inews--2020-05-18--Sex dolls firm advertises for more staff as sales surge during coronavirus lockdown

Sex dolls firm advertises for more staff as sales surge during coronavirus lockdown Sales to single men have gone up by more than 50 per cent A surge in people buying sex dolls has prompted one firm to ramp up their staff recruitment ( Photo : Getty ) A sex doll retailer is ramping up its recruitment drive as record numbers of orders have been made during the coronavirus lockdown .
Sex Doll Genie , which bills itself as “ the largest sex doll store in the world ” said a surge in sales means it has positions available in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firm has received hundreds more enquiries than usual in the last eight weeks , as couples and single people look for new ways to pass the time while adhering to social distancing guidelines .
Last month , the retailer , which sells more than 2,600 hand-crafted and made-to-order sex doll designs , said there had been a 51.6 per cent increase in orders from single men in February and March .
In April there was a 33.2 per cent year-on-year growth in orders placed by couples .
The successful candidates for this role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will pack and ship dolls to customers .
They will also work with the firm ’ s creative team to undertake a number of tasks including taking images of the products and “ provide helpful information to customers ” .
Janet Stevenson , co-founder of the family-run business said : “ We have lots of products in stock but we can ’ t work fast enough to keep up with demand .
`` We are hiring as quickly as we can and have created several new roles in fulfillment management and customer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” This comes as the Dutch were advised to find themselves a “ sex buddy ” for the duration of the lockdown rather than risk flouting social distancing by using online apps .
The Dutch government issued guidance to single people seeking intimacy during the pandemic , advising them to couple up with one person to avoid the spread of coronavirus .

A sex doll retailer is ramping up its recruitment drive as record numbers of orders have been made during the coronavirus lockdown.
Sex Doll Genie, which bills itself as “the largest sex doll store in the world” said a surge in sales means it has positions available in both the US and Europe.
The firm has received hundreds more enquiries than usual in the last eight weeks, as couples and single people look for new ways to pass the time while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Last month, the retailer, which sells more than 2,600 hand-crafted and made-to-order sex doll designs, said there had been a 51.6 per cent increase in orders from single men in February and March.
Growth
In April there was a 33.2 per cent year-on-year growth in orders placed by couples.
A number of vacancies have been advertised including for “fulfilment managers”.
The successful candidates for this role will be able to work from home and will pack and ship dolls to customers.
They will also work with the firm’s creative team to undertake a number of tasks including taking images of the products and “provide helpful information to customers”.
Demand
Janet Stevenson, co-founder of the family-run business said: “We have lots of products in stock but we can’t work fast enough to keep up with demand.
“We are hiring as quickly as we can and have created several new roles in fulfillment management and customer support in both the US and Europe.”
This comes as the Dutch were advised to find themselves a “sex buddy” for the duration of the lockdown rather than risk flouting social distancing by using online apps.
The Dutch government issued guidance to single people seeking intimacy during the pandemic, advising them to couple up with one person to avoid the spread of coronavirus.


inews--2020-05-18--Coronavirus job retention scheme: Treasury risks 'massive spike in job losses' with furlough changes

Coronavirus job retention scheme : Treasury risks 'massive spike in job losses ' with furlough changes Employers to contribute to workers ' salaries for August The Treasury risks overseeing a “ massive spike in job losses ” this summer if it forces all employers to begin sharing the cost of salaries for workers who have been furloughed , Labour has warned .
Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds raised concerns that a blanket approach to changing the vast job retention scheme ( JRS ) , which is paying the salaries of millions of workers , could lead to mass redundancies this August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would be extending the furlough programme until the end of October , but would require employers to begin contributing to salaries from 1 August .
Concerns are mounting that employers in certain sectors that will be the last to reopen from the Covid-19 lockdown , such as those in hospitality , entertainment and the arts , will be unable to share the cost of salaries and will be forced to make workers redundant .
Addressing the Commons , Ms Dodds said : “ We recognise it can ’ t persist forever .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasury is considering asking all employers to pay 40 per cent of employee wages on the JRS from August 1 .
The Chancellor said it was “ right ” to ask employers to make a contribution to paying the wages of their employees , adding the changes would provide flexibility to the system to allow staff to work on a part-time basis .
“ We are in deep consultation with both unions and business groups to make sure we get the design of the second part of this scheme right , ” Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is right both for the economy and , indeed , for the taxpayer to ask employers to make a contribution to paying the wages of their employees.
” More than 7.5m people are currently furloughed , with the state paying 80 per cent of salaries up to a total of £2,500 a month .
The Institute for Fiscal Studies said the scheme will cost £60bn and could rise to £100bn .

The Treasury risks overseeing a “massive spike in job losses” this summer if it forces all employers to begin sharing the cost of salaries for workers who have been furloughed, Labour has warned.
Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds raised concerns that a blanket approach to changing the vast job retention scheme (JRS), which is paying the salaries of millions of workers, could lead to mass redundancies this August.
Rishi Sunak last week announced that he would be extending the furlough programme until the end of October, but would require employers to begin contributing to salaries from 1 August.
Job losses
Concerns are mounting that employers in certain sectors that will be the last to reopen from the Covid-19 lockdown, such as those in hospitality, entertainment and the arts, will be unable to share the cost of salaries and will be forced to make workers redundant.
Addressing the Commons, Ms Dodds said: “We recognise it can’t persist forever. However, according to press reports the Treasury is considering asking all employers to pay 40 per cent of employee wages on the JRS from August 1.
“That risks a massive spike in job losses.”
The Chancellor said it was “right” to ask employers to make a contribution to paying the wages of their employees, adding the changes would provide flexibility to the system to allow staff to work on a part-time basis.
Deep consultation
“We are in deep consultation with both unions and business groups to make sure we get the design of the second part of this scheme right,” Mr Sunak said.
“I think it is right both for the economy and, indeed, for the taxpayer to ask employers to make a contribution to paying the wages of their employees.”
More than 7.5m people are currently furloughed, with the state paying 80 per cent of salaries up to a total of £2,500 a month. The Institute for Fiscal Studies said the scheme will cost £60bn and could rise to £100bn.


inews--2020-05-18--Coronavirus latest: Teaching union releases 'checklist' for opening schools — including 'no marking'

Coronavirus latest: Teaching union releases 'checklist' for opening schools — including 'no marking' of books

Coronavirus latest : Teaching union releases 'checklist ' for opening schools — including 'no marking ' of books The list represents yet another hurdle for the Government to overcome if it wants to reopen schools on 1 June Boris Johnson has said that if the rate of coronavirus infection is under control , children in Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 could return on 1 June at the earliest as part of a phased reopening .
The UK ’ s biggest teacher union has laid down a new list of requirements to be met before schools in England can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The ambition is for all primary pupils to return for a month before the holidays , and for secondary students in Years 10 and 12 to have time back in school too .
The Government has faced union opposition to its plans , but it received a boost after finally receiving conditional support from the Association of School and College Leaders - one of England ’ s two big headteacher unions .
Geoff Barton , ASCL ’ s general secretary , said : “ We were reassured by the feedback we received from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we continue to support our members in preparing for the reopening of schools from June 1.
” However , Mr Barton said some schools would still find it “ impossible ” to reopen safely on that date , and if “ schools decide they are not ready to open at that time ... we will back them up ” .
The checklist says that “ given that the science does not yet show that children do not transmit the virus ” , schools should “ operate in the same way as other workplaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requirement goes further than the Government ’ s own guidance , which admits that “ early years and primary age children can not be expected to remain two metres apart from each other and staff ” .
Mary Bousted , the NEU ’ s joint general secretary , told i that the 1 June target was “ ridiculous ” .
She said her union would only support reopening when a number of wider tests were met , such as much lower Covid-19 case numbers .
When this had been achieved , she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools with information on “ what needs to be done for your school to open safely ” .
The checklist says that when schools reopen “ it will not be safe to mark children ’ s books ” .
It says members should ask for a “ clear instruction ” that “ no marking should take place and the books should not be taken to and from home/school ” .
`` Safety comes first but we must always be aware of the potential damage to children ’ s education of not getting them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ no evidence to suggest that children transmit the virus any more than adults ” and “ some studies suggest younger children may transmit less , but this evidence is mixed and provides a low degree of confidence at best ” .
It appeared to have been put together in haste , and had to be taken down and republished after the original version contained an erroneous paragraph that seemed to relate to exams rather than Covid-19 .
Layla Moran pictured with Jo Swinson on the campaign trail last year ( Photo @ @ @ @

