inews--2020-05-29--Coronavirus lockdown: Over 6.5m jobs could disappear, from waiters to cabin crew and hospitality sta

Coronavirus lockdown: Over 6.5m jobs could disappear, from waiters to cabin crew and hospitality staff

Coronavirus lockdown : Over 6.5m jobs could disappear , from waiters to cabin crew and hospitality staff The hospitality and tourism services are likely to be hardest hit by Covid-19 Many positions which existed pre-Covid could see a downturn or teeter on the point of obsolescence , research show .
According to research by the Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Essex more than 6.5 million jobs could be lost due to the economic fallout from the UK ’ s coronavirus lockdown .
With accommodation and food services predicted to be worst hit with a loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 1.3 million jobs waiters , cooks , cleaners and all who make that sector run are likely to take the hit .
A collection point for takeaway pints at a pub on Wandsworth Common ( Photo : Getty ) Pubs may also struggle with social distancing behind the bar and could necessitate a reduction in staff .
With attendance in pubs expected to be sparse because of social distancing rules there may well not be a need for a well-staffed bar .
When it comes to the lure of the holiday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelling abroad even when the lockdown has been lifted .
This in turn could impact the number of flights taken and lead to a reduction of cabin crew , pilots and airport workers .
There is the knock-on effect on resorts abroad which may see smaller hotels close .
Cruises could also be hit following the pandemic and with that a whole army of hospitality staff may need to find alternative work .
The already ailing high street could also see shop work affected .
With many people migrating to online shopping this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big lumbering department stores which were in a precarious position pre-lockdown stores could well struggle to survive and with it will be lost the expertise of the likes of make-up counter workers and bra fitters .
But there will be growth in other areas .
Online companies that do not have bricks and mortar may retain their customers post-lockdown and this could lead to more jobs for deliveries and logistics .
And of course the pharmaceutical company that comes up with a cure for coronavirus is likely to be the biggest winners of @ @

In a few months’ time, when lockdown eases further, the jobs market is likely to have changed forever.
Many positions which existed pre-Covid could see a downturn or teeter on the point of obsolescence, research show.
According to research by the Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Essex more than 6.5 million jobs could be lost due to the economic fallout from the UK’s coronavirus lockdown.
With accommodation and food services predicted to be worst hit with a loss of 75 per cent of jobs or around 1.3 million jobs waiters, cooks, cleaners and all who make that sector run are likely to take the hit.
Travel fears
Pubs may also struggle with social distancing behind the bar and could necessitate a reduction in staff. With attendance in pubs expected to be sparse because of social distancing rules there may well not be a need for a well-staffed bar.
When it comes to the lure of the holiday, many people may well remain nervous about travelling abroad even when the lockdown has been lifted.
This in turn could impact the number of flights taken and lead to a reduction of cabin crew, pilots and airport workers. There is the knock-on effect on resorts abroad which may see smaller hotels close.
Cruises could also be hit following the pandemic and with that a whole army of hospitality staff may need to find alternative work.
High street
The already ailing high street could also see shop work affected. With many people migrating to online shopping this could well remain in place post-lockdown.
Big lumbering department stores which were in a precarious position pre-lockdown stores could well struggle to survive and with it will be lost the expertise of the likes of make-up counter workers and bra fitters.
But there will be growth in other areas. Online companies that do not have bricks and mortar may retain their customers post-lockdown and this could lead to more jobs for deliveries and logistics.
And of course the pharmaceutical company that comes up with a cure for coronavirus is likely to be the biggest winners of all.


inews--2020-05-29--Coronavirus: Families in England warned new social-distancing rules only come into force on Monday

Coronavirus : Families in England warned new social-distancing rules only come into force on Monday Downing Street says that six-person meet ups remain prohibited this weekend Families in England looking forward to meeting locked down loved ones for the first time in months have been warned to remain apart this weekend as socially-distanced gatherings remain prohibited until Monday .
Millions of people across the country are awaiting the chance to visit parents and grandparents in their gardens after Boris Johnson eased lockdown restrictions to allow six-people meet-ups to take place outdoors with temperatures set to reach 28C in parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phase of the Scottish Government ’ s “ route map ” for restarting society , with people from two households able to meet for the first time in a group of up to eight people as long as they keep two metres apart .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called for “ caution ” as the new rules take effect .
In Wales , two households can meet outside from Monday , but people are being asked to stay local – within five miles as a “ general rule ” – leading to criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for them to meet up .
On Wednesday , police attended Portobello beach in Edinburgh to disperse crowds that had gathered to enjoy the sun ( Photo : Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ) 'Barbecues , please no , at the moment' But while police can enter a property if they believe serious criminality is taking place , they do not have the powers to go into gardens to check on whether people are observing the six-person rule .
She told BBC Radio 4 ’ s The World At One : “ That is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really starting handling things backwards and forwards to each other – plates , glasses , cups and so forth.
” She said picnics would be preferable where people take their own food and plates , but added : “ Barbecues , please no , at the moment .
”

Families in England looking forward to meeting locked down loved ones for the first time in months have been warned to remain apart this weekend as socially-distanced gatherings remain prohibited until Monday.
Millions of people across the country are awaiting the chance to visit parents and grandparents in their gardens after Boris Johnson eased lockdown restrictions to allow six-people meet-ups to take place outdoors with temperatures set to reach 28C in parts of the country.
Scotland entered the first phase of the Scottish Government’s “route map” for restarting society, with people from two households able to meet for the first time in a group of up to eight people as long as they keep two metres apart. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called for “caution” as the new rules take effect.
In Wales, two households can meet outside from Monday, but people are being asked to stay local – within five miles as a “general rule” – leading to criticism from families that it makes it impossible for them to meet up.
Downing Street said that six-person meet ups remain prohibited this weekend, amid concerns people in England may flock to beaches and may be planning barbecues in the sunshine.
Sunbathers lapped up the sunshine in South Shields on Friday as temperatures reached 21C in the North East.
The Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman said: “The current regulations are in force until Monday.”
‘Barbecues, please no, at the moment’
Nearly 17,000 fines for alleged breaches of coronavirus lockdown rules have been issued in England and Wales.
But while police can enter a property if they believe serious criminality is taking place, they do not have the powers to go into gardens to check on whether people are observing the six-person rule.
Professor Sally Bloomfield, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, has warned people against having barbecues yet.
She told BBC Radio 4’s The World At One: “That is the really dangerous thing because then we are really starting handling things backwards and forwards to each other – plates, glasses, cups and so forth.”
She said picnics would be preferable where people take their own food and plates, but added: “Barbecues, please no, at the moment.”


inews--2020-05-29--Coronavirus lockdown rules: New measures in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland explained

Coronavirus lockdown rules : New measures in England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland explained i 's Political Editor Nigel Morris looks at the new rules and how restrictions are being eased The United Kingdom is edging out of the coronavirus lockdown but at a different pace in England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
People will be able to gather outdoors in parks and private gardens in socially-distanced groups of six from Monday .
They should not venture indoors apart from getting to a garden or using the toilet .
There is no limit on how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not being allowed to stay overnight .
Outdoor retail and car showrooms will be able to reopen on Monday followed by other shops on 15 June as long as they are “ Covid-secure ” .
The Government has raised the prospect of limiting reopening of the hospitality sector in July , although no firm decisions have been taken .
From Monday , nurseries will be allowed to reopen , while pupils in Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 can return to primary schools .
On 15 June secondary schools , sixth forms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact time for Year 10 and 12 .
Coronavirus lockdown rules in Scotland are set to be eased ( Photo : Getty ) From Friday Scots have been allowed to join groups of up to eight outdoors - as long as they observe social distancing .
The “ strong advice '' is they should not travel more than five miles and the public are still prohibited from going into other families ’ homes .
They can take part in such non-contact sports as golf , tennis , fishing and bowls , and councils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
Outdoor gatherings will be allowed from Monday , with people from two different households able to meet as long as they are socially distanced .
But they are barred from travelling more than five miles from home unless for work or to buy essential items .
Garden centres and refuse sites have already opened .
The next review of restrictions will take place on 18 June when the Welsh government will consider allowing non-essential shops to open , along with outdoor sporting facilities .
Groups of up to six are already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are advised to remain in their local areas .
From June 8 - if infection rates do not increase - the Northern Ireland Assembly will allow the reopening of outdoor sports facilities , car showrooms and some non-essential retail stores including electronics or furniture shops .
Outdoor weddings with a maximum of 10 guests will be allowed from then and hotels will be able to start taking bookings at their own risk .

