inews--2020-06-02--Coronavirus shielding advice: New UK Government rules explained, and how guidance has changed in Eng

Coronavirus shielding advice: New UK Government rules explained, and how guidance has changed in England and Wales

Coronavirus shielding advice : New UK Government rules explained , and how guidance has changed in England and Wales The Government has said its shielding initiative is to protect vulnerable people from Covid-19 Who is in the shielding group ?
How will I know if I 'm in the group ?
What shall I do if I 'm in the group ?
In Wales , people in the shielding group can carry out unlimited exercise outdoors and meet people from another household .
There has been no change in guidance for the group in Scotland while an update is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
What is the guidance for leaving home ?
`` If you choose to spend time outdoors , this can be with members of your own household .
If you live alone , you can spend time outdoors with one person from another household .
Ideally , this should be the same person each time .
If you do go out , you should take extra care to minimise contact with others by keeping 2 metres apart , '' says the updated guidance .
In Wales , there are two new updates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the shielding group as long as they follow social distancing rules , and they can meet people from another household .
However they should not enter another person ’ s house or share food with them .
What if I do n't want to leave home ?
How long will shielding last ?
What if I do n't want to shield ?
`` Particularly people coming to the end of their life may want to consider ensuring that they enjoy their last few weeks and months as much as they can .

From Monday, people in England and Wales who have been “shielding” during the coronavirus lockdown are able to leave their home to spend time with their loved ones outdoors.
This marks a significant change from the previous guidance, which advised people who are deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable to stay at home at all times.
People have been placed in the shielding group because their medical condition puts them at greatest risk of severe illness from coronavirus, and so they need to take precautions beyond standard social distancing measures.
Who is in the shielding group?
People in the shielding group may have had a solid organ transplant, or they may have a specific cancer and be undergoing treatment.
If you have a severe respiratory condition, such as cystic fibrosis, a rare disease that significantly increases the risk of infections or if you are on immunosuppression therapies, you are likely to be in the shielding group.
Pregnant women with significant heart disease are also in the group.
You can be in the shielding group regardless of your age.
More detail is available on the Government’s website
How will I know if I’m in the group?
It is believed that around 2.5 million people in the UK are in the group.
The NHS in England has contacted people who are considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable through a letter, with devolved nations also contacting affected people. Some may have been told by their GP.
If you think you should be in the group but have not received a letter, contact your GP or hospital clinician.
What shall I do if I’m in the group?
Initially, people who are clinically extremely vulnerable were told to stay at home at all times and to avoid any face-to-face contact to protect themselves from Covid-19.
But the Government had updated its guidance and around two million people who are shielding in England can leave their home to spend time with other people outside.
In Wales, people in the shielding group can carry out unlimited exercise outdoors and meet people from another household. There has been no change in guidance for the group in Scotland while an update is expected for people in Northern Ireland later this week.
People in the shielding group should continue to follow the guidance on good hand hygiene.
More information on for people who are shielding is available on the NHS website
What is the guidance for leaving home?
People in the shielding group who choose to leave home should be careful and strictly stick to social distancing rules, such as keeping two metres away from others.
The Government continues to strongly advise people in England to stay at home as much as possible and keep outdoor visits to a minimum, such as once a day.
“If you choose to spend time outdoors, this can be with members of your own household. If you live alone, you can spend time outdoors with one person from another household. Ideally, this should be the same person each time. If you do go out, you should take extra care to minimise contact with others by keeping 2 metres apart,” says the updated guidance.
People should avoid gatherings and contact with anyone displaying symptoms of coronavirus.
In Wales, there are two new updates. Outdoor exercise is unlimited for people in the shielding group as long as they follow social distancing rules, and they can meet people from another household. However they should not enter another person’s house or share food with them.
The guidance has changed after the Government said the risk of Covid-19 transmission was substantially lower compared to when lockdown was first introduced.
What if I don’t want to leave home?
Of course people in the shielding group who do not feel comfortable with the updated guidance can continue to stay at home at all times and avoid contact with others.
Can I get a coronavirus test?
If you develop symptoms of Covid-19, use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service or call NHS 111 as soon as you can. Call 999 if you’re extremely ill.
You can ask for a coronavirus test online to establish whether you have the virus.
How long will shielding last?
Initially, people were asked to stay at home for 12 weeks.
This has been extended and now people in England should shield until at least 30 June.
For people in Wales, shielding will last until 15 June at least. In Scotland, the advice is in place until at least 18 June.
Those in Northern Ireland should shield for at least 12 weeks from when they receive a letter.
The devolved nations will regularly review the guidance.
What if I don’t want to shield?
The Government says that it is up to individuals if they decide to shield.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously said in the House of Commons: “The shielding programme is there for the protection of the shielded.
“And so if somebody who is being shielded would prefer to do things differently, so long as it is within the broader social distancing guidelines, then that is not clinically recommended but of course we understand why that might be the case.
“Particularly people coming to the end of their life may want to consider ensuring that they enjoy their last few weeks and months as much as they can.
“And a proportionate approach is required here and one that is guided by the individual clinical circumstances of that person,” he added.


inews--2020-06-02--What is an 'air bridge'? Meaning behind the UK travel qurantine plan - and the countries which could

What is an 'air bridge'? Meaning behind the UK travel qurantine plan - and the countries which could be exempt

What is an 'air bridge ' ?
Meaning behind the UK travel qurantine plan - and the countries which could be exempt A new scheme could allow Brits to travel to and from countries with a low coronavirus infection rate without going into quarantine Brits hoping for a summer holiday abroad have been given some hope in the form of `` air bridges '' .
A new scheme could allow people in the UK to travel to countries with a low coronavirus infection rate without going into quarantine upon their return .
The proposal , put forward by senior Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussed ministers and officials , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said .
What is an air bridge ?
An air bridge is essentially a route between two countries where the Covid-19 outbreak is under control .
It would allow people to travel freely between Britain and a list of approved countries without having to go into a mandatory quarantine on either end .
Under current plans , anyone arriving into Britain from 8 June must self-isolate for 14 days , a measure which is putting many off going abroad .
But if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK Government could make agreements with countries with low R numbers - the average amount of people someone with the virus infects - to make exemptions .
The Government is planning to ease some quarantine restrictions in three weeks ' time , in order to aid economic recovery .
Ministers will use a five-point assessment to decide which countries will be prioritised for possible air-bridge agreements .
Which countries might be included ?
Britain ’ s airlines have sent ministers a list of the 45 nations that they want to be exempt from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may still be a possibility this summer ( Photo : Getty ) The USA , Canada , Mexico , the Bahamas , Antigua , Barbados , the Dominican Republic , Jamaica and St Lucia are all included , as are Israel , Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong .
Notable exemptions from the list include Belgium , where the R rate is currently very high , Iceland , Ukraine , Russia , South Africa , Kenya , Ghana , Nigeria , the United Arab Emirates , China , Thailand , Malaysia and Singapore The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country has now risen over 39,000 , and government advisor Jonathan Van-Tam said last month that we may have to live with the virus for `` several years '' .

Brits hoping for a summer holiday abroad have been given some hope in the form of “air bridges”.
A new scheme will allow people in the UK to travel to countries with a low coronavirus infection rate without going into quarantine upon their return.
The proposal, put forward by senior Tory MP Huw Merriman, was backed by Transport Minister Grant Schapps, and could come into force as early as 6 July.
What is an air bridge?
An air bridge is essentially a route between two countries where the Covid-19 outbreak is under control.
It would allow people to travel freely between Britain and a list of approved countries without having to go into a mandatory quarantine on either end.
Under current plans, anyone arriving into Britain from 8 June must self-isolate for 14 days, a measure which is putting many off going abroad.
But air bridges would allow the UK Government to make agreements with countries with low R numbers – the average amount of people someone with the virus infects – to make exemptions.
The Government is planning to ease some quarantine restrictions in July, in order to aid economic recovery.
Ministers were thought to be using a five-point assessment to decide which countries will be prioritised for possible air-bridge agreements.
The criteria will include:
The economic importance of the country to the UK
The number of passengers and amount of trade
The Covid-19 “risk picture” and the health screening requirements in place at airports for passengers coming to Britain.
A country’s Covid-19 controls
Ensuring the R rate of infection in a country is low
Which countries might be included?
Around 60 countries are set to be made exempt from quarantine, a dramatic shift in policy from earlier plans, which suggested the list would be far more limited.
Spain, France, Italy and Germany are all on the list, which will be published in full on Friday 3 July.
However, the USA, Portugal and China will remain on the “red” list – which means there will still be a ban on non-essential travel to these destinations.
Transport Secretary Grant Schapps told Sky News: “There will be a list of 50-plus countries. If you add in the overseas territories, 60-something-or-other that will be announced later today.
“France, Germany, Italy and Spain will be on that list. It is really important that we have done this in a very careful and cautious way. The most important thing is to maintain the gains that we have had.”
The list was drawn up using a “traffic light” system, with air bridges granted to countries in the “green” and “amber” sections.
The system was devised by scientists, and is based on how countries are managing the Covid-19 pandemic.
He told BBC Breakfast that passengers who are currently isolating for 14 days will be able to break the restrictions legally from next Friday.
He said while “nothing could happen” before July 10, “from that point onward you will be legal not to quarantine yourself”.
“It’s very important to stress the quarantine does exist until July 10,” Mr Shapps said.
While quarantine measures will be lifted, passengers arriving in the UK will still need to fill out a “locator form”, Mr Shapps said.
Grant Shapps has said the quarantine rules will not be lifted next week for travellers arriving from the United States or from Greece.
Is it a four nation approach?
The list currently only applies to holidaymakers in England, with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland’s devolved administrations to set out their own approach.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “It is disappointing that the UK Government have chosen to make an announcement on the countries they intend to exempt before a four-nations agreement has been reached.
“We would still like to reach a four-nations approach if possible but that is difficult when the UK Government change proposals and give us last-minute sight of them.”
Which countries are included?
The list of countries includes the below, plus 14 British overseas territories.
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Barbados
Belgium
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
Croatia
Curacao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Polynesia
Germany
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Malta
Mauritius
Monaco
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Reunion
San Marino
Serbia
Seychelles
South Korea
Spain
St Barthelemy
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Pierre and Miquelon
Switzerland
Taiwan
Trinidad and Tobago
Turkey
Vatican City
Vietnam
Summer no longer ‘cancelled’?
Before this proposal the chances of Brits heading abroad for the summer had looked bleak.
The number of deaths from Covid-19 in the country has now risen over 39,000, and government advisor Jonathan Van-Tam said last month that we may have to live with the virus for “several years”.
Asked in May if summer would be “cancelled”, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “I think that’s likely to be the case.”
He added: “It is unlikely that big, lavish international holidays are going to be possible for this summer. I just think that’s a reality of life.”