The UK’s biggest teacher union has laid down a new list of requirements to be met before schools in England can reopen, including limiting pupil numbers so a two-metre distance can be maintained.
The “checklist” from the National Education Union also says there should be “no marking” of books for safety reasons.
The list represents yet another hurdle for the Government to overcome if it wants to reopen schools on 1 June.
Boris Johnson has said that if the rate of coronavirus infection is under control, children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 could return on 1 June at the earliest as part of a phased reopening.
Headteacher support
The ambition is for all primary pupils to return for a month before the holidays, and for secondary students in Years 10 and 12 to have time back in school too.
The Government has faced union opposition to its plans, but it received a boost after finally receiving conditional support from the Association of School and College Leaders – one of England’s two big headteacher unions.
Geoff Barton, ASCL’s general secretary, said: “We were reassured by the feedback we received from government scientific advisers on Friday, and we continue to support our members in preparing for the reopening of schools from June 1.”
However, Mr Barton said some schools would still find it “impossible” to reopen safely on that date, and if “schools decide they are not ready to open at that time… we will back them up”.
Social distancing
The Government must now get the other education unions on board, but the NEU’s checklist represents another impediment.
The checklist says that “given that the science does not yet show that children do not transmit the virus”, schools should “operate in the same way as other workplaces and maintain social distancing”.
“This means that leaders must determine the numbers of pupils they admit according to maintaining social distancing of 2 metres between pupils and between pupils and school staff.”
The requirement goes further than the Government’s own guidance, which admits that “early years and primary age children cannot be expected to remain two metres apart from each other and staff”.
Marking ‘not safe’
Mary Bousted, the NEU’s joint general secretary, told i that the 1 June target was “ridiculous”. She said her union would only support reopening when a number of wider tests were met, such as much lower Covid-19 case numbers.
When this had been achieved, she said the checklist would provide members in individual schools with information on “what needs to be done for your school to open safely”.
The checklist says that when schools reopen “it will not be safe to mark children’s books”. It says members should ask for a “clear instruction” that “no marking should take place and the books should not be taken to and from home/school”.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We continue to work with schools in order to get more children back into an educational setting.
“Safety comes first but we must always be aware of the potential damage to children’s education of not getting them back.”
Government faces calls to release advice on schools
The Government is facing pressure to release the full scientific advice it has received on the impact of reopening schools.
Last week, the Department for Education published a summary of information received from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and Public Health England.
However, much of the information was already in the public domain.
The document said there was “no evidence to suggest that children transmit the virus any more than adults” and “some studies suggest younger children may transmit less, but this evidence is mixed and provides a low degree of confidence at best”.
It appeared to have been put together in haste, and had to be taken down and republished after the original version contained an erroneous paragraph that seemed to relate to exams rather than Covid-19.
The overview said that “evidence from SAGE” and its sub-group on schools would be “published separately”.
Safety guidance
On Saturday the deputy chief medical officer for England, Dr Jenny Harries, said SAGE had modelled seven different scenarios for reopening schools.
Layla Moran, the Liberal Democrat education spokesperson, said: “SAGE must not only release the other options that were considered for reopening schools, but the conclusions that led to the current guidance.
“That is the only way ministers can ensure the British public will support the measures they are introducing as they begin to relax lockdown.”
Mary Bousted, the joint general secretary of the National Education Union, told i: “The Government should release the evidence that it has got from SAGE and it should be open to peer review.”
Last week the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “I am more than happy to share all the advice that we have received from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies.
“SAGE regularly publishes its advice and when it is ready to do so, it will be sharing it again.”


inews--2020-05-18--Replacing driving with e-bikes in England could halve emissions from cars

Replacing driving with e-bikes in England could halve emissions from cars Mass use of electric bikes could avoid 30 million tonnes of CO2 a year in England , according to research England could halve its emissions from cars if everyone used an electric bicycle as much as possible , according to research that concludes more must be done to get the UK travelling on two wheels .
Transport is the largest source of UK emissions .
Yet some 30 million tonnes of pollution could be slashed from England ’ s emissions footprint if e-bikes become the go-to method of transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport researchers found .
Thanks to their built-in battery power , e-bikes can be used for much longer cycle journeys than traditional bikes , with some models boasting ranges of up to 100 miles .
These longer ranges could hold the secret to encouraging car-dependent rural communities onto two wheels , which is where the largest carbon savings can be made , the team from the Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions ( CREDS ) said .
“ We need to get out of the mindset that only very short distance trips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Professor Jillian Anable , professor of transport and energy at the University of Leeds and part of the team working on the study .
In low income communities where public transport is poor and car dependence is high , e-bikes can cut transport costs considerably , the CREDs team added .
E-bikes are also available in some bike sharing schemes ( Photo : CHRIS DELMAS/AFP/Getty ) But cutting car emissions in half would require the average person in England to cycle an average of 5,000km a year on an e-bike , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very radical change ” in travel behaviour .
Fearful of post-lockdown congestion on the roads , ministers have already made cycling a core part of the UK ’ s transport strategy for easing the lockdown , with an extra £2bn promised for expanding cycling across the country .
But more is needed for a real revolution in the nation ’ s transport habits , the CREDS team said .
Government should promote e-bike use outside of cities , offer incentives for people to buy e-bikes , and build commuter cycle routes linking villages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit the 30 million tonne target .

England could halve its emissions from cars if everyone used an electric bicycle as much as possible, according to research that concludes more must be done to get the UK travelling on two wheels.
Transport is the largest source of UK emissions. Yet some 30 million tonnes of pollution could be slashed from England’s emissions footprint if e-bikes become the go-to method of transport for millions, the team of low-carbon transport researchers found.
Thanks to their built-in battery power, e-bikes can be used for much longer cycle journeys than traditional bikes, with some models boasting ranges of up to 100 miles.
These longer ranges could hold the secret to encouraging car-dependent rural communities onto two wheels, which is where the largest carbon savings can be made, the team from the Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions (CREDS) said.
Getting Britons cycling
“We need to get out of the mindset that only very short distance trips are possible by active modes,” said Professor Jillian Anable, professor of transport and energy at the University of Leeds and part of the team working on the study.
In low income communities where public transport is poor and car dependence is high, e-bikes can cut transport costs considerably, the CREDs team added.
A big challenge
But cutting car emissions in half would require the average person in England to cycle an average of 5,000km a year on an e-bike, which the researchers admitted would be a “very radical change” in travel behaviour.
Fearful of post-lockdown congestion on the roads, ministers have already made cycling a core part of the UK’s transport strategy for easing the lockdown, with an extra £2bn promised for expanding cycling across the country.
But more is needed for a real revolution in the nation’s transport habits, the CREDS team said. Government should promote e-bike use outside of cities, offer incentives for people to buy e-bikes, and build commuter cycle routes linking villages to nearby towns and cities, to hit the 30 million tonne target.


inews--2020-05-18--Immigration system tells NHS frontline workers they are 'unwelcome', ministers warned

The Home Office has ruled out delaying its plans to end the free movement of people and introduce a new migration regime Priti Patel said that replacing the current regime with a new `` points-based '' system which bars low-skilled workers from Britain would be `` firmer , fairer and simpler '' .
But the Home Secretary is under pressure from Conservative MPs to take a `` phased approach '' rather than introducing an entirely new regime at the end of this year .
MPs were expected to vote in favour of the second reading of the Immigration and Social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , allowing the legislation to proceed to the next stage .
It is likely to become law later this year .
The bill ends the automatic right of EU citizens to live and work in the UK , and paves the way for the Government to replace it with a system which will put European and non-European applicants on an equal footing , with no one earning less than £25,600 eligible for a work visa in most cases .
Priti Patel is in charge of instituting a new migration system ( Photo : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Commons , Ms Patel admitted : `` Since publishing the details of our new points-based system in February , our world has undoubtedly changed . ''
She added that `` the current crisis has shone a light on how we value compassionate care across health and social care '' , but added : `` The immigration system is not the sole solution to the problems in the social care sector . ''
The Home Secretary said that anyone seeking to work in the health service would have access to `` a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff needed to provide high quality and compassionate professional care '' .
Labour 's Nick Thomas-Symonds responded : `` In the midst of this crisis the Government is putting forward an immigration system containing a salary threshold of £25,600 - it sends a signal and tells people that anyone earning less than that is unskilled and unwelcome in our country .
`` Those who clapped on Thursday are only too happy to vote through a Bill today that will send a powerful message to those same people - that they are not considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Are shop workers unskilled ?
Are refuse collectors ?
Are local government workers ?
Are NHS staff ?
Are care workers ?
Of course they are not . ''
The shadow Home Secretary also attacked the Government 's plans to impose the `` immigration health surcharge '' , an annual fee which will soon rise to £625 , on all EU migrants as well as the non-EU citizens who currently pay it .
He said : `` Additional fees for NHS staff to access the very health care that we are thanking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mark their extraordinary service throughout this crisis . ''
Conservative MP Caroline Nokes , a former immigration minister , suggested that a `` phased approach '' would `` give us more flexibility '' rather than introducing the new regime wholesale at the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December .
She warned that a `` big bang '' change was `` perhaps not the best way to deliver bold new immigration systems '' .
Ms Nokes said : `` We know that one in six of those brave care workers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus are non-UK nationals .
I commend the Home Secretary for her commitment to extend visas for doctors and nurses , but what of care workers - are they to be the Cinderella service , forgotten once again ?
`` And what of ancillary staff in our hospitals , so crucial in a war against a virus when repeated deep cleaning is an absolute imperative ?
We can not open hospitals if we can not clean the loos . ''
Tory backbencher Alberto Costa called on the Government to `` seek a broader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the costs of applying for citizenship should fall .
David Davis attacked the treatment of illegal immigrants held in detention centres before being removed from Britain , saying : `` We treat them as criminals with little compassion at all . ''
The Home Office has ruled out delaying the introduction of the new regime , a source told i - adding : `` When we come out of this crisis , we 're going to need every tool in our armoury we can get to boost our economy . ''
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care workers to avoid a Conservative rebellion when the bill returns to the Commons later this year .

