inews--2020-05-06--Coronavirus latest: speculation on easing lockdown has stressed the nation, research finds

Coronavirus latest : speculation on easing lockdown has stressed the nation , research finds UCL findings part of an ongoing study into the well-being and mental health of people during the Covid-19 epidemic KFC restaurants are among those that have been allowed to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic albeit just to provide takeaway food ( Photo : Ross Kinnaird/Getty ) Growing speculation over the easing of lockdown restrictions has led to an increase in stress levels among those worried about becoming seriously ill from Covid-19 , according to research .
Scientists at University College London ( UCL ) found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living with children , while levels were observed to be `` notably lower '' among people living in urban areas .
The team also found life satisfaction ratings had been slowly returning to pre-Covid-19 levels but added that discussions around easing lockdown restrictions had `` halted '' this improvement .
The findings , based on survey responses from more than 80,000 adults in England and part of an ongoing study into the well-being and mental health of people during the coronavirus epidemic , come after the Government revealed it is drawing up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to navigate the country through the crisis by gradually lifting restrictions .
Boris Johnson will give a speech on Sunday where he is expected to set out plans for easing the lockdown as ministers hinted that cafes may be able to reopen in the summer months if they can provide outdoor facilities .
Ministers have said the route out of lockdown will rely on a test , track and trace programme to quickly identify new cases of coronavirus and prevent the further spread of the infection .
Dr Daisy Fancourt , from UCL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Over the past week we have seen stress levels rise and the slight improvement in well-being we had seen since lockdown started has plateaued as discussions around an exit have begun .
Stress about unemployment remains relatively stable , with around one in 12 people worried about their future .
These levels are similar across most demographics , although higher in those under 60 and those with a mental health diagnosis . ''
She said around one in six people are worried about finances , especially the under-60s , those with lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or those with a mental health diagnosis .
Dr Fancourt said : `` Stress relating to accessing food has stayed low over the past week , with only around one in 12 people now worried about it , although this rises to around one in eight amongst people with a mental health condition and one in 10 for people with an annual household income lower than £30,000 . ''

Growing speculation over the easing of lockdown restrictions has led to an increase in stress levels among those worried about becoming seriously ill from Covid-19, according to research.
Scientists at University College London (UCL) found stress levels to be higher among those living with children, while levels were observed to be “notably lower” among people living in urban areas. The team also found life satisfaction ratings had been slowly returning to pre-Covid-19 levels but added that discussions around easing lockdown restrictions had “halted” this improvement.
The findings, based on survey responses from more than 80,000 adults in England and part of an ongoing study into the well-being and mental health of people during the coronavirus epidemic, come after the Government revealed it is drawing up a “roadmap” of how it plans to navigate the country through the crisis by gradually lifting restrictions.
Boris Johnson will give a speech on Sunday where he is expected to set out plans for easing the lockdown as ministers hinted that cafes may be able to reopen in the summer months if they can provide outdoor facilities.
Test, track and trace
Ministers have said the route out of lockdown will rely on a test, track and trace programme to quickly identify new cases of coronavirus and prevent the further spread of the infection.
Dr Daisy Fancourt, from UCL who led the study, said: “Over the past week we have seen stress levels rise and the slight improvement in well-being we had seen since lockdown started has plateaued as discussions around an exit have begun. Stress about unemployment remains relatively stable, with around one in 12 people worried about their future. These levels are similar across most demographics, although higher in those under 60 and those with a mental health diagnosis.”
She said around one in six people are worried about finances, especially the under-60s, those with lower household incomes, people living with children, or those with a mental health diagnosis.
Dr Fancourt said: “Stress relating to accessing food has stayed low over the past week, with only around one in 12 people now worried about it, although this rises to around one in eight amongst people with a mental health condition and one in 10 for people with an annual household income lower than £30,000.”


inews--2020-05-06--UFC 249: Date, time, venue, fight card and how to watch the action in the UK

UFC 249 : Date , time , venue , fight card and how to watch the action in the UK After a cancellation , a postponement and a private island , one of UFC ’ s biggest cards of the year is going ahead .
UFC 249 was on .
Then it was off again .
Then it was on again but no one quite knew where .
Then we knew where , but not when .
But now , we have an event , a venue and a card .
The initial UFC 249 venue , New York , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s governor issued an order restricting sporting events due to the Covid-19 outbreak .
UFC commissioner Dana White initially tried to relocate the event with a number of places considered .
Las Vegas was the first port of call but as the extent of the coronavirus spread grew , more venues and states started to close their doors .
White even considered using a native American reservation , since they lie outside the jurisdiction of state athletic bodies , or renting a private island on which to hold the event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three weeks , the event will be held in Jacksonville , Florida , at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena , which usually has a capacity of 15,000 but will have no fans present .
The original date of 18 April eventually became unworkable but White only called off with a week to go , promising to run the event at some point .
Now the card will take place on Saturday 6 May with the action due to kick off at 8pm local time and the main event expected around midnight .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prelims start at 1am on Sunday morning and the main event at 5am .
Early prelims will start from 11.30pm .
In the US , the card will be shown by ESPN .
In the UK , UFC ’ s rights-holders are BT who will be showing the event live on BT Sport 1 from 1am on Sunday morning to include the prelims and the main card , with coverage due to finish at 7.30am .
Fans wanting to watch the early prelims will need to sign up to the UFC Fight Pass @ @ @ @ @ @

UFC 249 was on. Then it was off again. Then it was on again but no one quite knew where. Then we knew where, but not when. But now, we have an event, a venue and a card.
The initial UFC 249 venue, New York, became untenable way back in March when the city’s governor issued an order restricting sporting events due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
UFC commissioner Dana White initially tried to relocate the event with a number of places considered. Las Vegas was the first port of call but as the extent of the coronavirus spread grew, more venues and states started to close their doors. White even considered using a native American reservation, since they lie outside the jurisdiction of state athletic bodies, or renting a private island on which to hold the event.
However, after a postponement by three weeks, the event will be held in Jacksonville, Florida, at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, which usually has a capacity of 15,000 but will have no fans present.
When is UFC 249?
The original date of 18 April eventually became unworkable but White only called off with a week to go, promising to run the event at some point.
Now the card will take place on Saturday 6 May with the action due to kick off at 8pm local time and the main event expected around midnight.
For UK fans, that will mean the prelims start at 1am on Sunday morning and the main event at 5am. Early prelims will start from 11.30pm.
TV details
In the US, the card will be shown by ESPN. In the UK, UFC’s rights-holders are BT who will be showing the event live on BT Sport 1 from 1am on Sunday morning to include the prelims and the main card, with coverage due to finish at 7.30am.
Fans wanting to watch the early prelims will need to sign up to the UFC Fight Pass package from £6.99 per month.
Fight card
Main card
Tony Ferguson vs Justin Gaethje (interim lightweight title bout)
Henry Cejudo vs Dominick Cruz (bantamweight title bout)
Francis Ngannou vs Jairzinho Rozenstruik (heavyweight bout)
Jeremy Stephens vs Calvin Kattar (featherweight bout)
Greg Hardy vs Yorgan De Castro (heavyweight bout)
Prelims
Anthony Pettis vs Donald Cerrone (welterweight bout)
Alksei Aleinik vs Fabricio Werdum (heavweight bout)
Carla Esparza vs Michelle Waterson (strawweight bout)
Uriah Hall vs Ronaldo Souza (middleweight bout)
Early prelims


inews--2020-05-06--Coronavirus: Jon Ashworth says Labour would have gone into lockdown earlier, as Government minister

Coronavirus: Jon Ashworth says Labour would have gone into lockdown earlier, as Government minister admits 'mistakes have been made'

Coronavirus : Jon Ashworth says Labour would have gone into lockdown earlier , as Government minister admits 'mistakes have been made' Home Office minister James Brokenshire said 'there is an acknowledgement that mistakes have been made' Labour 's shadow health minister Jon Ashworth has said the party would have put the UK into lockdown earlier were it in power and scaled up track and trace procedures , as a Government minister admitted `` mistakes have been made '' in the fight against coronavirus .
Mr Ashworth told Sky News on Wednesday that the Government has acted too late on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Labour would have ramped up track and trace in March .
Home Office minister James Brokenshire told the same programme that `` there is an acknowledgement that mistakes have been made '' but that an assessment of that would come later .
'We would have locked down earlier' Jon Ashworth said the Government had been late to act .
( Photo : Sky News ) When asked what Labour would have done differently , Mr Ashworth said : `` Well , we would have locked down earlier , we actually came out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown ' .
`` One of the things that 's struck me throughout this is that on 12 March we actually moved away from our testing and tracing programme .
The UK decided at that moment that it was n't appropriate .
`` The Government 's scientific advisor admitted yesterday its because we did n't have the capacity at that moment but I think we should have continued with it and done a big national effort to build up capacity . ''
He added that Matt Hancock subsequently showed it could be done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that `` we should have been pushing from 12 March '' .
He was challenged on moments earlier in the crisis , such as when Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke about shaking the hands of Covid-19 patients , only to be hospitalised with the virus weeks later .
Mr Brokenshire said : `` We will reflect very carefully at the right time on what we do need to learn , how we do need to make this better in the future .
`` But I think the point is that we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the science on the point you make about the Prime Minister shaking hands he 'd been taking a number of different steps at that point .
`` But equally , when social distancing came he changed his behaviour as we all have done around the advice that was been given . ''
`` Nobody 's trying to duck away that this has been a perfect response .
No Government has had to deal with anything like this before , clearly there will have been mistakes there will be things that we do need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate time .
`` But our focus is on the here and now , ensuring that we do keep this work , incredibly important work going , that we get through this virus , that we get the economy going again and all of those very important challenges to get our country back on its feet again . ''