inews--2020-06-02--What school years are going back? Schools in England now reopening with certain year groups - here's

What school years are going back? Schools in England now reopening with certain year groups - here's how it works

What school years are going back ?
Schools in England now reopening with certain year groups - here 's how it works English schools that reopen on Monday will only allow certain pupils back , depending on year group .
A big stage in the UK gradually easing out of lockdown will occur next week , when the first pupils begin to return to school after more than two months .
Monday 1 June is the date marked by the Government , but things are n't quite that simple .
Wales and Scotland have already ruled out reopening schools on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait until the new school year in September .
Northern Ireland is expected to follow suit .
Which pupils can go back to school from 1 June ?
Children in Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 will be allowed back to school first .
The Government said this is because children at these ages are at key stages of their development , and will benefit most from returning .
When can other primary school pupils go back ?
The Department for Education is hoping all other primary school pupils will be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer term , ideally for about a month .
However this is all dependent on how effectively the country can control the virus .
If the r rate , which represents the rate of infections , is too high children will not be allowed to return to school .
Classrooms have been empty since mid-March 9Photo : Getty ) However , the aim is for some pupils in Years 10 and 12 to have some face to face time with teachers before the summer , since they will be sitting their GCSEs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How will schools be made safe ?
The Government has issued a host of guidelines to reduce the chance of infection .
Children will be kept in unchanging small groups - likened to `` protective bubbles - of no more than 15 pupils with the same teacher .
Desks will be spaced out as far apart as possible , although the Government admits it might not be possible to keep the youngest children two metres apart .
Testing will be available to all children and staff , and if someone tests positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to stay at home for two weeks .
Does my child have to attend ?

A big stage in the UK gradually easing out of lockdown will occur next week, when the first pupils begin to return to school after more than two months.
Monday 1 June is the date marked by the Government, but things aren’t quite that simple. Wales and Scotland have already ruled out reopening schools on this date, and are likely to wait until the new school year in September. Northern Ireland is expected to follow suit.
English schools that reopen on Monday will only allow certain pupils back, depending on year group.
Which pupils can go back to school from 1 June?
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 will be allowed back to school first. The Government said this is because children at these ages are at key stages of their development, and will benefit most from returning.
Nursery children will also be allowed to go back if schools have them.
When can other primary school pupils go back?
The Department for Education is hoping all other primary school pupils will be able to go back before the end of the summer term, ideally for about a month.
However this is all dependent on how effectively the country can control the virus. If the r rate, which represents the rate of infections, is too high children will not be allowed to return to school.
What about secondary schools?
Secondary schools will not open properly until September, meaning a long summer break for those in Year 7 and above.
However, the aim is for some pupils in Years 10 and 12 to have some face to face time with teachers before the summer, since they will be sitting their GCSEs and A-levels in the next school year.
How will schools be made safe?
The Government has issued a host of guidelines to reduce the chance of infection. Children will be kept in unchanging small groups – likened to “protective bubbles – of no more than 15 pupils with the same teacher.
Desks will be spaced out as far apart as possible, although the Government admits it might not be possible to keep the youngest children two metres apart.
There will be staggered drop-offs, breaks and pick-ups, one-way corridors and frequent hand washing and cleaning.
Soft furnishings, soft toys and other things which are hard to clean will be removed from classrooms.
Testing will be available to all children and staff, and if someone tests positive, the rest of their bubble will have to stay at home for two weeks.
Does my child have to attend?
No. The Department for Education has stressed there will be no penalties for parents who keep children off school this academic year.
Children who are shielding because they are in the “clinically extremely vulnerable” category are not advised to attend, and the same goes for those who have immediate family in this category.


inews--2020-06-02--When will libraries open? Latest UK lockdown news on public libraries reopening - and possible new r

When will libraries open? Latest UK lockdown news on public libraries reopening - and possible new rules explained

When will libraries open ?
Latest UK lockdown news on public libraries reopening - and possible new rules explained Some businesses , vanues and services have begun the process of reopening their doors to the public as lockdown restrictions slowly lift This is what you need to know about libraries reopening ( Photo : Shutterstock ) In March , libraries were forced to close around the country as part of the governments efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus .
With phase two of lockdown beginining for England , this is what the government has said about libraries being able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the UK government 's roadmap to lift lockdown restrictions in England , venues such as libraries will open in step three of the plan .
The document explains : “ The ambition at this step is to open at least some of the remaining businesses and premises that have been required to close , including personal care ( such as hairdressers and beauty salons ) , hospitality ( such as food service providers , pubs and accommodations ) , public places ( such as places of worship ) and leisure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Venues that reopen will be required to adhere to Covid-19 secure guidelines to ensure the safety of staff and visitors .
Can I use any library services now ?
When lockdown restrictions began to ease , the government released a list of businesses and venues that “ must remain closed ” , with libraries included in the list .
There are some exceptions to this rule though , with the government stating : “ Digital library services and those where orders are taken electronically , by telephone or by post ( for example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Many libraries offer online services - you can find out more about what your library offers by signing up .
What is the government doing to help libraries ?
Earlier in May , the government unveiled new ministerial-led task forces that have been created to help plan how closed sectors can reopen safely .
The announcement said : “ These task forces will be crucial to the reopening of Britain 's economy and each one will lead on developing new Covid-19 secure guidelines for the reopening of public places and businesses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so.
” One of the task forces , managed by the Department for Culture , Media and Sport , looks after libraries , as well as other recreation and leisure facilities .

In March, libraries were forced to close around the country as part of the governments efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus.
With phase two of lockdown beginining for England, this is what the government has said about libraries being able to open its doors again to readers.
When will libraries reopen?
According to the UK government’s roadmap to lift lockdown restrictions in England, venues such as libraries will open in step three of the plan.
The document explains: “The ambition at this step is to open at least some of the remaining businesses and premises that have been required to close, including personal care (such as hairdressers and beauty salons), hospitality (such as food service providers, pubs and accommodations), public places (such as places of worship) and leisure facilities (like cinemas).”
Libraries are included in these services mentioned.
This step, according to the government, will be “no earlier than 4 July”.
Venues that reopen will be required to adhere to Covid-19 secure guidelines to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.
Can I use any library services now?
When lockdown restrictions began to ease, the government released a list of businesses and venues that “must remain closed”, with libraries included in the list.
There are some exceptions to this rule though, with the government stating: “Digital library services and those where orders are taken electronically, by telephone or by post (for example no-contact Home Library Services) may continue.”
Many libraries offer online services – you can find out more about what your library offers by signing up.
You can do this via the government website here.
What is the government doing to help libraries?
Earlier in May, the government unveiled new ministerial-led task forces that have been created to help plan how closed sectors can reopen safely.
The announcement said: “These task forces will be crucial to the reopening of Britain’s economy and each one will lead on developing new Covid-19 secure guidelines for the reopening of public places and businesses, where and when it is safe to do so.”
One of the task forces, managed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, looks after libraries, as well as other recreation and leisure facilities.
Headed up by Oliver Dowden, the task force will help develop safe ways for libraries and other creative venues to operate, and feed back issues and concerns to the government.


inews--2020-06-02--What shops can open now? UK lockdown rules explained - and when other shops are reopening