The new immigration system will tell key workers on the Covid-19 front line they are “unskilled and unwelcome”, ministers were warned as they pushed forward with plans to end free movement.
Priti Patel said that replacing the current regime with a new “points-based” system which bars low-skilled workers from Britain would be “firmer, fairer and simpler”. But the Home Secretary is under pressure from Conservative MPs to take a “phased approach” rather than introducing an entirely new regime at the end of this year.
MPs were expected to vote in favour of the second reading of the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination Bill late on Monday night, allowing the legislation to proceed to the next stage. It is likely to become law later this year.
The bill ends the automatic right of EU citizens to live and work in the UK, and paves the way for the Government to replace it with a system which will put European and non-European applicants on an equal footing, with no one earning less than £25,600 eligible for a work visa in most cases.
‘World has changed’
Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Patel admitted: “Since publishing the details of our new points-based system in February, our world has undoubtedly changed.” She added that “the current crisis has shone a light on how we value compassionate care across health and social care”, but added: “The immigration system is not the sole solution to the problems in the social care sector.”
The Home Secretary said that anyone seeking to work in the health service would have access to “a new fast-track NHS visa to prioritise the qualified staff needed to provide high quality and compassionate professional care”.
Labour’s Nick Thomas-Symonds responded: “In the midst of this crisis the Government is putting forward an immigration system containing a salary threshold of £25,600 – it sends a signal and tells people that anyone earning less than that is unskilled and unwelcome in our country.
“Those who clapped on Thursday are only too happy to vote through a Bill today that will send a powerful message to those same people – that they are not considered by this Government to be skilled workers. Are shop workers unskilled? Are refuse collectors? Are local government workers? Are NHS staff? Are care workers? Of course they are not.”
The shadow Home Secretary also attacked the Government’s plans to impose the “immigration health surcharge”, an annual fee which will soon rise to £625, on all EU migrants as well as the non-EU citizens who currently pay it. He said: “Additional fees for NHS staff to access the very health care that we are thanking them for providing is no way to mark their extraordinary service throughout this crisis.”
‘More flexibility’
Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, a former immigration minister, suggested that a “phased approach” would “give us more flexibility” rather than introducing the new regime wholesale at the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December. She warned that a “big bang” change was “perhaps not the best way to deliver bold new immigration systems”.
Ms Nokes said: “We know that one in six of those brave care workers on the front line of the battle against coronavirus are non-UK nationals. I commend the Home Secretary for her commitment to extend visas for doctors and nurses, but what of care workers – are they to be the Cinderella service, forgotten once again?
“And what of ancillary staff in our hospitals, so crucial in a war against a virus when repeated deep cleaning is an absolute imperative? We cannot open hospitals if we cannot clean the loos.”
Tory backbencher Alberto Costa called on the Government to “seek a broader consensus” on future immigration rules and said the costs of applying for citizenship should fall. David Davis attacked the treatment of illegal immigrants held in detention centres before being removed from Britain, saying: “We treat them as criminals with little compassion at all.”
The Home Office has ruled out delaying the introduction of the new regime, a source told i – adding: “When we come out of this crisis, we’re going to need every tool in our armoury we can get to boost our economy.” But ministers could promise new protections for immigrant care workers to avoid a Conservative rebellion when the bill returns to the Commons later this year.


inews--2020-05-18--Coronavirus latest: Academy school chain tells heads they will not be 'liable for prosecution' if Co

Coronavirus latest: Academy school chain tells heads they will not be 'liable for prosecution' if Covid-19 caught in school

Coronavirus latest : Academy school chain tells heads they will not be 'liable for prosecution ' if Covid-19 caught in school 'Schools and individuals ( and the trust ) , would not be liable for prosecution if someone contracted the virus while schools were open' A major academy school chain has privately advised its headteachers they will not be `` liable for prosecution '' if someone catches coronavirus at school , i can reveal .
The chief executive of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership said the legal advice had been sought to reassure classroom teachers who had raised concerns about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter from Alun Williams , the academy trust ’ s chief executive , which is understood to have been sent to the chain ’ s headteachers .
Children of key workers take part in school activities ( Photo : Christopher Furlong/Getty ) The letter says that the trust 's lawyers , Stone King Solicitors , had looked at its risk assessments and made `` very clear that schools and individuals ( and the trust ) , would not be liable for prosecution if someone contracted the virus while schools were open , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documents . ''
`` Additionally , it would be hard to prove that you had picked the virus up on a school site !
!
Both pieces of information should give us all comfort to proceed and get schools open ( whilst keeping alert ! )
'' .
Mr Williams told i the letter had not been prompted by fears that teachers might take legal action , but because of teachers ' own concerns that they might be sued .
“ Many staff working in schools had raised the concern about personal prosecution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ They were rightly worried that they could be sued .
I therefore checked this out with solicitors to see what the legal response would be on behalf of the trust and staff .
“ It is clear that provided we follow guidance and risk assessments individual teachers or support staff would not be personally liable if they had taken all responsible steps to maintain health and safety measures .
`` Additionally , and this was added by solicitors - it would be very hard to determine where a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be impossible to say where someone contracted the virus from .
“ Again , this message was given to help reassure people that if and when we open schools , they would not be personally liable or be sued , as it would be hard to determine the origin of the virus.
” The letter shows the issues which schools in England are grappling with as they prepare to reopen on 1 June .
The NASUWT union has said employers could be sued for `` breach of duty of care and personal injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are infected at school .

A major academy school chain has privately advised its headteachers they will not be “liable for prosecution” if someone catches coronavirus at school, i can reveal.
The chief executive of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership said the legal advice had been sought to reassure classroom teachers who had raised concerns about being sued.
Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership runs 24 schools in Bath and North East Somerset.
i has seen a letter from Alun Williams, the academy trust’s chief executive, which is understood to have been sent to the chain’s headteachers.
Covid-19 liability
The letter says that the trust’s lawyers, Stone King Solicitors, had looked at its risk assessments and made “very clear that schools and individuals (and the trust), would not be liable for prosecution if someone contracted the virus while schools were open, if we follow our risk assessments and planning documents.”
“Additionally, it would be hard to prove that you had picked the virus up on a school site!! Both pieces of information should give us all comfort to proceed and get schools open (whilst keeping alert!)”.
Mr Williams told i the letter had not been prompted by fears that teachers might take legal action, but because of teachers’ own concerns that they might be sued.
“Many staff working in schools had raised the concern about personal prosecution should someone contract illness in school,” he said.
Read More: Education Secretary Gavin Williamson vows to push on with school reopenings amid row with teacher unions
‘Rightly worried’
“They were rightly worried that they could be sued. I therefore checked this out with solicitors to see what the legal response would be on behalf of the trust and staff.
“It is clear that provided we follow guidance and risk assessments individual teachers or support staff would not be personally liable if they had taken all responsible steps to maintain health and safety measures.
“Additionally, and this was added by solicitors – it would be very hard to determine where a virus is picked up. It would be impossible to say where someone contracted the virus from.
‘Duty of care’
“Again, this message was given to help reassure people that if and when we open schools, they would not be personally liable or be sued, as it would be hard to determine the origin of the virus.”
The letter shows the issues which schools in England are grappling with as they prepare to reopen on 1 June.
On Sunday Michael Gove insisted it was safe to reopen schools, but admitted it was impossible to “eliminate risk”.
The NASUWT union has said employers could be sued for “breach of duty of care and personal injury due to foreseeable risk” if teachers are infected at school.


inews--2020-05-18--The Big Flower Fight, Netflix, review: TV show about flower arranging is strangely addictive

The Big Flower Fight , Netflix , review : TV show about flower arranging is strangely addictive Vic Reeves and Natasia Demetriou present this latest slice of the ‘ oh , isn ’ t it all lovely ?
’ reality television market This year ’ s Chelsea Flower Show has been cancelled , so with immaculate timing Netflix has launched The Big Flower Fight .
The premise isn ’ t all that promising .
Has anyone ever really felt that competitive flower arranging , even if it is presented by Vic Reeves and Natasia Demetriou , could get the pulse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the more entertaining it became .
That ’ s mostly because of the ingenuity of the tests .
The contestants are asked to build everything from edible thrones to sea creatures made from discarded plastic and coastal plants .
The contestants on The Big Flower Fight ( Photo : Netflix ) This was flower arranging on a giant scale and it turned out there ’ s far more to the art then simply bunging some flowers in a vase – as the poor contestants who saw their carefully constructed sculpture topple over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The finished works are often quite breathtaking .
Special shout-out to the sustainable butterfly , which came complete with its own irrigation system .
The contestants slowly worm their way into your heart , too , ensuring that you find yourself thinking : “ Oh go on then , I could just watch one more ” .
By the end of the fourth episode , I found myself cheering for unassuming father and son duo Ralph and Jim and willing dark horses Ryan and Andrew , a fashion curator and photographer , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , well , that would be telling .
Let ’ s just say that the final three pairs all richly deserve their place in the final ; that it ’ s a nail-biting finish ; and that , yes , shows about flower arranging can be strangely addictive after all .

