inews--2020-04-17--Horrible Histories' Greg Jenner on his Radio 4 lessons for kids in lockdown: 'We’re trying not to do

Horrible Histories' Greg Jenner on his Radio 4 lessons for kids in lockdown: 'We’re trying not to do anything that’s going to be a bit of a downer'

Horrible Histories ' Greg Jenner on his Radio 4 lessons for kids in lockdown : 'We ’ re trying not to do anything that ’ s going to be a bit of a downer' i talks to the public historian about his new Radio 4 programme , Homeschool History , and putting Covid-19 in historical perspective With young people wrenched from school by the coronavirus , the past few weeks have introduced an array of surrogate teachers to Britain ’ s kitchens and living rooms , as parents look for help homeschooling their children .
If Joe Wicks has become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his live-streamed workouts , then Jenner ( who shares more than a passing resemblance to Wicks ) could soon become its history teacher .
With traditional education disrupted , Jenner feels part of a wider movement of academics experimenting with new techniques to pipe learning into people ’ s homes ( Photo : Samantha Johnston ) Jenner says the team behind the podcast had been “ bandying around ” an idea for a children ’ s programme for a while .
“ Lots of families listen to You ’ re Dead To Me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he says apologetically .
“ Occasionally people will send me tweets saying ‘ I ’ m listening in the car with my 10 year-old ’ .
I write back ‘ I ’ m so sorry !
’ ” You ’ re Dead To Me “ relies on the intimacy of three people being in a room together ” , so Covid-19 has put it on ice .
But when the BBC came knocking for lockdown history lessons , Jenner and his team already had an idea in their back pocket .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
As with most things in life , it involved a mixture of intention and luck .
After studying history at York University , Jenner ran out of money to pursue a PhD .
Desperate to continue his passion , he went into TV to work on history programmes .
One day he overheard his boss discussing the concept for Horrible Histories – a “ factual sketch comedy ” based on the books of the same name by Terry Deary .
Jenner , who ’ d dabbled in comedy at university , got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself as the show ’ s resident “ chief nerd ” , checking the historical content of the sketches .
The rest , as they say , is history .
Jenner says making Homeschool History has been a fun challenge .
Each episode is produced by about five people , and recorded by Jenner at home .
In choosing the episode subjects , they ’ ve tried to touch on the curriculum while introducing children to new things .
An online-only Brexit special of the BBC children 's show Horrible Histories was accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC ) For obvious reasons , they ’ ve steered clear of “ too difficult territory ” , he says .
“ A lot of kids at the moment are going through scary times .
We ’ re trying not to do anything that ’ s going to be a bit of a downer ” .
Jenner pauses for a moment , and then adds the necessary rider .
“ At the same time , history can often be a bit of a downer !
There ’ s a lot of warfare and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t averse to historical blood and guts .
He hopes that after the immediate crisis abates , some of these things might stick and provide “ a tiny silver lining ” .
Another would be if homeschooling awakens a curiosity in parents .
“ It would be really lovely if through the practice of helping your children learn , perhaps a spark is ignited.
” The theme which has run through his career – from the TV and radio shows to his books ( he has a new one out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrity ) – has been “ trying to reach those people who didn ’ t enjoy history at school ” .
For Jenner the historian , it has been disorientating living through a time “ that people will be writing about for many decades to come ” .
“ We ’ ve sort of been living through it for the last five years , because Brexit was monumental , ” he adds .
Like many people , he ’ s found the juxtaposition of domestic ordinariness and “ the horror ” in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows people acutely unwell with Covid-19 .
As a historian , the crisis leaves him in two minds .
“ We ’ ve studied these kinds of major crises before and we know how serious they can be , how dramatic and long lasting the effects.
” He once acted as an adviser on a “ sobering ” BBC drama about the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic , which killed as many as 50 million people .
On the “ flipside ” , he says knowledge of history can be a comfort because “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( he doesn ’ t think Covid-19 will be anywhere near as devastating as the Spanish Flu ) .
A crucial difference today is the “ extraordinary technology ” we have at our disposal , which means we can “ watch television , listen to the radio and call our loved ones ” .
Fundamentally , Jenner has faith that the systems that underpin modern society will protect us .
“ I do take comfort in knowing that there are really clever , kind , compassionate people , smart infrastructures in place and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awful lot of our systems .
”

“We’re trying to find that balance between the obvious poo jokes and a really potted history of the Restoration of the Monarchy.”
That’s how Greg Jenner describes the philosophy behind Homeschool History – a new series of weekly comic history lessons on BBC Radio 4 for children during lockdown.
For many people, that could be a tricky balance. But as the historical consultant behind the hit CBBC TV show, Horrible Histories, Jenner has plenty experience blending fact and farce.
With young people wrenched from school by the coronavirus, the past few weeks have introduced an array of surrogate teachers to Britain’s kitchens and living rooms, as parents look for help homeschooling their children. If Joe Wicks has become the nation’s PE teacher with his live-streamed workouts, then Jenner (who shares more than a passing resemblance to Wicks) could soon become its history teacher.
You’re Dead To Me
It’s a big new role, but radio is familiar territory. He already anchors You’re Dead To Me, a Radio 4 podcast in which a comedian is paired with a historian for a lighthearted exploration of a historical topic.
Jenner says the team behind the podcast had been “bandying around” an idea for a children’s programme for a while. “Lots of families listen to You’re Dead To Me and it’s a bit sweary,” he says apologetically. “Occasionally people will send me tweets saying ‘I’m listening in the car with my 10 year-old’. I write back ‘I’m so sorry!’”
You’re Dead To Me “relies on the intimacy of three people being in a room together”, so Covid-19 has put it on ice. But when the BBC came knocking for lockdown history lessons, Jenner and his team already had an idea in their back pocket.
Public historian
Jenner describes himself as a “public historian”, and says: “It’s a strange job title, but my job is to be a middle man between academia and the public.”
How does someone become a public historian? As with most things in life, it involved a mixture of intention and luck. After studying history at York University, Jenner ran out of money to pursue a PhD. Desperate to continue his passion, he went into TV to work on history programmes. One day he overheard his boss discussing the concept for Horrible Histories – a “factual sketch comedy” based on the books of the same name by Terry Deary. Jenner, who’d dabbled in comedy at university, got his foot in the door and found himself as the show’s resident “chief nerd”, checking the historical content of the sketches. The rest, as they say, is history.
Jenner says making Homeschool History has been a fun challenge. Each episode is produced by about five people, and recorded by Jenner at home. In choosing the episode subjects, they’ve tried to touch on the curriculum while introducing children to new things.
‘Scary times’
For obvious reasons, they’ve steered clear of “too difficult territory”, he says. “A lot of kids at the moment are going through scary times. We’re trying not to do anything that’s going to be a bit of a downer”. Jenner pauses for a moment, and then adds the necessary rider. “At the same time, history can often be a bit of a downer! There’s a lot of warfare and violence.” Of course, children often aren’t averse to historical blood and guts.
With traditional education disrupted, Jenner feels part of a wider movement of academics experimenting with new techniques to pipe learning into people’s homes. Lecturers have been delivering digital lectures and recording podcasts for their students. Others have been engaging via social media (Jenner is a self-confessed Twitter addict).
He hopes that after the immediate crisis abates, some of these things might stick and provide “a tiny silver lining”. Another would be if homeschooling awakens a curiosity in parents. “It would be really lovely if through the practice of helping your children learn, perhaps a spark is ignited.” The theme which has run through his career – from the TV and radio shows to his books (he has a new one out, Dead Famous, on the history of celebrity) – has been “trying to reach those people who didn’t enjoy history at school”.
Historical perspective
For Jenner the historian, it has been disorientating living through a time “that people will be writing about for many decades to come”. “We’ve sort of been living through it for the last five years, because Brexit was monumental,” he adds. Like many people, he’s found the juxtaposition of domestic ordinariness and “the horror” in the news “surreal”. He also knows people acutely unwell with Covid-19.
As a historian, the crisis leaves him in two minds. “We’ve studied these kinds of major crises before and we know how serious they can be, how dramatic and long lasting the effects.” He once acted as an adviser on a “sobering” BBC drama about the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which killed as many as 50 million people.
On the “flipside”, he says knowledge of history can be a comfort because “things could be so much worse” (he doesn’t think Covid-19 will be anywhere near as devastating as the Spanish Flu). A crucial difference today is the “extraordinary technology” we have at our disposal, which means we can “watch television, listen to the radio and call our loved ones”.
Resilient systems
Fundamentally, Jenner has faith that the systems that underpin modern society will protect us. “I do take comfort in knowing that there are really clever, kind, compassionate people, smart infrastructures in place and that we have resilience built into an awful lot of our systems.”
He’ll be playing his part with Homeschool History, providing families with laughter, escapism and a little education on Monday mornings.
“It’s a small radio programme,” he says. “We’re not looking to change the world here. But I do hope it’s going to have an impact.”
‘Homeschool History’ will be broadcast weekly on Radio 4 from Monday at 9.30am, and will be available as a podcast on BBC Sounds


inews--2020-04-17--Coronavirus and shopping: Many women will abandon lipstick, razors and expensive cosmetics once the

Coronavirus and shopping: Many women will abandon lipstick, razors and expensive cosmetics once the pandemic has passed, forecasters say