The United Kingdom is edging out of the coronavirus lockdown but at a different pace in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How the restrictions are being eased.
England
People will be able to gather outdoors in parks and private gardens in socially-distanced groups of six from Monday. They should not venture indoors apart from getting to a garden or using the toilet. There is no limit on how far they can travel – apart from not being allowed to stay overnight.
Outdoor retail and car showrooms will be able to reopen on Monday followed by other shops on 15 June as long as they are “Covid-secure”. The Government has raised the prospect of limiting reopening of the hospitality sector in July, although no firm decisions have been taken.
From Monday, nurseries will be allowed to reopen, while pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 can return to primary schools. On 15 June secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges will begin to offer face-to-face contact time for Year 10 and 12.
Scotland
From Friday Scots have been allowed to join groups of up to eight outdoors – as long as they observe social distancing. The “strong advice” is they should not travel more than five miles and the public are still prohibited from going into other families’ homes.
They can take part in such non-contact sports as golf, tennis, fishing and bowls, and councils are due to reopen recycling centres from Monday.
Garden centres can reopen, but pubs, cinemas, hairdressers, libraries, and non-essential shops remain closed.
Schools will remain closed until at least August, when a new blended learning model is scheduled to begin.
Wales
Outdoor gatherings will be allowed from Monday, with people from two different households able to meet as long as they are socially distanced.
But they are barred from travelling more than five miles from home unless for work or to buy essential items. Garden centres and refuse sites have already opened.
The next review of restrictions will take place on 18 June when the Welsh government will consider allowing non-essential shops to open, along with outdoor sporting facilities.
No date has been set for the return of schools with Education Minister Kirsty Williams “in discussions about returning children and teachers safely”.
Northern Ireland
Groups of up to six are already allowed to gather outdoors, although people are advised to remain in their local areas.
From June 8 – if infection rates do not increase – the Northern Ireland Assembly will allow the reopening of outdoor sports facilities, car showrooms and some non-essential retail stores including electronics or furniture shops.
Restrictions on meeting people from other households indoors stay in place, but will be reassessed on 18 June.
Outdoor weddings with a maximum of 10 guests will be allowed from then and hotels will be able to start taking bookings at their own risk.
Some pupils are set to return to school in late August with a phased return for the rest.


inews--2020-05-29--UK opens door to 3m Hong Kong residents settling in Britain as China hits back over national securit

UK opens door to 3m Hong Kong residents settling in Britain as China hits back over national security law The Home Office has confirmed the proposed scheme will apply to as many as 2.9m Hongkongers who hold British nationality Nearly three million people from Hong Kong will gain the right to settle in the UK if China does not abandon its attempt to impose a new national security law on the territory .
The Chinese government has warned that it will take `` counter-measures '' against Britain in revenge for the decision to relax the restrictions on holders of British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong .
Dominic Raab announced on Thursday that anyone with a BN ( O ) passport would be able to live and work in the UK , rather than simply visiting for six months as now , if China presses ahead with the law against `` subversion '' .
The Home Office confirmed on Friday that the new rules would apply to all of the 2.9m people who have registered for BN ( O ) status , which was available to Hongkongers in the years before the UK handed its former colony over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just to the 350,000 people who currently hold a BN ( O ) passport .
They would also be able to bring their families and other dependants to Britain .
A Government spokesman said the UK was still hoping that China will scrap its plans to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong without the consent of its democratic institutions .
He added : `` We have urged China to reconsider the implementation of this law and live up to its responsibilities as a leading member of the international community .
We hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have made in public and in private about the impact which Beijing 's proposal would have on Hong Kong 's stability and prosperity . ''
A YouGov poll found that 42 per cent of Britons supported extending the rights of BN ( O ) s , with 24 per cent opposing the move .
China 's government claims the policy change would be a breach of the Sino British Joint Declaration , signed by China and the UK in order to guarantee the rights of Hongkongers after the handover .
The growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets in protest at the new security laws , which campaigners fear will curb free speech and democratic reforms , and increased the pressure on Western companies which operate in Hong Kong .
Leung Chun-ying , a former chief executive of Hong Kong , attacked HSBC - which is headquartered in London but earns most of its profits in Asia - for not criticising the UK Government 's stance .
He said : `` China and Hong Kong does n't owe HSBC anything , the China business at HSBC can be replaced overnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We need to let the UK Government , politicians , British companies like HSBC know which side of the bread is buttered . ''

Nearly three million people from Hong Kong will gain the right to settle in the UK if China does not abandon its attempt to impose a new national security law on the territory.
The Chinese government has warned that it will take “counter-measures” against Britain in revenge for the decision to relax the restrictions on holders of British National (Overseas) passports from Hong Kong.
Dominic Raab announced on Thursday that anyone with a BN(O) passport would be able to live and work in the UK, rather than simply visiting for six months as now, if China presses ahead with the law against “subversion”.
The Home Office confirmed on Friday that the new rules would apply to all of the 2.9m people who have registered for BN(O) status, which was available to Hongkongers in the years before the UK handed its former colony over to China in 1997, rather than just to the 350,000 people who currently hold a BN(O) passport. They would also be able to bring their families and other dependants to Britain.
Legal warning
A Government spokesman said the UK was still hoping that China will scrap its plans to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong without the consent of its democratic institutions. He added: “We have urged China to reconsider the implementation of this law and live up to its responsibilities as a leading member of the international community. We hope they will listen carefully to the arguments we have made in public and in private about the impact which Beijing’s proposal would have on Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity.”
A YouGov poll found that 42 per cent of Britons supported extending the rights of BN(O)s, with 24 per cent opposing the move. China’s government claims the policy change would be a breach of the Sino British Joint Declaration, signed by China and the UK in order to guarantee the rights of Hongkongers after the handover.
The growing tension has seen thousands take to the streets in protest at the new security laws, which campaigners fear will curb free speech and democratic reforms, and increased the pressure on Western companies which operate in Hong Kong.
Leung Chun-ying, a former chief executive of Hong Kong, attacked HSBC – which is headquartered in London but earns most of its profits in Asia – for not criticising the UK Government’s stance. He said: “China and Hong Kong doesn’t owe HSBC anything, the China business at HSBC can be replaced overnight by banks from China and other countries. We need to let the UK Government, politicians, British companies like HSBC know which side of the bread is buttered.”


inews--2020-05-29--Coronavirus latest: BBC cutting back on regional news programming in England in bid to save money

Coronavirus latest : BBC cutting back on regional news programming in England in bid to save money The public broadcaster has already cancelled next series of Inside Out and Sunday Politics is already off air The BBC has launched a review of its news coverage in England that could lead to the scrapping of all regional current affairs programming other than its daily news bulletins , i can reveal .
The broadcaster confirmed that it had axed the next season of its regional investigative programme Inside Out .
Each of the BBC ’ s 13 news regions were due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine-episode series in September , but a decision to cancel it was taken to save around £3m .
The broadcaster had already canned its regional versions of the Sunday Politics programme up until the Autumn at least .
The regional shows , which question local politicians about regional and national issues , have been replaced by a single national programme called Politics England until Parliament breaks for the summer recess .
A source at the BBC revealed the review of regional programming could lead to both Inside Out and Sunday Politics being axed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make drastic spending cuts across its schedules .
If the BBC does scrap both programmes it would make annual cost saving in excess of £10m , according to the corporation insider .
The BBC is making the cuts despite the fact that regional news has become more popular than ever during the health crisis .
Since the lockdown the combined audience of all the BBC ’ s 6.30pm regional news bulletins has averaged seven million , making them the most watched programmes across England .
Hugo Gye questions Gavin Williamson remotely from his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Photo : BBC News ) A spokesperson for the BBC said : “ We 've cancelled the second series of Inside Out this year and will continue with our single political programme for England through to the summer .
These decisions allow us to prioritise our resources while providing the best possible service for our audiences during the current situation .
“ Separately we are taking a thorough look at what we do in England .
This is driven by the BBC 's significant financial challenges and efforts to learn lessons from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been taken on the future of any of our content or services.
” While the BBC was already looking to make cuts of around £800m , its director general Tony Hall has said the broadcaster has suffered another £125m due to the impact the Covid-19 health crisis has had on its commercial operations such as BBC Studios , which sells its shows to overseas networks around the world .
The BBC source added this additional £125m hit was likely to lead to further cost cutting measure on top of the existing cuts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that cuts to regional news could cause a battle with the media regulator Ofcom , which sets the BBC quotas on how much current affairs programming it has to produce outside London .
“ It ’ s quite possible that there ’ s going to be some very tough conversations with Ofcom , ” said the source .
“ But we have to cut huge chunks out of our budget .
We don ’ t want to cut regional news programming , but we may not have any choice.
” The potential loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news programming outside the capital will also raise fears that the network will lose much of the regional input into its national bulletins .
The cancelling of the second series of Inside Out and the current series of Sunday Politics has already left hundreds of freelance editors , producers and camera operators out of work .
One producer and cameraman , who has worked on Inside Out for a number of BBC regions for almost ten years said : “ Inside Out has broken numerous really big stories over the years and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC in the regions .
It 's really sad that this next series is now not happening , not just for the audiences but for regional journalism across the country , which will be the poorer for it .
”

The BBC has launched a review of its news coverage in England that could lead to the scrapping of all regional current affairs programming other than its daily news bulletins, i can reveal.
The broadcaster confirmed that it had axed the next season of its regional investigative programme Inside Out. Each of the BBC’s 13 news regions were due to begin filming their own versions of the nine-episode series in September, but a decision to cancel it was taken to save around £3m.
The broadcaster had already canned its regional versions of the Sunday Politics programme up until the Autumn at least. The regional shows, which question local politicians about regional and national issues, have been replaced by a single national programme called Politics England until Parliament breaks for the summer recess.
Budget pressure could see news programmes axed
A source at the BBC revealed the review of regional programming could lead to both Inside Out and Sunday Politics being axed permanently, as the group attempts to make drastic spending cuts across its schedules. If the BBC does scrap both programmes it would make annual cost saving in excess of £10m, according to the corporation insider.
The BBC is making the cuts despite the fact that regional news has become more popular than ever during the health crisis. Since the lockdown the combined audience of all the BBC’s 6.30pm regional news bulletins has averaged seven million, making them the most watched programmes across England.
A spokesperson for the BBC said: “We’ve cancelled the second series of Inside Out this year and will continue with our single political programme for England through to the summer. These decisions allow us to prioritise our resources while providing the best possible service for our audiences during the current situation.
“Separately we are taking a thorough look at what we do in England. This is driven by the BBC’s significant financial challenges and efforts to learn lessons from the Covid-19 crisis. No decisions have been taken on the future of any of our content or services.”
DG warns of £125m impact of Covid-19 health crisis
While the BBC was already looking to make cuts of around £800m, its director general Tony Hall has said the broadcaster has suffered another £125m due to the impact the Covid-19 health crisis has had on its commercial operations such as BBC Studios, which sells its shows to overseas networks around the world.
The BBC source added this additional £125m hit was likely to lead to further cost cutting measure on top of the existing cuts. He warned that the BBC was aware that cuts to regional news could cause a battle with the media regulator Ofcom, which sets the BBC quotas on how much current affairs programming it has to produce outside London.
“It’s quite possible that there’s going to be some very tough conversations with Ofcom,” said the source. “But we have to cut huge chunks out of our budget. We don’t want to cut regional news programming, but we may not have any choice.”
Battle with Ofcom over cuts
The potential loss of much of the BBC’s news programming outside the capital will also raise fears that the network will lose much of the regional input into its national bulletins.
The cancelling of the second series of Inside Out and the current series of Sunday Politics has already left hundreds of freelance editors, producers and camera operators out of work.
One producer and cameraman, who has worked on Inside Out for a number of BBC regions for almost ten years said: “Inside Out has broken numerous really big stories over the years and it’s the eyes and ears of the BBC in the regions. It’s really sad that this next series is now not happening, not just for the audiences but for regional journalism across the country, which will be the poorer for it.”