What shops can open now ?
UK lockdown rules explained - and when other shops are reopening The high street is set to re-open with certain non-essential shops allowed to resume trading if premises are 'Covid-secure' As the Government gradually eases certain lockdown restrictions , the high street is set to re-open with certain non-essential shops allowed to resume trading - albeit in accordance with new guidance and if premises are `` Covid-secure '' .
Speaking at the Downing Street press conference last week , Boris Johnson urged people to go to the shops to boost the economy , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to discourage them from spending at all . ''
Helen Dickinson , chief executive of trade body the British Retail Consortium ( BRC ) , said : `` Safety is the fundamental concern for all retailers and they have been working hard to implement the necessary measures to operate safely over the past weeks .
`` Now that we know which shops can open and when , retailers can begin communicating their plans with their workforces and customers . ''
John Lewis said they are preparing for a phased reopening of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-essential shops could open again from June 15 ( Photo : PA ) From Monday June 1 , outdoor markets and car showrooms can re-open , as the risk of transmission of coronavirus `` is lower in these outdoor and more open spaces . ''
Most non-essential shops such as department stores and small independent shops remain closed , but will be able to reopen in England from June 15 , providing the government 's five tests for easing lockdown are met .
However , they will have to adhere to new guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hygiene standards , to protect both shoppers and staff .
`` This will ensure there can be no doubt about what steps they should take . ''
Primark announced it will be reopening all its 153 stores in England on June 15 , whilst department store John Lewis will reopen 13 branches at first , and Next just 25 out of its 500 stores .
How will shopping be different ?
Cyclists ride past shuttered shops on Camden High Street , in north London .
Shopping destinations saw their largest ever decline in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home amid the coronavirus pandemic , according to new figures ( Photo : PA ) Shopping centres have been told they 're responsible for controlling queues in communal areas outside , and the number of people allowed into stores at any time will be restricted .
Social distancing is still in place , so perspex screens at tills and floor markings - as already seen in supermarkets - will feature in shops , to ensure people stay 2 metres apart .
The shoe shop Kurt Geiger has announced footwear will be put aside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a customer , whilst Waterstones will quarantine books for 72 hours after customers have touched them .

As the Government gradually eases certain lockdown restrictions, the high street is set to re-open with certain non-essential shops allowed to resume trading – albeit in accordance with new guidance and if premises are “Covid-secure”.
Speaking at the Downing Street press conference last week, Boris Johnson urged people to go to the shops to boost the economy, saying: “I’m certainly not going to discourage them from spending at all.”
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of trade body the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said: “Safety is the fundamental concern for all retailers and they have been working hard to implement the necessary measures to operate safely over the past weeks.
“Now that we know which shops can open and when, retailers can begin communicating their plans with their workforces and customers.”
However, these current guidelines for the reopening of shops only apply initially to England.
What shops open today?
From Monday June 1, outdoor markets and car showrooms can re-open, as the risk of transmission of coronavirus “is lower in these outdoor and more open spaces.”
Ikea will also be opening 19 of it’s stores today.
During the coronavirus lockdown, supermarkets, banks, corner shops, pharmacies and petrol stations remained open, with garden centres re-opening on May 13.
The closure of shops during lockdown has had a significant impact on the retail industry, with clothing outlets Oasis and Warehouse closing permanently, resulting in the loss of 1,800 jobs.
Debenhams also entered into administration for the second time in a year in April, forcing some of its branches to stay shut permanently.
Which shops remain closed?
Most non-essential shops such as department stores and small independent shops remain closed, but will be able to reopen in England from June 15, providing the government’s five tests for easing lockdown are met.
These include outlets selling clothes, toys, books and electronics, alongside tailors, indoor markets, photography studios and auction houses.
However, they will have to adhere to new guidelines to meet the necessary social distancing and hygiene standards, to protect both shoppers and staff.
Mr Johnson said: “Shops now have the time to implement this guidance before they reopen.”
“This will ensure there can be no doubt about what steps they should take.”
Primark announced it will be reopening all its 153 stores in England on June 15, whilst department store John Lewis will reopen 13 branches at first, and Next just 25 out of its 500 stores.
How will shopping be different?
It won’t feel quite like a return to normal, with new measures implemented to combat the spread of the virus.
Shopping centres have been told they’re responsible for controlling queues in communal areas outside, and the number of people allowed into stores at any time will be restricted.
Social distancing is still in place, so perspex screens at tills and floor markings – as already seen in supermarkets – will feature in shops, to ensure people stay 2 metres apart.
The shoe shop Kurt Geiger has announced footwear will be put aside for 24 hours if tried on by a customer, whilst Waterstones will quarantine books for 72 hours after customers have touched them.
People are also being encouraged to shop alone if possible. Stores are encouraged to discuss providing extra parking or bike racks with local authorities to dissuade people from using public transport.
Shops such as Marks and Spencers, and Ikea, have already said close-contact services such as clothes fitting and make-up are to remain suspended until further notice
Former Sainsbury’s boss Justin King has said he is “optimistic” about the future of high streets with social distancing measures in place, but believes shopping centres will face a tough period ahead.


inews--2020-06-02--When will hairdressers open? Date UK salons could reopen under plans to end coronavirus lockdown

When will hairdressers open ?
Date UK salons could reopen under plans to end coronavirus lockdown Latest on lockdown closures in the UK and if hairdressers could be among last businesses to open .
Hairdressers and barber shops remain temporarily closed , with many across the UK getting creative with cutting their own hair at home - with some very interesting results .
But when are hairdressers due to open ?
Here ’ s what you need to know .
How long could salons be shut for ?
Boris Johnson said that his blueprint for a gradual easing of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools , nurseries and shops partially reopening from 1 June .
Although it was originally thought that hairdressers could be among the first businesses to reopen , Dominic Raab revealed that they will not open until July at the earliest .
This is in line with the plans for some cafes or restaurants with outdoor space , and places or worship and socially distanced cinemas .
Foreign secretary , Mr Raab , confirmed hairdressers , pubs and restaurants would have to wait until phase three , which would be from 4 July at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reconsidered for reopening .
Mr Raab told Sky News ' Kay Burley : `` From 4 July , at the earliest , we 'll look at other sectors and that will include hospitality , but it will also include personal care and people like hairdressers.
” When Nichola Sturgeon unveiled a four-phase route map to ease Scotland out of lockdown restrictions , she said retail services including hairdressers are not expected to be allowed to open for bookings again until phase three of the plan .
It is estimated that 60 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them ineligible for the government ’ s furlough scheme .
They can , however , draw on a second Treasury wage scheme which is for the self-employed .
Self-employed workers do n't need to apply to it , as HMRC will contact those who are eligible for the payout by mid-May .
Citizens Advice explains that “ if your income has dropped because of coronavirus , you might be able to get money from the government .
“ You could get 80 per cent of your average profits up to a maximum of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Self-employment Income Support Scheme . ''
How can I support my local hairdresser ?
A good way to support your local hair salon is to buy a gift voucher now that you can use there when they reopen .
Hairdressers will also be very busy when they do reopen , so if your salon does have a waiting list , then it ’ s worth putting your name down now .

Hairdressers and barber shops across the UK are reopening from July 4, amid a raft of changes to lockdown restrictions that include the reopening of museums, galleries and cinemas, plus relief for the hospitality sector, with pubs, restaurants and hotels allowed to start trading again.
Since March, hairdressers have remained temporarily closed, with many across the UK getting creative with cutting their own hair at home – with some very interesting results.
Now they are set to reopen, but with extra security measures in place. Here’s what you need to know.
When do hairdressers reopen?
Hairdressers had been named among the businesses able to reopen from July 4, to the relief of families who have been managing with DIY haircuts and shaggier locks.
This is in line with the government’s “phase three” of lockdown, in which hospitality businesses, some entertainment venues and hairdressers might be able to reopen.
The decision to reopen salons comes as part of Boris Johnsons blueprint for a gradual easing of the coronavirus lockdown in England, which saw primary schools, nurseries and shops partially reopening from 1 June.
Although it was originally thought that hairdressers could be among the first businesses to reopen, Dominic Raab revealed that they will not open until July at the earliest.
This is in line with the plans for some cafes or restaurants with outdoor space, and places or worship and socially distanced cinemas.
When Nicola Sturgeon unveiled a four-phase route map to ease Scotland out of lockdown restrictions, she said retail services including hairdressers are not expected to be allowed to open for bookings again until phase three of the plan.
What safety measures will be in place?
Hairdressers and barbers have been advised to wear protective visors when they reopen after July 4.
Other precautions are expected, such as discussing the appointment in the mirror and avoiding smalltalk during the haircut to reduce the amount of face-to-face time.
The National Hair and Beauty Federation has advised salons to be clear in their messaging to customers about the health and safety measures in place.
What about wages?
It is estimated that 60 per cent of hairdressers are freelance, making them ineligible for the government’s furlough scheme.
They can, however, draw on a second Treasury wage scheme which is for the self-employed. Self-employed workers don’t need to apply to it, as HMRC will contact those who are eligible for the payout by mid-May.
Citizens Advice explains that “if your income has dropped because of coronavirus, you might be able to get money from the government.
“You could get 80 per cent of your average profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. This is called the Self-employment Income Support Scheme.”
How can I support my local hairdresser?
A good way to support your local hair salon is to buy a gift voucher now that you can use there when they reopen.
Hairdressers will also be very busy when they do reopen, so if your salon does have a waiting list, then it’s worth putting your name down now.
L’Oréal Professionnel, the British Beauty Council patron, has released a COVID-19 support guide to help salon owners, employees, and self-employed hair stylists who are currently out of work.
The guide includes details on the current government measures, alongside information on how to claim benefits, HR and legal advice.


inews--2020-06-02--When are secondary schools reopening? How UK schools will open, and what happens to A-level and GCSE

When are secondary schools reopening? How UK schools will open, and what happens to A-level and GCSE exams

However , the aim is for some pupils in Years 10 and 12 to have some face-to-face time with teachers @ @ @ @ @ they will be sitting their GCSEs and A-levels in the next school year .
Government @ @ @ @ @ are asking secondary schools to offer this face-to-face support to supplement the remote education of @ @ @ @ @ pupils . ''
What happens to A-Level and GCSE exams ?
GCSE , AS and @ @ @ @ @ this year , with exams regulator Ofqual stating teachers should grade pupils based on `` @ @ @ @ @ considered '' judgements of the results they think each student would achieve .
However , @ @ @ @ @ they will not get a fair grade in GCSE and A levels this summer .
@ @ @ @ @ are highly experienced at making assessment decisions and evidence shows they can rank order their @ @ @ @ @ of accuracy . ''
It also said it is `` vital '' that schools and @ @ @ @ @ range of available evidence of the student 's work .

