player testing .
It ’ s good news for Swindon Town in particular who will overtake Crewe Alexandra at the top of the league , courtesy of the points-per-game calculation ( Town had a game in hand on the Alex prior to suspension of play and were behind them only on goal difference ) .
Plymouth Argyle will also get a happy ending , they ’ ll cement third place and take the final automatic promotion spot .
Below that , the play-offs will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Exeter City , Cheltenham Town , Colchester United and Northampton Town going at it for the last promotion spot , though exactly when that will be and on what terms has not yet been indicated .
Freddie Sears is hoping to lead Ipswich Town back to the Championship ( Photo : Getty Images ) This is where it gets a little more contentious .
Teams at the foot of the league had already received a boost this season with the decision back in September that there would only be one relegation place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to even out of the leagues after League One Bury were expelled .
But Friday ’ s meeting ended with clubs of League Two backing a motion to have no relegation at all from the league .
An EFL statement said : “ Clubs asked for consideration to be given to suspending relegation to the National League for 2019-20 as a result of circumstances created where fixtures can not be completed .
“ It would cost us £140,000 for the tests , we would have to bring players out of furlough and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ document regarding sterilisation of stadiums etc .
I do n't know what this would mean for the National League.
” Simply – unless the Football League and National League were to agree to some shuffling of the numbers of teams in each division next season , there would be no promotion from the fifth tier this season , with Barrow the team leading the way who would be set to miss out .
Stevenage are bottom of League Two , but could win a reprieve if the EFL scraps relegation ( Photo : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to pick six clubs at the start of yesterday who might object to an early termination of the league and a points-per-game solution , these were the six most people would have picked .
Oxford , Posh , Fleetwood and Pompey are the four currently in the play-off places , none are more than three points off the top two , whereas Ipswich and Sunderland are desperate to return to the Championship at any cost .

English football has taken a baby step towards finding some resolution to the coronavirus crisis with the announcement that the 24 clubs of League Two have agreed to end their season.
The teams of the fourth tier voted by 20-4 that the league table will be decided on an un-weighted points-per-game basis – meaning there will be no adjustments derived from the ratio of home and away fixtures different clubs were still to play.
There will still be the play-offs to come to decide who gets the final promotion spot, and the matter of relegation to the National League may yet prove to be less straightforward to settled, entailing as it does a potentially catastrophic drop out of the Football League for one unlucky side.
The ease with which the decision was reached relative to the Premier League and Championship is largely to do with the special circumstances faced by clubs at the lower end of the Football League. Playing matches without supporters inside stadiums would mean teams would be facing significant financial losses for each home game they stage, not to mention the costs involved in providing for the special coronavirus provisions that would be necessary in order to restart, such as mandatory player testing.
League One has had a tougher time coming to a decision. Owing to the vastly differing ambitions and resources amongst clubs in the third tier, opinion is spilt on the best way to move forward, with a final decision yet to be reached.
We’ve taken a look at the winners and losers – plus those who still have a fight on in order to protect their interests – from a day of ayes and nays in the Football League.
League Two – Winners
It’s good news for Swindon Town in particular who will overtake Crewe Alexandra at the top of the league, courtesy of the points-per-game calculation (Town had a game in hand on the Alex prior to suspension of play and were behind them only on goal difference). Plymouth Argyle will also get a happy ending, they’ll cement third place and take the final automatic promotion spot.
Below that, the play-offs will remain much as the league currently looks, with Exeter City, Cheltenham Town, Colchester United and Northampton Town going at it for the last promotion spot, though exactly when that will be and on what terms has not yet been indicated.
League Two – Losers
This is where it gets a little more contentious. Teams at the foot of the league had already received a boost this season with the decision back in September that there would only be one relegation place rather than the usual two, in order to even out of the leagues after League One Bury were expelled.
But Friday’s meeting ended with clubs of League Two backing a motion to have no relegation at all from the league. An EFL statement said: “Clubs asked for consideration to be given to suspending relegation to the National League for 2019-20 as a result of circumstances created where fixtures cannot be completed.
“No commitments were made in this respect and the board will now consider the implications of the division’s preferred approach at their next meeting.”
Stevenage, who occupy the league’s bottom place and would do so still after a points-per-game calculation, are the only club to be directly affected by the decision, whichever way it should swing.
The club’s owner Phil Wallace gave a pretty comprehensive summary of the picture across the division. He told BBC Sport: “My preference is to finish the league so we have the opportunity to play our way out of trouble.
“We have 10 games to play and are three points behind, with a game in hand. Why should I think it was not possible to get out of it?
“The League Two clubs cannot decide this. We can only tell the EFL of their indicative position but that is the collective view.
“It would cost us £140,000 for the tests, we would have to bring players out of furlough and comply with a 47-page health and safety document regarding sterilisation of stadiums etc. I don’t know what this would mean for the National League.”
Simply – unless the Football League and National League were to agree to some shuffling of the numbers of teams in each division next season, there would be no promotion from the fifth tier this season, with Barrow the team leading the way who would be set to miss out.
League One – Winners & Losers
This is trickier, since no conclusions have been reached today, nor are we any closer to knowing exactly how things are going to be finished up in the third tier.
There were six clubs – Peterborough United, Oxford United, Ipswich Town, Portsmouth, Sunderland and Fleetwood Town – that pre-empted Friday’s meeting and issued a joint statement re-affirming their commitment to completing the season on the pitch, and not, as they put it, at the whim of “a computer.”
The full statement, from Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony, said: “We have no desire for voiding the season, points-per-game scenarios or letting a computer decide our footballing fate.
“For our fans/staff and for the integrity of our sport, we are all looking forward to completing our pending fixtures/season under guidance from the EFL at a time it is deemed safe to do so.”
If you had been asked to pick six clubs at the start of yesterday who might object to an early termination of the league and a points-per-game solution, these were the six most people would have picked. Oxford, Posh, Fleetwood and Pompey are the four currently in the play-off places, none are more than three points off the top two, whereas Ipswich and Sunderland are desperate to return to the Championship at any cost.
Conspicuously silent but predictably so were Coventry City and Rotherham United, for whom promotion would be assured if the EFL called time on the league here and now.
It is, rather understandably, this divergence in interests that has made League One such a difficult problem to find common ground within, and will likely cause further headaches for all involved over the coming weeks before the matter is settled.