inews--2020-05-29--Premiership rugby clubs offer season ticket refunds to fans as behind closed doors finish looms

Premiership rugby clubs offer season ticket refunds to fans as behind closed doors finish looms Bath , Exeter Chiefs and Worcester Warriors have given season ticket holders a range of options Olly Woodburn of Exeter Chiefs dives over to score his side 's seventh try during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Exeter Chiefs and Bath Rugby ( Photo : Dan Mullan/Getty ) Three Premiership rugby clubs have offered supporters full refunds on tickets for games that look increasingly likely to be played behind closed doors if the season gets up and running again .
Bath , Exeter Chiefs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other fans of options which range from taking a full refund to donating the money paid for the tickets ( for matches postponed due to the pandemic ) to the clubs .
Bath told its fans : “ As soon as we have clarity regarding the completion of the season we will contact our season ticket holders and match ticket holders .
If for any reason it is not possible to complete those fixtures with crowds , we confirm that we will provide credits and refunds.
” It offered four options : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tickets aside as credit for future purchases , donate to the club , give to its community charity , or take a part or full refund .
If they choose a part refund , they can take the remaining cash and pick from the other three options .
Premiership leaders Exeter Chiefs have a similar plan to Bath , but with three options – a credit note , a donation to the club or a full refund .
Tony Rowe , chairman and chief executive of the Devon club , said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you for all of your support during these incredibly testing times for all of us .
We know we will return stronger than ever and are desperately looking forward to getting back and enjoying rugby with you all , as soon as we can .
In the meantime , please stay safe.
” Worcester are offering the same three options as Exeter , but as well as matches its events include the Sixways 7s , Warriors Community Foundation Fight Night , and Take That and Abba tribute shows .

Three Premiership rugby clubs have offered supporters full refunds on tickets for games that look increasingly likely to be played behind closed doors if the season gets up and running again.
Bath, Exeter Chiefs and Worcester Warriors have given season ticket holders and other fans of options which range from taking a full refund to donating the money paid for the tickets (for matches postponed due to the pandemic) to the clubs.
Bath told its fans: “As soon as we have clarity regarding the completion of the season we will contact our season ticket holders and match ticket holders. If for any reason it is not possible to complete those fixtures with crowds, we confirm that we will provide credits and refunds.”
It offered four options: fans can put the money paid for tickets aside as credit for future purchases, donate to the club, give to its community charity, or take a part or full refund. If they choose a part refund, they can take the remaining cash and pick from the other three options.
Games behind closed doors
If “The Clash” against London Irish at Twickenham is cancelled, refunds would be automatically made.
Premiership leaders Exeter Chiefs have a similar plan to Bath, but with three options – a credit note, a donation to the club or a full refund.
Tony Rowe, chairman and chief executive of the Devon club, said: “As a club we want to thank you for all of your support during these incredibly testing times for all of us. We know we will return stronger than ever and are desperately looking forward to getting back and enjoying rugby with you all, as soon as we can. In the meantime, please stay safe.”
Worcester are offering the same three options as Exeter, but as well as matches its events include the Sixways 7s, Warriors Community Foundation Fight Night, and Take That and Abba tribute shows.


inews--2020-05-29--UK weather: Britons have had sunniest spring on record during the coronavirus lockdown

UK weather : Britons have had sunniest spring on record during the coronavirus lockdown The Met Office says this has been the sunniest spring since records began in 1929 Locked-down Britons have been sweltering in the sunniest spring since records began nearly a century ago , according to Met Office forecasters .
Since 1929 , there have only been nine UK springs that recorded more than 500 hours of sunshine , with the previous sunniest being just over 555 hours in 1948 .
But , by Wednesday this week , the nation has already recorded 573 hours of sunshine and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather could continue well into June .
The warm weather is likely to raise more concerns about climate change , with provisional climate statistics for spring set to be released on Monday .
Storm Jorge arrived as several areas coped with the effects of Ciara and Dennis ( Photo : Christopher Furlong/Getty ) It comes after swathes of the UK were hit by floods in February , when three storms lashed the country and swamped homes and a record average of 202mm rainfall fell .
Dr Mark McCarthy , from the Met Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ Much of spring has been dominated by successive areas of high pressure , leading to sunny and relatively dry conditions .
“ However , spring 2020 has been very dry , and May in parts of England has been exceptionally dry .
As it stands , for England , May 2020 is the driest May on record since 1896 , with less than 10mm rain falling across England on average.
” Some areas have recorded far less rainfall than this , with Northamptonshire having only recorded 1.5mm of rain during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 20p coin .
But South West England had close to average rainfall in March before seeing drier conditions in April and very dry conditions in May .
However , the pattern for other parts such as Northern England was different with April being the driest month .
So far during May , the Western Isles have received more than average rainfall .
Mr McCarthy said : “ During the month , the centre of the high pressure has been located to the south and east , leaving the Western Isles and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influence of the high pressure , leaving them exposed to weather fronts bringing more rainfall to the region , whereas southern England has been largely covered by the high pressure , suppressing rainfall .
”

Locked-down Britons have been sweltering in the sunniest spring since records began nearly a century ago, according to Met Office forecasters.
Since 1929, there have only been nine UK springs that recorded more than 500 hours of sunshine, with the previous sunniest being just over 555 hours in 1948.
But, by Wednesday this week, the nation has already recorded 573 hours of sunshine and the forecasters are predicting that the fine weather could continue well into June.
The warm weather is likely to raise more concerns about climate change, with provisional climate statistics for spring set to be released on Monday.
Spring floods
It comes after swathes of the UK were hit by floods in February, when three storms lashed the country and swamped homes and a record average of 202mm rainfall fell.
Dr Mark McCarthy, from the Met Office’s National Climate Information Centre, said: “Much of spring has been dominated by successive areas of high pressure, leading to sunny and relatively dry conditions.
“In February, the Met Office was reporting record rainfall as Storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge boosted totals, making February 2020 the wettest February on record.
“However, spring 2020 has been very dry, and May in parts of England has been exceptionally dry. As it stands, for England, May 2020 is the driest May on record since 1896, with less than 10mm rain falling across England on average.”
Some areas have recorded far less rainfall than this, with Northamptonshire having only recorded 1.5mm of rain during May – less than the thickness of a 20p coin.
More than average rainfall
But South West England had close to average rainfall in March before seeing drier conditions in April and very dry conditions in May.
However, the pattern for other parts such as Northern England was different with April being the driest month. So far during May, the Western Isles have received more than average rainfall.
Mr McCarthy said: “During the month, the centre of the high pressure has been located to the south and east, leaving the Western Isles and other parts of north-west Scotland extending beyond the influence of the high pressure, leaving them exposed to weather fronts bringing more rainfall to the region, whereas southern England has been largely covered by the high pressure, suppressing rainfall.”


inews--2020-05-29--Coronavirus lockdown: Britain divided over next steps as poll shows public split on opening shops an

Coronavirus lockdown: Britain divided over next steps as poll shows public split on opening shops and closing borders

Coronavirus lockdown : Britain divided over next steps as poll shows public split on opening shops and closing borders Exclusive : The survey suggests early national unity has now shattered The UK public is divided on key lockdown issues such as reopening shops and shutting down borders , according to a new poll in the latest indication national unity on Covid-19 has weakened .
Britons are split almost 50/50 on whether it is safe to return to shops next month , and on whether the UK 's borders should be closed entirely in order to stop people infected with coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also divided on the key question of whether the risks are greater from relaxing the lockdown too quickly , or from keeping it in place too long .
The poll results show a sharp turnaround from the early days of lockdown : in March 93 per cent of people supported the Government 's decision to restrict movement and close businesses with only 4 per cent dissenting .
The new survey , carried out for i by Redfield & Wilton Strategies , polled adult 1,500 Britons this week .
60 per cent said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly would be more dangerous for the nation 's economy and health than keeping extending them too much longer , while 40 per cent disagreed .
Social distancing will remain in force when a number of shops open on 15 June ( Photo : Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty ) People were split over whether it will be safe to start shopping again on 15 June , when non-essential retail will be allowed to open in England for the first time since March .
52 per cent said they would not feel safe returning to shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place , with 48 per cent saying they would feel safe .
More than half do not expect to go on a non-essential shopping trip in the first month after the reopening .
Most of those polled said they support the incoming policy of quarantining anyone who arrives in the UK from abroad for 14 days : 53 per cent said the measure would be effective in preventing the spread of coronavirus and 29 per cent predicted it would be ineffective .
But 50 per cent want the Government to go further by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministers have proposed the idea of `` air bridges '' , which would allow travellers from certain countries the right to enter Britain without quarantining if they give the same right to visitors from the UK .
46 per cent of Britons oppose the concept , 26 per cent are in favour and 21 per cent neither support nor oppose it .
Asked how closely they had observed the guidelines on social distancing set out by the Government , 72 per cent insisted they had followed the advice in full .
24 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observed the recommended measures .
The divisions over the lockdown do not appear to be determined by age or political affiliation , with similar views prevailing among respondents of all ages and political views .