On 1 June, primary schools reopened for pupils in reception, years 1 and 6, and early years or nursery programmes, as part of the Government’s easing of the coronavirus lockdown.
Children at these ages are at key stages of their development, and will benefit most from returning, the Government said.
On Sunday 10 May, Boris Johnson delivered an announcement detailing phase two of the lifting of lockdown, indicting that the return to school would be gradual and phased.
According to the Department for Education it’s hoped other primary school pupils will be able to go back before the end of the summer term, ideally for about a month.
Schools have remained open during the coronavirus lockdown only for vulnerable students and the children of key workers.
Wales and Scotland are not reopening schools today and are likely to wait until the new school year in September. Northern Ireland is expected to follow suit.
But what about secondary school pupils? Here’s what we know so far .
When do secondary schools reopen?
Secondary schools will not open properly until September, meaning a long summer break for those in Year 7 and above.


inews--2020-06-02--Brands criticised over 'hypocritical' support for Black Lives Matter movement

L ’ Oréal and Urban Outfitters have faced backlash for 'hypocritical ' posts Brands such as L ’ Oréal and Urban Outfitters have come under fire for creating posts promoting the movement , despite former employees revealing they experienced racism while working for them .
'This is not okay' Ms Bergdorf was fired by the beauty brand in 2017 for linking racism to oppression perpetuated by white people in a social media post .
The message , published after an anti-racist protester was killed by a white supremacist in Charlottesville , Virginia .
“ Most of ya ’ ll don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledge that your existence , privilege and success as a race is built on the backs , blood and death of people of colour , ” she wrote in the post .
The company responded as `` champions of diversity '' the comments were at `` odds '' with those of the company and removed her from the role , which the model said left her open to threats of abuse .
Munroe Bergdorf was sacked by the brand in 2017 ( Photo : Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for NYFW : The Shows ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the model wrote : `` Excuse my language but I am SO angry .
F*** YOU @ lorealparis .
You dropped me from a campaign in 2017 and threw me to the wolves for speaking out about racism and white supremacy .
With no duty of care , without a second thought . ''
`` I had to fend for myself being torn apart by the world ’ s press because YOU didn ’ t want to talk about racism .
You do NOT get to do this .
This is NOT okay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Urban Outfitters was also criticised for its post by a former stylist ( Photo : Instagram ) '' I could n't continue to work for a brand that promote themselves as inclusive and diverse by using models of colour to market themselves , yet remain an equally racially representative workplace .
As a person of colour , it was an oppressive work environment and I did n't feel safe to speak out . ''
While the brands have been accused of cashing in on the movement , some have been praised for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as Black businesses .
Beauty brand Glossier is donating $ 1m to Black Lives Matter , The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund , among other charities and groups .
It has also committed $ 500,000 in the form of grants to Black-owned beauty brands .
The brand said it will announce more on the specific initiative later this month .

“Hypocritical” posts by brands expressing support for the Black Lives Matter movement have been called out on social media, in some cases by former employees who have endured racist abuse.
Brands such as L’Oréal and Urban Outfitters have come under fire for creating posts promoting the movement, despite former employees revealing they experienced racism while working for them.
‘This is not okay’
The beauty giant wrote a post “in solidarity with the Black community” on its social media channels, sparking a backlash over its treatment of Black model Munroe Bergdorf.
L’Oréal Paris stands in solidarity with the Black community, and against injustice of any kind. We are making a commitment to the @NAACP to support progress in the fight for justice. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/4VDZUAdgXv — L'Oréal Paris USA (@LOrealParisUSA) June 1, 2020
Ms Bergdorf was fired by the beauty brand in 2017 for linking racism to oppression perpetuated by white people in a social media post. The message, published after an anti-racist protester was killed by a white supremacist in Charlottesville, Virginia.
“Most of ya’ll don’t even realise or refuse to acknowledge that your existence, privilege and success as a race is built on the backs, blood and death of people of colour,” she wrote in the post.
The company responded as “champions of diversity” the comments were at “odds” with those of the company and removed her from the role, which the model said left her open to threats of abuse.
In a reply to the post, the model wrote: “Excuse my language but I am SO angry. F*** YOU @lorealparis. You dropped me from a campaign in 2017 and threw me to the wolves for speaking out about racism and white supremacy. With no duty of care, without a second thought.”
“I had to fend for myself being torn apart by the world’s press because YOU didn’t want to talk about racism. You do NOT get to do this. This is NOT okay, not even in the slightest.”
‘I didn’t feel safe to speak out’
In another post throwing its weight behind the movement, fashion brand Urban Outfitters announced “racism, injustice, oppression and complacency have never been welcome in our community.”
But for former stylist for the brand, Isabelle Landicho-Redman, the post was in poor taste.
“I left the company partially due to the treatment I received for whistleblowing,” the stylist based in the UK wrote.
“I couldn’t continue to work for a brand that promote themselves as inclusive and diverse by using models of colour to market themselves, yet remain an equally racially representative workplace. As a person of colour, it was an oppressive work environment and I didn’t feel safe to speak out.”
While the brands have been accused of cashing in on the movement, some have been praised for plugging funds into Black charities and causes, as well as Black businesses.
Beauty brand Glossier is donating $1m to Black Lives Matter, The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, among other charities and groups. It has also committed $500,000 in the form of grants to Black-owned beauty brands. The brand said it will announce more on the specific initiative later this month.
i has approached Urban Outfitters for comment.


inews--2020-06-02--Government report into the impact of coronavirus on BAME communities delayed due to 'worries' over p

Government report into the impact of coronavirus on BAME communities delayed due to 'worries' over protests

Government report into the impact of coronavirus on BAME communities delayed due to 'worries ' over protests The report has been delayed twice since it was first announced at the beginning of May Health Secretary Matt Hancock commissioned Public Health England at the beginning of May to carry out the report into the disproportionate risks for BAME people during the coronavirus pandemic , with the findings expected on 29 May .
The deadline passed , with the Government confirming the report would be published on 3 June .
Announcing the review ’ s launch , Mr Hancock said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disproportionately high number of people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds who have passed away , especially among care workers and those in the NHS.
” But on Monday evening , an unnamed Whitehall source told the broadcaster the analysis of more than 1000 people from the demographic testing positive for the coronavirus would be delayed because of the global protests sparked by the killing of black American George Floyd , among others , by police .
People at a Black Lives Matter protest rally outside the US Embassy in Dublin following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PA ) The source was quoted as saying there were concerns in Whitehall about the “ close proximity to the current situation in America ” , where protesters are demanding an end to police violence against black people , saying it would `` be in bad taste '' if they published it .
“ There is gross irony in delaying reporting this unequal suffering of the BAME community on the basis of global events and the suffering of black communities around the world .
If anything , recent events make the release of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she added .
Outside of the Government 's delayed findings , research from academics and other scientific bodies has painted a stark picture .
One recent report found between the beginning of February and the end of April 2020 , black people in England were 71 per cent more likely than white people to die from COVID-19 , and Asian people were 62 per cent more likely .
Black , Asian and Ethnic Minority ( BAME ) groups are up to three times more likely to die from Covid-19 than the general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data by University College London released on 7 May .
The release of the research has allowed scientists to begin tackling the disparity .
The University of Nottingham will take blood from frontline healthcare workers of a variety of ethnic backgrounds , assessing DNA differences and measuring the various substances the samples contain .
Protests erupted across the globe over the weekend , reaching London , Amsterdam and other global cities ( Photo : Mark Makela/Getty ) The Department of Health and Social Care has avidly denied reports , saying that Ministers received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` not true '' that it has been delayed due to the protests .
A spokesperson from the Department said : `` The findings are being rapidly considered and a report will be published this week .
It is not true to say this has been delayed due to global events . ''