Labour’s shadow health minister Jon Ashworth has said the party would have put the UK into lockdown earlier were it in power and scaled up track and trace procedures, as a Government minister admitted “mistakes have been made” in the fight against coronavirus.
Mr Ashworth told Sky News on Wednesday that the Government has acted too late on a number of measures during the Covid-19 crisis and Labour would have ramped up track and trace in March.
Home Office minister James Brokenshire told the same programme that “there is an acknowledgement that mistakes have been made” but that an assessment of that would come later.
‘We would have locked down earlier’
When asked what Labour would have done differently, Mr Ashworth said: “Well, we would have locked down earlier, we actually came out and said ‘We need to go into lockdown’.
“And we probably would have banned mass gatherings earlier, because I was questioning why mass gathering weren’t banned.
“One of the things that’s struck me throughout this is that on 12 March we actually moved away from our testing and tracing programme. The UK decided at that moment that it wasn’t appropriate.
“Other countries around the world like South Korea and Germany took a different approach they continued to test and trace.
“The Government’s scientific advisor admitted yesterday its because we didn’t have the capacity at that moment but I think we should have continued with it and done a big national effort to build up capacity.”
He added that Matt Hancock subsequently showed it could be done with his drive to increase testing but said that “we should have been pushing from 12 March”.
‘Mistakes have been made’
“There is an acknowledgement mistakes have been made.” Security Minister @JBrokenshire says the government’s response to #Coronavirus has not been perfect. MR#KayBurley #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/GMZU5p9LbQ — Kay Burley (@KayBurley) May 6, 2020
Speaking on the same programme Mr Brokenshire said that “there is an acknowledgement that mistakes have been made”.
He was challenged on moments earlier in the crisis, such as when Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke about shaking the hands of Covid-19 patients, only to be hospitalised with the virus weeks later.
Mr Brokenshire said: “We will reflect very carefully at the right time on what we do need to learn, how we do need to make this better in the future.
“But I think the point is that we have been guided always by the advice and the science on the point you make about the Prime Minister shaking hands he’d been taking a number of different steps at that point.
“But equally, when social distancing came he changed his behaviour as we all have done around the advice that was been given.”
“Nobody’s trying to duck away that this has been a perfect response. No Government has had to deal with anything like this before, clearly there will have been mistakes there will be things that we do need to reflect and learn upon at the appropriate time.
“But our focus is on the here and now, ensuring that we do keep this work, incredibly important work going, that we get through this virus, that we get the economy going again and all of those very important challenges to get our country back on its feet again.”


inews--2020-05-06--I was diagnosed with cancer during lockdown. Telling my parents on the phone was the hardest part

I was diagnosed with cancer during lockdown .
Telling my parents on the phone was the hardest part The care I have received from staff , at all levels , has been astonishing Around five weeks ago , I found a lump in my breast .
While not especially alarmed , I knew it made sense to get it checked out , so called my doctor for advice .
By this point in the lockdown period , surgeries had closed .
Instead of a face-to-face physical examination , I settled for a telephone consultation with an unknown GP , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to my local hospital for further examination .
Initially apologetic that my ailment may not have been qualified as ‘ priority ’ in the current climate , I was assured that it was “ business as usual ” for doctors and was commended for getting in touch .
As an asthmatic who had begun to self-isolate in mid-March after a bout of bronchitis , the initial prospect of visiting a hospital was particularly anxiety-inducing .
I ’ d taken care not to leave the house for weeks and was worried about putting myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ germ-filled hospital .
Upon arrival , however , I was shocked to find it almost empty .
The lump turned out to be benign , but while examining me , they discovered a second lump .
Thus began a series of biopsies , scans and blood tests that eventually resulted in a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ ( DCIS ) – an early form of breast cancer that needs treatment , but is not life-threatening .
Prior to this bombshell , I was mostly content living life in lockdown .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supportive partner , and family and loved ones have been lucky enough to remain fit and healthy .
Initial feelings of stoicism have since turned to anxiety and sadness that I can ’ t see my loved ones at this difficult time .
A Zoom call simply doesn ’ t cut the mustard right now and I crave a comforting hug from a friend .
One of the hardest things in all of this has been telling my parents .
It ’ s been incredibly difficult to keep this experience from them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share the news until I knew the extent of it .
I feared that telling them earlier than I needed to just meant more unnecessary sleepless nights for them .
My mum is also in a high-risk group – and 200 miles away – and I miss seeing her and my dad .
I was shocked to find the hospital was almost empty ( Photo : Jack Taylor/Getty ) Despite this , I feel incredibly thankful that the cancer was identified as quickly as it was – particularly as its discovery was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a consequence of usual hospital admissions falling due to Covid-19 , it seems as if my case has been fast-tracked .
To my surprise and relief , my final results arrived in less than a week and I had an MRI scan and pre-surgery tests the day after my diagnosis .
I ’ m currently awaiting a date for my surgery , in which the cancerous cells will be removed .
With any luck , this should happen in the next fortnight .
Following a series of invasive procedures , including a vacuum-assisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , resulting in a late-night visit to A & E for stitches , and more needles in my breast than any person should have to endure , my major concern now is pain .
The pain relief I ’ ve been given has largely been effective , but the anticipation of what ’ s to come next frightens me .
Another challenging issue is that my partner has been unable to accompany me to my appointments .
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic , security staff line the entrance to the hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are granted access .
While I understand the reasons for this , my partner ’ s presence would be a reassuring and familiar comfort during a stressful time .
In her absence , I have relied upon our extraordinary NHS workers .
One shouldn ’ t have to negotiate this remarkable institution first-hand to appreciate its value , but doing so has been humbling indeed .
The care I have received from staff , at all levels , has been astonishing , during what is an extremely turbulent and tense time for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
In the meantime , I wait for the next phone call telling me of my surgery date with some trepidation .
Life mostly continues as normal – I begrudgingly exercise , happily eat chocolate and guzzle wine that erases all benefits of said exercise and seek solace in films and books .
I play a lot of online Scrabble .
While I never anticipated this to be my coronavirus story , I ’ m also reminded that I ’ m just another statistic .
And , in a country coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 20,000 people , well , my experience of this strange period could have been a whole lot worse .

Around five weeks ago, I found a lump in my breast. While not especially alarmed, I knew it made sense to get it checked out, so called my doctor for advice. By this point in the lockdown period, surgeries had closed. Instead of a face-to-face physical examination, I settled for a telephone consultation with an unknown GP, who undertook a thorough assessment before referring me to my local hospital for further examination. Initially apologetic that my ailment may not have been qualified as ‘priority’ in the current climate, I was assured that it was “business as usual” for doctors and was commended for getting in touch.
As an asthmatic who had begun to self-isolate in mid-March after a bout of bronchitis, the initial prospect of visiting a hospital was particularly anxiety-inducing. I’d taken care not to leave the house for weeks and was worried about putting myself and others at risk by entering a germ-filled hospital. Upon arrival, however, I was shocked to find it almost empty.
The lump turned out to be benign, but while examining me, they discovered a second lump. Thus began a series of biopsies, scans and blood tests that eventually resulted in a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – an early form of breast cancer that needs treatment, but is not life-threatening.
Prior to this bombshell, I was mostly content living life in lockdown. I’m fortunate enough to live with a supportive partner, and family and loved ones have been lucky enough to remain fit and healthy. Initial feelings of stoicism have since turned to anxiety and sadness that I can’t see my loved ones at this difficult time. A Zoom call simply doesn’t cut the mustard right now and I crave a comforting hug from a friend.
One of the hardest things in all of this has been telling my parents. It’s been incredibly difficult to keep this experience from them, but I didn’t want to share the news until I knew the extent of it. I feared that telling them earlier than I needed to just meant more unnecessary sleepless nights for them. My mum is also in a high-risk group – and 200 miles away – and I miss seeing her and my dad.
Despite this, I feel incredibly thankful that the cancer was identified as quickly as it was – particularly as its discovery was a ‘happy’ accident. Possibly as a consequence of usual hospital admissions falling due to Covid-19, it seems as if my case has been fast-tracked. To my surprise and relief, my final results arrived in less than a week and I had an MRI scan and pre-surgery tests the day after my diagnosis.
I’m currently awaiting a date for my surgery, in which the cancerous cells will be removed. With any luck, this should happen in the next fortnight. Following a series of invasive procedures, including a vacuum-assisted biopsy that wouldn’t stop bleeding, resulting in a late-night visit to A&E for stitches, and more needles in my breast than any person should have to endure, my major concern now is pain. The pain relief I’ve been given has largely been effective, but the anticipation of what’s to come next frightens me.
Another challenging issue is that my partner has been unable to accompany me to my appointments. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, security staff line the entrance to the hospital to ensure that only those requiring treatment are granted access. While I understand the reasons for this, my partner’s presence would be a reassuring and familiar comfort during a stressful time.
While I never anticipated this to be my coronavirus story, I’m also reminded that I’m just another statistic
In her absence, I have relied upon our extraordinary NHS workers. One shouldn’t have to negotiate this remarkable institution first-hand to appreciate its value, but doing so has been humbling indeed. The care I have received from staff, at all levels, has been astonishing, during what is an extremely turbulent and tense time for a group that has been hit hard by the virus.
In the meantime, I wait for the next phone call telling me of my surgery date with some trepidation. Life mostly continues as normal – I begrudgingly exercise, happily eat chocolate and guzzle wine that erases all benefits of said exercise and seek solace in films and books. I play a lot of online Scrabble. While I never anticipated this to be my coronavirus story, I’m also reminded that I’m just another statistic. And, in a country coming to terms with the death of more than 20,000 people, well, my experience of this strange period could have been a whole lot worse.
Joanna Whitehead is a journalist


inews--2020-05-06--High street restaurant chains in best position to reopen in softer UK coronavirus lockdown but still