The UK public is divided on key lockdown issues such as reopening shops and shutting down borders, according to a new poll in the latest indication national unity on Covid-19 has weakened.
Britons are split almost 50/50 on whether it is safe to return to shops next month, and on whether the UK’s borders should be closed entirely in order to stop people infected with coronavirus from entering the country.
And they are also divided on the key question of whether the risks are greater from relaxing the lockdown too quickly, or from keeping it in place too long. The poll results show a sharp turnaround from the early days of lockdown: in March 93 per cent of people supported the Government’s decision to restrict movement and close businesses with only 4 per cent dissenting.
The new survey, carried out for i by Redfield & Wilton Strategies, polled adult 1,500 Britons this week. 60 per cent said that relaxing the current lockdown measures too quickly would be more dangerous for the nation’s economy and health than keeping extending them too much longer, while 40 per cent disagreed.
Retail therapy
People were split over whether it will be safe to start shopping again on 15 June, when non-essential retail will be allowed to open in England for the first time since March. 52 per cent said they would not feel safe returning to shops, even with social distancing measures in place, with 48 per cent saying they would feel safe. More than half do not expect to go on a non-essential shopping trip in the first month after the reopening.
Most of those polled said they support the incoming policy of quarantining anyone who arrives in the UK from abroad for 14 days: 53 per cent said the measure would be effective in preventing the spread of coronavirus and 29 per cent predicted it would be ineffective. But 50 per cent want the Government to go further by closing the UK’s borders altogether.
Ministers have proposed the idea of “air bridges”, which would allow travellers from certain countries the right to enter Britain without quarantining if they give the same right to visitors from the UK. 46 per cent of Britons oppose the concept, 26 per cent are in favour and 21 per cent neither support nor oppose it.
Asked how closely they had observed the guidelines on social distancing set out by the Government, 72 per cent insisted they had followed the advice in full. 24 per cent said they had “mostly” observed the recommended measures.
The divisions over the lockdown do not appear to be determined by age or political affiliation, with similar views prevailing among respondents of all ages and political views.


inews--2020-05-29--Coronavirus: Renault share price dives as carmaker cuts 14,600 jobs

About 4,600 of the job cuts will come in France , with another 10,000 made around the world Renault intends to cut almost 15,000 jobs as the French carmaker looks to salvage €2bn ( £1.8bn ) in costs due to the impact of the pandemic .
The cost-saving package will include shrinking production and closing car plants .
About 4,600 of the job cuts will come in France , with another 10,000 made around the world .
The carmaker was already under pressure before the coronavirus outbreak hit , posting its first loss in a decade in 2019 .
Renault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unrealistic as it sought to banish the spectre of Carlos Ghosn , its former boss-turned-fugitive , who is wanted on charges of financial misconduct in Tokyo .
Mr Ghosn denies the charges .
Renault said in a statement that the cost cuts were necessary because of “ the difficulties encountered by the group and the major crisis facing the automotive industry ” .
“ We thought too big in terms of sales , ” said interim chief executive Clotilde Delbos , adding the company was “ coming back to its bases ” after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
It now plans to trim its global capacity to 3.3 million vehicles in 2024 from four million now , focusing on its most profitable models and areas such as electric cars while freezing manufacturing expansion in countries including Romania .
“ The mindset has completely changed , ” Ms Delbos said .
“ The previous line was volumes and sales and being the first on the podium .
We ’ re not looking to be on top of the world , what we want is a sustainable and profitable company.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed that UK car production had in April fallen to its lowest level since the Second World War , with just 197 models being sold .
Mike Hawes , chief executive of the trade body , said : `` With the UK 's car plants mothballed in April , these figures are n't surprising but they do highlight the tremendous challenge the industry faces , with revenues effectively slashed to zero last month . ''
On Thursday , Nissan also announced the closure its Barcelona factory , but stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK plant in Sunderland .

Renault intends to cut almost 15,000 jobs as the French carmaker looks to salvage €2bn (£1.8bn) in costs due to the impact of the pandemic.
The cost-saving package will include shrinking production and closing car plants. About 4,600 of the job cuts will come in France, with another 10,000 made around the world.
The company’s share price slumped almost 8 per cent on Friday as a result.
The carmaker was already under pressure before the coronavirus outbreak hit, posting its first loss in a decade in 2019.
Renault acknowledged that its global ambitions had been unrealistic as it sought to banish the spectre of Carlos Ghosn, its former boss-turned-fugitive, who is wanted on charges of financial misconduct in Tokyo. Mr Ghosn denies the charges.
Renault said in a statement that the cost cuts were necessary because of “the difficulties encountered by the group and the major crisis facing the automotive industry”.
“We thought too big in terms of sales,” said interim chief executive Clotilde Delbos, adding the company was “coming back to its bases” after investing and spending too much in recent years.
Trim capacity
It now plans to trim its global capacity to 3.3 million vehicles in 2024 from four million now, focusing on its most profitable models and areas such as electric cars while freezing manufacturing expansion in countries including Romania.
“The mindset has completely changed,” Ms Delbos said. “The previous line was volumes and sales and being the first on the podium. We’re not looking to be on top of the world, what we want is a sustainable and profitable company.”
UK car production slump
The announcement came as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed that UK car production had in April fallen to its lowest level since the Second World War, with just 197 models being sold.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the trade body, said: “With the UK’s car plants mothballed in April, these figures aren’t surprising but they do highlight the tremendous challenge the industry faces, with revenues effectively slashed to zero last month.”
On Thursday, Nissan also announced the closure its Barcelona factory, but stressed that it was committed to keeping its UK plant in Sunderland.


inews--2020-05-29--Alan Carr: ‘I used to dress up as a blind man — I cringe at my old jokes now’

Alan Carr : ‘ I used to dress up as a blind man — I cringe at my old jokes now ’ The comedian talks to Emily Baker about his new ITV series , Alan Carr 's Epic Game Show , and why he regrets dressing up as Amy Winehouse Halfway through my conversation with Alan Carr , we receive a delivery of chocolate bars from a nearby corner shop .
After trying to give me a Kinder Bueno because they are the only ones he doesn ’ t like ( I don ’ t either ) , he concedes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Forty pee , ” he says , picking it up , before presenting a KitKat – “ two for £1.
” It takes a minute before I realise he ’ s guessing the price of each chocolate – a habit he has picked up from presenting his new TV show , Alan Carr ’ s Epic Gameshow , resurrecting Britain ’ s Saturday-night entertainment of yore .
The first episode sees celebrity couples compete in a game of Play Your Cards Right ( Photo : ITV ) The brilliance of Forsyth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relate to their contestants – normal members of the public hoping to win anything from a washing machine to an all-inclusive holiday .
It is a talent Carr has in spades , though he says the secret is to “ gently take the piss out of them ” .
Carr was nervous to step into the shoes of Forsyth and his fellow entertainers ( Photo : ITV ) While the games have been updated with flashier prizes and challenges , some elements of the 80s shows have remained – most notably the presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision in the eyes of those who find the employment of young , attractive women to turn cards and show off cars sexist .
“ We were toying with having men dressed as Chippendales do it for a joke , but even that looks old .
I wanted Milfs , but apparently we can ’ t do that any more either , ” explains Carr .
“ So we kept them , but we made sure to address it and it ’ s just a cheeky nod to the old shows .
Carr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as presenter of The Friday Night Project in a double act with Justin Lee Collins , a late-night entertainment series packed with sketches , audience game shows , stand-up comedy and hidden-camera pranks .
Over the past 14 years , he has presented his own chat show , Chatty Man , and various other entertainment vehicles , including the annual celebrity get-together Alan Carr ’ s New Year Specstacular .
In that time , the comedian has seen the industry change beyond recognition .
“ There ’ s much more awareness of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things in that ‘ topical barometer ’ I used to put up [ on The Friday Night Project ] were awful .
I look back at some of the Amy Winehouse jokes I made and I ’ m like , ‘ Oh my God ’ – you realise now that she was a woman in turmoil , but for us she was just this drunk woman climbing through a catflap wearing bloody ballet pumps .
We ’ d never seen anything like it , but you ’ d never do that now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ blind man – Mikey from Big Brother – and walk around knocking things over .
I cringe at that now.
” Despite those problematic skits , Carr refuses to live in fear of being “ cancelled ” on social media – he ’ s “ too old ” for all that , he says .
“ These words and phrases come straight from social media into our everyday vocabulary and no one knows what they mean and won ’ t ask anyone to explain .
Cancel culture just doesn ’ t work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be ‘ cancelling ’ things , we should be engaging and asking questions like , ‘ Alan , why would you dress as a blind man ?
’ And I ’ ll say I ’ m sorry .
Carr ’ s most recent TV triumph was as a judge on the first UK version of RuPaul ’ s Drag Race , which was watched on BBC iPlayer by 6.5 million viewers by the show ’ s midway point alone .
He attributes its success to the acceptance of drag as part of British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 90s , and no one batted an eyelid when Danny La Rue dressed up as women .
To have a UK Drag Race is just a natural progression.
” Carr and Graham Norton joined the judging panel of RuPaul 's Drag Race for its first UK version ( Photo : BBC ) The nation ’ s comfort with drag also meant the contestants themselves were a law unto themselves , especially compared with the US queens .
“ They ’ re so upset when they get told to sashay away [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girls were just like ‘ You ’ re all right , bye !
’ ” One contestant , Vinegar Strokes , was told by producers she ’ d have to re-shoot her exit to make her look like she “ gave a shit ” , reveals Carr , who was also once told to ask the queens to stop using the c-word so much .
“ You ’ ve got a Brummie and a Scouser there , ” he laughs , “ of course they didn ’ t stop.
” With almost 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stand-up on the horizon – his new tour , Not Again , Alan !
, is his first for five years – Carr is creeping into the realm of national treasure status .
It is a compliment he ’ s not quite on board with , though .
“ I think if you actually refer to yourself as a national treasure , you ’ re a bit of a dickhead , ” he says .
“ David Attenborough .
Joanna Lumley , they ’ re national treasures .
I do jack shit @