The Big Flower Fight, Netflix ★★★★
This year’s Chelsea Flower Show has been cancelled, so with immaculate timing Netflix has launched The Big Flower Fight. The premise isn’t all that promising. Has anyone ever really felt that competitive flower arranging, even if it is presented by Vic Reeves and Natasia Demetriou, could get the pulse racing?
But the more I watched, the more entertaining it became. That’s mostly because of the ingenuity of the tests. The contestants are asked to build everything from edible thrones to sea creatures made from discarded plastic and coastal plants.
This was flower arranging on a giant scale and it turned out there’s far more to the art then simply bunging some flowers in a vase – as the poor contestants who saw their carefully constructed sculpture topple over at the worst possible moment discovered.
The finished works are often quite breathtaking. Special shout-out to the sustainable butterfly, which came complete with its own irrigation system.
The contestants slowly worm their way into your heart, too, ensuring that you find yourself thinking: “Oh go on then, I could just watch one more”. By the end of the fourth episode, I found myself cheering for unassuming father and son duo Ralph and Jim and willing dark horses Ryan and Andrew, a fashion curator and photographer, to victory.
As to who ultimately wins, well, that would be telling. Let’s just say that the final three pairs all richly deserve their place in the final; that it’s a nail-biting finish; and that, yes, shows about flower arranging can be strangely addictive after all.


inews--2020-05-18--Sir Frederick Barclay releases video of 'nephew carrying spy bug in the Ritz'

Sir Frederick Barclay releases video of 'nephew carrying spy bug in the Ritz' Footage made public as part of legal battle over alleged intra-family espionage campaign as cousins vie for control Screengrab taken from CCTV footage dated 13/01/20 issued by Sir Frederick Barclay which appears to show his nephew Alistair Barclay placing a covert recording device in the conservatory of the Ritz Hotel .
Sir Frederick has released the footage in the High Court battle with three of his twin brother Sir David Barclay 's sons .
Over 94 hours ' worth of secret recordings made over a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describe as 'commercial espionage on a vast scale ' ( Photo : PA ) With its comfy chintz sofas and vases of orchids , the conservatory of London ’ s Ritz hotel is a favoured haunt of the monied and influential .
Shortly after 11pm on 13 January , it was also visited by a figure in tracksuit bottoms and a hoodie carrying what is alleged to be a hi-tech bug .
The footage , released by Sir Frederick , is the latest twist in a legal struggle between the billionaire and David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barclay clan , hitherto one of the nation ’ s most publicity-shy dynasties , in the full glare of a High Court duel .
Sir Frederick , 85 , alleges that the footage shows Alistair Barclay , whose casual attire including a hoodie sporting the name of Harvard University would have been likely to see him politely barred from other parts of the hotel with a formal dress code , handling an adaptor plug .
Sir David , left , and Sir Frederick after receiving their knighthoods ( Photo : MICHAEL STEPHENS/AFP/Getty ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eavesdropping bug which was used as part of a campaign of “ commercial espionage on a vast scale ” by David ’ s three sons - Alistair , a former racing car driver , and his elder siblings , Aidan and Howard .
It is claimed that the conservatory at the Ritz was targeted for bugging because it was where Sir Frederick and his daughter , Amanda , liked to gather for conversations about the dealings of the Barclay brothers ’ sprawling business holdings , not least a proposal to sell the Ritz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the heart of the legal dispute is a claim from Sir Frederick that the Ritz was eventually sold by his nephews in March for “ half the market price ” ( reportedly £750m ) after the alleged campaign of intra-family espionage , netting some 94 hours of secret recordings .
It is claimed that the material was shared between the brothers and others to give them a strategic advantage over their uncle .
Sir Frederick has released the footage in the High Court battle with three of his twin brother Sir David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frederick Barclay/PA ) He said : “ I do not want anyone else to go through the awful experience of having their personal and private conversations listened to by scores of strangers .
The legal acrimony follows years of behind-the-scenes wrangling over just how the assets built up by Sir Frederick and David , which range from the Telegraph newspapers to online delivery company Yodel to a neo-Gothic pile on the private Channel islet of Brecqhou , are managed .
The Barclay empire culminates in a family trust of which the elder twins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now appears to be largely controlled by David ’ s sons .
Sir Frederick went out of his way to claim that the alleged covert recording - had it been carried out by a newspaper - could represent a breach of the editors ' code of practice to which titles must adhere and which bars clandestine filming except where it can be justified in the public interest .
Aidan Barclay , 64 , is chairman of the Telegraph Media Group , which controls The Daily Telegraph and its sister titles .
Sir Frederick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of great responsiblity and influence .
For the editors ' code to have any effect on journalists ' conduct , it should be upheld by those at the very top of an organisation . ''
A number of the Barclay family assets , including the Telegraph papers which are reportedly up for sale , are struggling to perform , generating a need for fresh capital which is thought to have been the reason for the sale of the Ritz .
Rather than the Saudi deal being lined up by Sir Frederick , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sold by his nephews to a Qatari investor .
Hefin Rees QC , representing Sir Frederick and his daughter , said in written submissions to the High Court that the alleged bugging operation , which is said to have captured over 1,000 conversations over a period of months , would have given the claimed eavesdroppers details of the Saudi deal .
'One is left to speculate' Heather Rogers QC , representing the defendants , said that no information had been provided about the nature of the alleged loss .
She added : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private information has been obtained and then widely disseminated to the press - it is not that kind of case at all .
”