High street restaurant chains in best position to reopen in softer UK coronavirus lockdown but still need rent cuts to survive The likes of Tortilla and Abokado anticipate a heavy fall in footfall when the lockdown restrictions can start to lift McDonald 's , which will begin reopening branches on 13 May , said it has continued to pay rent in full and will continue to meet its obligations , but has opened discussions with property owners to see what support might be available .
`` Given the unprecedented situation and impact it has had on the business , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landlords to discuss how they might offer support on rent and service charges for a short period due to our restaurants not trading , '' said the company .
But while strategies differ - there are also thousands that have shut completely - pretty much all offer a prevailing message to the Government : we will not survive long-term without a rent holiday .
This is not a state of pessimism and negativity , but reality and necessity .
Most business owners are keen to reopen when they can , but many have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viable '' to do so while adhering to the Government 's as yet undefined social distancing measures in businesses , which will be designed to aid safety , will mean hospitality ventures will see a dramatic fall in trade .
Perhaps the group best placed to relaunch in such circumstances , beyond the fast food giants like McDonald 's and KFC , are the fast casual brands such as Tortilla , Pret , and Wasabi .
All have been wildly popular for a decade or more .
But bosses at the chains have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in footfall , even when the economy gets going .
They anticipate commuter numbers will remain low even after lockdown has lifted as an increasing number of employers allow staff to work from home - public transport will be avoided where possible .
Abokado sells sushi , noodle soups and salads in its 19 sites ( Photo : Abokado ) '' We 're demonstrating how creative we can be and trying to work out how to operate , '' he said to i .
`` We 're looking at how we can work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All our sites are in city centres and nearly all our trade is commuter-based .
On one hand we 're well placed to operate in a social distancing world , as we 're takeaway and our food is pre-packed .
Brandon Stephens , from Tortilla , is about to open 12 of around 40 sites on 12 May .
He said the brand will focus on takeaway , but has the same worries as Mr Lilley .
Even though Tortilla is a business centred on fast , casual trading , he said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the `` new normal '' will look like - and how strong sales will be .
Mr Stephens told i : `` We 've constructed numerous financial models to try to understand what sales levels will be like .
We need to know how our businesses need to change , how they should be tailored to meet expectations .
`` But we have to try .
Movement will be limited and there 'll be fewer commuters , but there are ways to work - people might stagger lunches , and they might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wo n't be as much choice .
Maybe people will pick up a burrito for dinner , not just lunch . ''

The fact even the fast food behemoth McDonald’s is seeking rent reductions from landlords indicates just how challenging the restaurant industry has become in the fact of the coronavirus pandemic.
McDonald’s, which will begin reopening branches on 13 May, said it has continued to pay rent in full and will continue to meet its obligations, but has opened discussions with property owners to see what support might be available.
“Given the unprecedented situation and impact it has had on the business, we have opened dialogue with some of our landlords to discuss how they might offer support on rent and service charges for a short period due to our restaurants not trading,” said the company.
Across the hospitality sector, businesses are struggling. Independent restaurants, small- to medium-sized groups, and larger chains have adapted to the Covid-19 economy, launching delivery services, turning into grocery stores, and selling food-at-home boxes.
Fears businesses will not survive
But while strategies differ – there are also thousands that have shut completely – pretty much all offer a prevailing message to the Government: we will not survive long-term without a rent holiday. This is not a state of pessimism and negativity, but reality and necessity.
A nine-month moratorium has been backed from the likes of industry voices Kate Nicholls, the CEO of UK Hospitality, and Hospitality Union founder Jonathan Downey.
Most business owners are keen to reopen when they can, but many have said it would not be “economically viable” to do so while adhering to the Government’s as yet undefined social distancing measures in businesses, which will be designed to aid safety, will mean hospitality ventures will see a dramatic fall in trade.
Perhaps the group best placed to relaunch in such circumstances, beyond the fast food giants like McDonald’s and KFC, are the fast casual brands such as Tortilla, Pret, and Wasabi. All have been wildly popular for a decade or more.
But bosses at the chains have said that they anticipate a hefty fall in footfall, even when the economy gets going. They anticipate commuter numbers will remain low even after lockdown has lifted as an increasing number of employers allow staff to work from home – public transport will be avoided where possible.
Falling trade
Mark Lilley, who founded the Pacific-inspired London chain Abokado with wife Lindsay in 2004, said his business is almost entirely reliant on transitory trade.
“We’re demonstrating how creative we can be and trying to work out how to operate,” he said to i. “We’re looking at how we can work with reduced numbers, safely.
“We’re concerned because the next phase is unclear. There’s no clear plan. How can public transport operate effectively and safely? We need clarity.
“All our sites are in city centres and nearly all our trade is commuter-based. On one hand we’re well placed to operate in a social distancing world, as we’re takeaway and our food is pre-packed.
“But even a 20 per cent fall in numbers leaves us in real trouble – margins are too tight. Rents are extortionate and only one of our 19 landlords has agreed a rent holiday.”
Clarity needed
Brandon Stephens, from Tortilla, is about to open 12 of around 40 sites on 12 May. He said the brand will focus on takeaway, but has the same worries as Mr Lilley.
Even though Tortilla is a business centred on fast, casual trading, he said the Government has now provided enough information on what the “new normal” will look like – and how strong sales will be.
Mr Stephens told i: “We’ve constructed numerous financial models to try to understand what sales levels will be like. We need to know how our businesses need to change, how they should be tailored to meet expectations.
“We anticipate fewer customers, less demand due to an unwillingness, possibly, to spend money, and problems with supply chains.
“But we have to try. Movement will be limited and there’ll be fewer commuters, but there are ways to work – people might stagger lunches, and they might come to us more frequently because there won’t be as much choice. Maybe people will pick up a burrito for dinner, not just lunch.”
Despite hopes, mostly there are reservations. Mr Stephens conceded that a lot of restaurant owners will be unable to even open the doors post-lockdown without financial assurances, and supports a rent freeze as others do.
Hospitality consultant and restaurant owner James Hacon said simply the fact McDonald’s is seeing to renegotiate rents highlights just how “grave” the situation is.
McDonald’s paints a picture
“For McDonald’s to be seeking to renegotiate rents is a very clear guide to the grave situation the hospitality sector finds itself in,” he explained.
“As a business they are much more shielded than most others in our sector through diverse income streams including collection, click and collect, drive thru, delivery and even a strong coffee business – all operating throughout the day and night.
“Most leaders I know in the sector are holding out for much need Government intervention around rents and extended support with schemes like the job retention schemes, without this its clear there will be a lot of casualties in the short term.”
Mr Hacon said landlords must make sacrifices.
“It’s becoming clear that there will be a new normal, with fewer commuters, tourists, and probably less socialising due to health concerns,” he added.
“This is going to need a rebalancing of the commercial real estate market and operators to adapt and drive revenue through many different means, rather than the traditional sit in model alone.
“What this means for the real estate sector is unclear to me, hospitality had been the golden goose for the past few years as bricks and mortar retail increasingly moved online.”


inews--2020-05-06--Welsh Assembly name change to Senedd Cymru shows strengthening of national identity

Welsh Assembly name change to Senedd Cymru shows strengthening of national identity First Minister Mark Drakeford says change 'sends a message to people ' that the Senedd is a 'full blown primary law-making institution' The people of Wales woke on Wednesday morning to find they are now represented by the Synedd Cymru rather than the Welsh Assembly after it officially changed its name .
The new name , meaning Welsh Parliament , is the latest sign of the growing confidence within Wales of its ability to make its own decisions away from Westminster after 21 years of devolved power .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Welsh identity and the increasing use of the Welsh language .
Formerly known as the National Assembly of Wales , the Senedd - as it is expected to be commonly referred to - came into being after a bill was passed before the Covid-19 pandemic struck .
The changes will see the parliament ’ s 60 members referred to as Members of the Senedd ( MSs ) rather than Assembly Members ( AMs ) .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the new name would send out a message that it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
The bill also lowers the voting age to 16 for Senedd elections , extends the right to vote to eligible foreign nationals , and changes the law so that most disqualifications prohibit a person from taking up a seat in the Senedd though they can still stand for election .
Mr Drakeford said : “ The name is catching up with the reality of the institution , because the assembly has been a parliament – it has been a Senedd – in my view for the last decade since it acquired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it ’ s important to send a message out to people in Wales that an institution which began with very modest powers has over 20 years developed into a full blown primary lawmaking institution with far deeper powers and wider powers as well.
” The First Minister said the immediate priorities for the Senedd would be continuing to shape the laws governing the coronavirus lockdown and overseeing the work of the Welsh Government , while soon it will scrutinise the Autumn budget .
The Covid-19 outbreak means work to replace signage has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event to mark the change will not be held until the lockdown has eased and it is safe for politicians to return .
But the Senedd ’ s presiding officer Elin Jones will acknowledge the new name with a short statement during the first Plenary meeting as Senedd Cymru on Wednesday afternoon .
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said the name change for the institution came at a time “ when its role and close working relationship with the UK Government are more important than ever ” .