A Government report into the reasons behind the disproportionate number of BAME people who have died from coronavirus has been delayed amid fears its contents could stoke racial tensions.
Research into why people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds have been adversely affected by the coronavirus has been delayed for a second time, because of “worries” surrounding “current global events,” Sky News reported.
Findings delayed twice
Health Secretary Matt Hancock commissioned Public Health England at the beginning of May to carry out the report into the disproportionate risks for BAME people during the coronavirus pandemic, with the findings expected on 29 May. The deadline passed, with the Government confirming the report would be published on 3 June.
Announcing the review’s launch, Mr Hancock said: “We recognise that there has been a disproportionately high number of people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds who have passed away, especially among care workers and those in the NHS.”
But on Monday evening, an unnamed Whitehall source told the broadcaster the analysis of more than 1000 people from the demographic testing positive for the coronavirus would be delayed because of the global protests sparked by the killing of black American George Floyd, among others, by police.
The source was quoted as saying there were concerns in Whitehall about the “close proximity to the current situation in America”, where protesters are demanding an end to police violence against black people, saying it would “be in bad taste” if they published it.
“It is unacceptable that the review should be delayed. BAME communities need answers,” said shadow women and equalities secretary, Marsha De Cordova.
“There is gross irony in delaying reporting this unequal suffering of the BAME community on the basis of global events and the suffering of black communities around the world. If anything, recent events make the release of this report all the more urgent,” she added.
Research paints a stark picture
Outside of the Government’s delayed findings, research from academics and other scientific bodies has painted a stark picture. One recent report found between the beginning of February and the end of April 2020, black people in England were 71 per cent more likely than white people to die from COVID-19, and Asian people were 62 per cent more likely.
Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority (BAME) groups are up to three times more likely to die from Covid-19 than the general population, according to analysis of NHS data by University College London released on 7 May.
The release of the research has allowed scientists to begin tackling the disparity. The University of Nottingham will take blood from frontline healthcare workers of a variety of ethnic backgrounds, assessing DNA differences and measuring the various substances the samples contain.
The Department of Health and Social Care has avidly denied reports, saying that Ministers received the research on Tuesday, and it is “not true” that it has been delayed due to the protests.
A spokesperson from the Department said: “The findings are being rapidly considered and a report will be published this week. It is not true to say this has been delayed due to global events.”
Public Health England said in a statement: “The review will be published shortly.”


inews--2020-06-02--When will gyms open? Latest UK coronavirus lockdown updates as gyms stay closed

When will gyms open ?
Latest UK coronavirus lockdown updates as gyms stay closed With the UK lockdown still in place , but Boris Johnson revealing a `` conditional plan '' to easing restrictions , when could gyms begin to open again ?
Johnson said that his blueprint for a gradual easing of the coronavirus lockdown in England could see primary schools , nurseries and shops partially reopening from 1 June .
Some cafes or restaurants with outdoor space , and places or worship and socially distanced cinemas , could return to business from July , although specific details haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government hasn ’ t yet confirmed when gyms will be able to reopen .
The First Minister has unveiled plans to ease Scotland out of lockdown restrictions , around two weeks after Boris Johnson began to ease lockdown restrictions in England .
She said that several strict measures will be relaxed from 28 May in a four-phase `` route map '' .
In phase one , from May 28 , outdoor swimming in Scotland is permitted along with other outside activities including golf , canoeing and hiking .
However , leisure centres and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country reaches phase three of the exit-lockdown plan during which physical distancing measures will still be in place .
The First Minister of Wales , Mark Drakeford , said that Wales would allow more frequent exercise and the opening of garden centres , but that said schools will not reopen from 1 June .
In Northern Ireland , some sports , such as golf and tennis , have also been allowed to restart , with social distancing measures in place .
Health club chain PureGym has previously said that it is working out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to allow for social distancing , alongside capping member numbers .
However , Mr Cobbold added that gyms will only be re-opened when permitted to do so by the government .
He said : `` The right approach is a considered and careful opening , we will probably , when permitted by government , start by opening half a dozen sites and then expand from there when we 're confident that we have a model that 's safe and secure for members for the future.
” The PureGym website states : “ While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard to ensure your club is clean , safe , and ready for your return .
We are looking forward to welcoming you back.
” Fitness studio Barry 's Bootcamp also released a statement saying the company is `` unsure when we will be reopening but will continue to closely follow the advice of the government and local authorities '' .
They are currently offering virtual workouts for members .
Virgin Active will also inform customers when it will reopen clubs `` once it is safe to do so based on government advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European countries ?
In Italy , citizens will now be able to travel within regions in order to visit relatives , provided that they wear masks .

The coronavirus lockdown has changed people’s lives in many ways, but one of the biggest has been the way in which we exercise.
Gyms, leisure centres and indoor pools had all been closed since 21 March, while home workout equipment is like gold dust online.
However, the Government has finally given the go-ahead for gyms to open their doors again.
When did the gyms reopen?
Gyms, leisure centres and indoor pools reopened on Saturday 25 July.
They will have to follow strict new guidelines, such as introducing timed bookings for workouts and restrictions on showering.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the move to reopen gyms would help get the country “match-fit to defeat the virus” amid growing fears of inactivity among the population due to social distancing restrictions.
“The reopening of gyms is the news millions across the country have been waiting for with many people desperate to jump on a spinning bike or dive into a pool,” he said.
“Our comprehensive guidance will ensure gyms, pools and leisure centres have the support they need to reopen safely for their customers and staff.”
In the Government’s Our Plan to Rebuild document, released on Monday 11 May, gyms and fitness studios were originally part of step three of the lockdown exit plan, starting from 4 July.
However, Mr Johnson later said indoor gyms are categorised as “close proximity” businesses and would remain shut.
He said: “The business and culture secretaries will establish task forces with public health experts and the sectors to help them become Covid-secure and reopen as soon as possible.”
The industry reacted with frustration at Mr Johnson’s “catastrophic decision” to give the green light to many sectors of the economy, but not gyms.
Mark Sesnan, managing director of GLL, which runs 270 leisure and sport facilities on behalf of local authorities, said: “This will bad for business, bad for jobs and bad for the health of the nation.”
He added: “The Government is ignoring the health of the nation, when it has been proven that conditions such as obesity and diabetes increase the risks associated with Covid-19.”
What safety measures will be in place?
When gyms reopen, it won’t be business as usual.
According to The Times, gyms and swimming pools will require receptionists to use clickers to count numbers going in, and booking systems will be put in place to prevent overcrowding.
On gym floors, people will only be permitted to use equipment that’s spaced two metres apart and a gym’s maximum capacity will be calculated based on three metres squared per person.
Changing rooms and showers will be in use but “extra care” will be provided to maintain social distancing in these areas, while sweat towels will not be permitted on gym floors or studios.
Health club chain PureGym has previously said that it is working out how its facilities could be laid out to allow for social distancing, alongside capping member numbers.
PureGym CEO Humphrey Cobbold, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the chain was working to upgrade hygiene and sanitation procedures in order to “provide a safe environment for the future.”


inews--2020-06-02--When will swimming pools open? Latest on pools reopening after lockdown, with leisure centres still

When will swimming pools open? Latest on pools reopening after lockdown, with leisure centres still closed

When will swimming pools open ?
Latest on pools reopening after lockdown , with leisure centres still closed Latest news on UK coronavirus lockdown rules and when swimming pools could reopen - with pools staying temporarily closed .
If you ’ re a keen swimmer and eager to get back in your local pool , when is it likely to be open again ?
Here ’ s all the latest information we have .
On 31 May , it was reported that swimming pools in the UK could be allowed to reopen as early as July , but with drastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of coronavirus .
Children will be banned outside of lessons and swimmers may have to arrive and leave in their costumes under new guidelines set to be published on 15 June .
The number of lanes in a pool will be cut in half , with swimmers told to maintain a safe distance from others at all times , and diving will be banned .
National governing body Swim England is behind the proposal , which will have to be approved by the Government before coming into action .
Swimming pools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak ( Photo : Getty Images ) Jane Nickerson , chief executive of Swim England , told The Sunday Times : `` In the early days , it may be that you are encouraged not to use the changing rooms .
`` What we ’ re suggesting is going 'beach-ready ' .
Some pools might ask you just to put on a towelling robe and - let ’ s hope you ’ re not on a bus , you ’ re in a car - travel home like that . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ - I don ’ t think we ’ ll be seeing that for some time because of the social distancing .
It doesn ’ t mean that we couldn ’ t do lessons , or some club and community activity - as long as they are programmed and maintaining a distance . ''
The government did n't confirm exactly when pools would be allowed to reopen under its initial road map out of lockdown published in May .
However , it was thought that they would stay closed until at least 4 July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible time for phase three of the lockdown exit plan ( including the opening of hospitality businesses ) could begin .
Virgin Active had previously said simply that it would inform customers when it will reopen clubs `` once it is safe to do so based on government advice '' .
'The sciencs is evolving every day' Richard Lamburn , Swim England Head of Facilities , had previously explained how the organisation had been in discussions with Government departments regarding the necessary guidance .
Mr Lamburn said : “ The science and understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is evolving every day and we are continuing to monitor and support research in this area in cooperation with international partners .
“ We will be developing our guidance in line with scientific research and alongside the information from the Government on the national exit of lockdown.
” Mr Lamburn said Swim England would ideally like up to three weeks ’ notice for the industry to get pools ready to be used again .
However , they are endeavouring to support the government whatever the time frame is , to ensure facilities are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to the pool .