With its comfy chintz sofas and vases of orchids, the conservatory of London’s Ritz hotel is a favoured haunt of the monied and influential. Shortly after 11pm on 13 January, it was also visited by a figure in tracksuit bottoms and a hoodie carrying what is alleged to be a hi-tech bug.
According to Sir Frederick Barclay – one half of the famously close-knit business partnership with his twin, Sir David, that made both men billionaires and among Britain’s most quietly influential plutocrats – the figure captured by a hidden camera is his brother’s youngest son, Alistair.
The footage, released by Sir Frederick, is the latest twist in a legal struggle between the billionaire and David’s children which has placed the Barclay clan, hitherto one of the nation’s most publicity-shy dynasties, in the full glare of a High Court duel.
Sir Frederick, 85, alleges that the footage shows Alistair Barclay, whose casual attire including a hoodie sporting the name of Harvard University would have been likely to see him politely barred from other parts of the hotel with a formal dress code, handling an adaptor plug.
Eavesdropping bug
It is claimed the plug contained an eavesdropping bug which was used as part of a campaign of “commercial espionage on a vast scale” by David’s three sons – Alistair, a former racing car driver, and his elder siblings, Aidan and Howard.
It is claimed that the conservatory at the Ritz was targeted for bugging because it was where Sir Frederick and his daughter, Amanda, liked to gather for conversations about the dealings of the Barclay brothers’ sprawling business holdings, not least a proposal to sell the Ritz to a Saudi investor for £1.3bn.
At the heart of the legal dispute is a claim from Sir Frederick that the Ritz was eventually sold by his nephews in March for “half the market price” (reportedly £750m) after the alleged campaign of intra-family espionage, netting some 94 hours of secret recordings. It is claimed that the material was shared between the brothers and others to give them a strategic advantage over their uncle.
Covert recordings
Lawyers representing Alistair, Aidan and Howard, who are being sued by Sir Frederick in a privacy claim along with Aidan’s son Andrew, have acknowledged that covert recordings took place and were shared.
In a statement on Monday, Sir Frederick said he was releasing the video, gathered as part of the High Court action, as a “graphic demonstration” of how easy it is to spy on people in public places.
He said: “I do not want anyone else to go through the awful experience of having their personal and private conversations listened to by scores of strangers.
“It is surely in everyone’s interests for the law to be changed to prevent people, outside the authorities, using sophisticated spying devices that have such an intrusive impact.”
Neo-Gothic pile
The legal acrimony follows years of behind-the-scenes wrangling over just how the assets built up by Sir Frederick and David, which range from the Telegraph newspapers to online delivery company Yodel to a neo-Gothic pile on the private Channel islet of Brecqhou, are managed. The Barclay empire culminates in a family trust of which the elder twins are no longer beneficiaries, but which now appears to be largely controlled by David’s sons.
Sir Frederick went out of his way to claim that the alleged covert recording – had it been carried out by a newspaper – could represent a breach of the editors’ code of practice to which titles must adhere and which bars clandestine filming except where it can be justified in the public interest. Aidan Barclay, 64, is chairman of the Telegraph Media Group, which controls The Daily Telegraph and its sister titles.
Sir Frederick said: “Newspaper proprietors hold positions of great responsiblity and influence. For the editors’ code to have any effect on journalists’ conduct, it should be upheld by those at the very top of an organisation.”
A number of the Barclay family assets, including the Telegraph papers which are reportedly up for sale, are struggling to perform, generating a need for fresh capital which is thought to have been the reason for the sale of the Ritz. Rather than the Saudi deal being lined up by Sir Frederick, the luxury St James’s hotel was sold by his nephews to a Qatari investor.
Hefin Rees QC, representing Sir Frederick and his daughter, said in written submissions to the High Court that the alleged bugging operation, which is said to have captured over 1,000 conversations over a period of months, would have given the claimed eavesdroppers details of the Saudi deal.
Timeline — Brothers in business
October 1934 — David and Frederick Barclay born in Hammersmith, west London, to a travelling salesman and his wife
David and Frederick Barclay born in Hammersmith, west London, to a travelling salesman and his wife 1960s-70s — The twin brothers start out as painter/decorators before building up a portfolio of business interests, including property and hotels
The twin brothers start out as painter/decorators before building up a portfolio of business interests, including property and hotels 1993 — They buy the lease to Brecqhou, an 80-acre islet near Sark in the Channel Islands, for £3.5m
They buy the lease to Brecqhou, an 80-acre islet near Sark in the Channel Islands, for £3.5m 1995 — Purchase of the Ritz Hotel in central London for £75m
Purchase of the Ritz Hotel in central London for £75m 2004 — Purchase of the Telegraph Media Group for £665m
Purchase of the Telegraph Media Group for £665m October 2019 — Multiple reports claim that the Daily Telegraph and its sister titles are up for sale
Multiple reports claim that the Daily Telegraph and its sister titles are up for sale Late 2019 — Alleged bugging campaign carried out against Sir Frederick Barclay and his daughter Amanda
Alleged bugging campaign carried out against Sir Frederick Barclay and his daughter Amanda March 2020 — Sale of the Ritz to a Qatari investor for a reported £750m
‘One is left to speculate’
Mr Rees said: “Despite this, the defendants sold the Ritz hotel to another buyer from Qatar at a price that appears to be for half the market price. One is left to speculate why.”
It is claimed that Sir Frederick’s nephews derived “significant financial and commercial advantage” from the “unlawful use” of the recordings at a time when personal relationships had “broken down” and several matters, including Sir Frederick’s divorce, were ongoing.
Heather Rogers QC, representing the defendants, said that no information had been provided about the nature of the alleged loss. She added: “This is not a case in which private information has been obtained and then widely disseminated to the press – it is not that kind of case at all.”
A formal defence to the High Court claim by Sir Frederick and his daughter has not yet been filed.


inews--2020-05-19--We're told names don't mean anything, but BAME ones do - as Naga Munchetty's story shows

We 're told names do n't mean anything , but BAME ones do - as Naga Munchetty 's story shows People are still discriminated against because of their name - no-one should feel their name is a hindrance My mum , however , had her heart set on Serina , which made its way onto my birth certificate as my middle name .
However , Serina is what I was generally called , and is still the name I use today .
Gurpreet is a name my mum and I affectionately laugh about .
Sikh families use the holy book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The book is opened on a random page , and the hymn read aloud .
The family will then pick a name using the first letter of the hymn .
My mum always tells me that she prayed my hymn would begin with an “ S ” and cursed when it was a “ G ” .
The truth is that growing up , being called Serina was easier than being known as Gurpreet .
Of course it ’ s not the most British name but there was little to poke fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that dreaded moment of pause when a teacher was reading down the register .
Although I have an Indian surname and the colour of my skin is a pretty strong indicator of my background , the name Serina allowed me to fit in more easily .
It wasn ’ t a constant reminder of being different .
As I ’ ve grown older , Gurpreet is a name I have become more fond of , because it means something to me and my family .
It ’ s the name from which my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My heart swells every time he says it .
It ’ s not unusual for BAME people to use different , more “ western ” names either at school or at work .
It can be to avoid pronunciation issues and unfortunate phonetic translations , allowing them to assimilate to those around them .
During an interview with The Guardian last week , BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty , whose family is Indian and Mauritian , recalled the moment she realised her mother used a different name , while she was speaking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was eight or nine , and I said : ‘ Your name ’ s not Michelle , it ’ s Muthu.
’ And it ’ s because they were given English names by people who couldn ’ t pronounce or wouldn ’ t try to learn how to pronounce their names .
So my dad became David and my mum became Michelle at work .
That upset me.
” Munchetty said she was known as Nadia for a while .
“ There was a point where I was going to change my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t .
I feel kind of sad that I spent so much time agonising over it , ” she added .
The former Blue Peter presenter known as Andy Akinwolere explained that he was first called Andy - from his middle name Andrew - when he and his parents were preparing to move from Nigeria to Birmingham .
There were worries about fitting in at a new school .
But in 2016 , he announced he would go as Ayo - shortened from his birth name Odunayo - professionally to represent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few black faces on TV ” .
`` I still think we 've got this debate , and it 's something I think many English people probably do n't necessarily understand , that when you 've come from a foreign country , the people that have come are so afraid that they 're not going to be accepted by the society in which they 've come into , ” he said .
Attitudes towards diversity have improved massively over the past 20 years .
Today there is greater acceptance towards cultural differences .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hear monikers from around the world on TV and in the newspapers .
But huge problems remain and people are still discriminated against because of their name .
A recent study illustrated this when researchers sent out thousands of fake CVs belonging to British citizens , or those who had moved to the UK by the age of six , changing the applicants ’ names and language skills based on ethnicity .
The study found that BAME candidates had to send 60 per cent more job applications on average before getting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counterparts .
For ethnic minorities , names can drive a sense of identity and pride , but these statistics feel like a slap in the face .
No one should feel that their name is a hindrance just because it doesn ’ t roll off the tongue .
They certainly shouldn ’ t feel that they have to suppress it to get along in life .

My first name, despite what my byline says, is actually Gurpreet. It’s a traditional Punjabi name.
My mum, however, had her heart set on Serina, which made its way onto my birth certificate as my middle name. However, Serina is what I was generally called, and is still the name I use today.
Gurpreet is a name my mum and I affectionately laugh about. Sikh families use the holy book to name newborns during a temple ceremony. The book is opened on a random page, and the hymn read aloud. The family will then pick a name using the first letter of the hymn. My mum always tells me that she prayed my hymn would begin with an “S” and cursed when it was a “G”.
The truth is that growing up, being called Serina was easier than being known as Gurpreet. Of course it’s not the most British name but there was little to poke fun at, and there wasn’t that dreaded moment of pause when a teacher was reading down the register.
Although I have an Indian surname and the colour of my skin is a pretty strong indicator of my background, the name Serina allowed me to fit in more easily. It wasn’t a constant reminder of being different.
As I’ve grown older, Gurpreet is a name I have become more fond of, because it means something to me and my family. It’s the name from which my elderly grandfather has derived my nickname. My heart swells every time he says it.
Using more ‘western’ names
It’s not unusual for BAME people to use different, more “western” names either at school or at work. It can be to avoid pronunciation issues and unfortunate phonetic translations, allowing them to assimilate to those around them.
During an interview with The Guardian last week, BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty, whose family is Indian and Mauritian, recalled the moment she realised her mother used a different name, while she was speaking to potential buyers of their home.
“I was eight or nine, and I said: ‘Your name’s not Michelle, it’s Muthu.’ And it’s because they were given English names by people who couldn’t pronounce or wouldn’t try to learn how to pronounce their names. So my dad became David and my mum became Michelle at work. That upset me.”
Munchetty said she was known as Nadia for a while. “There was a point where I was going to change my name. I’m glad I haven’t. I feel kind of sad that I spent so much time agonising over it,” she added.
The former Blue Peter presenter known as Andy Akinwolere explained that he was first called Andy – from his middle name Andrew – when he and his parents were preparing to move from Nigeria to Birmingham. There were worries about fitting in at a new school.
But in 2016, he announced he would go as Ayo – shortened from his birth name Odunayo – professionally to represent his community as “one of the few black faces on TV”.
“I still think we’ve got this debate, and it’s something I think many English people probably don’t necessarily understand, that when you’ve come from a foreign country, the people that have come are so afraid that they’re not going to be accepted by the society in which they’ve come into,” he said.
Huge problems
Attitudes towards diversity have improved massively over the past 20 years. Today there is greater acceptance towards cultural differences. In terms of names, we see and hear monikers from around the world on TV and in the newspapers.
But huge problems remain and people are still discriminated against because of their name. A recent study illustrated this when researchers sent out thousands of fake CVs belonging to British citizens, or those who had moved to the UK by the age of six, changing the applicants’ names and language skills based on ethnicity. The study found that BAME candidates had to send 60 per cent more job applications on average before getting a positive response, compared to their white counterparts.
And research from Harvard Business School revealed that ethnic minority job applicants were finding more success by “whitening” their CVs, including by changing their names.
For ethnic minorities, names can drive a sense of identity and pride, but these statistics feel like a slap in the face. No one should feel that their name is a hindrance just because it doesn’t roll off the tongue. They certainly shouldn’t feel that they have to suppress it to get along in life.