The people of Wales woke on Wednesday morning to find they are now represented by the Senedd Cymru rather than the Welsh Assembly after it officially changed its name.
The new name, meaning Welsh Parliament, is the latest sign of the growing confidence within Wales of its ability to make its own decisions away from Westminster after 21 years of devolved power.
But more crucially it shows the strengthening of the Welsh identity and the increasing use of the Welsh language.
Senedd members
Formerly known as the National Assembly of Wales, the Senedd – as it is expected to be commonly referred to – came into being after a bill was passed before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
The changes will see the parliament’s 60 members referred to as Members of the Senedd (MSs) rather than Assembly Members (AMs).
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the new name would send out a message that it was a “full blown primary law-making institution”.
The bill also lowers the voting age to 16 for Senedd elections, extends the right to vote to eligible foreign nationals, and changes the law so that most disqualifications prohibit a person from taking up a seat in the Senedd though they can still stand for election.
Mr Drakeford said: “The name is catching up with the reality of the institution, because the assembly has been a parliament – it has been a Senedd – in my view for the last decade since it acquired primary law making powers.
“I think it’s important to send a message out to people in Wales that an institution which began with very modest powers has over 20 years developed into a full blown primary lawmaking institution with far deeper powers and wider powers as well.”
The First Minister said the immediate priorities for the Senedd would be continuing to shape the laws governing the coronavirus lockdown and overseeing the work of the Welsh Government, while soon it will scrutinise the Autumn budget.
The Covid-19 outbreak means work to replace signage has had to be suspended, while an event to mark the change will not be held until the lockdown has eased and it is safe for politicians to return.
Important relationship
But the Senedd’s presiding officer Elin Jones will acknowledge the new name with a short statement during the first Plenary meeting as Senedd Cymru on Wednesday afternoon.
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said the name change for the institution came at a time “when its role and close working relationship with the UK Government are more important than ever”.
An attempt to change the name to the Welsh-only version failed last year despite support from famous Welsh faces, including actor Michael Sheen, singer Cerys Matthews and rugby referee Nigel Owens.


inews--2020-05-06--Tinder reveals plans to add video chat feature amid 'all-time-high usage'

The swipe-based dating app has seen the biggest usage increase in women under 30 '' Social distancing has required adaptations and pivots and has impacted our business because the manner in which singles engage with our products and start relationships has quickly evolved , '' Match Group , Tinder 's owners , announced .
Tinder popularised the swipe-left-for-no , swipe-right-for-yes formula which other dating apps , including Bumble and OKCupid , have also adopted , and claims to have facilitated more than 30bn matches since its launch in 2012 , matching more than 26m potential suitors each day .
Teleconferencing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popularity as the world has adjusted to working and socialising remotely as a result of the outbreak , with Zoom 's daily active users rising from 10m a day in December last year to 300m in April .
Similarly , social app Houseparty , which allows users to video chat and play simple trivia and drawing games , saw its downloads rise 2,902 per cent in March compared to the previous month , and Facebook has rushed to update WhatsApp and Messengers ' video calling capabilities in recent weeks .
Video calling has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touch during the virus outbreak ( Photo : Getty ) Match Group did not elaborate on the measures it would take to avoid 'cyber flashing ' or abuse within the new video function , but could be planning to use artificial intelligence ( AI ) to detect bad behaviour .
Similarly , video-chatting within Tinder 's app could become popular as a means of avoiding giving out a phone number , email address or arranging a video call through another app like Zoom .
Dating app use is up amid lockdown Match Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Fish , Hinge and OkCupid .
said it has seen a `` notable increase in activity among users , especially those under the age of 30 '' across all of its dating brands as people seek to make connections while spending more time indoors .
Users are matching more frequently , sending more messages and engaging in longer conversations , it said , with the number of daily active users on Tinder and the amount of swipes made each days reaching `` all-time highs in the depths of the crisis . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ use among female users under 30 , with the number of daily active swipes made by them increasing by 37 per cent throughout April compared to the final week of February .

Tinder is planning on adding a video-chat feature to its app after the social distancing measures introduced to combat the coronavirus outbreak left singles unable to meet up in person.
The dating app, which has an estimated 57m users worldwide, outlined its intentions to launch its own one-to-one video function late in the summer in a letter to shareholders.
“Social distancing has required adaptations and pivots and has impacted our business because the manner in which singles engage with our products and start relationships has quickly evolved,” Match Group, Tinder’s owners, announced.
“We know that singles are adjusting their behaviours, and many are shifting to having dates virtually via phone or video.”
Tinder popularised the swipe-left-for-no, swipe-right-for-yes formula which other dating apps, including Bumble and OKCupid, have also adopted, and claims to have facilitated more than 30bn matches since its launch in 2012, matching more than 26m potential suitors each day.
Read More My New Normal: All my post-lockdown first dates will now be video based
Teleconferencing and video chatting apps have boomed in popularity as the world has adjusted to working and socialising remotely as a result of the outbreak, with Zoom’s daily active users rising from 10m a day in December last year to 300m in April.
Similarly, social app Houseparty, which allows users to video chat and play simple trivia and drawing games, saw its downloads rise 2,902 per cent in March compared to the previous month, and Facebook has rushed to update WhatsApp and Messengers’ video calling capabilities in recent weeks.
Match Group did not elaborate on the measures it would take to avoid ‘cyber flashing’ or abuse within the new video function, but could be planning to use artificial intelligence (AI) to detect bad behaviour. Similarly, video-chatting within Tinder’s app could become popular as a means of avoiding giving out a phone number, email address or arranging a video call through another app like Zoom.
Dating app use is up amid lockdown
Match Group, which also owns , Plenty of Fish, Hinge and OkCupid. said it has seen a “notable increase in activity among users, especially those under the age of 30” across all of its dating brands as people seek to make connections while spending more time indoors.
Users are matching more frequently, sending more messages and engaging in longer conversations, it said, with the number of daily active users on Tinder and the amount of swipes made each days reaching “all-time highs in the depths of the crisis.”
The app saw a significant rise in use among female users under 30, with the number of daily active swipes made by them increasing by 37 per cent throughout April compared to the final week of February.
Female users are a “key driver” in a dating app’s success, Match Group acknowledged, adding it was always trying to improve women’s usage and engagement.


inews--2020-05-06--VE Day bunting ideas: how to make your own Union Jack decorations, and where to buy them for the May

VE Day bunting ideas: how to make your own Union Jack decorations, and where to buy them for the May bank holiday

VE Day bunting ideas : how to make your own Union Jack decorations , and where to buy them for the May bank holiday Nationwide plans had been drawn up to mark the anniversary of Victory in Europe day at the end of World War Two Nationwide plans had been drawn up to mark the anniversary of Victory in Europe day at the end of World War Two – but they have had to be scrapped because of the coronavirus lockdown .
Now people across the country are being urged to host a ‘ stay at home street party ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socially distanced activities .
The idea is for neighbours in streets across Britain will come out to drape their homes in flags and bunting – and then enjoy the festivities while observing Government guidelines on social distancing , staying at least two metres apart from others , and not gathering in groups .
How can I make my own bunting ?
Director of BBC England Helen Thomas said : “ Although people can ’ t celebrate in the way they had perhaps hoped to , we can still brighten up the streets with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VE Day heroes.
” So just how can you make your own bunting to inject a little bit of colour into proceedings ?
To get started , you ’ ll need some materials on hand , but these can be anything from paper , cereal boxes , string , ribbon , sweet wrappers , felt pens , poster paint or whatever you can find .
“ You can decorate your bunting with pictures of whatever inspires you , ” say the BBC , “ whether it ’ s those who fought on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or whether it ’ s a celebration of enduring peace or your own personal hero.
” Lance Bombardier Parkinson , who lost both legs and suffered brain damage when the armoured Land Rover he was travelling in hit a mine in Helmand Province in 2006 , is backing the campaign .
In a video posted online by the BBC , he said : “ I want you to join me and make great British bunting.
” Where can I get Union Jack flags ?
If you ’ d rather get your decorations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the usual retailers will reward you with both Union Jack bunting and flags in abundance .
What else is happening to commemorate VE Day ?