Regular swimmers have been among those most affected by the coronavirus lockdown. Pools have been closed for almost four months, and did not reopen as hoped on 4 July, when pubs and restaurants returned.
However, both indoor and outdoor pools can now reopen, as well as gyms and leisure centres.
Here is everything you need to know.
When will indoor pools reopen?
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden confirmed that indoor pools, gyms and leisure centres could open their doors again from Saturday 25 July.
He said the move would help get the country “match-fit to defeat the virus” amid growing fears of inactivity among the population due to social distancing restrictions.
“The reopening of gyms is the news millions across the country have been waiting for with many people desperate to jump on a spinning bike or dive into a pool,” he said when he announced the move.
“Our comprehensive guidance will ensure gyms, pools and leisure centres have the support they need to reopen safely for their customers and staff.”
When will outdoor pools and lidos reopen?
Outdoor pools and lidos opened on 11 July, along with grassroots outdoor sports.
This started with cricket, and was followed by other sports, such as football and basketball.
What will pools be like now they have reopened?
Under guidelines released by Swim England, the national governing body for swimming, swimmers are now urged to shower at home, arrive wearing their swimwear under their clothes and bring toys and floats with them.
This change, called “beach style turn up and swim”, is designed to make sure swimmers spend less time in the changing room and to ensure that showers are available post-swim.
The number of lanes in a pool will be cut in half, with swimmers told to maintain a safe distance from others at all times, and diving will come with extra precautions because it “can result in injury that requires ambulance care”.
Jane Nickerson, chief executive of Swim England, told The Sunday Times: “In the early days, it may be that you are encouraged not to use the changing rooms.
“What we’re suggesting is going ‘beach-ready’. Some pools might ask you just to put on a towelling robe and – let’s hope you’re not on a bus, you’re in a car – travel home like that.”
She added: “Kids playing around – I don’t think we’ll be seeing that for some time because of the social distancing. It doesn’t mean that we couldn’t do lessons, or some club and community activity – as long as they are programmed and maintaining a distance.”
Swimmers will made made to maintain social distancing rules, with one person per three-square-metre area.
The government did not confirm exactly when pools would be allowed to reopen under its initial road map out of lockdown published in May.
However, it was thought that they would stay closed until at least 4 July, the date earmarked as the earliest possible time for phase three of the lockdown exit plan (including the opening of hospitality businesses) could begin.
Virgin Active had previously said simply that it would inform customers when it will reopen clubs “once it is safe to do so based on government advice”.
‘The science is evolving every day’
Richard Lamburn, Swim England Head of Facilities, had previously explained how the organisation had been in discussions with Government departments regarding the necessary guidance.
Mr Lamburn said: “The science and understanding of Covid-19 in the swimming pool environment is evolving every day and we are continuing to monitor and support research in this area in cooperation with international partners.
“We will be developing our guidance in line with scientific research and alongside the information from the Government on the national exit of lockdown.”
Mr Lamburn said Swim England would ideally like up to three weeks’ notice for the industry to get pools ready to be used again.
However, they are endeavouring to support the government whatever the time frame is, to ensure facilities are both safe and ready for swimmers to return to the pool.
“We have been in regular communication with key stakeholders regarding the impact on facilities and have also been sharing knowledge and information with Sport England, Swim Ireland, Scottish Swimming and Swim Wales,” adds Mr Lamburn.
“A lot of pools have never closed before so we’ve been providing the guidance and support needed to local authorities and operators to ensure they were safely shut down and maintained.”


inews--2020-06-02--We're sick of juggling - coronavirus has shown mothers need a new domestic deal

We 're sick of juggling - coronavirus has shown mothers need a new domestic deal A revolution in homeworking might be welcomed , but not if it ’ s just another abuse of women ’ s ability to ‘ juggle ’ “ So , how is the housework thing when you have kids ?
” my friend Laura asked .
It was pre-Covid-19 and we were sitting in one of those hip vegan joints full of glowy millennials .
Laura had turned the shade 'raw tofu ' when I ’ d explained , slowly through my mouthful of falafel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trap .
I ’ d once been Laura : a childfree feminist who ’ d taken pride in my gender-egalitarian domestic arrangements .
And it hadn ’ t always been easy .
There was the artist boyfriend who was too stoned to dress himself , let alone Jif the kitchen worktop ; the workaholic who thought loo-scrubbing was a job for the female cleaner they deigned to bung £6 an hour .
But I ’ d always insisted that my feminist worldview should be the clincher when it came to what I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a male .
I wouldn ’ t pick up boxers concertinaed in the corner of cohabiting bedrooms ; I wouldn ’ t cook every night ; or scrub tidemarks from the bathtub with the blithe explanation , so common amongst hetero females , that yes feminism but I `` just had naturally higher standards '' .
I knew that I ’ d been socialised as a girl to attach my self-worth to a clean and ordered home and I knew it was a crock .
I resisted the sexist fiction that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then , reader , I reproduced .
And frankly and surprisingly quickly , it was tough to keep it up .
Tough to keep up a fair division of labour when one of you gets a rushed two weeks ’ parenting leave .
It ’ s tough when one of you has mammaries and has to stay home to breastfeed ( the pressure to breastfeed is immense ) and so of course you ’ re the one at home and you need to eat and not live in a pig-stye and you hobble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screaming in a sling and your C-section stitches pranging like guitar strings .
In the months after giving birth , mother friends had broke their omerta .
I was surprised by how many of them had stories about how it happened to them .
How motherhood had taken their long-nurtured feminist ideals and put them through the 1000ph spin cycle of a new domestic reality .
Some comforted themselves with the hope that their household would return to a more symmetrical division of labour when their kids started school “ the way I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideal but just temporary ” ; others had commuted feminist disappointments into ‘ tough-broad-who-gets-it-all-done ’ mode : “ I nailed it at work and now I have to nail this mum thing.
” Many seemed dazed how they ’ d gone from having a partner who was a whizz in the kitchen in their courting years to themselves now serving up a balanced meal , nightly , at 7pm on the dot .
“ And he used to bring ingredients round to my flat to make me Delia ’ s chicken jalfrezi .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wonder if I hallucinated it.
” In my new book I dub this phenomenon The Parent Labour Trap .
In a 2015 study , US sociologists Jill Yavorsky and Claire M. Kamp Bush examined the change in divisions of paid and unpaid work across the crucial life transition to parenthood and found that the birth of a child increases the unpaid work demanded of the couple by several hours a day and that these extra work hours – the relentless laundry and picking up of strewn toys – were disproportionately shouldered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additional work per day fell to women compared to an additional 40 minutes for men , an effort gap the length of an average movie ) .
For women , a crippling domestic labour burden seems to be as inevitable a feature of new motherhood as stretch marks and sleepless nights .
In May the news broke about the Covid-19 domestic labour gap and it ’ s as pretty as a T-shirt drenched in baby sick .
Published by the Institute for Fiscal Studies , the study of how mothers and fathers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mothers are 23 per cent more likely than fathers to have left paid work since coronavirus struck and it ’ s women who have assumed the bulk of new childcare and housework responsibilities : putting in 10.3 hours a day of childcare to men ’ s eight and 1.7 hours more housework than men .
The study also found that women are far more likely to be interrupted by children and to be trying to undertake paid work whilst simultaneously trying to care for children .
Long pitted against each other in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ childed have diverged during the Covid-19 lockdown : those who live alone being keen to gather for 7pm work Zoom cocktail hours as their childed counterparts struggle to find time to catch up on work emails after the kids are in bed .
Parents have laughed darkly at the boasts of childfree couples and singles that they ’ re using their unexpected free time to write novels and learn Mandarin .
Lockdown without kids ( blissful yogic couples ) and with kids ( spag bol-spattered hell ) , has become a well-worn Covid-era @ @ @ @ @ @ @ childfree women in the corporate sector put in the lengthiest work days ; they ’ re the reason the ‘ pink-collar ’ workers who have been at the frontline of the Covid battle , such as cleaners , nurses and careworkers , are unethically underpaid ; they ’ re the reason men with kids see their pay and responsibilities rise as working mothers , and others , stall .
Structural sexism and the devaluation of female labour mean that businesses refrain from promoting women with kids as they pile work onto the plates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have nothing better to do than ( wo ) man the pumps of capitalism ( yet without the commensurate pay increases that men with and without kids see later in their careers ) .
The British cleaners and caseworkers who pick up the pieces for male and female workers with bosses deaf to their workers ’ care demands , meanwhile , are among the lowest paid in the rich world .
As one feminist wit memorably puts it : `` it ’ s not the glass ceiling , it ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revolution in homeworking that might be one of the products of the pandemic is to be welcomed , but not if it ’ s just another abuse of women ’ s ability to ‘ juggle ’ .
After Covid-19 we need a new domestic deal , and it ’ s one all feminists – male or female , childed or childfree , Laura and I – must fight for .