Coronavirus and shopping : Many women will abandon lipstick , razors and expensive cosmetics once the pandemic has passed , forecasters say Lipstick , razors and high-sugar treats could be cast aside , with Brits spending their money on germ-killing cleaners and healthy ingredients Some women will abandon make up after Covid-19 having become accustomed to going bare-faced in lockdown , forecasters believe ( Photo : Getty ) Britons are also expected to think twice before purchasing organic food , sugary treats and cleaning products promoting their natural credentials , instead spending their money on cheaper , but simple , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wipes , according to research .
Going without make up The way we shop , and what we want to buy , has radically shifted in just a couple of months , leaving analysts scrambling to predict what the typical post-pandemic consumer is likely to look like and how companies can cater for them .
In a report compiled for investors , Barclays has detailed the sectors and goods that consumers are likely to avoid after the worst of the coronavirus crisis is over and the ones they will favour instead .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seconds when you work from home ( Photo : Pixabay ) Should companies allow staff to continue to work from home , more women will likely go bare-faced more of the time , the findings suggest .
Pointing to Kantar research that estimates the average person who works from home more than once a week will have 11 fewer occasions per week to use personal care products , the report states that during just three weeks of lockdown there were 100 million fewer applications of lipstick , mascara and other types of cosmetics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from supposedly harmful synthetic ingredients have become increasingly popular in recent years , but consumers preoccupied with their health could turn away from these “ natural ” beauty products due to concerns over their shelf life and cleanliness .
Shoppers are also expected to tighten their purse-strings , opting for value cosmetics instead of luxury products .
Meanwhile , many consumers will be wary of spending money on organic foods , despite being more conscious about their health .
As a result , while shoppers might shun organic produce , they could end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brands with simple ingredients .
Frequent handwashing is critical to stopping the spread of Covid-19 , and it is thought that demand for soap and hand sanitiser will remain high long-term .
“ Governments around the world are urging people to wash their hands more [ and ] this will be a key social norm for many months , ” the report says .
Separate research from Nielsen indicates shoppers have begun turning away from “ green ” cleaning products in favour of those that highlight their ability to protect against germs and @ @

Many women will abandon lipstick, razors and expensive cosmetics once the Covid-19 pandemic has passed, forecasters believe.
Britons are also expected to think twice before purchasing organic food, sugary treats and cleaning products promoting their natural credentials, instead spending their money on cheaper, but simple, ingredients, healthier snacks and germ-busting sprays and wipes, according to research.
Going without make up
The way we shop, and what we want to buy, has radically shifted in just a couple of months, leaving analysts scrambling to predict what the typical post-pandemic consumer is likely to look like and how companies can cater for them.
In a report compiled for investors, Barclays has detailed the sectors and goods that consumers are likely to avoid after the worst of the coronavirus crisis is over and the ones they will favour instead.
Should companies allow staff to continue to work from home, more women will likely go bare-faced more of the time, the findings suggest.
Pointing to Kantar research that estimates the average person who works from home more than once a week will have 11 fewer occasions per week to use personal care products, the report states that during just three weeks of lockdown there were 100 million fewer applications of lipstick, mascara and other types of cosmetics.
More working from home could lead to fewer people spending money on lipsticks, razors and haircare, it says.
Natural beauty concerns
Cosmetics that purport to be free from supposedly harmful synthetic ingredients have become increasingly popular in recent years, but consumers preoccupied with their health could turn away from these “natural” beauty products due to concerns over their shelf life and cleanliness. Shoppers are also expected to tighten their purse-strings, opting for value cosmetics instead of luxury products.
Meanwhile, many consumers will be wary of spending money on organic foods, despite being more conscious about their health. As a result, while shoppers might shun organic produce, they could end up focussing more on food labelling and brands with simple ingredients.
“Covid-19 could increase the speed of shift away from high-sugar and processed food and drinks,” the report notes.
Soap up
Frequent handwashing is critical to stopping the spread of Covid-19, and it is thought that demand for soap and hand sanitiser will remain high long-term.
“Governments around the world are urging people to wash their hands more [and] this will be a key social norm for many months,” the report says.
“Even after Covid-19 passes, habits will remain.”
Germ killers
Separate research from Nielsen indicates shoppers have begun turning away from “green” cleaning products in favour of those that highlight their ability to protect against germs and bacteria.
“Consumers now believe that product claims focused on killing germs, providing immunity and overall health promotion are more relevant than claims around naturalness, sustainability, quality and brand,” the market research firm said.
“The relevance of these claims reflects a notable shift in consumer sentiment from before the pandemic, when claims of quality and trust resonated more,” it added.
@kt_grant


inews--2020-04-17--Coronavirus crisis: Captain Tom Moore unites the country but it's not such a good week for the WHO

Coronavirus crisis : Captain Tom Moore unites the country but it 's not such a good week for the WHO The Labour Party has been mired in infighting this week but Angela Merkel has drawn global acclaim The 99-year-old World War II veteran has captured the hearts of the nation with his quest to raise money for the NHS by walking 100 times around his garden in Bedfordshire .
He wanted to attract £1,000 in donations but has soared past £19m and is in line for a gong from the Queen .
This was the week that the nation woke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the social care front line who have been putting their own lives at risk while looking after the most vulnerable in society .
The Government was forced to announce new measures to protect staff and give them access to coronavirus tests .
Germany has been more successful than any other large western European country in managing the spread of coronavirus , partly through its programme of large-scale testing .
The country 's leader was acclaimed for a video which clearly explained the scientific basis for its approach .
The UK and EU negotiators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restart of post-Brexit trade talks - which will now take place via video link , starting on Monday , with 100 officials on each side communicating with each other .
Keir Starmer 's attempts to make an impact in his new job have been hampered by a fresh bout of party in-fighting following the leak of a document which appears to show that anti-Corbyn staff had conspired against the previous leader .
Sir Keir has had to call an inquiry into the claims in the dossier , and how it was released .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organisation ( Photo : Alex Wong/Getty ) The WHO has lost millions of dollars in funding after Donald Trump announced he would no longer pay in to the global health watchdog .
The decision sparked a worldwide backlash , but there are also growing questions about how well the WHO has handled the pandemic and whether it has failed to challenge China 's behaviour .
The care minister was the latest in a string of junior Government figures to get a mauling from Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laughing at care deaths ; hundreds of viewers wrote in to complain that she had become a victim of bullying because of the interview .
Parliament is taking a step into the unknown with plans for semi-virtual hearings where MPs will be able to question ministers via video links .
Reformers hope - and traditionalists fear - this will set a trend for the future .

GOOD WEEK
Captain Tom Moore
The 99-year-old World War II veteran has captured the hearts of the nation with his quest to raise money for the NHS by walking 100 times around his garden in Bedfordshire. He wanted to attract £1,000 in donations but has soared past £19m and is in line for a gong from the Queen.
Social care staff
This was the week that the nation woke up to the importance of workers on the social care front line who have been putting their own lives at risk while looking after the most vulnerable in society. The Government was forced to announce new measures to protect staff and give them access to coronavirus tests.
Angela Merkel
Germany has been more successful than any other large western European country in managing the spread of coronavirus, partly through its programme of large-scale testing. The country’s leader was acclaimed for a video which clearly explained the scientific basis for its approach.
David Frost and Michel Barnier
The UK and EU negotiators managed to agree a timetable for the restart of post-Brexit trade talks – which will now take place via video link, starting on Monday, with 100 officials on each side communicating with each other.
BAD WEEK
Labour
Keir Starmer’s attempts to make an impact in his new job have been hampered by a fresh bout of party in-fighting following the leak of a document which appears to show that anti-Corbyn staff had conspired against the previous leader. Sir Keir has had to call an inquiry into the claims in the dossier, and how it was released.
World Health Organisation
The WHO has lost millions of dollars in funding after Donald Trump announced he would no longer pay in to the global health watchdog. The decision sparked a worldwide backlash, but there are also growing questions about how well the WHO has handled the pandemic and whether it has failed to challenge China’s behaviour.
Helen Whately
The care minister was the latest in a string of junior Government figures to get a mauling from Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain. At one point the presenter accused her of laughing at care deaths; hundreds of viewers wrote in to complain that she had become a victim of bullying because of the interview.
Lovers of tradition
Parliament is taking a step into the unknown with plans for semi-virtual hearings where MPs will be able to question ministers via video links. Reformers hope – and traditionalists fear – this will set a trend for the future.


inews--2020-04-17--The 18 best free online arts activities for coronavirus lockdown, from Hepworth Wakefield to Tate an

The 18 best free online arts activities for coronavirus lockdown, from Hepworth Wakefield to Tate and London Art Studies