inews--2020-05-15--Coronavirus latest: Teachers warned schools could try to dock pay if they fail to return on 1 June

Coronavirus latest : Teachers warned schools could try to dock pay if they fail to return on 1 June Exclusive : Teachers warned that schools may attempt to not pay them if they can not come into school because of childcare responsibilities Teachers have received warnings that schools may try to dock their pay if they do not return to school as the lockdown is relaxed , i can reveal .
One teacher in Essex - who asked not to be named - told i she had been contacted by her headteacher asking her to urgently confirm `` that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work for my normal hours from 1 June , and alert her to any personal issues this caused '' .
She contacted her union asking if she had the right to refuse , based on the fact that her husband is returning to work , and her child is not in one of the year groups going back .
The teacher is also not comfortable with her child returning yet .
Advice from her union caseworker - shared with i - states that given she is a key worker who can send her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will argue that you are able to and should attend work ” .
`` The school could ask you to take this time as carers leave , which would most likely be without pay , ” the advice states .
Another primary school teacher in Merseyside , who is due to return from maternity leave told her school she had no childcare for her baby .
`` My headteacher said they would have to contact HR about this and where they stand re paying me and if this is even a valid reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she told i .
The teacher was grilled by the head on the age and medical condition of her mother , and whether she could look after the baby .
“ I thought it was only paid nannies and childminders that were allowed to open ” , she said .
She was also asked whether her husband could look after the child , but he has already used up all of his unpaid leave and can not work from home because he is an engineer .
`` It 's an extremely worrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House of Commons this week , Boris Johnson said : “ If people can not go to work because they can not get the childcare that they need , plainly they are impeded from going to work , and they must be defended and protected on that basis.
” The NASUWT union has also said employers could be sued for `` breach of duty of care and personal injury due to foreseeable risk '' if teachers are infected at school .

Teachers have received warnings that schools may try to dock their pay if they do not return to school as the lockdown is relaxed, i can reveal.
One teacher in Essex – who asked not to be named – told i she had been contacted by her headteacher asking her to urgently confirm “that I understood I was required to return to work for my normal hours from 1 June, and alert her to any personal issues this caused”.
She contacted her union asking if she had the right to refuse, based on the fact that her husband is returning to work, and her child is not in one of the year groups going back. The teacher is also not comfortable with her child returning yet.
Advice from her union caseworker – shared with i – states that given she is a key worker who can send her child to school, “the school will argue that you are able to and should attend work”.
Headteacher grilling
“The school could ask you to take this time as carers leave, which would most likely be without pay,” the advice states.
Another primary school teacher in Merseyside, who is due to return from maternity leave told her school she had no childcare for her baby.
“My headteacher said they would have to contact HR about this and where they stand re paying me and if this is even a valid reason for me not to come in,” she told i.
The teacher was grilled by the head on the age and medical condition of her mother, and whether she could look after the baby. “I thought it was only paid nannies and childminders that were allowed to open”, she said.
‘Extremely worrying’
She was also asked whether her husband could look after the child, but he has already used up all of his unpaid leave and cannot work from home because he is an engineer. “It’s an extremely worrying time,” she said.
In the House of Commons this week, Boris Johnson said: “If people cannot go to work because they cannot get the childcare that they need, plainly they are impeded from going to work, and they must be defended and protected on that basis.”
The NASUWT union has also said employers could be sued for “breach of duty of care and personal injury due to foreseeable risk” if teachers are infected at school.