“So, how is the housework thing when you have kids?” my friend Laura asked. It was pre-Covid-19 and we were sitting in one of those hip vegan joints full of glowy millennials. Laura had turned the shade ‘raw tofu’ when I’d explained, slowly through my mouthful of falafel, the sobering realities of the Parent Labour Trap.
I’d once been Laura: a childfree feminist who’d taken pride in my gender-egalitarian domestic arrangements. And it hadn’t always been easy. There was the artist boyfriend who was too stoned to dress himself, let alone Jif the kitchen worktop; the workaholic who thought loo-scrubbing was a job for the female cleaner they deigned to bung £6 an hour. But I’d always insisted that my feminist worldview should be the clincher when it came to what I would and wouldn’t do when cohabiting with a male.
I wouldn’t pick up boxers concertinaed in the corner of cohabiting bedrooms; I wouldn’t cook every night; or scrub tidemarks from the bathtub with the blithe explanation, so common amongst hetero females, that yes feminism but I “just had naturally higher standards”. I knew that I’d been socialised as a girl to attach my self-worth to a clean and ordered home and I knew it was a crock. I resisted the sexist fiction that I just had better muck-noticing lady eyes.
Then, reader, I reproduced. And frankly and surprisingly quickly, it was tough to keep it up. Tough to keep up a fair division of labour when one of you gets a rushed two weeks’ parenting leave. It’s tough when one of you has mammaries and has to stay home to breastfeed (the pressure to breastfeed is immense) and so of course you’re the one at home and you need to eat and not live in a pig-stye and you hobble around picking things up with your baby screaming in a sling and your C-section stitches pranging like guitar strings.
In the months after giving birth, mother friends had broke their omerta. I was surprised by how many of them had stories about how it happened to them. How motherhood had taken their long-nurtured feminist ideals and put them through the 1000ph spin cycle of a new domestic reality.
Some comforted themselves with the hope that their household would return to a more symmetrical division of labour when their kids started school “the way I see it, it’s not ideal but just temporary”; others had commuted feminist disappointments into ‘tough-broad-who-gets-it-all-done’ mode: “I nailed it at work and now I have to nail this mum thing.” Many seemed dazed how they’d gone from having a partner who was a whizz in the kitchen in their courting years to themselves now serving up a balanced meal, nightly, at 7pm on the dot. “And he used to bring ingredients round to my flat to make me Delia’s chicken jalfrezi. From scratch. I’m beginning to wonder if I hallucinated it.”
Read More The coronavirus lockdown is threatening gender equality in the home
In my new book I dub this phenomenon The Parent Labour Trap. In a 2015 study, US sociologists Jill Yavorsky and Claire M. Kamp Bush examined the change in divisions of paid and unpaid work across the crucial life transition to parenthood and found that the birth of a child increases the unpaid work demanded of the couple by several hours a day and that these extra work hours – the relentless laundry and picking up of strewn toys – were disproportionately shouldered by women (more than two hours of additional work per day fell to women compared to an additional 40 minutes for men, an effort gap the length of an average movie). For women, a crippling domestic labour burden seems to be as inevitable a feature of new motherhood as stretch marks and sleepless nights.
In May the news broke about the Covid-19 domestic labour gap and it’s as pretty as a T-shirt drenched in baby sick. Published by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the study of how mothers and fathers have spent their time since lockdown finds that mothers are 23 per cent more likely than fathers to have left paid work since coronavirus struck and it’s women who have assumed the bulk of new childcare and housework responsibilities: putting in 10.3 hours a day of childcare to men’s eight and 1.7 hours more housework than men. The study also found that women are far more likely to be interrupted by children and to be trying to undertake paid work whilst simultaneously trying to care for children.
Long pitted against each other in the workplace, needs of the childless and childed have diverged during the Covid-19 lockdown: those who live alone being keen to gather for 7pm work Zoom cocktail hours as their childed counterparts struggle to find time to catch up on work emails after the kids are in bed. Parents have laughed darkly at the boasts of childfree couples and singles that they’re using their unexpected free time to write novels and learn Mandarin. Lockdown without kids (blissful yogic couples) and with kids (spag bol-spattered hell), has become a well-worn Covid-era meme.
I get it. We breeders decided to breed, knowing full well it might animate sexist gender-role expectations. But, as I explore in my book, sexist domestic labour expectations aren’t merely a ‘moaning mum’ issue.
They’re the reason childfree women in the corporate sector put in the lengthiest work days; they’re the reason the ‘pink-collar’ workers who have been at the frontline of the Covid battle, such as cleaners, nurses and careworkers, are unethically underpaid; they’re the reason men with kids see their pay and responsibilities rise as working mothers, and others, stall.
Structural sexism and the devaluation of female labour mean that businesses refrain from promoting women with kids as they pile work onto the plates of childless women, who are expected to have nothing better to do than (wo)man the pumps of capitalism (yet without the commensurate pay increases that men with and without kids see later in their careers). The British cleaners and caseworkers who pick up the pieces for male and female workers with bosses deaf to their workers’ care demands, meanwhile, are among the lowest paid in the rich world. As one feminist wit memorably puts it: “it’s not the glass ceiling, it’s the sticky floor, stupid”.
The revolution in homeworking that might be one of the products of the pandemic is to be welcomed, but not if it’s just another abuse of women’s ability to ‘juggle’. After Covid-19 we need a new domestic deal, and it’s one all feminists – male or female, childed or childfree, Laura and I – must fight for.
This new domestic deal must include proper government funding for early-years childcare, formalisation of the domestic cleaning sector, flexible working and care leave as a right for all and – this being crucial – a nation of men stepping up to the kitchen sink.
Sally Howard is an author and journalist. Her book The Home Stretch (Why It’s Time To Come Clean About Who Does the Dishes) is out now


inews--2020-06-03--Whether somebody is a sensitive soul is governed equally by nature and nurture, study finds

Whether somebody is a sensitive soul is governed equally by nature and nurture , study finds Researchers found that 47 per cent of our sensitivity — or strength of reaction — to good and bad events comes down to our genes Whether somebody is a sensitive soul or has the skin of a rhino is governed fairly equally by nature and nurture , according to a study .
Researchers found that 47 per cent of our sensitivity - or strength of reaction - to good and bad events comes down to our genes , while the rest is the result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as whether we had a loving or unloving upbringing .
`` We are all affected by what we experience - sensitivity is something we all share as a basic human trait .
But we also differ in how much of an impact our experiences have on us , ” said Professor Michael Pluess , of Queen Mary University of London .
“ Scientists have always thought there was a genetic basis for sensitivity , but this is the first time we 've been able to actually quantify how much of these differences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Whether somebody is a sensitive soul or has the skin of a rhino is governed fairly equally by nature and nurture The researchers pointed out that in some cases people are just generally more sensitive , while in others their heightened sensitivity may be skewed towards either positive or negative events .
But either way , genes are responsible for about half of the effect .
`` If a child is more sensitive to negative experiences , it may be that they become more easily stressed and anxious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assary , also of Queen Mary .
“ On the other hand , if a child has a higher sensitivity to positive experiences , it may be that they are more responsive to good parenting or benefit more from psychological interventions at school .
What our study shows is that these different aspects of sensitivity all have a genetic basis , '' she said .
The researchers found that there was a shared genetic component between sensitivity , neuroticism and extraversion , but not with any of the other main personality traits .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ us in how we understand and handle sensitivity , in ourselves and others .
`` We know from previous research that around a third of people are at the higher end of the sensitivity spectrum .
They are generally more strongly affected by their experiences , '' he said .
`` This can have both advantages and disadvantages .
Because we now know that this sensitivity is as much due to biology as environment , it is important for people to accept their sensitivity as an important part of who they are and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a weakness , '' he added .

Whether somebody is a sensitive soul or has the skin of a rhino is governed fairly equally by nature and nurture, according to a study.
Researchers found that 47 per cent of our sensitivity – or strength of reaction – to good and bad events comes down to our genes, while the rest is the result of our environment, or experiences, such as whether we had a loving or unloving upbringing.
“We are all affected by what we experience – sensitivity is something we all share as a basic human trait. But we also differ in how much of an impact our experiences have on us,” said Professor Michael Pluess, of Queen Mary University of London.
“Scientists have always thought there was a genetic basis for sensitivity, but this is the first time we’ve been able to actually quantify how much of these differences in sensitivity are explained by genetic factors,” he said.
Different kinds of sensitivity
The researchers pointed out that in some cases people are just generally more sensitive, while in others their heightened sensitivity may be skewed towards either positive or negative events. But either way, genes are responsible for about half of the effect.
“If a child is more sensitive to negative experiences, it may be that they become more easily stressed and anxious in challenging situations,” said Elham Assary, also of Queen Mary.
“On the other hand, if a child has a higher sensitivity to positive experiences, it may be that they are more responsive to good parenting or benefit more from psychological interventions at school. What our study shows is that these different aspects of sensitivity all have a genetic basis,” she said.
The researchers found that there was a shared genetic component between sensitivity, neuroticism and extraversion, but not with any of the other main personality traits.
Implications of the findings
Professor Pluess believes the findings could help us in how we understand and handle sensitivity, in ourselves and others.
“We know from previous research that around a third of people are at the higher end of the sensitivity spectrum. They are generally more strongly affected by their experiences,” he said.
“This can have both advantages and disadvantages. Because we now know that this sensitivity is as much due to biology as environment, it is important for people to accept their sensitivity as an important part of who they are and consider it as a strength not just as a weakness,” he added.
The research also involved King’s College London and is published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.


inews--2020-06-02--Universities redesign campuses for social distancing and put students in protective 'bubbles' to dea

Universities redesign campuses for social distancing and put students in protective 'bubbles' to deal with 'biggest crisis ever'