Halfway through my conversation with Alan Carr, we receive a delivery of chocolate bars from a nearby corner shop. After trying to give me a Kinder Bueno because they are the only ones he doesn’t like (I don’t either), he concedes and lets me have a Twirl. “Forty pee,” he says, picking it up, before presenting a KitKat – “two for £1.” It takes a minute before I realise he’s guessing the price of each chocolate – a habit he has picked up from presenting his new TV show, Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow, resurrecting Britain’s Saturday-night entertainment of yore.
“I don’t know what they did in the 80s, but the TV shows they made are just iconic. I don’t know why they work, but they do,” the 43-year-old explains of the decision to give them new life decades on.
“I had to explain the show at an ITV event and I found myself describing Bullseye to the cast of Love Island. I could see their eyes glaze over as I was telling them you throw a dart and win a caravan, but to people my age, bringing shows like that back is a big deal.”
Along with the darts competition, Carr will also be reviving The Price is Right, Strike it Lucky, Play Your Cards Right and Take Your Pick for one night only. “It’s as camp as tits,” he says.
Since the shows are so well-loved by a whole generation of Britons, you might think the choice to present them would be a no-brainer for Carr. “There is an element of safety and people’s rose-tinted glasses will definitely help,” he says.
“But halfway through filming, I felt I might have bitten off more than I could chew – you just don’t want it to be rubbish. And there’s so much vocabulary to learn for every single show.”
Big shoes to fill
There is also the shadow of original hosts Bruce Forsyth and Michael Barrymore to contend with – a tightrope Carr had to balance between paying respect and making the shows his own. “It was intimidating,” admits the comedian. “I found myself coming out with Bruce’s catchphrases like ‘Good game, good game’, because it’s in the DNA of the show.”
The brilliance of Forsyth and his peers came from their ability to relate to their contestants – normal members of the public hoping to win anything from a washing machine to an all-inclusive holiday. It is a talent Carr has in spades, though he says the secret is to “gently take the piss out of them”.
While the games have been updated with flashier prizes and challenges, some elements of the 80s shows have remained – most notably the presence of a glamorous assistant, a controversial decision in the eyes of those who find the employment of young, attractive women to turn cards and show off cars sexist. “We were toying with having men dressed as Chippendales do it for a joke, but even that looks old. I wanted Milfs, but apparently we can’t do that any more either,” explains Carr. “So we kept them, but we made sure to address it and it’s just a cheeky nod to the old shows.
“I don’t think people are offended by seeing a pretty girl. And at least with me people aren’t thinking, ‘I bet he’s banging that.’ They know they’ll be safe – the dressing rooms aren’t rocking.” The job of being a gameshow assistant isn’t innately sexy, anyway, argues Carr. “If you get turned on by that, it’s not my fault you’re a pervert.”
Carr’s TV career began in 2006 as presenter of The Friday Night Project in a double act with Justin Lee Collins, a late-night entertainment series packed with sketches, audience game shows, stand-up comedy and hidden-camera pranks. Over the past 14 years, he has presented his own chat show, Chatty Man, and various other entertainment vehicles, including the annual celebrity get-together Alan Carr’s New Year Specstacular. In that time, the comedian has seen the industry change beyond recognition. “There’s much more awareness of the outside world.
“Some of the things in that ‘topical barometer’ I used to put up [on The Friday Night Project] were awful. I look back at some of the Amy Winehouse jokes I made and I’m like, ‘Oh my God’ – you realise now that she was a woman in turmoil, but for us she was just this drunk woman climbing through a catflap wearing bloody ballet pumps. We’d never seen anything like it, but you’d never do that now. I used to dress up as a blind man – Mikey from Big Brother – and walk around knocking things over. I cringe at that now.”
Cancel culture
Despite those problematic skits, Carr refuses to live in fear of being “cancelled” on social media – he’s “too old” for all that, he says. “These words and phrases come straight from social media into our everyday vocabulary and no one knows what they mean and won’t ask anyone to explain. Cancel culture just doesn’t work. I don’t think we should be ‘cancelling’ things, we should be engaging and asking questions like, ‘Alan, why would you dress as a blind man?’ And I’ll say I’m sorry.
“But we’ve now got comedians who joke about Aids, cancer, abortion, famine, which I don’t even touch. I don’t want to go there and it’s just not funny. Me pretending to clutch my pearls or making a cheeky sexist remark is the least of anyone’s worries in the comedy world.”
Carr’s most recent TV triumph was as a judge on the first UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race, which was watched on BBC iPlayer by 6.5 million viewers by the show’s midway point alone. He attributes its success to the acceptance of drag as part of British entertainment. “We had Lily Savage in the 90s, and no one batted an eyelid when Danny La Rue dressed up as women. To have a UK Drag Race is just a natural progression.”
The nation’s comfort with drag also meant the contestants themselves were a law unto themselves, especially compared with the US queens. “They’re so upset when they get told to sashay away [Drag Race-speak for eliminated] but our girls were just like ‘You’re all right, bye!’” One contestant, Vinegar Strokes, was told by producers she’d have to re-shoot her exit to make her look like she “gave a shit”, reveals Carr, who was also once told to ask the queens to stop using the c-word so much. “You’ve got a Brummie and a Scouser there,” he laughs, “of course they didn’t stop.”
With almost 15 years in the business and a return to stand-up on the horizon – his new tour, Not Again, Alan!, is his first for five years – Carr is creeping into the realm of national treasure status. It is a compliment he’s not quite on board with, though. “I think if you actually refer to yourself as a national treasure, you’re a bit of a dickhead,” he says. “David Attenborough. Joanna Lumley, they’re national treasures. I do jack shit.
“Though I am surprised I haven’t got an OBE yet.”
Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow airs on Saturday 30 May at 8:15pm on ITV


inews--2020-05-29--Space Force, Netflix, review: Makes Donald Trump's celestial ambitions seem rational

The Netflix comedy boasts an impressive cast , but fails to come close to its predecessor , The US Office Space Force , a new Netflix comedy purportedly skewering Donald Trump and his obsession with the American occupation of space , has real promise .
Steve Carrell plays the dutiful General Mark Naird , alongside Ben Schwartz ’ s eager , annoying Head of Social Media , F Tony Scarapiducci , and John Malkovich ’ s discerning Head of Science , Dr Adrian Mallory .
The first episode is sharp , looking at the genesis of the newfound branch of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the launch of its first satellite .
There isn ’ t much by way of plot , but you could say that about some of the best US comedies , including Parks and Recreation , Veep .
There ’ s no reason Space Force couldn ’ t have followed in these footsteps .
Within two minutes of the second episode , however , all hope is lost .
What starts as a funny , mischievous series quickly descends into farce when a monkey and a dog are called upon to fix a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ m not sure what ’ s worse : the idea that this would be funny to anyone over the age of 13 or that the monkey actually almost succeeds in his task .
Either way , it ’ s a defining moment .
From hereon in , the series becomes an exercise in stupidity .
Space Force was created by Steve Carell , star of The US Office and it 's creator , Greg Daniels ( Photo : Netflix ) I suppose the argument could be made that Space Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the President himself .
Surely by representing this $ 15 billion outfit , which promises to put “ boots on the moon ” by 2024 , as brash , fractured and brainless , the series is making a mockery out of Trump ’ s decision to claim space ?
You ’ d think , but a complete lack of reality and wit means Space Force has more in common with the administration than it would want .
Sending a group of astronauts who have not been through any training , for example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it makes our often astounding reality seem benign .
This must the opposite of what Space Force set out to do ?
It ’ s not all bad .
The soundtrack , filled with all American classics from The Beach Boys and Creedence Clearwater Revival , is excellent and Malkovich brings his usual enchanting cadence to his character .
But any fans hoping for a second round of The Office ( Space Force is created by Carrell and Greg Daniels , the man who adapted the UK series into the cult US @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Space Force, Netflix ★★
Space Force, a new Netflix comedy purportedly skewering Donald Trump and his obsession with the American occupation of space, has real promise. Steve Carrell plays the dutiful General Mark Naird, alongside Ben Schwartz’s eager, annoying Head of Social Media, F Tony Scarapiducci, and John Malkovich’s discerning Head of Science, Dr Adrian Mallory.
The first episode is sharp, looking at the genesis of the newfound branch of the armed forces and swiftly moving on to the launch of its first satellite. There isn’t much by way of plot, but you could say that about some of the best US comedies, including Parks and Recreation, Veep. There’s no reason Space Force couldn’t have followed in these footsteps.
Within two minutes of the second episode, however, all hope is lost. What starts as a funny, mischievous series quickly descends into farce when a monkey and a dog are called upon to fix a satellite purposefully broken by a Chinese spacecraft. I’m not sure what’s worse: the idea that this would be funny to anyone over the age of 13 or that the monkey actually almost succeeds in his task. Either way, it’s a defining moment. From hereon in, the series becomes an exercise in stupidity.
I suppose the argument could be made that Space Force has been created in the image of the President himself. Surely by representing this $15 billion outfit, which promises to put “boots on the moon” by 2024, as brash, fractured and brainless, the series is making a mockery out of Trump’s decision to claim space? You’d think, but a complete lack of reality and wit means Space Force has more in common with the administration than it would want.


inews--2020-05-29--Coronavirus infection rate still too high for PM to ease lockdown measures, scientific advisers say

Coronavirus infection rate still too high for PM to ease lockdown measures , scientific advisers say 'Many of us would prefer to see incidence driven to lower levels before we relax measures' The UK ’ s infection rate is the fifth highest in the world , with new cases in England alone still at around 8,000 a day , excluding care homes and hospitals .
At these levels , some members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) committee , which advises the whole of the UK , believe that easing the lockdown now is a risky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was revealed the country ’ s alert level would remain at 4 , the second highest level , rather than falling to 3 as Boris Johnson had indicated earlier in the week .
Warning levels are decided by scientists on the government biosecurity unit .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is also expected to put special measures in place to help retailers ease out of lockdown ( Photo : Getty ) “ It ’ s really important that we monitor infection rates very , very closely , and if there ’ s any hint or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back up , the R rate is going above one , then action is taken.
” The reproduction rate – or R – is hovering between 0.7 and 0.9 , only just below the crucial rate of 1 , above which the number of cases begins to rise .
“ Many of us would prefer to see the incidence driven down to lower levels so we have fewer cases occurring before we then relax the measures , ” said Professor John Edmunds , of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of new infections was higher than they would like , given that R remains quite close to one - while another added that there is no sign of the infection rate falling .
This has redoubled concerns over whether future outbreaks can be prevented , with people being asked to isolate for 14 days even if they do not have symptoms .
Professor Mark Woolhouse , of Edinburgh University , meanwhile warned that the Government ’ s new track and trace system would be unlikely to bring down the reproduction , or R @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would still be needed to control the virus .
The R - or reproduction - number is crucial because it shows whether a disease is increasing or decreasing its reach and by how much .
Without restrictions in place , the so-called basic R of Covid-19 is thought to be between three and four , meaning that each patient infects three or four others and it spreads rapidly .
Under lockdown , the rate has come down a long way but has hovered between 0.5 and 1 for several weeks now , without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below one At the moment , it is between 0.7 and 0.9 , raising fears that without too much easing it will be up above one and multiplying again before too long .

Scientists on the Government’s advisory committee would have preferred that the number of Covid-19 infections fell further before lockdown restrictions began to be eased.
The UK’s infection rate is the fifth highest in the world, with new cases in England alone still at around 8,000 a day, excluding care homes and hospitals.
At these levels, some members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) committee, which advises the whole of the UK, believe that easing the lockdown now is a risky move.
The warnings came as it was revealed the country’s alert level would remain at 4, the second highest level, rather than falling to 3 as Boris Johnson had indicated earlier in the week. Warning levels are decided by scientists on the government biosecurity unit.
Opposition from scientists
The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, denied the Government had pressed ahead with relaxing the lockdown in the face of opposition from scientists.
But at the Government’s public briefing, Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director, sounded a further note of caution about the rate of infections.
“It’s really important that we monitor infection rates very, very closely, and if there’s any hint or sign that the infection rates are going back up, the R rate is going above one, then action is taken.”
The reproduction rate – or R – is hovering between 0.7 and 0.9, only just below the crucial rate of 1, above which the number of cases begins to rise.
Preferred to wait
“Many of us would prefer to see the incidence driven down to lower levels so we have fewer cases occurring before we then relax the measures,” said Professor John Edmunds, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
“With relatively high incidence, relaxing the measures with an untested ‘track and trace’, I think we are taking some risk here,” added Prof Edmunds, who sits on Sage.
“Even if that risk doesn’t play out and we manage to keep incidence flat, we’re keeping it flat at quite a high level. ,” he said.
No sign of infections falling
Another scientific adviser said the daily number of new infections was higher than they would like, given that R remains quite close to one – while another added that there is no sign of the infection rate falling.
Further raising concerns about keeping a lid on infections, a Sage document released revealed that only about half of people with coronavirus symptoms self-isolate for a week or longer.
This has redoubled concerns over whether future outbreaks can be prevented, with people being asked to isolate for 14 days even if they do not have symptoms.
No silver bullet
Professor Mark Woolhouse, of Edinburgh University, meanwhile warned that the Government’s new track and trace system would be unlikely to bring down the reproduction, or R, rate much, meaning other measures would still be needed to control the virus.
“Test trace and isolate was never a magic bullet and recent analyses have confirmed that,” he said.
R value explained
The R – or reproduction – number is crucial because it shows whether a disease is increasing or decreasing its reach and by how much.
Without restrictions in place, the so-called basic R of Covid-19 is thought to be between three and four, meaning that each patient infects three or four others and it spreads rapidly.
Under lockdown, the rate has come down a long way but has hovered between 0.5 and 1 for several weeks now, without going down any further.
Hovering just below one
At the moment, it is between 0.7 and 0.9, raising fears that without too much easing it will be up above one and multiplying again before too long.
It is relatively easy to bring R down a lot with a strict lockdown but harder to keep reducing it after that – in part because while community spread has fallen sharply care home and hospital infections had continued to rise pushing up the overall number.
It’s also worth noting that there is a timelag of around three weeks because the R rate is calculated based on hospital patients, who typically don’t arrive until a while after their initial infection.


inews--2020-05-29--Sharing economy: Coronavirus outbreak making consumers more cautious about sharing Ubers and items w

Sharing economy: Coronavirus outbreak making consumers more cautious about sharing Ubers and items with strangers

Sharing economy : Coronavirus outbreak making consumers more cautious about sharing Ubers and items with strangers Will fears of Covid-19 be enough to kill off the sharing economy before it really got going ?
Madeleine Cuff and Katie Grant investigate Would you jump in a car that had been used by two strangers in the last four hours ?
Would you go and stay in someone else ’ s house for the weekend ?
Would you borrow a t-shirt or dress from someone you have never met ?
Would you stay in someone else 's house with coronavirus circulating ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ should disinfect handlebars of shared bikes before jumping on ( Photo : Rob Stothard/Getty ) “ Before you go and use one of the Santander bikes , or use a shared car , or go to an Airbnb , have a think about how that vehicle or space will have been used before you , ” Dr Ciric tells i .
“ So have a think about what they will have been touching , and then clean those areas and make sure that you ’ re not then touching your face , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are using the vehicle .
It is about understanding what has gone before , and what the level of risk is.
” In the long run , this could prove to be a strength for Airbnb over other options , explains Professor Arun Sundararajan of New York University , author of The Sharing Economy .
Airbnb apartments offer a greater sense of control over personal space , and lower occupancy rates than hotels , he points out .
“ I think there is going to be a very large shift away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he predicts .
And Covid-19 doesn ’ t mean the end for shared transport either , he predicts .
But people will switch from mass transit systems like buses and trains to shared bikes , shared scooters , or taking an Uber , he says .
“ The resistance to coming into contact with things will fade much faster than the resistance to being around people you don ’ t know , ” he predicts .
Sharing economy businesses are banking on most people still wanting to live a greener lifestyle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people “ re-evaluating ” old routines and pursuing more “ sustainable and eco-conscious ” lifestyles post-pandemic .
But the last few months have brought to the surface deep-seated hygiene fears of a life where access trumps ownership .
Allaying those concerns will be central to getting the sharing economy moving once more .
Toy Box Club has stepped up its toy cleaning procedures

Would you jump in a car that had been used by two strangers in the last four hours? Would you go and stay in someone else’s house for the weekend? Would you borrow a t-shirt or dress from someone you have never met?
Before Covid-19 hit, for many people the answer to that question would have been yes.
Research suggests younger generations value experiences over possessions, and prefer the idea of being able to access something – a car, bike, designer dress – whenever they want, rather than owning the thing outright.
That sentiment has fuelled the growth in the ‘sharing economy’, a burgeoning cohort of businesses and social ventures that allow people to rent, swap and share goods and services. Some of the most successful start-ups in recent years – the likes of Uber and Airbnb – have their roots in this movement.
Covid-19
But Covid-19 has thrown a huge spanner in the works. It is not just government restrictions on travel that has been a blow. The virus has injected caution into consumers. People are now wary of sharing cars and apartments, of touching things a lot of other people have touched.
The economic fallout has been widespread, and brutal. Uber revealed Covid-19 losses of $1bn for the last quarter, and is preparing to lay off 3,700 workers. Airbnb has slashed 1,900 jobs and been forced to raise emergency funds. Zipcar says usage levels are “commercially sensitive”, but the firm’s UK general manager James Taylor admits the firm has seen a “pronounced” drop in bookings across London, its main UK market.
That is bad news for the environment. The sharing economy has long been championed as a way to curb the polluting excesses of consumerism, says Libby Peake of the think tank Green Alliance.
Manufacturing products sucks energy and resources, so each car, bike or power drill that is bought leaves behind a “trail of waste”, she tells i. “The sharing economy allows for much better use of resources,” she explains.
Hygiene concerns
But are consumers right to be so cautious? Scientists are still trying to understand how long the Covid-19 survives on surfaces, but in general “it’s days rather than hours” according to Dr Lena Ciric, an environmental microbiologist at University College London.
The good news is most items – clothes, toys, bikes, tools – can be cleaned with soap, detergent or disinfectant that will inactivate the virus, Dr Ciric says. Pay attention to “high touch” areas like handlebars and steering wheels, she advises.
“Before you go and use one of the Santander bikes, or use a shared car, or go to an Airbnb, have a think about how that vehicle or space will have been used before you,” Dr Ciric tells i. “So have a think about what they will have been touching, and then clean those areas and make sure that you’re not then touching your face, or eating, or stuff like that while you are using the vehicle. It is about understanding what has gone before, and what the level of risk is.”
However shared accommodation, such as an Airbnb apartment, could be trickier. A key factor is how recently the apartment has been occupied, Dr Ciric explains. A high occupancy rate greatly increases the risk of contamination.
Future prospects
In the long run, this could prove to be a strength for Airbnb over other options, explains Professor Arun Sundararajan of New York University, author of The Sharing Economy. Airbnb apartments offer a greater sense of control over personal space, and lower occupancy rates than hotels, he points out. “I think there is going to be a very large shift away from hotels and towards vacation rentals and Airbnbs,” he predicts.
And Covid-19 doesn’t mean the end for shared transport either, he predicts. But people will switch from mass transit systems like buses and trains to shared bikes, shared scooters, or taking an Uber, he says. “The resistance to coming into contact with things will fade much faster than the resistance to being around people you don’t know,” he predicts.
Sharing economy businesses are banking on most people still wanting to live a greener lifestyle in spite of Covid-19. Zipcar talks of people “re-evaluating” old routines and pursuing more “sustainable and eco-conscious” lifestyles post-pandemic. But the last few months have brought to the surface deep-seated hygiene fears of a life where access trumps ownership. Allaying those concerns will be central to getting the sharing economy moving once more.
Fashion rental
Victoria Prew is the CEO and cofounder of fashion rental platform Hurr Collective
Fashion rental is primarily events-driven, and a ban on public gatherings, from birthday parties to weddings, means clothing rental platform Hurr Collective inevitably experienced a drop in demand when lockdown came into effect.
Even when people do begin to pay more attention to their wardrobes, it is possible some might steer clear of rental for fear of where a garment has been.
However, Victoria Prew, Hurr CEO and cofounder, believes the pushback against fast fashion will continue to gain momentum once rules are relaxed, and that clothes rental could become an even more attractive proposition for the millions of people looking to cut down on their outgoings.
Ms Prew acknowledges the public might be more “cautious” when it comes to clothes but is optimistic that the emphasis her business puts on cleanliness and hygiene will help to reassure nervous browsers.
“We’ve always had really clear guidance around hygiene – it’s a rule in our guidelines that every item has to be professionally cleaned before it can be sent out on a rental,” she says.
Changes introduced to respond to consumer preferences during the lockdown could even stand the business in good stead, Ms Prew suggests.
Many users have asked Hurr to give them the option to buy an item they especially like. The business is now testing that by trialling a “buy” button.
“It was part of our longer term plan but we’ve brought it forward,” Ms Prew says.
Toy rental
Sheela Berry is co-founder of the Toy Box Club, a UK-wide toy rental service
Toy Box Club suspended operations due to lockdown but will resume renting out toys from next week. Sheela Berry, the business’s co-founder, says her team has made a series of changes to ensure the goods they send out do not pose a Covid-19 risk.
The biggest change is that all the products are cleaned in-house, with those that are not machine-washable – for example, battery operated and plastic toys – given a double cleansing.
“All staff wear protective gear in case there’s anything on their clothing,” says Ms Berry.
“My business partner and I both have young children and elderly parents and are very safety conscious.”
Asked whether demand has slumped during lockdown, Ms Berry says the opposite is true.
The business has attracted “lots” of new sign-ups, probably as a result of schools and recreation centres being shut and playgrounds off limits.
Ms Berry predicts the business will successfully retain subscribers as well as attracting new ones thanks to the assurances it offers, and changing attitudes about waste.
“Our main demographic is parents with pre-school children – nursery is where you pick up the most germs. We have our toys cleaned constantly….They’re probably cleaner than the toys they have at home already,” Ms Berry says.
She adds: “I think people’s mentality has changed during lockdown – they are more conscious about waste and are going to be more eco-conscious as a result of following this way of life.”
Home and garden equipment rental
Rebecca Trevalyan, cofounder of London-based lending service Library of Things, which rents out household appliances, DIY equipment and tools for the garden
Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, people who wanted to borrow items from the Library of Things would help themselves at self-serve kiosks in community spaces, such as lending libraries. The service polled users to check if members actually wanted to borrow goods at the moment and, says Library of Things cofounder Rebecca Trevalyan, “there was a clear mandate there was a need”.
Users were particularly keen to get their hands on cleaning equipment and tools for DIY projects.
They responded “almost unanimously” that they would like the service to introduce contact-free delivery, which the business is trialling in south London, with the intention of rolling it out to the rest of the city.
“It makes sense for us to have a delivery service anyway – convenience is king. In terms of our kiosk service resuming, we’re looking at autumn before libraries return to normal hours,” Ms Trevalyan says.
“We’re assuming delivery will be an important part of our business, if not a principal part, in the next year and long term,” she adds.
Ms Trevalyan and her colleagues have consulted with health and safety advisers, and hope the measures they have introduced will give people the confidence to continue borrowing equipment.
One staff member is responsible for deep cleaning every item, while products sent out to users are double-bagged, with the delivery person only touching the outer bag.
“We’ve started with a small group of products for the test and we’ll add more,” adds Ms Trevalyan.
Case studies interviewed by Katie Grant


inews--2020-05-29--Schools opening: Let headteachers requisition libraries and community halls for temporary classrooms

Schools opening: Let headteachers requisition libraries and community halls for temporary classrooms to stop overcrowding, Lib Dems say

Schools opening : Let headteachers requisition libraries and community halls for temporary classrooms to stop overcrowding , Lib Dems say Exclusive : The party is calling for local 'spare space registers ' to give schools extra room to keep children apart Headteachers should be able to requisition libraries and community halls to create temporary classrooms to stop schools becoming overcrowded as pupils return , the Liberal Democrats have said .
The party is calling for local `` spare space registers '' to give schools extra room to keep children apart as more year groups come back .
Guidance from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ split classes in half and teach children in groups of no more than 15 to space them apart .
However , with the Government aiming to get all primary school pupils in England back before the summer holidays , concerns have been raised that schools will run out of classrooms to accommodate them all .
The party has written to the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and the Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick urging them to back the idea .
“ As June 1 approaches many headteachers , teachers and other school staff members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply not enough space in their schools to teach all of their pupils as phased reopening continues , ” the letter says .
“ That ’ s why we are calling on the Government to facilitate the creation of local spare space registers of council and community spaces that can be used by schools during this crisis.
” The Lib Dems said that if councils wish to take part , the Government should give them grant funding to pay for the creation of the registers and to cover any costs in preparing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pictured with Jo Swinson on the campaign trail last year ( Photo : Dan Kitwood/Getty ) Layla Moran , the party 's education spokesperson - who sent the letter with the Lib Dems ' local government spokesperson Tim Farron - said : “ We all want to see children get back to school , but safety must come first .
Social distancing is going to be crucial in the safe reopening of our schools .
Unfortunately , this will be near impossible in many classrooms , where space is already tight .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling on ministers to find creative solutions , like creating spare space registers , allowing schools to find local indoor spaces for use as temporary classrooms .
`` This is about putting what we already have to good use - from community halls to conference centres to sportsgrounds - and , in doing so , keeping young people safe .
“ The Government has a role to play in finding practical solutions to the logistical challenges headteachers and staff are facing as they look to reopen .
Spare space registers would be one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

Headteachers should be able to requisition libraries and community halls to create temporary classrooms to stop schools becoming overcrowded as pupils return, the Liberal Democrats have said.
The party is calling for local “spare space registers” to give schools extra room to keep children apart as more year groups come back.
Guidance from the Department for Education says primary schools should split classes in half and teach children in groups of no more than 15 to space them apart.
However, with the Government aiming to get all primary school pupils in England back before the summer holidays, concerns have been raised that schools will run out of classrooms to accommodate them all.
‘Not enough space’
To get round the problem, the Lib Dems propose opening up spaces like libraries, community halls and conference centres to schools.
The party has written to the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and the Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick urging them to back the idea.
“As June 1 approaches many headteachers, teachers and other school staff members have expressed their concerns that there is simply not enough space in their schools to teach all of their pupils as phased reopening continues,” the letter says.
It calls on the Government to “work creatively between departments to help schools solve this problem”.
Grant funding
“That’s why we are calling on the Government to facilitate the creation of local spare space registers of council and community spaces that can be used by schools during this crisis.”
The Lib Dems said that if councils wish to take part, the Government should give them grant funding to pay for the creation of the registers and to cover any costs in preparing the spaces for school use.
Layla Moran, the party’s education spokesperson – who sent the letter with the Lib Dems’ local government spokesperson Tim Farron – said: “We all want to see children get back to school, but safety must come first. Social distancing is going to be crucial in the safe reopening of our schools. Unfortunately, this will be near impossible in many classrooms, where space is already tight.
“That’s why Liberal Democrats are calling on ministers to find creative solutions, like creating spare space registers, allowing schools to find local indoor spaces for use as temporary classrooms.
“This is about putting what we already have to good use – from community halls to conference centres to sportsgrounds – and, in doing so, keeping young people safe.
“The Government has a role to play in finding practical solutions to the logistical challenges headteachers and staff are facing as they look to reopen. Spare space registers would be one practical solution to a key challenge.”
Earlier this week, the schools minister Nick Gibb suggested that a rota system could be used to bring back children in Years 2, 3, 4 and 5 on a part-time basis.
The DfE was contacted for comment.


inews--2020-05-29--Coronavirus: RNLI makes plea for Government aid to avoid hundreds of deaths on UK beaches this summe

Coronavirus: RNLI makes plea for Government aid to avoid hundreds of deaths on UK beaches this summer

Coronavirus : RNLI makes plea for Government aid to avoid hundreds of deaths on UK beaches this summer Exclusive : Despite the forecast hot and sunny weather , the RNLI will have lifeguards on just 16 beaches for the first time Following revelations by i that hundreds of lives could be at risk if the charity could not fill a funding black hole of £45m , the RNLI hopes the Government will launch a new charity funding programme that would help the group carry out 1,500 patrols across 248 UK beaches .
In the run-up to what is expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the relaxation of lockdown restrictions , the charity has plans to cover just 70 of the 248 beaches it normally monitors .
Despite the forecast hot and sunny weather , the RNLI will have lifeguards on just 16 beaches for the first time this weekend .
The charity has claimed it was not forewarned of measures allowing people to return to beaches in England , and has neither the funds , or the correct PPE and social distancing guidance to roll out its usual programme of beach patrols .
Last year the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beach lifeguards saved 329 lives along the UK ’ s coastline ( Photo : BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty ) Having prided itself on its independence and ability to raise its own funds from donations and fundraising events , the RNLI has not sought Government aid since it was founded almost 200 years ago in 1824 .
But the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown means the organisation has been unable to hold its usual events and now needs funds and training support to get lifeguards back to work .
A spokeswoman for the RNLI said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not accept funds from central government .
However , these are exceptional times and so we have applied for the government support we are aware of to help see our charity through this difficult period .
This includes the Job Retention Scheme , business rates relief , grant funds , and Gift Aid support.
” While the Government revealed £750m of support for ‘ frontline ’ community organisations , such as hospices and smaller charities , there is no financial help planned for larger organisations such as the RNLI .
But there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coastlines and the RNLI fears this year ’ s toll could be higher if it can not deploy its full lifeguard capability across the UK .
One source at the RNLI said beaches will be busier than ever this summer and that there is a risk that deaths could more than double if the organisation does not gain access to the cash it needs to train lifeguards on how to work under the current social distancing rules .
The source said : “ It ’ s not just about the cash , although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s also about getting guidance on what PPE our lifeguards can use in the wet conditions they operate in .
It ’ s also about being given guidance on how we should operate social distancing guidelines .
“ Clearly , the last thing on a lifeguard ’ s mind is their own safety when attempting a rescue , but it is the RNLI ’ s responsibility to keep them as safe as we can as they risk their lives to save others.
” However , his spokeswoman said he had nothing further to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( DfT ) to comment .
The DfT said the matter was one the Home Office was considering .
The Home Office said it was a matter for the Treasury , which has not responded to enquiries .

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has made a plea for Government aid to ensure its lifeguards can patrol UK beaches this summer.
Following revelations by i that hundreds of lives could be at risk if the charity could not fill a funding black hole of £45m, the RNLI hopes the Government will launch a new charity funding programme that would help the group carry out 1,500 patrols across 248 UK beaches.
In the run-up to what is expected to be the “staycation” summer due to the relaxation of lockdown restrictions, the charity has plans to cover just 70 of the 248 beaches it normally monitors. Despite the forecast hot and sunny weather, the RNLI will have lifeguards on just 16 beaches for the first time this weekend.
The charity has claimed it was not forewarned of measures allowing people to return to beaches in England, and has neither the funds, or the correct PPE and social distancing guidance to roll out its usual programme of beach patrols.
Plea for funding support
Having prided itself on its independence and ability to raise its own funds from donations and fundraising events, the RNLI has not sought Government aid since it was founded almost 200 years ago in 1824. But the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown means the organisation has been unable to hold its usual events and now needs funds and training support to get lifeguards back to work.
A spokeswoman for the RNLI said: “In normal circumstances the RNLI does not accept funds from central government. However, these are exceptional times and so we have applied for the government support we are aware of to help see our charity through this difficult period. This includes the Job Retention Scheme, business rates relief, grant funds, and Gift Aid support.”
While the Government revealed £750m of support for ‘frontline’ community organisations, such as hospices and smaller charities, there is no financial help planned for larger organisations such as the RNLI.
The RNLI added: “Other government funding and loans specifically for charities and emergency services dealing directly with the pandemic were not available for our organisation.”
Keeping swimmers safe
Last year the RNLI’s 431 lifeboat crews and beach lifeguards saved 329 lives along the UK’s coastline. Of those, lifeguards saved 118 people and were called to help in 19,449 incidents.
But there were still around 150 deaths of the UK coastlines and the RNLI fears this year’s toll could be higher if it cannot deploy its full lifeguard capability across the UK.
One source at the RNLI said beaches will be busier than ever this summer and that there is a risk that deaths could more than double if the organisation does not gain access to the cash it needs to train lifeguards on how to work under the current social distancing rules.
The source said: “It’s not just about the cash, although that is desperately required. It’s also about getting guidance on what PPE our lifeguards can use in the wet conditions they operate in. It’s also about being given guidance on how we should operate social distancing guidelines.
“Clearly, the last thing on a lifeguard’s mind is their own safety when attempting a rescue, but it is the RNLI’s responsibility to keep them as safe as we can as they risk their lives to save others.”
Last week George Eustice MP, the Secretary of State for the Environment and Rural Affairs, said he saw “no reason why lifeguards shouldn’t return to work”.
However, his spokeswoman said he had nothing further to say and asked the Department for Transport (DfT) to comment. The DfT said the matter was one the Home Office was considering. The Home Office said it was a matter for the Treasury, which has not responded to enquiries.


inews--2020-05-30--Coronavirus latest: Schools will see 'supermarket-style' drop-off queues and hand-washing stations

Coronavirus latest : Schools will see 'supermarket-style ' drop-off queues and hand-washing stations Social bubbles , one-way corridor systems and the removal of water fountains are some of the measures being introduced as schools reopen The Government has given the green light for reception , year one and year six pupils to return to school from Monday as the five key tests required for the easing of the lockdown have been met .
One way systems and hand washing stations '' It 's important for children that class looks as normal as possible but no longer will we be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing together at lunch time . ''
Headteachers have said they expect supermarket-style queues outside the school gates and divided playground areas as some pupils return to the classroom in the coming days ( Photo : PA ) Bryony Baynes , headteacher at Kempsey Primary School in Worcester , said similar measures would be in place at her school , adding that corridors will have one-way systems and staff will be allowed to wear face masks if they want to .
She added : `` Realistically , as I have said to parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the little ones will be two metres apart at all times - they are four and five years old .
She said : `` It will initially seem very strange to them , however , children are very resilient and as long as the staff greet them with smiles and they are with some of their friends , I think they will adapt to the new normal . ''
A classroom which has been rearranged with seating separated by 2m - but a survey has found that 70 per cent of school staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Photo : OLI SCARFF / AFP )

Headteachers are preparing supermarket-style queues outside school gates and divided playground areas, with some pupils in England set to return to the classroom in the coming days.
The Government has given the green light for reception, year one and year six pupils to return to school from Monday as the five key tests required for the easing of the lockdown have been met.
Schools preparing to welcome more children back have introduced several measures to keep them safe, such as new rules for parents at drop-off time, and one-way systems in the corridors.
Hartford Manor Primary School in Cheshire is taking a “phased approach” by reopening to 100 more pupils over successive days from June 8.
One way systems and hand washing stations
Headteacher Simon Kidwell said parents will queue at drop-off and pick-up times, classroom windows will be open to ensure good ventilation, extra cleaners have been employed and water fountains, as “hotspots for transmission”, have been removed.
Mr Kidwell said: “Social distancing for adults is going to be stringent, with a dropping-off system where parents will have to queue a bit like at the supermarket.
“The children will be kept in ‘bubbles’ of 15 to ensure social distancing between each other by using cones in the playground.
“We have also installed 37 new hand washing stations, which are like troughs with warm water and soap for children to wash their hands before entering the building.
“It’s important for children that class looks as normal as possible but no longer will we be able to have 400 children running around and playing together at lunch time.”
Bryony Baynes, headteacher at Kempsey Primary School in Worcester, said similar measures would be in place at her school, adding that corridors will have one-way systems and staff will be allowed to wear face masks if they want to.
She added: “Realistically, as I have said to parents, I can’t promise you that the little ones will be two metres apart at all times – they are four and five years old.
“If a child falls over, we are still going to pick them up and cuddle them.”
Ms Baynes went on to explain that things will be kept as normal as possible, but pupils will undoubtedly notice some differences.
She said: “It will initially seem very strange to them, however, children are very resilient and as long as the staff greet them with smiles and they are with some of their friends, I think they will adapt to the new normal.”
Safety concerns
Schools, colleges and nurseries closed over nine weeks ago due to Covid-19, with only children of key workers and vulnerable children able to attend.
The decision to proceed with the phased reopening of schools from 1 June comes amid safety concerns, with education unions and council leaders asking the Government to reconsider.
Across England more than a dozen councils are advising schools not to reopen, despite the instruction from Government.
Jackie Schneider, a music teacher in Merton, south-west London, said her school had taken the decision not to return until June 18 because of insufficient space for social distancing.
She said a hierarchy of musical instruments, with percussion deemed the most coronavirus-safe and wind instruments like recorders as off-limits, could be used when children do return to her classes.
Ms Schneider, who has been a teacher for 30 years, said: “Teachers will have to be imaginative.
“There’s an awful lot you can teach through story-telling. We used to use stories much more and I think we will see some return to that.”
Additional reporting by Press Association