inews--2020-05-15--The Pretty Things frontman Phil May dies aged 75 after cycling accident

The Pretty Things frontman Phil May dies aged 75 after cycling accident The singer , who spent 55 years as part of 'the greatest band most people have never heard of ' , is survived by his partner Colin Graham Dick Taylor and Phil May of the Pretty Things at Saltburn Spa in 2017 ( Photo : CC BY 2.0/deargdoom57 ) Phil May , frontman of rock band The Pretty Things , has died at the age of 75 from complications after a cycling accident .
He is survived by his partner Colin Graham , as well as son Paris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It is with very deep sadness that the management of The Pretty Things have to announce the death of the band ’ s lead singer , Phil May .
`` Phil passed away at 7.05am on Friday , May 15 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital , Kings Lynn , Norfolk .
He was 75 .
`` He had been locked down in Norfolk with his family and , during the week , Phil had suffered a fall from his bike and had undergone emergency hip surgery , after which complications set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his decades-spanning career as the frontman of The Pretty Things , finding fame in the 1960s amid a wave of rock music .
The band 's best-known tracks , including 'Do n't Bring Me Down ' , 'Rosalyn ' and 'Honey I Need ' , have been credited as an inspiration by David Bowie , Bob Dylan and Aerosmith .
Aside from a break in the 1970s , May has continued to tour with the band ever since alongside guitarist Dick Taylor , accompanied by a frequently-changing line-up of members .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Taylor 's failing health , with guests including Van Morrison and Pink Floyd 's David Gilmour joining them on stage for their final performance at London 's O2 Arena .
The farewell show was turned into a concert film , The Last Bow , celebrating `` 55 years of the greatest band most people have never heard of . ''
At the time , May said : `` After 55 years , saying goodbye to The Pretty Things electric band was a seismic , emotional blow and a genuine life loss , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` To be forced into it on health grounds , when the band was riding high , creating great new music and touring so successfully , throughout the world , made matters worse . ''
Never one to mince his words , the singer added : `` But , life 's a bitch and then you die . ''
Paying tribute , Kinks guitarist Dave Davies tweeted : `` Very sad news , he was a very talented guy and he will be sorely missed .
I ’ m shocked . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has left us .
The Pretty Things - another stupidly undervalued British treasure .
Come forth with your better-late-than-never plaudits oh gatekeepers of the music press .
Rock In Peace . ''

Phil May, frontman of rock band The Pretty Things, has died at the age of 75 from complications after a cycling accident.
The acclaimed musician died on Friday after complications following a hip operation, representatives confirmed.
He is survived by his partner Colin Graham, as well as son Paris and daughter Sorrel.
A statement confirmed: “It is with very deep sadness that the management of The Pretty Things have to announce the death of the band’s lead singer, Phil May.
“Phil passed away at 7.05am on Friday, May 15 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn, Norfolk. He was 75.
“He had been locked down in Norfolk with his family and, during the week, Phil had suffered a fall from his bike and had undergone emergency hip surgery, after which complications set in.”
Career spanning decades
May was best known for his decades-spanning career as the frontman of The Pretty Things, finding fame in the 1960s amid a wave of rock music.
The band’s best-known tracks, including ‘Don’t Bring Me Down’, ‘Rosalyn’ and ‘Honey I Need’, have been credited as an inspiration by David Bowie, Bob Dylan and Aerosmith.
Aside from a break in the 1970s, May has continued to tour with the band ever since alongside guitarist Dick Taylor, accompanied by a frequently-changing line-up of members.
The band retired from music in 2018 due to Taylor’s failing health, with guests including Van Morrison and Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour joining them on stage for their final performance at London’s O2 Arena. The farewell show was turned into a concert film, The Last Bow, celebrating “55 years of the greatest band most people have never heard of.”
At the time, May said: “After 55 years, saying goodbye to The Pretty Things electric band was a seismic, emotional blow and a genuine life loss, for all the band and our manager.
“To be forced into it on health grounds, when the band was riding high, creating great new music and touring so successfully, throughout the world, made matters worse.”
Never one to mince his words, the singer added: “But, life’s a bitch and then you die.”
Tributes pour in
Paying tribute, Kinks guitarist Dave Davies tweeted: “Very sad news, he was a very talented guy and he will be sorely missed. I’m shocked.”
Ian McNabb wrote: “Another great has left us. The Pretty Things – another stupidly undervalued British treasure. Come forth with your better-late-than-never plaudits oh gatekeepers of the music press. Rock In Peace.”
The PRETTY THINGS – Cries From The Midnight Circus (1970) https://t.co/FdOeftroUc via @YouTube — graham coxon (@grahamcoxon) May 15, 2020
Blur’s Graham Coxon shared the band’s track ‘Cries From The Midnight Circus’ in tribute.