The 18 best free online arts activities for coronavirus lockdown , from Hepworth Wakefield to Tate and London Art Studies Arts organisations have gone online and are bursting with imaginative ideas about how to create things while enduring the lockdown With museums and galleries closed across the world , many of the UK ’ s arts organisations have migrated online .
Their brilliant creative teams have moved quickly to put together art activities , talks , projects and student resources for audiences stuck at home .
Many of them are more than just a tool to get you thinking creatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re also the starting points for new digital communities sharing art and ideas .
Activities for all the family A Line Art exists in the real world as an interactive art and theatre company for young people run by artist Anna Bruder and poet Arji Manuelpillai .
They ’ re currently bringing their flair for performance online in a series of cute Watch , Make & Do videos for under-sevens , presented from their broom cupboard , and requiring only the most basic art supplies ( paper , colours , tape . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Skye has made Frances Priest ’ s limited edition colouring book based on seven plant habitats on the Isle of Raasay available as a free download until the end of May .
Suitable for adults as well as younger colouring fans , this is a lovely study of botanical patterns derived from close observation .
atlasarts.org.uk BALTIC in Newcastle have shifted much of its programme online , including Imran Peretta ’ s outstanding film The Destructors and a series of new video works commissioned to support artists who have had shows cancelled .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ & Make online videos for primary-school aged kids are brilliant : currently on offer are demonstrations for making leaping animals , a pop-up forest and collage projects .
Baltic.art Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft ’ s “ Create to Relate ” programme draws inspiration from the radical printmaker Sister Corita Kent – building an online community through craft .
Create to Relate includes online tutorials and talks for crafty adults and older teens , as well as activities for younger children , all posted on the museum ’ s social media sites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arts has an active print studio attached , so they ’ re not squeamish about making things – and making a mess .
The most recent in their excellent Monday Makes strand is a guide to making paper : fun , fulfilling and involves satisfyingly subversive deployment of a food blender .
On the same site you ’ ll find downloadable activity packs and short films for children , and for adults , a film club and intellectually buzzy reading group .
dca.org.uk Firstsite Colchester invited , quick as a flash , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribute art activities to their “ Art is Where the Home is ” project .
Gillian Wearing , Jeremy Deller , Mark Wallinger , Idris Khan and others take a refreshingly anarchic approach to family art activities for a downloadable pack : Michael Landy ’ s suggestion for a sculpture using sheets of loo paper seems positively scandalous .
Also available : Create at Home instructions for more traditional art activities .
Firstsite.uk Heart & Soul is a creative project based in Deptford led by people with learning disabilities and autistic people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & Soul is uploading activity packs every fortnight , with audio instructions available .
The first focuses on feelings and concerns , the people in your life , and finding structure in the day .
They ’ d love you to share the results .
heartnsoul.co.uk Pallant House in Chichester is building up a series of free make-at-home kits in the spirit of its modern British art collection .
Currently on offer are an Eduardo Paolozzi-inspired robot , and a Futurist “ Jumping Jack ” puppet based on Gino Severini ’ s painting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need a colour printer , and some basic craft materials .
pallant.org.uk Sarabande is the studio and education complex established by the late Alexander McQueen .
Online workshops in the coming weeks include a session on basic bookbinding , using Adobe Illustrator and self-portraiture .
Every Friday it is releasing a video from its archive of talks from stars of the art and fashion world , from Thom Browne to Juno Calypso .
Sarabandefoundation.org Sharing Stories is a video strand run by Stratford Literary Festival in which illustrators share tips on how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theoretically for kids , but really , who doesn ’ t want Nick Park teaching them how to draw Gromit ?
! )
stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk South London Gallery hosts Millie Nice ’ s Bad Drawing Club , for kids alarmed by the idea that art clubs might be all judgy .
New instructions are posted every Thursday at 3.30pm , and you can share your work with the hashtag # BadDrawingClubUK – activities so far have included zine making and secret identities .
# bigfamilypress DO IT is a rolling and expanding exhibition concept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Started by the curator Hans-Ulrich Obrist in 1993 , with an exhibition based on instructions from 12 artists , Do It has kept growing and spawning new instructions and exhibitions around the world .
On 4 May a massive new Do It series is kicking off , accessible via the Serpentine Gallery ’ s Instagram account , as well as Google Art and Culture .
@ serpentineuk Olafur Eliasson ’ s Earth perspectives , launching on Earth Day , is a mass-participation artwork along an environmental theme .
“ Earth Perspectives envisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together by welcoming multiple perspectives – not only human perspectives but also those of plants , animals , and nature .
A glacier ’ s perspective deviates from that of a human , ” says Eliasson .
Full details of Earth perspectives will be announced on 22 April.serpentinegalleries.org Stills photographic gallery in Edinburgh is building up an “ elemental portrait ” of the UK , inviting participants to expose sheets of cyanotype paper outdoors ( aka stuck to the outside of a window if you ’ re self isolating . )
Once the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wind and rain for up to two weeks , they ’ d like you to share a photo with them , including the dates and site of exposure .
Stills can post sheets of cyanotype paper if you ’ d like to participate in Elementary Blueprint .
Stills.org A cyanotype as part of the Stills Elemental Portrait project For students of all ages The Arts Society has 90,000 members aged between 60 and 100 : with their regular lectures and meetings cancelled they ’ re moving online and are opening up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lecture every fortnight – the first was on Velázquez ’ s Las Meninas – followed by an online Q & A and discussion in community forums .
Social media training is available to help members stay connected .
connected.theartssociety.org

With museums and galleries closed across the world, many of the UK’s arts organisations have migrated online. Their brilliant creative teams have moved quickly to put together art activities, talks, projects and student resources for audiences stuck at home. Many of them are more than just a tool to get you thinking creatively and acquiring new skills: they’re also the starting points for new digital communities sharing art and ideas.
Listed here you will find creative resources for every age and ability, from pre-schoolers to the over 70s, hopeless self-doubters to skilled professionals.
Activities for all the family
A Line Art exists in the real world as an interactive art and theatre company for young people run by artist Anna Bruder and poet Arji Manuelpillai. They’re currently bringing their flair for performance online in a series of cute Watch, Make & Do videos for under-sevens, presented from their broom cupboard, and requiring only the most basic art supplies (paper, colours, tape.) alineart.co.uk
ATLAS Arts on the Isle of Skye has made Frances Priest’s limited edition colouring book based on seven plant habitats on the Isle of Raasay available as a free download until the end of May. Suitable for adults as well as younger colouring fans, this is a lovely study of botanical patterns derived from close observation. atlasarts.org.uk
BALTIC in Newcastle have shifted much of its programme online, including Imran Peretta’s outstanding film The Destructors and a series of new video works commissioned to support artists who have had shows cancelled. Inspired by current exhibitions, their Meet & Make online videos for primary-school aged kids are brilliant: currently on offer are demonstrations for making leaping animals, a pop-up forest and collage projects. Baltic.art
Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft’s “Create to Relate” programme draws inspiration from the radical printmaker Sister Corita Kent – building an online community through craft. Create to Relate includes online tutorials and talks for crafty adults and older teens, as well as activities for younger children, all posted on the museum’s social media sites. #CreateToRelate @museumartcraft
Dundee Contemporary Arts has an active print studio attached, so they’re not squeamish about making things – and making a mess. The most recent in their excellent Monday Makes strand is a guide to making paper: fun, fulfilling and involves satisfyingly subversive deployment of a food blender. On the same site you’ll find downloadable activity packs and short films for children, and for adults, a film club and intellectually buzzy reading group. dca.org.uk
Firstsite Colchester invited, quick as a flash, some of Britain’s best-known artists to contribute art activities to their “Art is Where the Home is” project. Gillian Wearing, Jeremy Deller, Mark Wallinger, Idris Khan and others take a refreshingly anarchic approach to family art activities for a downloadable pack: Michael Landy’s suggestion for a sculpture using sheets of loo paper seems positively scandalous. Also available: Create at Home instructions for more traditional art activities. Firstsite.uk
Heart & Soul is a creative project based in Deptford led by people with learning disabilities and autistic people, exploring the value of difference. Heart & Soul is uploading activity packs every fortnight, with audio instructions available. The first focuses on feelings and concerns, the people in your life, and finding structure in the day. They’d love you to share the results. heartnsoul.co.uk
Pallant House in Chichester is building up a series of free make-at-home kits in the spirit of its modern British art collection. Currently on offer are an Eduardo Paolozzi-inspired robot, and a Futurist “Jumping Jack” puppet based on Gino Severini’s painting Dancer No 5. You’ll need a colour printer, and some basic craft materials. pallant.org.uk
Sarabande is the studio and education complex established by the late Alexander McQueen. Online workshops in the coming weeks include a session on basic bookbinding, using Adobe Illustrator and self-portraiture. Every Friday it is releasing a video from its archive of talks from stars of the art and fashion world, from Thom Browne to Juno Calypso. Sarabandefoundation.org
Sharing Stories is a video strand run by Stratford Literary Festival in which illustrators share tips on how to draw some of their best-loved characters (theoretically for kids, but really, who doesn’t want Nick Park teaching them how to draw Gromit?!) stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk
South London Gallery hosts Millie Nice’s Bad Drawing Club, for kids alarmed by the idea that art clubs might be all judgy. New instructions are posted every Thursday at 3.30pm, and you can share your work with the hashtag #BadDrawingClubUK – activities so far have included zine making and secret identities. #bigfamilypress
Participatory projects
DO IT is a rolling and expanding exhibition concept that exists as a set of instructions. Started by the curator Hans-Ulrich Obrist in 1993, with an exhibition based on instructions from 12 artists, Do It has kept growing and spawning new instructions and exhibitions around the world. On 4 May a massive new Do It series is kicking off, accessible via the Serpentine Gallery’s Instagram account, as well as Google Art and Culture. @serpentineuk
Hepworth Wakefield has launched #THWCreatesChallenge with a new creative mission launched every fortnight, and responses displayed in an online gallery. The spirit of Barbara Hepworth presides, demanding careful observation, inspiration from the natural world and sculptural tendencies. hepworthwakefield.org
Olafur Eliasson’s Earth perspectives, launching on Earth Day, is a mass-participation artwork along an environmental theme. “Earth Perspectives envisions the Earth we want to live on together by welcoming multiple perspectives – not only human perspectives but also those of plants, animals, and nature. A glacier’s perspective deviates from that of a human,” says Eliasson. Full details of Earth perspectives will be announced on 22 April.
serpentinegalleries.org
Stills photographic gallery in Edinburgh is building up an “elemental portrait” of the UK, inviting participants to expose sheets of cyanotype paper outdoors (aka stuck to the outside of a window if you’re self isolating.) Once the paper has been exposed to the sun, wind and rain for up to two weeks, they’d like you to share a photo with them, including the dates and site of exposure. Stills can post sheets of cyanotype paper if you’d like to participate in Elementary Blueprint. Stills.org
For students of all ages
The Arts Society has 90,000 members aged between 60 and 100: with their regular lectures and meetings cancelled they’re moving online and are opening up to anyone over 70. There is a lecture every fortnight – the first was on Velázquez’s Las Meninas – followed by an online Q&A and discussion in community forums. Social media training is available to help members stay connected. connected.theartssociety.org
London Art Studies usually charges an £88 annual subscription to access their online courses. During lockdown the award-winning education platform is making more and more of their short and accessible art history videos available to view free of charge. londonartstudies.com
Tate has some excellent student resources for A Level and GCSE candidates, including dozens of coursework guides. For those considering applying to art school there are tips on building a portfolio, what to expect in an interview and careers in the creative industries. tate.org.uk
All the resources listed here have been made available free of charge, but please consider supporting galleries and museums with a small donation if you can