inews--2020-05-19--Sleaford Mods wrestle No 1 slot from Lewis Capaldi with album All That Glue, an attack on austerity

Sleaford Mods wrestle No 1 slot from Lewis Capaldi with album All That Glue, an attack on austerity Britain

Sleaford Mods wrestle No 1 slot from Lewis Capaldi with album All That Glue , an attack on austerity Britain Notts electro-punk duo 's vitriolic rants top the midweek Official Albums Chart thanks to vinyl sales boost Electro-punk duo Sleaford Mods have scored a surprise Number One in the official charts with an expletive-laden attack on austerity Britain .
All That Glue , a compilation of the Nottingham group ’ s most vitriolic tracks , is currently leading Lewis Capaldi in the Official Charts Company albums rundown .
The duo of Jason Williamson , described as the “ poet laureate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have won a cult following for the band ’ s mix of frenetic techno beats topped by splenetic lyrics .
All That Glue ’ s collection of early singles , b-sides and “ crowd pleasers ” includes Mods assaults such as Jobseeker , Rich List and Jolly Fucker .
The album is currently 1,100 sales ahead of Capaldi ’ s million-selling debut Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent .
With record stores closed , Sleaford Mods have surged ahead on vinyl orders for their LP , while Capaldi is the more popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the close chart race will be revealed on Friday .
Lockdown , allied to a lack of fresh releases , means that record low tallies of under 10,000 sales a week are all that is needed to top the albums chart .
Adorned with a cover featuring a cigarette-strewn urinal , All That Glue is unlikely to follow Capaldi on to the Radio 2 playlist .
Tied Up in Nottz features the line : “ I woke up with shit in my shoe outside the Polish off-licence.
” Fizzy relates a soulless office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off for two bits of ravioli , And a warm bottle of Smirnoff , Under a manager that does n't have a fuckin ' clue.
” Jobseeker recalls “ Can of Strongbow , I 'm a mess , Desperately clutching onto a leaflet on depression , Supplied to me by the NHS.
” Sleaford Mods responded to their elevation as the nation ’ s favourite pop group with a tweet : “ No1 in the midweeks .
Up yours bland wankers .
We be Kings for the day .
PROPER .
”

Electro-punk duo Sleaford Mods have scored a surprise Number One in the official charts with an expletive-laden attack on austerity Britain.
All That Glue, a compilation of the Nottingham group’s most vitriolic tracks, is currently leading Lewis Capaldi in the Official Charts Company albums rundown.
The duo of Jason Williamson, described as the “poet laureate of the underclass” and Andrew Fearn, have won a cult following for the band’s mix of frenetic techno beats topped by splenetic lyrics.
#allthatglue No1 in the midweeks. Up yours bland wankers. We be Kings for the day. PROPER https://t.co/TgMSS4jU9i — Sleaford Mods (@sleafordmods) May 18, 2020
‘Crowd pleasers’ collection
All That Glue’s collection of early singles, b-sides and “crowd pleasers” includes Mods assaults such as Jobseeker, Rich List and Jolly Fucker.
The album is currently 1,100 sales ahead of Capaldi’s million-selling debut Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent.
With record stores closed, Sleaford Mods have surged ahead on vinyl orders for their LP, while Capaldi is the more popular on streaming platforms. The result of the close chart race will be revealed on Friday.
Lockdown, allied to a lack of fresh releases, means that record low tallies of under 10,000 sales a week are all that is needed to top the albums chart.
Soulless jobs
Adorned with a cover featuring a cigarette-strewn urinal, All That Glue is unlikely to follow Capaldi on to the Radio 2 playlist.
Tied Up in Nottz features the line: “I woke up with shit in my shoe outside the Polish off-licence.”
Fizzy relates a soulless office job: “I work my dreams off for two bits of ravioli, And a warm bottle of Smirnoff, Under a manager that doesn’t have a fuckin’ clue.”
Jobseeker recalls “Can of Strongbow, I’m a mess, Desperately clutching onto a leaflet on depression, Supplied to me by the NHS.”
Sleaford Mods responded to their elevation as the nation’s favourite pop group with a tweet: “No1 in the midweeks. Up yours bland wankers. We be Kings for the day. PROPER.”
Sleaford Mods’ previous best chart placing was a number nine peak for their 2019 album Eton Alive.
Williamson this week said of the Government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis: “It’s a fucking disgrace. We deserve some revenge.”


inews--2020-05-19--What is an 'air bridge'? Meaning behind the plan to exempt low-risk countries from UK travel quarant

What is an 'air bridge'? Meaning behind the plan to exempt low-risk countries from UK travel quarantine

What is an 'air bridge ' ?
Meaning behind the plan to exempt low-risk countries from UK travel quarantine 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 MP Huw Merriman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 must self-isolate for 14 days , a measure which is putting many off going abroad .
But if the air bridges plan is approved , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries with low R numbers - the average amount of people someone with the virus infects - to make exemptions .
Mr Shapps told the House of Commons on Monday : `` It is the case we should consider further improvements - for example , things like air bridges enabling people from other countries who have themselves achieved lower levels of coronavirus infection to come to the country .
`` So , those are active discussions that go beyond what will initially be a blanket situation . ''
Before this proposal the chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had looked bleak .
The number of deaths from Covid-19 in the country has now risen over 34,000 , and government advisor Jonathan Van-Tam said on Monday that we may have to live with the virus for `` several years '' .
Asked last week 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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of life . ''

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--2020-05-19--Nicholas Winton: Why a Google Doodle marks the 'British Schindler' on his 111th birthday today

Nicholas Winton : Why a Google Doodle marks the 'British Schindler ' on his 111th birthday today For nearly 50 years no one knew anything of Sir Nicholas ' heroics - not even his wife Sir Nicholas organised the escape of more than 600 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia during the Second World War , transporting them to Britain , earning him the nickname the `` British Schindler '' .
The operation involved such dangerous activities as bribing officials and forging documents , as he and his collaborators extracted a total of 669 mostly-Jewish children from the country and found them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 50 years no one knew anything of Sir Nicholas ' heroics - not even his wife .
But in 1988 she discovered documents in their attic detailing the impressive rescue mission , and now his selfless work serves as an example of how ordinary people went above and beyond to help others during the war .
In December 1938 , Sir Nicholas was called to Prague by a friend , Martin Blake , who was there helping refugees of the German occupation .
This effort , spearheaded by economist Doreen Warriner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had fled from the borderlands ( called Sudetenland ) of Czechoslovakia when German forces had occupied the region after the Munich Agreement in September 1939 .
While in Prague , Nicholas witnessed the suffering of the Sudeten and German refugees who were living in atrocious conditions in camps set up around Prague .
He decided he had to help and drew up a plan to try and bring endangered children to safety in Britain .
In November 1938 the British government had agreed to allow Jewish children from Germany and Austria into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had not been included in the scheme .
Sir Nicholas obtained government permission to bring Czechoslovak children to safety on condition he found a foster family and a repatriation bond of £50 ( approximately £2,500 today ) for each child .
With the help of Trevor Chadwick , an English schoolteacher , and other volunteers , he organised eight transports bringing 669 children to the UK through the spring and summer of 1939 .
After his wife discovered the evidence of his work , Sir Nicholas was the subject of an episode of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which he was reunited with some of the children he helped save .
He went on to meet hundreds of `` his '' children , and even their children and grandchildren , forming close bonds with many .
In 2003 he was knighted by the Queen for service to humanity .
However , he always protested that he only did what anyone would have done had they witnessed the conditions in those refugee camps in 1939 .