This weekend sees a slightly reworked early May bank holiday, as the traditional break is moved to Friday 8 May in honour of the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
Nationwide plans had been drawn up to mark the anniversary of Victory in Europe day at the end of World War Two – but they have had to be scrapped because of the coronavirus lockdown.
Now people across the country are being urged to host a ‘stay at home street party’ – and to celebrate the date with socially distanced activities.
Organisers want people to decorate their home in red, white and blue – and enjoy a picnic in their front garden.
The idea is for neighbours in streets across Britain will come out to drape their homes in flags and bunting – and then enjoy the festivities while observing Government guidelines on social distancing, staying at least two metres apart from others, and not gathering in groups.
How can I make my own bunting?
One of the initiatives put forward in aid of VE Day is the BBC’s Make A Difference campaign.
Everyone is asked to show off their bunting displays on social media using the hashtags #GreatBritishBunting and #VEDay75.
Director of BBC England Helen Thomas said: “Although people can’t celebrate in the way they had perhaps hoped to, we can still brighten up the streets with this special initiative in tribute to our VE Day heroes.”
So just how can you make your own bunting to inject a little bit of colour into proceedings?
The simplest method in this instance is track down the bunting template pack can be downloaded online at www.bbc.co.uk/makeadifference.
To get started, you’ll need some materials on hand, but these can be anything from paper, cereal boxes, string, ribbon, sweet wrappers, felt pens, poster paint or whatever you can find.
“You can decorate your bunting with pictures of whatever inspires you,” say the BBC, “whether it’s those who fought on the frontline or worked hard on the Homefront, or whether it’s a celebration of enduring peace or your own personal hero.”
Lance Bombardier Parkinson, who lost both legs and suffered brain damage when the armoured Land Rover he was travelling in hit a mine in Helmand Province in 2006, is backing the campaign.
In a video posted online by the BBC, he said: “I want you to join me and make great British bunting.”
Showing bunting he has created, he says: “If I can do this, anyone can.”
Where can I get Union Jack flags?
If you’d rather get your decorations in pre-made, a quick search of the usual retailers will reward you with both Union Jack bunting and flags in abundance.
Or should that be, in ‘abuntance’?
For instance, Amazon is currently selling this 32ft red, white and blue bunting for £6.99.
This full-size, 5ft flag is available for £3.95, and you can even get a flag-based table cover.
What else is happening to commemorate VE Day?
Despite the current restrictions, VE Day looks set to be a packed day of events and activities to honour the historical anniversary.
At 11am, a two-minute national silence will be held to remember the declaration of victory and the end of the Second World War in Europe.
Between 2.45 and 3.45pm, the first of two special BBC One programmes to mark VE75 will be broadcast, an including extract from Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech.
Throughout the afternoon, Britons are encouraged to hold 1940s-style afternoon tea parties at home rather than street parties, including their homemade bunting and recipes from the era.
The Queen will then address the nation at 9pm, followed by national doorstep rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’.


inews--2020-05-06--NHS Volunteer Responders: Charity behind scheme denies there are too many volunteers after disappoin

NHS Volunteer Responders: Charity behind scheme denies there are too many volunteers after disappointment over lack of tasks available

NHS Volunteer Responders : Charity behind scheme denies there are too many volunteers after disappointment over lack of tasks available 'We ’ re in a crisis , you can ’ t truly know what is needed or wanted , or what will be needed or wanted in the coming weeks or months' Despite speculation that the initiative overestimated the demand for support in the pandemic , or that it has fizzled out entirely , the charity behind the scheme has told i that a high volume of volunteers is important for ensuring timely help can be delivered to vulnerable people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme uses the GoodSAM Responder app to match volunteers with vulnerable people .
Individuals can offer their help in one of four ways : delivering medicine or shopping , driving patients home from hospital , transporting medical supplies and equipment for the NHS or speaking over the phone to people at risk of loneliness because of the self-isolation measures .
`` I have logged 404 volunteering hours but have not been sent any work yet , '' said Mr Simms .
`` It feels like the scheme got too many volunteers for what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict with local mutual aid schemes and responses from local authorities .
`` I saw it on the news and felt that as a priest in a parish I should do whatever I could to help and this would enable me to help those who may not be across traditional church channels of help , '' Matthew Cashmore told i .
`` My first task came on the first day I signed up , '' said the 39-year-old , who is assistant curate at St. Mary ’ s Church in Kenton , north @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a task most days since then , one way or another .
Mainly I have to say my tasks have been picking up prescriptions .
I ’ ve got to know the pharmacist very well . ''
Many of those who are eligible for help through the scheme have been asked to shield themselves and not leave their home for at least 12 weeks because they are considered by the NHS to be `` clinically extremely vulnerable '' to the virus .
According to the Royal Voluntary Service , the charity running the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been completed so far .
But with 600,000 volunteers ready to help - 150,000 of the 750,000 were filtered out during the vetting process - questions have been raised about whether too many volunteers were taken on board before recruitment was paused .
`` When you look at [ the ] numbers of people that are going to have to find solutions from ... neighbours and relatives for support , with prescription pick-ups and shopping and all of those things , it seems like a reasonable measure that you would need that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
'We would never have a PR stunt' Asked what she would say to volunteers who are disappointed over the lack of opportunities , Ms Kennelly responded : “ It ’ s a marathon not a sprint , and we very much hope in the coming weeks and months every volunteer [ who has ] stepped forward , [ who ] still wants to give their volunteer time to support those that are vulnerable and the NHS , will be provided with an opportunity to do that .
But we just do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis , you can ’ t ... truly know what is needed or wanted , or what will be needed or wanted in the coming weeks or months . ''
'We just do n't know '

Up and down the country, people are helping one another to cope with the lockdown, especially by offering support to those who are most at risk from Covid-19.
Three-quarters of a million people signed up to be part of a non-medical volunteer army to help the nation’s most vulnerable – vastly exceeding the initial target of 250,000 people. The huge response meant the group of vulnerable people in England who are eligible for help was extended to 2.5 million.
But some wannabe NHS Volunteer Responders have expressed frustration at the lack of opportunities available to offer support, even a month after the scheme launched.
Despite speculation that the initiative overestimated the demand for support in the pandemic, or that it has fizzled out entirely, the charity behind the scheme has told i that a high volume of volunteers is important for ensuring timely help can be delivered to vulnerable people across the whole of England.
‘I am disappointed’
The scheme uses the GoodSAM Responder app to match volunteers with vulnerable people. Individuals can offer their help in one of four ways: delivering medicine or shopping, driving patients home from hospital, transporting medical supplies and equipment for the NHS or speaking over the phone to people at risk of loneliness because of the self-isolation measures.
Becoming a “Check-in and Chat” volunteer is what Dan Simms, from Reading, wanted to do. The 38-year-old lost his job as a principal social worker in March and thought volunteering in this role would be a good use of his skills.
“I immediately downloaded the app and signed up online. This was the easy part,” Mr Simms told i.
Once someone has registered for the scheme and the appropriate checks are carried out, they switch their app status to “on duty”, which allows them to see live volunteering tasks nearby.
“I have logged 404 volunteering hours but have not been sent any work yet,” said Mr Simms. “It feels like the scheme got too many volunteers for what it actually needs. It may also conflict with local mutual aid schemes and responses from local authorities.
“I am disappointed as I would have liked to have do some volunteering and it would have made use of the skills I have trained for.”
‘I’ve had a task most days’
Helen Gilburt, of The King’s Fund health think thank, suggested there could be challenges in matching up volunteer capacity and local need.
“In some areas these volunteers are likely to make a substantial contribution, while in areas with a strong history of supporting volunteers, new volunteers may be in excess to those required.”
The high interest in the scheme was down to people wanting to make a “personal contribution to ‘save our NHS’ at a time of national crisis” as well as the fact that it was relatively easy to sign up, she added.
Other volunteers have had a far more positive experience with the scheme.
“I saw it on the news and felt that as a priest in a parish I should do whatever I could to help and this would enable me to help those who may not be across traditional church channels of help,” Matthew Cashmore told i.
“My first task came on the first day I signed up,” said the 39-year-old, who is assistant curate at St. Mary’s Church in Kenton, north London. “I’ve had a task most days since then, one way or another. Mainly I have to say my tasks have been picking up prescriptions. I’ve got to know the pharmacist very well.”
100,000 tasks completed
Many of those who are eligible for help through the scheme have been asked to shield themselves and not leave their home for at least 12 weeks because they are considered by the NHS to be “clinically extremely vulnerable” to the virus.
According to the Royal Voluntary Service, the charity running the NHS Volunteer Responder scheme, 100,000 tasks have been completed so far. But with 600,000 volunteers ready to help – 150,000 of the 750,000 were filtered out during the vetting process – questions have been raised about whether too many volunteers were taken on board before recruitment was paused.
Rebecca Kennelly, the Royal Voluntary Service’s director of volunteering, told i she did not believe this to be the case, suggesting it was not possible to predict demand for help in a crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic.
“When you look at [the] numbers of people that are going to have to find solutions from… neighbours and relatives for support, with prescription pick-ups and shopping and all of those things, it seems like a reasonable measure that you would need that volume of volunteers,” she said.
Having so many volunteers was a “powerful thing” because it meant there was support for vulnerable people regardless of where they lived in England.
Ms Kennelly said vulnerable people could be matched with a volunteer and have their needs met all within a day in most cases. “That’s truly phenomenal and that’s only been achieved because we have the mass number of people step forward.”
‘We would never have a PR stunt’
She rejected any claims that the scheme was a publicity stunt, saying that the Royal Voluntary Service was a charity with the primary purpose to enable “people to give the gift of voluntary service”.
“We would never have a PR stunt to just pull people to volunteering without a real sense that actually we needed those people.
“We pulled those people into volunteering because it’s a crisis and we really didn’t know what the demand was.”
Asked what she would say to volunteers who are disappointed over the lack of opportunities, Ms Kennelly responded: “It’s a marathon not a sprint, and we very much hope in the coming weeks and months every volunteer [who has] stepped forward, [who] still wants to give their volunteer time to support those that are vulnerable and the NHS, will be provided with an opportunity to do that. But we just don’t know. We’re in a crisis, you can’t… truly know what is needed or wanted, or what will be needed or wanted in the coming weeks or months.”
An “oversupply” of volunteers that ensured all support needs were met was better than an under-supply, which could lead to a lack of confidence in the scheme, she added.
“All of those volunteers that are feeling really downhearted that they haven’t been given the opportunity to volunteer, the fact that they’re in the scheme… enables referrers to have the confidence to refer people in.”
The charity has expanded the group of referrers – health and local government professionals who can refer vulnerable people to the scheme – and opened self-referrals so that vulnerable people and their families can ask directly for help.
‘We just don’t know’
With changes expected to the Government’s Covid-19 response, Ms Kennelly said it was important to have enough volunteers ready to help.
“We know potentially individuals are going to be ask to shield for a lot longer… Every time there is a change, that means we need to maintain volunteer capacity in the system [so that those] being asked to shield [can] maintain their shielded status.
“So the honest answer is we just don’t know what the need for volunteers will be over the coming weeks and months. We’ve built a system that has the capacity… to infinitely flex as changes in social policy and Government policy come into force.”
Ms Kennelly said she was “hugely humbled by the swell of people’s passion to step forward and support in this crisis”.
“This is what our great country does in times of need.”
Vulnerable people can ring this number to self-refer for help from a NHS Volunteer Responder: 0808 196 3646