Universities redesign campuses for social distancing and put students in protective 'bubbles ' to deal with 'biggest crisis ever' A number of universities are planning to put students into 'bubbles ' involving the same small groups of students to limit mixing The unprecedented measures are being taken to deal with a situation which one vice chancellor described as the biggest crisis yet for universities .
Sir Anthony Seldon , the vice-chancellor of the University of Buckingham and the former headmaster of Wellington College , told i that Covid-19 was “ comfortably the biggest crisis that the university sector has faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history of universities.
” They had been hit by a “ triple whammy ” of not knowing how to plan , difficulties in providing remote learning and a drop in international students which threatens to “ push us into the red ” , he said .
Sir Anthony said the coronavirus had resulted in “ unprecedented disruption to the pattern of university life ” , but added that the use of bubbles was “ an example of the kind of imaginative thinking that we need to see ” .
Universities have been advised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and face-to-face teaching , to stagger start and finish times on campus , to set up “ hygiene stations ” outside buildings , and to carry out enhanced cleaning of “ high touch areas ” like libraries .
A number of institutions are planning to allocate students into “ bubbles ” - an approach that has been used this week to reopen schools in England .
She said Staffordshire would apply the same approach to accommodation , to “ group students from the same courses into the same areas ” .
The aim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of people that students are engaging with on a regular basis ” , reducing the potential for any Covid-19 outbreak to spread unchecked .
Professor Barnes added : “ We are going to do this and there are other universities I know who are going to take a similar approach.
” The news came as a survey by the University and College Union found almost a quarter ( 23 per cent ) of prospective students fear their chosen university could go bust because of the coronavirus crisis .
Julia Buckingham , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said her university would introduce “ an optional new January start for some of our larger postgraduate and undergraduate programmes , or any international students who may not be able to travel in September ” .
Professor Julia Buckingham , the vice chancellor of Brunel , said her university was working with its student union to arrange “ a whole load of virtual events ” to “ guarantee students have social interaction with one another irrespective of what the social distancing arrangements are at the time ” .
Professor Shearer West , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ We ’ re considering how we can make ‘ welcome week ’ work within communities of halls of residence and specific localities within the university , rather than the all singing all dancing all across the university thing that we used to do before ” .

Universities will redesign their campuses for social distancing and put students into protective “bubbles” involving the same small group of students to reboot higher education this autumn.
The unprecedented measures are being taken to deal with a situation which one vice chancellor described as the biggest crisis yet for universities.
Sir Anthony Seldon, the vice-chancellor of the University of Buckingham and the former headmaster of Wellington College, told i that Covid-19 was “comfortably the biggest crisis that the university sector has faced…the biggest crisis ever in the history of universities.”
They had been hit by a “triple whammy” of not knowing how to plan, difficulties in providing remote learning and a drop in international students which threatens to “push us into the red”, he said.
‘Unprecedented disruption’
Sir Anthony said the coronavirus had resulted in “unprecedented disruption to the pattern of university life”, but added that the use of bubbles was “an example of the kind of imaginative thinking that we need to see”.
Universities UK – which represents higher education institutions across Britain – has published advice for how the sector can exit lockdown.
To help students avoid public transport, universities had been told to install extra bike racks to get more students cycling to classes.
Universities have been advised to use a mix of online lectures and face-to-face teaching, to stagger start and finish times on campus, to set up “hygiene stations” outside buildings, and to carry out enhanced cleaning of “high touch areas” like libraries.
Protective ‘bubbles’
A number of institutions are planning to allocate students into “bubbles” – an approach that has been used this week to reopen schools in England.
Professor Liz Barnes, the vice chancellor of Staffordshire University, said: “We’re thinking about the bubble approach, so keeping students grouped together.
“They might come in for a day in their cohort of a year group and we’ll try to minimise movement around campus.”
Halls of residence
She said Staffordshire would apply the same approach to accommodation, to “group students from the same courses into the same areas”.
The aim of the bubbles is to “restrict the number of people that students are engaging with on a regular basis”, reducing the potential for any Covid-19 outbreak to spread unchecked.
Professor Barnes added: “We are going to do this and there are other universities I know who are going to take a similar approach.”
Student fears
The news came as a survey by the University and College Union found almost a quarter (23 per cent) of prospective students fear their chosen university could go bust because of the coronavirus crisis.
Two-thirds (71 per cent) of students also backed a delay to the start of term to secure more face-to-face teaching.
Julia Buckingham, the vice chancellor of Brunel University London, said her university would introduce “an optional new January start for some of our larger postgraduate and undergraduate programmes, or any international students who may not be able to travel in September”.
Freshers week planned
Universities have promised that students will be able to socially interact and even have a freshers week this autumn.
Professor Julia Buckingham, the vice chancellor of Brunel, said her university was working with its student union to arrange “a whole load of virtual events” to “guarantee students have social interaction with one another irrespective of what the social distancing arrangements are at the time”.
Nottingham University is looking at a localised version of freshers week.
Professor Shearer West, Nottingham’s vice chancellor, said: “We’re considering how we can make ‘welcome week’ work within communities of halls of residence and specific localities within the university, rather than the all singing all dancing all across the university thing that we used to do before”.
Professor Liz Barnes, vice chancellor of Staffordshire University, said she did not think universities would have to strictly monitor socialising or regularly break-up students partying in big groups.
“We don’t expect to have to police it heavily because they are adults and they do understand,” she told i.
But she said her university had “expectations about living, socialising within the current requirements”, and “processes if students misbehave in halls” which it would continue to apply.


inews--2020-06-02--Coronavirus latest: Charity raises 'serious concerns' over 'thuggish' letters sent to people in debt

Coronavirus latest: Charity raises 'serious concerns' over 'thuggish' letters sent to people in debt during lockdown

Coronavirus latest : Charity raises 'serious concerns ' over 'thuggish ' letters sent to people in debt during lockdown Even people who have been granted repayment holidays during the pandemic can expect to receive intimidating 'debt threat letters' Lenders are obliged by law to send letters to anybody they consider to be in arrears ( Photo : Getty ) A mental-health charity has raised “ serious concerns ” that “ thuggish ” letters threatening people in debt with court action during the Covid-19 pandemic could put recipients at a greater risk of becoming suicidal .
Intimidating “ debt threat letters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ distress and confusion ” at a time when many people are struggling financially and mentally , potentially contributing to “ unnecessary lost lives in the coming months and years ” , the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute ( MMHPI ) has warned .
Although many people have been granted a repayment holiday during the pandemic , allowing them to temporarily stop or reduce repayments on mortgages , credit cards and loans , lenders are still obliged by law to send letters to anybody they consider to be in arrears in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt attempt to take their own lives each year in England alone , according to MMHPI research .
The organisation is calling on the Government to update legislation that requires lenders to send these letters , which must include what the charity characterised as “ threatening and confusing language ” , often accompanied by warnings of court action .
Introducing small changes to the rules in the 1974 Consumer Credit Act that dictate the content of debt letters could make the missives “ less threatening and distressing , and would save lives ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was founded by personal financial expert Martin Lewis .
“ These letters ruin lives , and many lenders say they don ’ t want to send them , but the law gives them no option .
“ In the next few weeks , we ’ ll have the perverse situation where lenders will be compelled to send threatening letters to millions of people , even if they ’ ve been given permission for a temporary break from debt repayments .
That will cause distress and confusion at a time when people in financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health issues , least need it , ” Mr Lewis continued .
“ The Government has put support systems in place covering a chunk of the population .
Yet at such a sensitive , stressful time , it needs to change the rules on debt letters ...
It could save lives , ” he added .
A Treasury spokesman said : `` We are aware of the concerns raised and are looking into the issue carefully .
`` The outbreak has affected the lives of many – which is why we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is helping millions of businesses and individuals through these challenging times.
” If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts , or are struggling with your mental health in other ways , you can contact Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo @ samaritans.org .

A mental-health charity has raised “serious concerns” that “thuggish” letters threatening people in debt with court action during the Covid-19 pandemic could put recipients at a greater risk of becoming suicidal.
Intimidating “debt threat letters” sent out by lenders will cause “distress and confusion” at a time when many people are struggling financially and mentally, potentially contributing to “unnecessary lost lives in the coming months and years”, the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) has warned.
‘Threatening and confusing’
Although many people have been granted a repayment holiday during the pandemic, allowing them to temporarily stop or reduce repayments on mortgages, credit cards and loans, lenders are still obliged by law to send letters to anybody they consider to be in arrears in this period.
Around 100,000 people in problem debt attempt to take their own lives each year in England alone, according to MMHPI research.
The organisation is calling on the Government to update legislation that requires lenders to send these letters, which must include what the charity characterised as “threatening and confusing language”, often accompanied by warnings of court action.
‘Thuggish’
Introducing small changes to the rules in the 1974 Consumer Credit Act that dictate the content of debt letters could make the missives “less threatening and distressing, and would save lives”, according to the charity, which was founded by personal financial expert Martin Lewis.
“The fact that lenders are forced by a decades-old law to send thuggish letters to people with debt problems is staggering,” said Mr Lewis.
“These letters ruin lives, and many lenders say they don’t want to send them, but the law gives them no option.
“In the next few weeks, we’ll have the perverse situation where lenders will be compelled to send threatening letters to millions of people, even if they’ve been given permission for a temporary break from debt repayments. That will cause distress and confusion at a time when people in financial hardship, and many struggling with mental health issues, least need it,” Mr Lewis continued.
“The Government has put support systems in place covering a chunk of the population. Yet at such a sensitive, stressful time, it needs to change the rules on debt letters…It could save lives,” he added.
A Treasury spokesman said: “We are aware of the concerns raised and are looking into the issue carefully.
“The outbreak has affected the lives of many – which is why we’ve introduced an extensive package of financial support that is helping millions of businesses and individuals through these challenging times.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, or are struggling with your mental health in other ways, you can contact Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email jo@.
@kt_grant