Today’s Google Doodle celebrates the 111th birthday of British humanitarian Sir Nicholas Winton.
Sir Nicholas organised the escape of more than 600 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia during the Second World War, transporting them to Britain, earning him the nickname the “British Schindler”.
The operation involved such dangerous activities as bribing officials and forging documents, as he and his collaborators extracted a total of 669 mostly-Jewish children from the country and found them foster families in the UK.
For nearly 50 years no one knew anything of Sir Nicholas’ heroics – not even his wife.
But in 1988 she discovered documents in their attic detailing the impressive rescue mission, and now his selfless work serves as an example of how ordinary people went above and beyond to help others during the war.
How Sir Nicholas rescued the children
In December 1938, Sir Nicholas was called to Prague by a friend, Martin Blake, who was there helping refugees of the German occupation.
This effort, spearheaded by economist Doreen Warriner, was to evacuate to safety those who had fled from the borderlands (called Sudetenland) of Czechoslovakia when German forces had occupied the region after the Munich Agreement in September 1939.
While in Prague, Nicholas witnessed the suffering of the Sudeten and German refugees who were living in atrocious conditions in camps set up around Prague. He decided he had to help and drew up a plan to try and bring endangered children to safety in Britain.
In November 1938 the British government had agreed to allow Jewish children from Germany and Austria into the UK on a Kindertransport, but Czechoslovakia had not been included in the scheme.
Sir Nicholas obtained government permission to bring Czechoslovak children to safety on condition he found a foster family and a repatriation bond of £50 (approximately £2,500 today) for each child.
With the help of Trevor Chadwick, an English schoolteacher, and other volunteers, he organised eight transports bringing 669 children to the UK through the spring and summer of 1939.
Fame and knighthood
After his wife discovered the evidence of his work, Sir Nicholas was the subject of an episode of the TV show That’s Life! in which he was reunited with some of the children he helped save.
He went on to meet hundreds of “his” children, and even their children and grandchildren, forming close bonds with many.
In 2003 he was knighted by the Queen for service to humanity. However, he always protested that he only did what anyone would have done had they witnessed the conditions in those refugee camps in 1939.
He died in 2015, aged 106.


inews--2020-05-19--Can I go to the beach in lockdown? UK coronavirus rules explained, and the difference between countr

Can I go to the beach in lockdown? UK coronavirus rules explained, and the difference between countries

Can I go to the beach in lockdown ?
UK coronavirus rules explained , and the difference between countries If you can go to the beach in the UK during lockdown and the differences between countries .
Boris Johnson recently unveiled plans for lockdown restrictions to ease in England over the coming months , as part of phased plans to reopen shops , pubs , restaurants and get kids back to schools .
Can I go to the beach ?
In England , driving to outdoor open spaces , beaches or beauty spots with members of the same household is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countryside .
Can I swim in the sea ?
Members of the public are allowed to swim in the sea or lakes , but the two metre distancing rule has to be observed outside of your family unit .
The government ’ s guidelines explain , “ People may drive to outdoor open spaces irrespective of distance , so long as they respect social distancing guidance while they are there , because this does not involve contact with people outside your household.
” However , swimming in a public pool , either indoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an outdoor gym , and exercising in indoor leisure centres or facilities is prohibited .
The guidelines say , “ You will still not be able to use areas like playgrounds , outdoor gyms orticketed outdoor leisure venues , where there is a higher risk of close contact and touchingsurfaces .
“ You can only exercise with up to one person from outside your household - this meansyou should not play team sports , except with members of your own household.
” There are still regulations in place against going on holiday or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second home .
People who live in England have also been warned against travelling to other parts of the UK .
The government ’ s guidelines state , “ When travelling to outdoor spaces , it is important that people respect the rules in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland and do not travel to different parts of the UK where it would be inconsistent with guidance or regulations issued by the relevant devolved administration.
” Why can I spend more time outdoors ?
The government ’ s new guidelines regarding how England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named ‘ Our Plan To Rebuild : The UK Government ’ s COVID-19 recovery strategy ’ , explains why people in England are able to spend more time outside .
The strategy says , “ SAGE advise that the risk of infection outside is significantly lower than inside.
” The government is therefore updating the rules so that , as well as exercise , people can now also spend time outdoors subject to : Not meeting up with any more than one person from outside your household

Boris Johnson recently unveiled plans for lockdown restrictions to ease in England over the coming months, as part of phased plans to reopen shops, pubs, restaurants and get kids back to schools.
Exercise is now allowed on an unlimited basis, but is a day at the beach allowed?
Here’s what you need to know.
Can I go to the beach?
In England, driving to outdoor open spaces, beaches or beauty spots with members of the same household is allowed, as is travelling to the countryside.
This rule does not apply in other parts of the UK.
An obstacle with visiting the seaside is needing to go to the toilet while you’re there, if you’re planning a day trip. You will most likely be restricted to public toilets, or those within a local garage or supermarket as cafes are currently close, and touching surfaces in these toilets will pose a contamination risk.
In some areas, public toilets and other amenities remained closed.
It could also be hard to socially distance in densely populated areas around the beach, including the car park or the footpaths which lead to the coast.
Can I swim in the sea?
Members of the public are allowed to swim in the sea or lakes, but the two metre distancing rule has to be observed outside of your family unit.
The government’s guidelines explain, “People may drive to outdoor open spaces irrespective of distance, so long as they respect social distancing guidance while they are there, because this does not involve contact with people outside your household.”
However, swimming in a public pool, either indoors or outdoors, using a playground or an outdoor gym, and exercising in indoor leisure centres or facilities is prohibited.
The guidelines say, “You will still not be able to use areas like playgrounds, outdoor gyms or
ticketed outdoor leisure venues, where there is a higher risk of close contact and touching
surfaces.
“You can only exercise with up to one person from outside your household – this means
you should not play team sports, except with members of your own household.”
There are still regulations in place against going on holiday or staying overnight at a holiday home or second home.
Stay in England
People who live in England have also been warned against travelling to other parts of the UK.
The government’s guidelines state, “When travelling to outdoor spaces, it is important that people respect the rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and do not travel to different parts of the UK where it would be inconsistent with guidance or regulations issued by the relevant devolved administration.”
Why can I spend more time outdoors?
The government’s new guidelines regarding how England will ease out of lockdown restrictions, named ‘Our Plan To Rebuild: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy’, explains why people in England are able to spend more time outside.
The strategy says, “SAGE advise that the risk of infection outside is significantly lower than inside.” The government is therefore updating the rules so that, as well as exercise, people can now also spend time outdoors subject to:
Not meeting up with any more than one person from outside your household
Continued compliance with social distancing guidelines to remain two metres (6ft) away from people outside your household
Good hand hygiene, particularly with respect to shared surfaces


inews--2020-05-19--Kindness has given us hope during coronavirus - now it must be in every government policy

Kindness has given us hope during coronavirus - now it must be in every government policy Kindness already features in Scotland and New Zealand 's policies This week is Mental Health Awareness Week , and the Mental Health Foundation is focusing on the importance of kindness .
This is because kindness matters - to individuals , to communities and to our society ; yet it is often invisible , and its presence too often taken for granted .
Now , more than ever , is the time to notice it , to name it , to nurture it – to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health and social connections , and to create the conditions for it to thrive .
We know there is significant public support for this .
In the YouGov poll we conducted for the week , almost three-quarters of UK adults aged 18-plus ( 72 per cent ) agreed it ’ s important that we learn from the Covid-19 pandemic to be more kind as a society .
And more than half ( 55 per cent ) said it ’ s important for politicians to value kindness .
This suggests we need a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and to find a new way of doing things .
The pandemic has been a time of sudden cruelties .
People have experienced the deaths of beloved family and friends , rates of domestic violence have gone up , many people with mental health problems have worsening symptoms , and there is an increased risk to everyone ’ s mental health , as job losses , insecurity and loneliness grow , and lockdown measures continue to restrict our normal contact with the people we love .
As we begin to emerge from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long shadow , and its mental health impact and consequences are likely to last even longer than its physical health effects .
But , since Covid-19 struck our communities , we have not only experienced great sadness and loss ; we have also seen great kindness : to friends , to neighbours and to people previously unknown to us .
The UK ’ s governments have also been responsive in ways unimaginable six months ago , taking unique action to protect people ’ s incomes , to house rough sleepers in hotels , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many are experiencing .
We are living through a time when kindness is very much to the fore , frequently commented on and valued .
Kindness has driven our response as a country , in a concerted effort to protect and save lives .
New Zealand 's ‘ Wellbeing Budget ’ was the first to measure living standards alongside traditional economic indicators ( Photo : Hagen Hopkins/Getty ) We tend to think of kindness as something for individual action .
But what we ’ ve seen recently challenges the idea that kindness is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and this must continue : we want kindness to be part of how governments develop policy and how our services are shaped in the longer term .
Just as individuals make choices about whether they show kindness to others , our governments in the four nations of the UK now have a choice about how they respond as we emerge from the pandemic and make plans for recovery .
The Foundation is calling on government departments to adopt a kindness test so that policies do not in practice inadvertently demean or dehumanise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people policies aim to serve in their development , review and evaluation .
Kindness is already one of Scotland ’ s National Performance Framework values .
Further afield , last year New Zealand was the first country in the world to publish a wellbeing budget , after learning from major events like the Christchurch earthquake and mass shooting .
In doing so it challenged policy makers to consider why , when GDP was rising , all the indicators of the things they valued , such as child wellbeing , housing and mental health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s decisive action to complement GDP with wellbeing indicators for measuring the country ’ s success is a significant and welcome step towards a kinder and mentally healthier society .
Kindness has offered us hope during lockdown , but we will need to continue to cultivate kindness as we begin the rebuilding process , as individuals , as communities , as organisations and as governments .