inews--2020-04-17--Who won MasterChef 2020? Thomas Frake crowned series winner in final cook-off

Thomas Frake learned to cook with his mum and nan aged just seven and later fell in love with Greek and Spanish cooking After fierce competition from 59 other amateur cooks , the 32-year-old banking and finance professional became the 16th contestant to be awarded the trophy by judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace .
“ Honestly , it 's a dream come true , ” he said .
“ It 's been immense and the best thing I 've ever done in my life .
I ca n't see me not working in food for the rest of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing other people happy with it.
” Thomas faced off tough competition in the final week along with the incredibly talented digital security manager David Rickett , technology consultant Sandy Tang , and Claire Fyfe , who left on Thursday night 's show .
In an intense final week , MasterChef viewers have seen him take a gastronomic trip of a lifetime to the culinary melting pot of Mauritius and creating lunch for hungry Mauritian fisherman .
The final three - Thomas , Sandy and David with John , Gregg ( Photo : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gain unique insight into Albert ’ s culinary mind from him and his team at Cakes and Bubbles , in London ’ s Café Royal , in order to each meticulously recreate two of Albert ’ s creations for a Chef ’ s Table of world-class pastry experts .
The final task was to prepare the best three-course meal of their lives , for the MasterChef judges .
Thomas ’ winning menu started with a monkfish scampi , which was followed by a main course of braised ox cheek .
Thomas finished his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custard tart served with popcorn ice cream .
Thomas , who started cooking from the age of seven , said his love of food began with baking as a child with his mum and nan and his appreciation grew with gravels to Greece and Spain .
He said : “ During the competition , I started to feel more at home in the MasterChef kitchen than I did in mine .
Being judged by John and Gregg is a hugely positive experience .
It ’ s incredible when they tell you why your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what you were trying to achieve.
” 'They had his heart and soul in every single forkful' Thomas , who lives in Tooting with his girlfriend , said he wants to gain experience in professional kitchens after these ” tough and unprecedented times for the industry “ .
MasterChef judge , Gregg Wallace , added : “ Thomas has a definitive style .
He takes the ordinary and make it extraordinary .
I really admire Thomas .
He wants to take all the foods that he grew up with and make them better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way through the competition and today I think his three courses were just exceptional .
They had his heart and his soul in every single forkful .
”

Thomas Frake has become the MasterChef 2020 champion after an exhilarating final cook-off watched by millions of locked-down fans.
After fierce competition from 59 other amateur cooks, the 32-year-old banking and finance professional became the 16th contestant to be awarded the trophy by judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace.
“Honestly, it’s a dream come true,” he said. “It’s been immense and the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. I can’t see me not working in food for the rest of my life because it just makes me happy seeing other people happy with it.”
Tough competition
Thomas faced off tough competition in the final week along with the incredibly talented digital security manager David Rickett, technology consultant Sandy Tang, and Claire Fyfe, who left on Thursday night’s show.
In an intense final week, MasterChef viewers have seen him take a gastronomic trip of a lifetime to the culinary melting pot of Mauritius and creating lunch for hungry Mauritian fisherman.
In the penultimate programme, the Final Four entered the Willy Wonka world of the planet’s greatest pastry chef, Albert Adria.
The cooks strove to gain unique insight into Albert’s culinary mind from him and his team at Cakes and Bubbles, in London’s Café Royal, in order to each meticulously recreate two of Albert’s creations for a Chef’s Table of world-class pastry experts.
The final task was to prepare the best three-course meal of their lives, for the MasterChef judges.
Thomas’ winning menu started with a monkfish scampi, which was followed by a main course of braised ox cheek. Thomas finished his menu with a dessert of salted caramel custard tart served with popcorn ice cream.
Thomas, who started cooking from the age of seven, said his love of food began with baking as a child with his mum and nan and his appreciation grew with gravels to Greece and Spain.
He said: “During the competition, I started to feel more at home in the MasterChef kitchen than I did in mine. Being judged by John and Gregg is a hugely positive experience. It’s incredible when they tell you why your dish is good and that they understand what you were trying to achieve.”
‘They had his heart and soul in every single forkful’
Thomas, who lives in Tooting with his girlfriend, said he wants to gain experience in professional kitchens after these ”tough and unprecedented times for the industry“.
”Further down the line,“ he said. ”I would one day love to own a gastropub. Maybe a classic East End boozer or a picturesque country pub.“
MasterChef judge, Gregg Wallace, added: “Thomas has a definitive style. He takes the ordinary and make it extraordinary. I really admire Thomas. He wants to take all the foods that he grew up with and make them better. He has delighted me all the way through the competition and today I think his three courses were just exceptional. They had his heart and his soul in every single forkful.”


inews--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: UK ‘too slow’ to react to virus and set for second wave, expert warns

Coronavirus : UK ‘ too slow ’ to react to virus and set for second wave , expert warns Professor Anthony Costello warned that the death toll in the UK could reach 40,000 A leading global health expert has accused the Government of being too slow to act on the coronavirus outbreak and warned that the death toll in the UK could reach 40,000 .
Professor Anthony Costello , of University College London 's Institute for Global Health , told a committee of MPs that the “ harsh reality ” is that “ we were too slow with a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waves ” of the disease could mean Britain suffers the highest death rate in Europe .
He said : “ This wave could see 40,000 deaths by the time it 's over .
If we 're going to suppress the chain of transmission of this virus in the next stage we all hope that the national lockdown and social distancing will bring about a large suppression of the epidemic so far - but we 're going to face further waves .
`` And so we need to make sure that we have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do a certain number of tests in the laboratory , but has a system at district and community level . ''
Professor Costello , a former official with the World Health Organisation , has previously said that there could be as many as 10 waves of the virus .
Giving evidence to the Commons Health and Social Care Committee , he cautioned there `` should not have any blame at this stage '' but that `` we can make sure in the second wave we 're not too slow '' .
His criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the number of new cases of Covid-19 in the UK was “ frightening ” other EU states .
Rudolf Anschober compared graphs charting the average daily growth in infections over the past 10 days .
The data , he said , showed Austria performing the best at 1.8 % with Britain worst at 7.5 % .
“ That 's what 's frightening a lot of people on a European level at the moment , that 's the figure in Britain of 7.5 per cent , '' he said .
There have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with France , Spain and Italy registering higher numbers .