inews--2020-05-06--When can I go to the hairdressers? The latest on UK lockdown closures and if salons could be among f

When can I go to the hairdressers? The latest on UK lockdown closures and if salons could be among first businesses to open

When can I go to the hairdressers ?
The latest on UK lockdown closures and if salons could be among first businesses to open Latest on lockdown closures in the UK and if hairdressers could be among first businesses to reopen .
As hairdressers and barber shops remain temporarily closed , many across the UK have been getting creative with cutting their own hair at home - with some interesting results ( Photo : Shutterstock ) As hairdressers and barber shops remain temporarily closed , many across the UK have been getting creative with cutting their own hair at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Metro recently reported that senior ministers are pushing a so-called ‘ traffic light ’ system to lift the lockdown .
Under this plan , small shops could be allowed to reopen first , alongside hairdressers and nurseries .
Schools would also begin to reopen .
This would start with primary , GCSE and A Level students able to go back part-time .
However , the public would still be urged to avoid non-essential travel .
Next in the phase could then be restaurants , with all pupils able to go back to school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Companies with fewer than 50 staff would be able to reopen and people could be allowed to take public transport while wearing face masks .
The government is also currently planning ahead for the “ road map ” out of lockdown , which Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to reveal on Sunday 10 May .
Could salons be shut for a long time ?
It depends what phase of the re-opening they are included in .
According to reports , hair and beauty salons could remain shut for six months or potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is not a safe way for them to reopen .
However , other countries that have begun to ease their lockdowns , such as Denmark , have permitted hairdressers to open in the first phase .
They can , however , draw on a second Treasury wage scheme which is for the self-employed .
Self-employed workers do n't need to apply to it , as HMRC will contact those who are eligible for the payout by mid-May .
Citizens Advice explains that “ if your income has dropped because of coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the government .
“ You could get 80 per cent of your average profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month .
This is called the Self-employment Income Support Scheme .
How can I support my local hairdresser ?
A good way to support your local hair salon is to buy a gift voucher now that you can use there when they reopen .
Hairdressers will also be very busy when they do reopen , so if your salon does have a waiting list , then it ’ s worth putting @ @ @ @ @

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


inews--2020-05-06--ITV furloughs 800 staff as ad revenues collapse amid coronavirus pandemic

As a result of the financial hit the company said it will not pay out a dividend to shareholders Advertising revenues at ITV fell by more than two fifths last month , with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic forcing the broadcaster to furlough 800 staff .
ITV has said demand for advertising slumped 42 per cent in April as the amount spent on marketing ground to a halt amid the Covid-19 crisis .
Since mid-March the company said ITV Studios has had to pause the majority of its productions globally due to the restrictions on working practices , forcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production budget .
The company said in a statement : “ We have furloughed around 800 colleagues , broadly 15 per cent of our UK workforce , the majority of whom work in ITV Studios .
Internationally we are taking part in other schemes where appropriate.
” As a result of the financial hit the company said it will not pay out a dividend to shareholders .
Carolyn McCall , ITV ’ s chief executive , said : `` We have taken swift and decisive action to manage and mitigate the impact of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their safety , and by continuing to reduce costs and tightly manage our cashflow and liquidity .
“ We are also ensuring that we continue to inform and entertain our viewers and stay close to our advertisers.
” Despite the slump in advertising revenues last month , the company said total viewing was up 2 per cent in the first three months of the year , with online traffic up 75 per cent .
It did not provide figures for April .
Although the outbreak has meant studio production has largely been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have resumed filming .
The company said : “ Thanks to the innovation of our production teams we have resumed production of Loose Women and have broadcast the first of the acclaimed new Isolation Stories dramas on ITV .
Across our international markets we have announced the resumption of filming of The Chase and The Voice in Australia and The Chase in Germany.
” Results for the first quarter to the end of March showed total external revenues fell 7 per cent at £694m , while turnover in its production arm ITV Studios @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Richard Hunter , head of markets at interactive investor , said : “ ITV will be hoping that however deep a recession may be , it is equally brief which could enable revenues to recover quickly .
”

Advertising revenues at ITV fell by more than two fifths last month, with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic forcing the broadcaster to furlough 800 staff.
ITV has said demand for advertising slumped 42 per cent in April as the amount spent on marketing ground to a halt amid the Covid-19 crisis. Since mid-March the company said ITV Studios has had to pause the majority of its productions globally due to the restrictions on working practices, forcing the firm to cut £100m from its production budget.
The company said in a statement: “We have furloughed around 800 colleagues, broadly 15 per cent of our UK workforce, the majority of whom work in ITV Studios. Internationally we are taking part in other schemes where appropriate.”
No dividend
As a result of the financial hit the company said it will not pay out a dividend to shareholders.
Carolyn McCall, ITV’s chief executive, said: “We have taken swift and decisive action to manage and mitigate the impact of Covid-19, by focusing on our people and their safety, and by continuing to reduce costs and tightly manage our cashflow and liquidity.
“We are also ensuring that we continue to inform and entertain our viewers and stay close to our advertisers.”
Despite the slump in advertising revenues last month, the company said total viewing was up 2 per cent in the first three months of the year, with online traffic up 75 per cent. It did not provide figures for April.
Some filming resumes
Although the outbreak has meant studio production has largely been mothballed, a small number of shows have resumed filming. The company said: “Thanks to the innovation of our production teams we have resumed production of Loose Women and have broadcast the first of the acclaimed new Isolation Stories dramas on ITV. Across our international markets we have announced the resumption of filming of The Chase and The Voice in Australia and The Chase in Germany.”
Results for the first quarter to the end of March showed total external revenues fell 7 per cent at £694m, while turnover in its production arm ITV Studios was down 11 per cent at £342m.
Richard Hunter, head of markets at interactive investor, said: “ITV will be hoping that however deep a recession may be, it is equally brief which could enable revenues to recover quickly.”


inews--2020-05-06--Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro review: The luxury accessory for laptop-deniers

Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro review : The luxury accessory for laptop-deniers Apple ’ s latest keyboard goes a long way to making the iPad Pro feel like a laptop - but not entirely What does it look like ?
The Magic Keyboard is a slim , black plastic-covered folio - one half of which sports a keyboard and trackpad , while the other contains powerful magnets and can be bent to create a cantilevered backing plate .
Attaching the iPad Pro to this half allows you to adjust it between 90 and 130 degrees , tilting it like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above the keyboard .
The folio is deisgned for the most recent fourth-gen iPad Pro , but also fits previous models ( Photo : Rhiannon Williams/i ) A major advantage of this magnet attachment is an absence of fiddly plastic hinges to fix the iPad in place , the kind that are prone to break if you accidentally bash it .
There ’ s also no chance of knocking the device off - it ’ s held in place so securely that it actually takes a concerted effort to tear it off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been carefully weighted to counter-act the heft of suspending the iPad in mid-air , meaning it ’ s relatively heavy to lift in one hand .
You ’ ll be grateful of the stability it provides when it comes to typing though - trying to type on a shifting surface is a major downside of thinner , lighter portfolios .
The accessory ’ s hinge contains a USB-C port for charging , leaving the iPad ’ s port free for anything else you wish to plug into it , which is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been designed specifically for the most recent fourth generation iPad Pro , as evidenced by the cut-out in the magnetic side for the new LiDAR scanner and camera system , it ’ s also compatible with the first gen 11-inch iPad Pro and third gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro .
The smaller model will set you back £299 , while the 12.9-inch version costs £349 , a phenomenal amount for what is , essentially , an accessory .
What ’ s it like to type on the Magic Keyboard ?
The overall experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a modern laptop than a full-sized desktop keyboard , but it ’ s a clear improvement on shallow butterfly keys and it ’ s easier to type at speed than on the fabric-covered Smart Keyboards Apple has released several iterations of .
This is probably down to the Magic Keyboard ’ s keys being deeper , with a full 1mm of travel , according to Apple .
The new depth also gives the keys a greater degree of separation , meaning you ’ re more likely to hit the key you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighbour .
Overall , it ’ s a brilliant keyboard that ’ s only notable flaw is that it ’ s lacking the top row of function keys .
There ’ s probably a good reason for this ( too complicated for the keys to directly adjust volume or screen brightness , for example ) , but it ’ s an obstacle between the much-desired computer functionality .
While it ’ s not difficult to adjust the screen brightness or volume by swiping down from the upper right-hand corner or hitting the designated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the keyboard would make it feel more laptop-like .
I wrote this entire review using it and only really felt the need to reach for a nearby laptop when copying and pasting links ( more of which below ) .
How about the trackpad ?
The magnetic back allows you to recline the iPad between 90 and 130 degrees ( Photo : Rhiannon Williams/i ) Like its Mac brethren , the trackpad supports gesture control - using two fingers to scroll , clicking down with two fingers for the equivalent of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swiping left or right to flip between webpages or four to switch between open apps and flicking four fingers upwards to return to the home screen .
All of these controls are executed smoothly , making the only major difference between it and a MacBook touchpad the Magic Keyboard ’ s lack of Force Touch .
The magnets hold the iPad extremely securely , so there 's no danger of knocking it ( Photo : Rhiannon Williams/i ) However , I noticed the touchpad is more temperamental in Google Chrome and Gmail .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ link works perfectly in Safari , it doesn ’ t work at all in Chrome , bringing up the option to Copy/Look Up/Share instead of the menu of options to open the link in a new window etc .
This is an irritation that may iron itself out in the future , but it ’ s yet another example of how much more difficult it is to use Google ’ s apps on an iPad ( another being how iPadOS won ’ t let you run two Chrome apps in Split View ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I use most consistently , this is another barrier between using the iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard combo over a laptop , but expecting Apple and Google to rub alongside each other without friction was always going to be a big ask .
Read more about iPadOS 's new improvements for a cursor interface in my review of the iPad Pro 2020 here .
So , should you buy the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro ?
The Magic Keyboard is as good as it gets in terms of iPad Pro folios ( Photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go , the Magic Keyboard is as good as it gets : firm tablet hold , excellent stability , key depth/typing experience and clever cantilever-screen adjustment .
It is , however , wildly expensive .
For £300/£350 you could buy an actual laptop , meaning you ’ d have to be pretty serious about using your iPad Pro as a laptop replacement before considering shelling out for a Magic Keyboard .
If you can handle the price , the lack of function keys and the software shortcomings in the non-Apple apps , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there .
If you ’ re unsure , wait for future versions .

Given Apple’s long-established campaign to position the iPad Pro as a genuine rival to (Windows-running) laptops, it should come as no surprise the company has finally created a keyboard accessory designed to bridge the gap between tablet and computer.
The Magic Keyboard is not Apple’s first keyboard cover for the iPad, but it is the first to sport an inbuilt trackpad and adjustable, cantilevered back so the user can adjust the iPad as you would a laptop screen. But how close a laptop-like experience can a tablet case deliver, realistically?
What does it look like?
The Magic Keyboard is a slim, black plastic-covered folio – one half of which sports a keyboard and trackpad, while the other contains powerful magnets and can be bent to create a cantilevered backing plate. Attaching the iPad Pro to this half allows you to adjust it between 90 and 130 degrees, tilting it like a laptop screen and suspending the iPad above the keyboard.
A major advantage of this magnet attachment is an absence of fiddly plastic hinges to fix the iPad in place, the kind that are prone to break if you accidentally bash it. There’s also no chance of knocking the device off – it’s held in place so securely that it actually takes a concerted effort to tear it off the portfolio.
Read More iPad Pro 2020 review: A compelling reason to ditch low-power Windows laptops
The keyboard side appears to have been carefully weighted to counter-act the heft of suspending the iPad in mid-air, meaning it’s relatively heavy to lift in one hand. You’ll be grateful of the stability it provides when it comes to typing though – trying to type on a shifting surface is a major downside of thinner, lighter portfolios. The accessory’s hinge contains a USB-C port for charging, leaving the iPad’s port free for anything else you wish to plug into it, which is also handy.
While the Magic Keyboard itself has been designed specifically for the most recent fourth generation iPad Pro, as evidenced by the cut-out in the magnetic side for the new LiDAR scanner and camera system, it’s also compatible with the first gen 11-inch iPad Pro and third gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The smaller model will set you back £299, while the 12.9-inch version costs £349, a phenomenal amount for what is, essentially, an accessory.
What’s it like to type on the Magic Keyboard?
Apple made headlines in recent months by backtracking on its much-loathed butterfly MacBook key mechanism in favour of a return to scissor-style keys, which compress more deeply when you press down on them. The entire keyboard is back-lit, meaning it lights up in low-light conditions, and the keys themselves are made from sturdy plastic, delivering a satisfying clacking sound when typing.
Magic Keyboard pricing:
11-inch iPad Pro (first gen): £299
12.9-9nch iPad Pro (third and fourth gen): £349
The overall experience is obviously more akin to typing on a modern laptop than a full-sized desktop keyboard, but it’s a clear improvement on shallow butterfly keys and it’s easier to type at speed than on the fabric-covered Smart Keyboards Apple has released several iterations of. This is probably down to the Magic Keyboard’s keys being deeper, with a full 1mm of travel, according to Apple. The new depth also gives the keys a greater degree of separation, meaning you’re more likely to hit the key you’re actually after instead of inadvertently knocking its neighbour.
Overall, it’s a brilliant keyboard that’s only notable flaw is that it’s lacking the top row of function keys. There’s probably a good reason for this (too complicated for the keys to directly adjust volume or screen brightness, for example), but it’s an obstacle between the much-desired computer functionality. While it’s not difficult to adjust the screen brightness or volume by swiping down from the upper right-hand corner or hitting the designated buttons, the ability to do so through the keyboard would make it feel more laptop-like. I wrote this entire review using it and only really felt the need to reach for a nearby laptop when copying and pasting links (more of which below).
How about the trackpad?
The Magic Keyboard’s trackpad, positioned centrally belong the keyboard, measures around 10cm x 5cm, making it a fair bit smaller than the majority of laptop trackpads. However, like Apple’s MacBook Air and Pro trackpads, it benefits from the ability to click anywhere on its expanse, unlike Windows-running tablet portfolios and laptops which require you to steer clear of pressing down on the pad’s very top.
Like its Mac brethren, the trackpad supports gesture control – using two fingers to scroll, clicking down with two fingers for the equivalent of a right click, pinch to zoom, swiping left or right to flip between webpages or four to switch between open apps and flicking four fingers upwards to return to the home screen. All of these controls are executed smoothly, making the only major difference between it and a MacBook touchpad the Magic Keyboard’s lack of Force Touch.
However, I noticed the touchpad is more temperamental in Google Chrome and Gmail. For example, while right-clicking on a link works perfectly in Safari, it doesn’t work at all in Chrome, bringing up the option to Copy/Look Up/Share instead of the menu of options to open the link in a new window etc. This is an irritation that may iron itself out in the future, but it’s yet another example of how much more difficult it is to use Google’s apps on an iPad (another being how iPadOS won’t let you run two Chrome apps in Split View).
Given that Chrome is the browser I use most consistently, this is another barrier between using the iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard combo over a laptop, but expecting Apple and Google to rub alongside each other without friction was always going to be a big ask. Read more about iPadOS’s new improvements for a cursor interface in my review of the iPad Pro 2020 here.
So, should you buy the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro?
As keyboard folios go, the Magic Keyboard is as good as it gets: firm tablet hold, excellent stability, key depth/typing experience and clever cantilever-screen adjustment. It is, however, wildly expensive. For £300/£350 you could buy an actual laptop, meaning you’d have to be pretty serious about using your iPad Pro as a laptop replacement before considering shelling out for a Magic Keyboard. If you can handle the price, the lack of function keys and the software shortcomings in the non-Apple apps, it’s the best iPad keyboard out there. If you’re unsure, wait for future versions.
Rating: 4/5
Pros:
Great keyboard with stable keys for swift, easy typing
The magnet system and cantilever works well
No danger of it tipping over or damaging the iPad
Cons:


inews--2020-05-06--Coronavirus in the UK: How the Welsh response to Covid-19 compares to the rest of the UK according t

Coronavirus in the UK: How the Welsh response to Covid-19 compares to the rest of the UK according to the data