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the Mental Health Foundation is focusing on the importance of kindness. This is because kindness matters – to individuals, to communities and to our society; yet it is often invisible, and its presence too often taken for granted. Now, more than ever, is the time to notice it, to name it, to nurture it – to take it seriously as being important for mental health and social connections, and to create the conditions for it to thrive.
We know there is significant public support for this. In the YouGov poll we conducted for the week, almost three-quarters of UK adults aged 18-plus (72 per cent) agreed it’s important that we learn from the Covid-19 pandemic to be more kind as a society. And more than half (55 per cent) said it’s important for politicians to value kindness. This suggests we need a resetting of our values as a society, and to find a new way of doing things.
The pandemic has been a time of sudden cruelties. People have experienced the deaths of beloved family and friends, rates of domestic violence have gone up, many people with mental health problems have worsening symptoms, and there is an increased risk to everyone’s mental health, as job losses, insecurity and loneliness grow, and lockdown measures continue to restrict our normal contact with the people we love. As we begin to emerge from the pandemic it will cast a very long shadow, and its mental health impact and consequences are likely to last even longer than its physical health effects.
But, since Covid-19 struck our communities, we have not only experienced great sadness and loss; we have also seen great kindness: to friends, to neighbours and to people previously unknown to us. The UK’s governments have also been responsive in ways unimaginable six months ago, taking unique action to protect people’s incomes, to house rough sleepers in hotels, to recognise and respond to the suffering many are experiencing.
We are living through a time when kindness is very much to the fore, frequently commented on and valued. Kindness has driven our response as a country, in a concerted effort to protect and save lives.
We tend to think of kindness as something for individual action. But what we’ve seen recently challenges the idea that kindness is nothing to do with governments and politics, and this must continue: we want kindness to be part of how governments develop policy and how our services are shaped in the longer term.
Just as individuals make choices about whether they show kindness to others, our governments in the four nations of the UK now have a choice about how they respond as we emerge from the pandemic and make plans for recovery.
The Foundation is calling on government departments to adopt a kindness test so that policies do not in practice inadvertently demean or dehumanise. This should include genuinely involving the people policies aim to serve in their development, review and evaluation.
Kindness is already one of Scotland’s National Performance Framework values. Further afield, last year New Zealand was the first country in the world to publish a wellbeing budget, after learning from major events like the Christchurch earthquake and mass shooting.
In doing so it challenged policy makers to consider why, when GDP was rising, all the indicators of the things they valued, such as child wellbeing, housing and mental health, were going backwards. New Zealand’s decisive action to complement GDP with wellbeing indicators for measuring the country’s success is a significant and welcome step towards a kinder and mentally healthier society.
The UK Government should follow suit, and publish a Wellbeing Economy Green Paper, drawing on this international and domestic experience.
Kindness has offered us hope during lockdown, but we will need to continue to cultivate kindness as we begin the rebuilding process, as individuals, as communities, as organisations and as governments.
Let’s seize this chance to re-imagine a kinder society that protects our mental health.
Mark Rowland is the Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation


inews--2020-05-19--What is level 3 of the UK lockdown? Next step of the coronavirus alert system explained, and what it

What is level 3 of the UK lockdown? Next step of the coronavirus alert system explained, and what it means for lockdown rules

What is level 3 of the UK lockdown ?
Next step of the coronavirus alert system explained , and what it means for lockdown rules Moving down the 5-level alert system will bring with it a range of loosened lockdown restrictions Sharma ’ s announcement came at Sunday ’ s ( 17 May ) daily press briefing , where he said such a move was only possible due to the public adhering to the government 's social distancing guidelines .
He thanked the public saying , “ Throughout the period of lockdown we have been at level four .
Thanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we have collectively helped to bring the R level down .
We are now in a position to begin moving to level three , in careful steps.
” What is the five level alert system ?
“ And , in turn , that Covid Alert Level will tell us how tough we have to be in our social distancing measures – the lower the level the fewer the measures .
The higher the level , the tougher and stricter we will have to be .
“ There will be five alert levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer present in the UK and Level Five is the most critical – the kind of situation we could have had if the NHS had been overwhelmed.
” Eventually the government plans for the levels in the colour-coded system to reflect the threat of Covid-19 in certain areas of the country , rather than the country as a whole , and this will then be used to inform local lockdown restrictions .
What are the five levels ?
What is the current level ?
The UK is currently operating in level four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has been since March , and for the entirety of the UK lockdown .
What is level three of lockdown ?
If the country moved to level three , as Sharma has predicted it will soon will , social distancing rules will begin to be relaxed .
It is the Joint Biosecurity Centre ( JBC ) - an organisation ran by Tom Hurd , a counter-terrorism specialist - that will use testing to identify changes in infection rates , as well as environmental and workplace data , to advise chief medical officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level four on the alert system , there has already been some gradual easing of lockdown restrictions , following the prime minister 's speech on Sunday 10 May .

The UK’s chief medical officers have agreed to downgrade the coronavirus alert level from four to three after a “steady” and continuing decrease in cases in all four nations.
Whilst the virus remains in general circulation, with localised outbreaks of Covid-19 still “likely” to occur, the downgrading means the transmission of coronavirus is no longer considered to be “high or rising exponentially”.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said moving to a lower alert level was a “big moment” for the UK, and showed the country was getting “back on her feet”, adding that it was a “real testament to the British people’s determination to beat this virus.”
The news follows Mr Hancock’s announcement that for the first time since the lockdown, the number of deaths in the UK has returned to “normal”. Since the start of the year, there have been 64,000 excess deaths. But now, the levels have fallen dramatically.
Here’s what you need to know about level 3 of lockdown.
What is the five level alert system?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the new five level alert system in a speech to the nation on Sunday 10 March.
He said the government’s colour-coded alert system will measure the threat from coronavirus in England, with varying levels of severity.
Mr Johnson explained that the “Covid Alert Level will be determined primarily by R rate and the number of coronavirus cases.
UPDATE: COVID-19 alert level will move from Level 4 to Level 3. However, the virus is still in general circulation, and localised outbreaks are likely to occur. You must continue to wash your hands and keep 2m distance. Read the full update ⬇https://t.co/hjEhlv3Nys — Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) June 19, 2020
“And, in turn, that Covid Alert Level will tell us how tough we have to be in our social distancing measures – the lower the level the fewer the measures. The higher the level, the tougher and stricter we will have to be.
“There will be five alert levels. Level One means the disease is no longer present in the UK and Level Five is the most critical – the kind of situation we could have had if the NHS had been overwhelmed.”
Eventually the government plans for the levels in the colour-coded system to reflect the threat of Covid-19 in certain areas of the country, rather than the country as a whole, and this will then be used to inform local lockdown restrictions.
What are the five levels?
The 5 alert levels are:
Level 1 COVID-19 is not known to be present in the UK
Level 2 COVID-19 is present in the UK, but the number of cases and transmission is low
Level 3 A COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation
Level 4 A COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation; transmission is high or rising exponentially
Level 5 As level 4 and there is a material risk of healthcare services being overwhelmed
What is the UK Covid-19 alert level now?
The easing of lockdown measures in England at the beginning of June caused concern as the Covid-19 alert level remained at four – which the Government previously said would mean restrictions remaining in place.
As of Friday 19 June the alert level is three, meaning “a COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation”, and gradual easing of restrictions can take place.
What is level three of lockdown?
Level three of lockdown means the threat of Covid-19 in the country is “substantial”, so it’s still vital to adhere to health and safety measures such as two metre social distancing and hand washing for at least 20 seconds using water and soap.
However, it means that the gradual easing of restrictions can take place, and it’s more likely now that England’s pubs, restaurants and holiday sites may be able to slowly reopen from 4 July as planned.
Only at level two, when the number of cases and transmission is low, will minimal restrictions be permitted.
Who determines the current level?
It is the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) – an organisation ran by Tom Hurd, a counter-terrorism specialist – that will use testing to identify changes in infection rates, as well as environmental and workplace data, to advise chief medical officers.
However, it remains the government ministers job to decide whether to ease or tighten the lockdown restrictions based on this data.
England’s Professor Chris Whitty, Northern Ireland’s Dr Michael McBride, Scotland’s Dr Gregor Smith and Wales’ Dr Chris Jones agreed with the JBC’s recommendation to reduce the Covid-19 alert level to three.
In a joint statement, medical officers said: “There has been a steady decrease in cases we have seen in all four nations, and this continues.”
But they warned it “does not mean that the pandemic is over” and that “localised outbreaks are likely to occur”.
They said: “We have made progress against the virus thanks to the efforts of the public and we need the public to continue to follow the guidelines carefully to ensure this progress continues.”
What does it mean for lockdown?
The government has insisted the changes to the alert level won’t directly impact lockdown.
Since the start of June, lockdown measures have been eased, with schools and certain non-essential shops re-opening, and people able to meet up outside in groups of six.
However, the latest reduction on the Covid-alert system won’t trigger immediate changes, and the government announced it will be extending the time between lockdown reviews from four weeks to three.
So the next lockdown review will take place on 25 June, a month after the last review on 28 May.