A leading global health expert has accused the Government of being too slow to act on the coronavirus outbreak and warned that the death toll in the UK could reach 40,000.
Professor Anthony Costello, of University College London’s Institute for Global Health, told a committee of MPs that the “harsh reality” is that “we were too slow with a number of things” and that “further waves” of the disease could mean Britain suffers the highest death rate in Europe.
He said: “This wave could see 40,000 deaths by the time it’s over. If we’re going to suppress the chain of transmission of this virus in the next stage we all hope that the national lockdown and social distancing will bring about a large suppression of the epidemic so far – but we’re going to face further waves.
“And so we need to make sure that we have a system in place that cannot just do a certain number of tests in the laboratory, but has a system at district and community level.”
Stricter measures
Professor Costello, a former official with the World Health Organisation, has previously said that there could be as many as 10 waves of the virus.
Giving evidence to the Commons Health and Social Care Committee, he cautioned there “should not have any blame at this stage” but that “we can make sure in the second wave we’re not too slow”.
His criticism came as Austria’s Health minister said the number of new cases of Covid-19 in the UK was “frightening” other EU states.
Rudolf Anschober compared graphs charting the average daily growth in infections over the past 10 days. The data, he said, showed Austria performing the best at 1.8% with Britain worst at 7.5%.
“That’s what’s frightening a lot of people on a European level at the moment, that’s the figure in Britain of 7.5 per cent,” he said. There have been 14,576 deaths from Covid-19 in the UK with France, Spain and Italy registering higher numbers.


inews--2020-04-17--Coronavirus testing to be rolled out for public services including police, fire and prison services

Coronavirus testing to be rolled out for public services including police , fire and prison services Government has been under mounting pressure to address the issue of testing Coronavirus testing is to be rolled out to the police , fire service , prisons and the judiciary , Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced .
Testing will also be expanded to include critical local authority workers and some staff at the Department for Work and Pensions .
Mr Hancock has pledged that by the end of the month 100,000 people a day would be tested for the virus , however , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Devi Sridhar , professor of global health at the University of Edinburgh described the figure of 100,000 as a “ political target rather than one grounded in a testing strategy or in what was feasible.
” Matt Hancock promised that official figures of coronavirus deaths in care homes will be published 'very soon ' ( Photo : Peter Summers/Getty ) Business Secretary Alok Sharma told the daily Downing Street press conference that 21,328 tests were carried out .
This is despite an estimated 38,000 tests being available .
Giving evidence to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Hancock confirmed that more than 50,000 NHS workers have now been tested for coronavirus , and admitted he would `` love to be able to wave a magic wand '' to increase supplies of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
However , Dame Donna Kinnair , chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing , told the committee that sick NHS workers are being forced to drive two hours to be tested .
She said : `` We need some really clear direction on how we can access testing both in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care , because they do n't have the same infrastructure as the NHS . ''
The committee 's chairman , Jeremy Hunt , later called for `` a massive ramp-up - not just in the testing , but also the tracing of everyone who has been in contact with someone who has the virus '' .
He added : `` if we 're going to copy the best in the world then that is what we now need to do . ''

Coronavirus testing is to be rolled out to the police, fire service, prisons and the judiciary, Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced.
Testing will also be expanded to include critical local authority workers and some staff at the Department for Work and Pensions.
Mr Hancock has pledged that by the end of the month 100,000 people a day would be tested for the virus, however, some have questioned whether this will be achievable.
Devi Sridhar, professor of global health at the University of Edinburgh described the figure of 100,000 as a “political target rather than one grounded in a testing strategy or in what was feasible.”
Failed
The Government has already failed to reach an interim target of 25,000 daily tests.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma told the daily Downing Street press conference that 21,328 tests were carried out. This is despite an estimated 38,000 tests being available.
Giving evidence to the Commons Health and Social Care Committee, Mr Hancock confirmed that more than 50,000 NHS workers have now been tested for coronavirus, and admitted he would “love to be able to wave a magic wand” to increase supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE).
‘Clear direction’
However, Dame Donna Kinnair, chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, told the committee that sick NHS workers are being forced to drive two hours to be tested.
She said: “We need some really clear direction on how we can access testing both in the NHS but more so for social care, because they don’t have the same infrastructure as the NHS.”
The committee’s chairman, Jeremy Hunt, later called for “a massive ramp-up – not just in the testing, but also the tracing of everyone who has been in contact with someone who has the virus”.
He told BBC Radio 4’s World At One programme that such a regime would be a “huge logistical undertaking”.
He added: “if we’re going to copy the best in the world then that is what we now need to do.”


inews--2020-04-17--Coronavirus latest: Doctors and nurses told to reuse PPE as shortage looms

Coronavirus latest : Doctors and nurses told to reuse PPE as shortage looms Public Health England has revised guidance that previously recommended only single-use protective gowns The move comes as hospitals warn they face running out of supplies of protective clothing over the weekend .
The updated guidance from Public Health England states that the `` reuse of PPE should be implemented until confirmation of adequate re-supply is in place '' , and that `` some compromise is needed to optimise the supply of PPE in times of extreme shortages '' .
Public Health England advised that medical staff do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gowns when dealing with Covid-19 patients – a reversal of previous guidelines .
If the gowns are not available , NHS staff are now advised to wear `` disposable , non-fluid repellent gowns or coveralls '' or `` washable surgical gowns '' , with aprons , and to wash their forearms afterwards .
Medical organisations say they fear the move could result in even more health workers becoming infected and dying .
The Department of Health said the guidance change was because of “ exceptional circumstances and does not reflect Health and Safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Health Secretary Matt Hancock promised another 55,000 extra gowns would arrive in hospitals by this weekend but admitted there is no “ magic wand ” to deliver more PPE .
He said there was a global shortage of items such as face masks and aprons which made it difficult to meet NHS needs .
He added it was a “ clinical decision ” whether or not NHS staff should reuse PPE .
He told MPs that the UK faced a “ global challenge and we ’ re doing everything we can to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the front line ” .
Mr Hancock said the Government has `` worked hard '' with the Health and Safety Executive to speed up the certification programme of PPE .
He said : `` Of course we started with a massive stockpile , we 've run through that stockpile , not entirely but a large part of it and we need to be buying from abroad and making it at home .
So we need lots more companies to come forward and help us make the PPE that we need Asked about reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gowns to get them through the weekend , he said : “ As of this weekend we will have shipped one billion items of PPE across the UK – so this is a massive undertaking .

Doctors and nurses have been asked to reuse personal protective equipment (PPE) when treating Covid-19 patients due to a shortage.
The move comes as hospitals warn they face running out of supplies of protective clothing over the weekend.
The updated guidance from Public Health England states that the “reuse of PPE should be implemented until confirmation of adequate re-supply is in place”, and that “some compromise is needed to optimise the supply of PPE in times of extreme shortages”.
Public Health England advised that medical staff do not need to wear full-length waterproof surgical gowns when dealing with Covid-19 patients – a reversal of previous guidelines.
If the gowns are not available, NHS staff are now advised to wear “disposable, non-fluid repellent gowns or coveralls” or “washable surgical gowns”, with aprons, and to wash their forearms afterwards.
Medical organisations say they fear the move could result in even more health workers becoming infected and dying.
Exceptional circumstances
The Department of Health said the guidance change was because of “exceptional circumstances and does not reflect Health and Safety Executive’s standard approach”.
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock promised another 55,000 extra gowns would arrive in hospitals by this weekend but admitted there is no “magic wand” to deliver more PPE.
He said there was a global shortage of items such as face masks and aprons which made it difficult to meet NHS needs. He added it was a “clinical decision” whether or not NHS staff should reuse PPE.
He told MPs that the UK faced a “global challenge and we’re doing everything we can to resolve it to get that PPE to the front line”.
Stockpile ‘run through’
Mr Hancock said the Government has “worked hard” with the Health and Safety Executive to speed up the certification programme of PPE.
He said: “Of course we started with a massive stockpile, we’ve run through that stockpile, not entirely but a large part of it and we need to be buying from abroad and making it at home. So we need lots more companies to come forward and help us make the PPE that we need
Asked about reports some NHS trusts do not have enough gowns to get them through the weekend, he said: “As of this weekend we will have shipped one billion items of PPE across the UK – so this is a massive undertaking.
“Changing a distribution model from distributing to just over 200, 230 hospitals to delivering to 58,000 locations is a huge task.”


inews--2020-04-17--Ofcom removes list of 5G site addresses amid industry concerns it could fuel arson attacks

Ofcom removes list of 5G site addresses amid industry concerns it could fuel arson attacks The list of 5G sites contained their exact addresses and mapped test locations Damaged cabling and telecommunications equipment is pictured following a fire at a phone mast , attatched to the chimney at the converted Fearnleys Mill residential apartment block complex in Huddersfield , northern England , on April 17 , 2020 ( Photo : Getty ) Ofcom has taken down a list of 5G sites where it has tested electromagnetic field ( EMF ) levels from its website amid industry concerns it could aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masts .
The list , added to Ofcom 's website on Friday , displayed the exact addresses of 22 sites the regulator has collected EMF readings from during 2020 , including Bristol and Liverpool , Cardiff , Stevenage and Glasgow .
A report on each site also displayed a map of locations close to the station where Ofcom measured each reading , the strength of the levels and the date the reading was taking .
An industry source described the list as `` a vandal 's dream '' , helping arsonists and anti-5G @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they may not have been previously aware of .
While many mobile masts are highly visible , measuring up to 70ft tall , many recent protesters have been attacking masts that only support 2G , 3G and 4G network infrastructure in the mistaken belief they were carrying 5G equipment .
Another network worker said they `` would n't have thought it was necessary for the report to go to that level of detail '' , adding : `` It certainly does n't feel like it was particularly well thought through , given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5G sites . ''
While some anti-5G conspiracy theorists are militant in their belief the technology is harmful , others are on the fence ( Photo : Getty ) “ While the mobile networks agreed to have the individual test reports published , we have temporarily removed these from our website as we seek to understand concerns some mobile companies have now raised , '' an Ofcom spokesperson told i .
`` A summary of the results , showing that all of the 5G sites we tested at were operating well within international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website.
” Ofcom takes EMF readings near mobile base stations to assess the levels are safe for the public in the stations ' vicinity as part of its role as the communications regulator .
In February it published a report verifying that EMF levels from all 22 sites were at small fractions of the levels identified as safe by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection ( ICNIRP ) , the independent non-profit that publishes guidelines around the amounts of radiation - including radiofrequency energy from smartphones - humans can be safely exposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roll-out of 5G to the coronavirus outbreak circulating online has triggered a violent wave of attacks on phone masts across the UK in the past month .
More than 40 sites have been targeted in the past two weeks , forcing phone networks to invest in greater physical security to secure their sites and giving their engineers letters and signs to explain why they 're working during lockdown .
Campaigners targeted 22 phone masts belonging to EE alone over the long Easter weekend , mainly in Liverpool and Birmingham , with protestors also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites in London and the south east .
While not all the attacks were successful , all the sites sustained fire damage , the network told i .
Three men aged between 18 and 19-years old were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning on suspicion of arson following reports of a 5G telecoms mast on fire in Dagenham .
The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) and multiple other fact-checking and science-backed organisations have confirmed there is no evidence for 5G causing or being linked to the pandemic in any way @

Ofcom has taken down a list of 5G sites where it has tested electromagnetic field (EMF) levels from its website amid industry concerns it could aid the wave of anti-5G attacks on phone masts.
The list, added to Ofcom’s website on Friday, displayed the exact addresses of 22 sites the regulator has collected EMF readings from during 2020, including Bristol and Liverpool, Cardiff, Stevenage and Glasgow.
A report on each site also displayed a map of locations close to the station where Ofcom measured each reading, the strength of the levels and the date the reading was taking.
List of addresses was ‘vandal’s dream’
An industry source described the list as “a vandal’s dream”, helping arsonists and anti-5G protesters pinpoint exactly where to find masts they may not have been previously aware of.
While many mobile masts are highly visible, measuring up to 70ft tall, many recent protesters have been attacking masts that only support 2G, 3G and 4G network infrastructure in the mistaken belief they were carrying 5G equipment.
Another network worker said they “wouldn’t have thought it was necessary for the report to go to that level of detail”, adding: “It certainly doesn’t feel like it was particularly well thought through, given the current situation with arson attacks supposedly targeting 5G sites.”
“While the mobile networks agreed to have the individual test reports published, we have temporarily removed these from our website as we seek to understand concerns some mobile companies have now raised,” an Ofcom spokesperson told i.
“A summary of the results, showing that all of the 5G sites we tested at were operating well within international guidelines, is still available from our website.”
Ofcom takes EMF readings near mobile base stations to assess the levels are safe for the public in the stations’ vicinity as part of its role as the communications regulator.
In February it published a report verifying that EMF levels from all 22 sites were at small fractions of the levels identified as safe by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), the independent non-profit that publishes guidelines around the amounts of radiation – including radiofrequency energy from smartphones – humans can be safely exposed to.
False claims fuel anti-5G sentiment
Fake claims wrongly linking the roll-out of 5G to the coronavirus outbreak circulating online has triggered a violent wave of attacks on phone masts across the UK in the past month.
More than 40 sites have been targeted in the past two weeks, forcing phone networks to invest in greater physical security to secure their sites and giving their engineers letters and signs to explain why they’re working during lockdown.
Campaigners targeted 22 phone masts belonging to EE alone over the long Easter weekend, mainly in Liverpool and Birmingham, with protestors also exhibiting “threatening behaviour” at several sites in London and the south east.
Read More Eamonn Holmes criticised for contributing to spread of false 5G coronavirus conspiracy theories


inews--2020-04-17--Coronavirus lockdown: Schools ‘need national education hub’ online for teachers and pupils

HomeLearningUK says England lacks a national online platform to share 'useful , secure , reliable ' educational resources It would equip schools with `` useful , secure and reliable resources '' , bringing England into line with Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland , which already have such platforms , according to a report from HomeLearningUK .
The group - which was formed by educators seeking to share tips during lockdown - said it was still too early to say whether the other UK nations were faring better than England in providing distance learning .
Headteachers have suggested that schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half term ( Photo : Christopher Furlong/Getty ) The report says it would also stop schools being “ inundated ” with dubious product offers from companies that have not been fully assessed with respect to their “ educational value ” and “ security ” .
With concerns raised that children from poorer families could be cut off from education during lockdown , HomeLearningUK also said there needed to be immediate investment in `` digital devices to facilitate and protect learning at home '' .
There is evidence that young people stuck at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with uncertainty over their education and a lack of routine the factors most to blame .
The Student Room website carried out a survey of its users after it saw conversations relating to anxiety and depression spike by three-quarters across its forums .
The largest peaks took place between March 18 and 21 , following the announcement of school closures and exam cancellations , and again on 29 March and into early April , when it was announced that teachers would predict GCSEs and A level grades for students .
The poll , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` uncertainty around my education '' was listed as the top factor affecting mental health , closely followed by `` lack of purpose or routine '' .
Both factors were referred to by about 15 per cent of respondents .
One student commented : “ Ever since my exams got cancelled , I feel like I have no purpose and everything I 've been working for is over .
I did n't try hard enough last year , and now it means that I 'm not going to get the grades I want @ @

The Government is being urged to develop a national education technology platform to help schools teach remotely during the coronavirus crisis.
It would equip schools with “useful, secure and reliable resources”, bringing England into line with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, which already have such platforms, according to a report from HomeLearningUK.
The group – which was formed by educators seeking to share tips during lockdown – said it was still too early to say whether the other UK nations were faring better than England in providing distance learning.
But the report says that feedback from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland suggests a national platform helps teachers, pupils and parents access digital tools in “a consistent manner”.
‘Inundated’ schools
The report says it would also stop schools being “inundated” with dubious product offers from companies that have not been fully assessed with respect to their “educational value” and “security”.
With concerns raised that children from poorer families could be cut off from education during lockdown, HomeLearningUK also said there needed to be immediate investment in “digital devices to facilitate and protect learning at home”.
The Department for Education was contacted for comment.
The report comes as schools prepare to resume remote teaching after the end of the Easter holiday.
Growing anxiety
There is evidence that young people stuck at home are experiencing increased levels of anxiety, with uncertainty over their education and a lack of routine the factors most to blame.
The Student Room website carried out a survey of its users after it saw conversations relating to anxiety and depression spike by three-quarters across its forums.
The largest peaks took place between March 18 and 21, following the announcement of school closures and exam cancellations, and again on 29 March and into early April, when it was announced that teachers would predict GCSEs and A level grades for students.
The poll, which attracted over 4,300 votes, found “uncertainty around my education” was listed as the top factor affecting mental health, closely followed by “lack of purpose or routine”. Both factors were referred to by about 15 per cent of respondents.
“Uncertainty around my future career prospects” came third, listed by 10 per cent of respondents.
One student commented: “Ever since my exams got cancelled, I feel like I have no purpose and everything I’ve been working for is over. I didn’t try hard enough last year, and now it means that I’m not going to get the grades I want.”
They added: “I also have to live in a small house with my loud family and I just can’t take them anymore.”


inews--2020-04-17--Coronavirus support: 151,000 newly self-employed people will get no help under government scheme

Coronavirus support : 151,000 newly self-employed people will get no help under government scheme Although newly self-employed people will not receive support , they will foot the bill through a promised rise in National Insurance The Self-employment Income Support Scheme , announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak last month in line with protections given to employees , will allow people who work for themselves to claim up to £2,500 a month to protect them from the impact of the coronavirus lockdown .
However , the scheme is only open to self-employed people who submitted a tax return for the financial year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone who has become self-employed in the past year will get no support at all .
According to data from the Office of National Statistics published on Friday , the loophole will impact at least 151,000 people in the UK - at least three per cent of all self-employed people in the UK .
The true number may be higher , as the ONS figures only cover the period to December 2019 , excluding those who have become self-employed in the first four months of 2020 .
A further nine per cent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between April 2018 and March 2019 - meaning they will be entitled to receive government support , but that compensation they get will not be based on a full year of trading .
The strict cut-off dates on support for self-employed workers were put in place because of fears that the scheme would be ripe for exploitation if it is open to people who Mr Sunak said the government `` does n't know anything about . ''
Chancellor Rishi Sunak excluded newly self-employed people from the scheme over fears it would be exploited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , IPSE , the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed , has called for the scheme to be extended by allowing the newly self-employed to file an early tax return for the 2019/20 tax year , which ended on 5 April .
IPSE said : `` One of the big groups to miss out on SEISS are those new to freelancing , who began before they could submit a 2018/19 tax return .
These are the entrepreneurs of the future .
`` To make them eligible for the SEISS , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to allow those who submit their provisional tax returns for 2019/20 ahead of time – for example , a one-month window until early May – in order to receive support .
`` This would also benefit those who built their business up in the last year or transitioned to having self-employment as their main source of income . ''
Even though they will get no support under the government 's scheme now , newly self-employed people will likely still have foot the bill for the scheme - with Mr Sunak making clear he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Insurance played by self-employed workers tax in return for the government support .
A survey for IPSE published this week found that 45 per cent of freelancers fear they will be unable to cover basic living expenses such as rent and bills during the crisis - with payments not coming until June , and lack of support for company directors and the newly-self employed leaving people to miss out .
69 per cent of freelancers said they had experienced a decrease in demand for the work they do , while half say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development said : `` This research demonstrates starkly the huge impact of the coronavirus crisis on the self-employed and the financial distress and hardship it is causing .
`` It also clearly shows more still needs to be done to help those who fall through the gaps in the support available through either the Job Retention Scheme or the income support scheme for the self-employed . ''

More than 151,000 self-employed people will not get any funding from the government’s support scheme.
The Self-employment Income Support Scheme, announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak last month in line with protections given to employees, will allow people who work for themselves to claim up to £2,500 a month to protect them from the impact of the coronavirus lockdown.
However, the scheme is only open to self-employed people who submitted a tax return for the financial year ending in April 2019 – meaning that everyone who has become self-employed in the past year will get no support at all.
According to data from the Office of National Statistics published on Friday, the loophole will impact at least 151,000 people in the UK – at least three per cent of all self-employed people in the UK.
The true number may be higher, as the ONS figures only cover the period to December 2019, excluding those who have become self-employed in the first four months of 2020.
A further nine per cent of self-employed people, 431,000, started employment between April 2018 and March 2019 – meaning they will be entitled to receive government support, but that compensation they get will not be based on a full year of trading.
Fears of exploitation
The strict cut-off dates on support for self-employed workers were put in place because of fears that the scheme would be ripe for exploitation if it is open to people who Mr Sunak said the government “doesn’t know anything about.”
However, IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed, has called for the scheme to be extended by allowing the newly self-employed to file an early tax return for the 2019/20 tax year, which ended on 5 April.
IPSE said: “One of the big groups to miss out on SEISS are those new to freelancing, who began before they could submit a 2018/19 tax return. These are the entrepreneurs of the future.
“To make them eligible for the SEISS, the guidance for the scheme could be changed to allow those who submit their provisional tax returns for 2019/20 ahead of time – for example, a one-month window until early May – in order to receive support.
“This would also benefit those who built their business up in the last year or transitioned to having self-employment as their main source of income.”
Even though they will get no support under the government’s scheme now, newly self-employed people will likely still have foot the bill for the scheme – with Mr Sunak making clear he plans to hike the rate of National Insurance played by self-employed workers tax in return for the government support.
Unable to make ends meet
A survey for IPSE published this week found that 45 per cent of freelancers fear they will be unable to cover basic living expenses such as rent and bills during the crisis – with payments not coming until June, and lack of support for company directors and the newly-self employed leaving people to miss out.
69 per cent of freelancers said they had experienced a decrease in demand for the work they do, while half say that demand has decreased substantially.
Ben Willmott of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development said: “This research demonstrates starkly the huge impact of the coronavirus crisis on the self-employed and the financial distress and hardship it is causing.
“It also clearly shows more still needs to be done to help those who fall through the gaps in the support available through either the Job Retention Scheme or the income support scheme for the self-employed.”


inews--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: Growing calls for British public to wear face masks to prevent Covid-19 spread

Coronavirus : Growing calls for British public to wear face masks to prevent Covid-19 spread Sadiq Khan is lobbying ministers to change the official advice on whether members of the public should be wearing masks The UK Government is under mounting pressure to promote the use of face masks for members of the public in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
The Mayor of London , Sadiq Khan , has lobbied ministers to change the official advice , which states that masks do little to protect most people .
The Government 's scientific advisers are currently reviewing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valid .
British manufacturers say they are ready to switch their facilities to start making new masks , but have called for more clarity for ministers and warned of a shortfall in the material needed .
Mr Khan said : `` In those circumstances where we ca n't keep our social distance , we ca n't keep two metres apart , think about when you 're using public transport and you really have to , or you 're in a shop and you ca n't keep two metres apart .
Wearing a non-medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may inadvertently give somebody else Covid-19 . ''
He was backed by Labour leader , Sir Keir Starmer , who said : `` Across Europe , the advice is changing on face masks .
I think it ’ s inevitable that we will get to a stage where there will be instructions on face masks . ''
UK scientists are looking at the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of masks as well as examining the success of mask wearing abroad , i understands .
They are expected to give their advice to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for widespread mask wearing among the public is unlikely .
The Government regards compulsory mask wearing as a big step and would only order it if it was confident it would be highly effective .
With people already separated by social distancing now is unlikely to be the time - although it would be more likely when restrictions are relaxed and people spend more time in close proximity to one another .
The current advice from the Government and the World Health Organisation states that only medical and care workers should wear masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that they prevent viruses from spreading .
But there is a growing consensus that wearing a mask makes it less likely that you will spread Covid-19 to someone else if you are unknowingly carrying the illness .
Trish Greenhalgh , a professor of medicine at Oxford , told i : `` If between 80 and 90 per cent of us wore them , that would have a very significant effect on the spread of this virus .
Especially on things like if you 're on a tube train or in the supermarket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fashion their own masks out of pieces of fabric they have at home , if they are unable to buy one in a ship .
The wearing of masks is widespread in many Asian countries and is becoming more popular in the US and Europe .
Officials in Germany , Austria and America have advised citizens to wear them when in public .
Belgium 's top scientist said this week that people should `` start thinking about how to make their own mask '' .
British manufacturers are `` keen to help in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adam Mansell of the UK Fashion & Textile Association .
He told i : `` We 've got the manufacturing capacity to do it . ''
Mr Mansell called on ministers to set clear minimum standards for masks so companies know what is expected of them .

The UK Government is under mounting pressure to promote the use of face masks for members of the public in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has lobbied ministers to change the official advice, which states that masks do little to protect most people. The Government’s scientific advisers are currently reviewing the evidence to decide whether the advice remains valid.
British manufacturers say they are ready to switch their facilities to start making new masks, but have called for more clarity for ministers and warned of a shortfall in the material needed.
Mr Khan said: “In those circumstances where we can’t keep our social distance, we can’t keep two metres apart, think about when you’re using public transport and you really have to, or you’re in a shop and you can’t keep two metres apart. Wearing a non-medical facial covering makes it less likely you may inadvertently give somebody else Covid-19.”
‘Advice is changing’
He was backed by Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, who said: “Across Europe, the advice is changing on face masks. I think it’s inevitable that we will get to a stage where there will be instructions on face masks.”
UK scientists are looking at the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of masks as well as examining the success of mask wearing abroad, i understands. They are expected to give their advice to the Government next week although an imminent proposal for widespread mask wearing among the public is unlikely.
The Government regards compulsory mask wearing as a big step and would only order it if it was confident it would be highly effective. With people already separated by social distancing now is unlikely to be the time – although it would be more likely when restrictions are relaxed and people spend more time in close proximity to one another.
The current advice from the Government and the World Health Organisation states that only medical and care workers should wear masks because there is not sufficient evidence to say that they prevent viruses from spreading. But there is a growing consensus that wearing a mask makes it less likely that you will spread Covid-19 to someone else if you are unknowingly carrying the illness.
‘Significant effect’
Trish Greenhalgh, a professor of medicine at Oxford, told i: “If between 80 and 90 per cent of us wore them, that would have a very significant effect on the spread of this virus. Especially on things like if you’re on a tube train or in the supermarket.” She suggested that individuals should fashion their own masks out of pieces of fabric they have at home, if they are unable to buy one in a ship.
The wearing of masks is widespread in many Asian countries and is becoming more popular in the US and Europe. Officials in Germany, Austria and America have advised citizens to wear them when in public. Belgium’s top scientist said this week that people should “start thinking about how to make their own mask”.
British manufacturers are “keen to help in the national effort”, according to Adam Mansell of the UK Fashion & Textile Association. He told i: “We’ve got the manufacturing capacity to do it.” Mr Mansell called on ministers to set clear minimum standards for masks so companies know what is expected of them.


inews--2020-04-17--Father marks birth of his son by baking 2.8kg pasty the same size as him — and takes 19 hours to eat

Father marks birth of his son by baking 2.8kg pasty the same size as him — and takes 19 hours to eat it After a trial run of baking a smaller pasty Tim started making the giant version on Thursday and spent two-and-a-half hours working on it It took the father of three based near Liskeard , south-east Cornwall , 19 hours and two sittings to demolish the 2.8kg ( 6.4lb ) beef pasty .
It measured half a metre wide - the same length as Jowan , who is now two weeks old .
It took the father of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 19 hours and two sittings to demolish the 2.8kg ( 6.4lb ) beef pasty ( Photo : Facebook ) Making it was certainly a challenge for the self-employed lead worker .
In the end he used the grill pan to accommodate the meaty beast which included beef skirt ( which is prized for its flavor ) , swede , onion and potatoes for its filling .
After a trial run of baking a smaller pasty Tim started making the giant version on Thursday and spent two-and-a-half hours working on it so it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added all the ingredients on the scale and it came out bang up to how much the baby weighed when he was born , ” he said .
What made him mark his son ’ s birth with this particular comestible ?
Tim , 33 , decided to make a pasty the same size and weight as his newborn son , Jowan , in honour of his birth during lockdown ( Photo : Facebook ) It would seem he had a hint of lockdown longing .
`` We just decided to make pasties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] shut , ” said Tim who had to eat it in two stages .
Today he said : `` I only managed to eat half of it at lunch and had the other half this morning .
I am absolutely stuffed.
” That particular “ snack ” is likely to have come in at 4000 calories - the recommended daily calorie intake for men is 2500 .
He admitted he couldn ’ t eat “ for the rest of the day '' .
The lockdown no doubt allowed him to indulge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is grateful for the extra hours he can spend with his family during lockdown and said he `` would n't have had time ” for his pasty challenge if he was still working .

Tim, 33, decided to make a pasty the same size and weight as his newborn son, Jowan, in honour of his birth during lockdown.
It took the father of three based near Liskeard, south-east Cornwall, 19 hours and two sittings to demolish the 2.8kg (6.4lb) beef pasty. It measured half a metre wide – the same length as Jowan, who is now two weeks old.
He’s gonna need a bigger oven
Making it was certainly a challenge for the self-employed lead worker. In the end he used the grill pan to accommodate the meaty beast which included beef skirt (which is prized for its flavor), swede, onion and potatoes for its filling.
After a trial run of baking a smaller pasty Tim started making the giant version on Thursday and spent two-and-a-half hours working on it so it was ready for lunchtime. “I added all the ingredients on the scale and it came out bang up to how much the baby weighed when he was born,” he said.
What made him mark his son’s birth with this particular comestible?
It would seem he had a hint of lockdown longing. “We just decided to make pasties because our favourite pasty shops [had] shut,” said Tim who had to eat it in two stages.
Today he said: “I only managed to eat half of it at lunch and had the other half this morning. I am absolutely stuffed.” That particular “snack” is likely to have come in at 4000 calories – the recommended daily calorie intake for men is 2500. He admitted he couldn’t eat “for the rest of the day”.
The lockdown no doubt allowed him to indulge in this particular time-consuming project.
Tim said he is grateful for the extra hours he can spend with his family during lockdown and said he “wouldn’t have had time” for his pasty challenge if he was still working.
He told the BBC: “I’m trying not to think of the financial side of things but enjoy the time I never thought I’d have with my kids.”


inews--2020-04-17--Coronavirus lockdown: Farmers recruit thousands of British people to jobs left unfilled by seasonal

Coronavirus lockdown: Farmers recruit thousands of British people to jobs left unfilled by seasonal EU workers

Coronavirus lockdown : Farmers recruit thousands of British people to jobs left unfilled by seasonal EU workers An estimated 90,000 farming roles in the UK are filled by between 60,000 and 70,000 people each year Thousands of British workers have formed a `` land army '' to help to prevent an agricultural catastrophe in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic – but more are needed to fill a potential shortfall , said recruiters .
She told i : `` Getting workers on to farms is absolutely vital for the UK to get through this pandemic .
We are proud to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 , and support those in desperate need of a job to find employment .
However , because the harvesting season begins for the vast majority of farms and crops from May onwards , we still have thousands of roles available . ''
The Brighton-based organisation , which was launched in 1943 to recruit volunteer labour to help with the war effort , is also handing applications to labour suppliers Hops and Fruitful jobs .
The recruitment drive has been compared to `` Dig for Victory '' , the Second World War campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own food during rationing .
Now , with supermarket stock levels slowly returning to normal after the wave of panic buying last month , focus has moved to the workers who get food from field to fork .
An estimated 90,000 farming roles are filled by between 60,000 and 70,000 people each year .
Many workers will pick salads , fruits and vegetables under contracts ranging from six weeks to six months .
In the years running up to Brexit , farming leaders repeatedly warned that the sector faced a crisis unless the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in UK jobs from other European countries has steadily declined since 2015 .
John Bragg , of Bryans Salads in Tarleton , Lancashire , said : `` If we ca n't get staff from the EU to pick and process our crop , we 're going to be in trouble .
All this crop in our fields here will be left to rot , and it wo n't be able to feed the UK nation at this difficult time . ''
Asparagus is among the vegetables ready to be picked in April ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third ( 33 per cent ) of the UK 's soft fruit and 25 per cent of potatoes are grown in Scotland .
Earlier this month , fruit farmer James Porter said his `` biggest challenge '' was the lack of workers .
He told the BBC : `` I would normally be expecting 200 workers to arrive now , but we ca n't bring them over because everything is in lockdown .
But some farmers have taken steps to ensure that their crops are not wasted .
G 's Growers , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , flew 180 experienced Romanian pickers to Essex by charter flight on Thursday to work on British farms and to `` help train and keep our new workforce safe '' .
Beverly Dixon , human resources director for G 's , said the workers were brought to the UK under strict protocols : `` [ We ] have worked to the best practice and advice of Public Health England and these workers will be quarantined within small working teams in our hostel accommodation . ''
Ms Dixon said the company has recruited 500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Thousands of British workers have formed a “land army” to help to prevent an agricultural catastrophe in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic – but more are needed to fill a potential shortfall, said recruiters.
Farmers feared a widespread labour shortage would leave crops rotting in fields after travel restrictions prevented thousands of seasonal workers from entering the UK.
The Government rallied to “mobilise the British workforce” to plug the labour gap and ensure fruit and vegetable stocks reach people.
A call to “feed the nation” resulted in 36,000 people applying for paid seasonal roles by Thursday, the farm labour charity Concordia reported.
‘Phenomenal’
Donna Holland, its head of marketing and growth, hailed the “phenomenal” response to its Feed the Nation campaign.
She told i: “Getting workers on to farms is absolutely vital for the UK to get through this pandemic. We are proud to be able to help those impacted by Covid-19, and support those in desperate need of a job to find employment. However, because the harvesting season begins for the vast majority of farms and crops from May onwards, we still have thousands of roles available.”
Of the 36,000 candidates, some 6,000 people have opted to interview for roles. Successful applicants are then matched to farms based on their preferences and location.
The Brighton-based organisation, which was launched in 1943 to recruit volunteer labour to help with the war effort, is also handing applications to labour suppliers Hops and Fruitful jobs.
From field to fork
Fruit and vegetable pickers, deemed key workers, will follow social-distancing measures, said the Association of Labour Providers.
The recruitment drive has been compared to “Dig for Victory”, the Second World War campaign which rallied British citizens to grow their own food during rationing.
Before the conflict started in 1939, an estimated 75 per cent of food was imported, but shipping shortages and a German U-boat blockade threatened a food shortage crisis.
Now, with supermarket stock levels slowly returning to normal after the wave of panic buying last month, focus has moved to the workers who get food from field to fork.
Ready to pick
An estimated 90,000 farming roles are filled by between 60,000 and 70,000 people each year. Many workers will pick salads, fruits and vegetables under contracts ranging from six weeks to six months.
Asparagus, broccoli and beans are currently being picked. Strawberry and raspberry plants will be prepared and picked next month.
Typically, workers from Eastern Europe – particularly Bulgaria and Romania – occupy 99 per cent of seasonal agriculture jobs, according to a 2018 Office for National Statistics (ONS) report. British employees account for less than 1 per cent.
In the years running up to Brexit, farming leaders repeatedly warned that the sector faced a crisis unless the labour gap was plugged. But interest in UK jobs from other European countries has steadily declined since 2015.
Decline
The recruitment website Monster recorded a 12.6 per cent drop in the number of workers from mainland Europe searching for UK jobs in the year to January 2019.
Applications from other EU countries plummeted to their lowest levels in 2018, according to another agency, Reed.
And the volatility of sterling since the 2016 Brexit vote has done little to tempt foreign workers.
John Bragg, of Bryans Salads in Tarleton, Lancashire, said: “If we can’t get staff from the EU to pick and process our crop, we’re going to be in trouble. All this crop in our fields here will be left to rot, and it won’t be able to feed the UK nation at this difficult time.”
‘Challenge’
About a third (33 per cent) of the UK’s soft fruit and 25 per cent of potatoes are grown in Scotland. Earlier this month, fruit farmer James Porter said his “biggest challenge” was the lack of workers.
Mr Porter said strawberries accounted for 80 acres of his farm in Scryne, Angus, and it would be “devastating” if they went unpicked.
He told the BBC: “I would normally be expecting 200 workers to arrive now, but we can’t bring them over because everything is in lockdown.
“I’m looking to people in Scotland who cannot go to work just now.”
Charter flights
But some farmers have taken steps to ensure that their crops are not wasted. G’s Growers, one of the UK’s largest vegetable producers, flew 180 experienced Romanian pickers to Essex by charter flight on Thursday to work on British farms and to “help train and keep our new workforce safe”.
The Titan Airways plane, via the Air Charter Service, is one of a number of flights being organised over the coming weeks.
Air Charter alone is arranging at least five flights and has already flown another 1,700 workers from Eastern Europe to Germany.
Beverly Dixon, human resources director for G’s, said the workers were brought to the UK under strict protocols: “[We] have worked to the best practice and advice of Public Health England and these workers will be quarantined within small working teams in our hostel accommodation.” Ms Dixon said the company has recruited 500 UK workers of a total 3,000 needed.
‘Support’
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it was not involved in the flights.
A spokesperson added: “We know the demand for seasonal agricultural workers will rise in the months ahead, which is why we are working hard with industry to ensure farmers and growers have the support they need.”
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) reiterated its call for workers and said it was banking on recruitment software being in place before peak season.