Coronavirus in the UK : How the Welsh response to Covid-19 compares to the rest of the UK according to the data Wales has seen a large number of confirmed Covid-19 cases - but a smaller number of deaths A rainbow message of support for the NHS written in both English and Welsh is seen painted on a garage wall on in Penarth , Wales ( Photo : Stu Forster/Getty Images ) Out of those 1,791 cases , 138 people had died by this date , with 0.28 people dying out of 1,000 on average , equalling 11.8 per cent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later , 18 more deaths were confirmed by the board , even though 312 more people had tested positive for the virus .
How does that compare to the rest of the UK ?
If we take a look at a similarly sized area in England , like Leeds , which is home to 474,632 people , we see a different picture .
Out of 926 cases of coronavirus , 288 people sadly died during the same time period , equalling 26.3 per cent , making up more than a quarter of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differently ?
`` Although it is impossible to say for sure , it is reasonable to assume that the increased identification of cases , and the lower case mortality rate in this analysis , is linked with our approach to testing in Wales.
” Two butchers wearing protective masks are pictured at David Lush Butchers on April 16 , 2020 in Penarth , Wales ( Photo : Stu Forster/Getty Images ) Dr Howe said : “ Public Health Wales continues to support the implementation of the Welsh Government ’ s Critical Workers Testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current testing capacity in Wales to the full , ensuring we test the right people , at the right time , in the right place , to reduce the spread of novel Coronavirus . ''

The UK has now recorded the highest number of deaths from coronavirus in Europe.
The glib findings that more than 32,000 people have died from the Covid-19 virus in the UK has been unwelcome news for members of the public living out their seventh week in lockdown.
But while the UK’s numbers as a whole are particularly stark, Wales has recorded relatively low number of deaths from the virus, despite having a large number of cases, according to the latest data.
What the data shows
In Wales, the country’s data is collected by each of its seven health boards.
According to the latest statistics released by Public Health Wales and the Office of National Statistics, across the 17-24 April period, each of the seven boards showed a large number of confirmed Covid-19 cases, but a low rate of deaths.
Taking a look at the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board across this period, we can compare the size of the board with the number of confirmed cases, and the number of deaths across the dates selected.
The board is the largest in Wales, covering a population of 496,413 people. Cardiff and Vale confirmed 1,791 cases on 17 April, with 3.61 people out of 1,000 people contracting the virus.
Out of those 1,791 cases, 138 people had died by this date, with 0.28 people dying out of 1,000 on average, equalling 11.8 per cent of the confirmed cases. A week later, 18 more deaths were confirmed by the board, even though 312 more people had tested positive for the virus.
How does that compare to the rest of the UK?
If we compare these stats to similarly sized areas in England, it paints a stark picture.
In Powys, the smallest health board, which also has the largest number of mortalities compared to cases, 27 people had died within the 126 known cases as of 17 April, with 21.4 per cent of people diagnosed with the virus dying from coronavirus.
Watford, 1,000 people or so shy of Powys’ population, registered 38 deaths by this date.
To compare like for like, we can take a look at the second most densely populated health board in Wales, Cwm Taf.
The area, home to 445,190 people and covering Bridgend County Borough, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil registered 164 deaths by 17 April, confirming 1,337 cases.
If we take a look at a similarly sized area in England, like Leeds, which is home to 474,632 people, we see a different picture. Out of 926 cases of coronavirus, 288 people sadly died during the same time period, equalling 26.3 per cent, making up more than a quarter of the confirmed cases.
What did Wales do differently?
While Westminster is still getting to grips with testing, Wales started to test its hospital workers five days before lockdown started. Public Health Wales believes by testing healthcare workers in March, they were able to identify cases early and curb the spread more quickly.
Meanwhile in England, the first tests for NHS workers were confirmed to take place 10 days later.
“In Wales, we have been testing healthcare workers since 18 March, and other key workers since 6 April,” Dr Robin Howe, Incident Director for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak response at Public Health Wales, told i.
“Although it is impossible to say for sure, it is reasonable to assume that the increased identification of cases, and the lower case mortality rate in this analysis, is linked with our approach to testing in Wales.”
Dr Howe said: “Public Health Wales continues to support the implementation of the Welsh Government’s Critical Workers Testing Policy to make sure we use the current testing capacity in Wales to the full, ensuring we test the right people, at the right time, in the right place, to reduce the spread of novel Coronavirus.”
Same socioeconomic inequalities
Wales’ data may show the results of a marked divergence from England’s strategy, but the people who have died from the disease are still likely to face the same socioeconomic inequalities.
The Office for National Statistics analysis shows 44.6 Covid-19 deaths for every 100,000 people in the poorest 20 per cent of communities in Wales, nearly double the rate in the most affluent 20 per cent of communities, which has seen 23.2 deaths per 100,000 people.
People from black African backgrounds were 3.7 times as likely to die in hospital from the disease than their white British counterparts, and death rates for those from Pakistani backgrounds were 2.9 times higher than the white British group, while Bangladeshi fatalities were twice as high, the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) bas also found.
As Welsh people gear up for their final few weeks of lockdown, data suggests that the Welsh Assembly has good reason to be thinking about relaxing the measures – especially in comparison to the rest of the UK.


inews--2020-05-06--Marks and Spencer food delivery: full list of UK stores offering home delivery through Deliveroo - a

Marks and Spencer food delivery: full list of UK stores offering home delivery through Deliveroo - and how to order

Marks and Spencer food delivery : full list of UK stores offering home delivery through Deliveroo - and how to order Tasks like going to the supermarket to buy groceries has become trickier as life under lockdown continues for residents across the UK Most major supermarkets offer home delivery , however these delivery slots are booked fast - even if you do manage to bag a home delivery , you could be left waiting weeks for your order .
Why have M & S partnered with Deliveroo ?
“ In order to play our part in feeding the nation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our customers a same-day delivery service of essential productions , ” M & S explained in a statement .
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to keep the UK in lockdown , the chain decided to partner with Deliveroo instead to bring forward its delivery service by four months .
What items am I allowed to order ?
The M & S store on the app even states : “ We ’ re bringing all your M & S favourites right to your front door .
From champagne to coffee , tasty snacks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maximum of two products per individual items , and there is limited stock availability , so you might not be able to buy some of the more popular items .
The app says : “ This store is experiencing a high demand right now , so some items may be unavailable and your order could be rejected .
“ We ’ re here to deliver whatever we can , but if you aren ’ t able to get what you need , please check back later.
” You ’ re also able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cider and even some spirits .
You ’ ll be expected to show ID upon delivery if you buy any of these restricted items .
How do I order from M & S ?
Ordering groceries from M & S via Deliveroo is the same process as ordering any other food from the app .
Deliveroo offers contact-free delivery , so your order will be left at your front door to collect .
You ’ ll be able to track your rider ’ s progress on the app as they make their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a small order fee in place on the M & S store on Deliveroo which you will be subject to if your order is less than £15 .
For example , if you only wanted to buy a loaf of bread for £1.35 , the small order fee would cost £13.65 , to bring the total cost of your order to £15 , not including the delivery and service cost .

Most major supermarkets offer home delivery, however these delivery slots are booked fast – even if you do manage to bag a home delivery, you could be left waiting weeks for your order.
M&S has partnered with food delivery service Deliveroo to try and make things easier for shoppers, offering same day deliveries for groceries.
Here’s what you should know, and how to order.
Why have M&S partnered with Deliveroo?
M&S have partnered with food delivery company Deliveroo to deliver their groceries to shoppers across the UK.
“In order to play our part in feeding the nation, we have partnered with Deliveroo to provide our customers a same-day delivery service of essential productions,” M&S explained in a statement.
M&S had plans to partner with Ocado to deliver groceries, with an initial launch date of September 2020.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to keep the UK in lockdown, the chain decided to partner with Deliveroo instead to bring forward its delivery service by four months.
What items am I allowed to order?
You’re allowed to order a variety of items from the M&S store on Deliveroo.
The M&S store on the app even states: “We’re bringing all your M&S favourites right to your front door. From champagne to coffee, tasty snacks to all your essentials,
“We’ve got everything you need, whenever you need it.”
There is a maximum of two products per individual items, and there is limited stock availability, so you might not be able to buy some of the more popular items.
The app says: “This store is experiencing a high demand right now, so some items may be unavailable and your order could be rejected.
“We’re here to deliver whatever we can, but if you aren’t able to get what you need, please check back later.”
You’re also able to buy alcohol, like beer, wine, cider and even some spirits. You’ll be expected to show ID upon delivery if you buy any of these restricted items.
How do I order from M&S?
Ordering groceries from M&S via Deliveroo is the same process as ordering any other food from the app.
If you’ve never used Deliveroo before, this is how to order:
Download the Deliveroo app onto your smartphone, or visit the Deliveroo website instead
Enter in your postcode and you’ll be able to see all of the restaurants and stores that are available for delivery
Search for M&S and in the search bar and tap on the store
From here, you’ll be able to browse through all the items available, adding them to your basket as you please
When you’re finished shopping, tap on the ‘checkout’ option to review your order before purchasing
Deliveroo offers contact-free delivery, so your order will be left at your front door to collect. You’ll be able to track your rider’s progress on the app as they make their way to you.
The delivery fee is £4.50, with an additional service fee of 49p.
There is also a small order fee in place on the M&S store on Deliveroo which you will be subject to if your order is less than £15.
For example, if you only wanted to buy a loaf of bread for £1.35, the small order fee would cost £13.65, to bring the total cost of your order to £15, not including the delivery and service cost.
The full list of participating stores
The M&S website states: “If you live within the catchment area of one of the 100+ BP M&S stores offering delivery, you will be able to get everything from milk and bread to pizza and wine straight to your doorstep.”
This is the full list of stores offering delivery: