inews--2020-05-28--Britain's Brightest Celebrity Family line-up: ITV contestants, and when Lucy Fallon and Shaun Willia

Britain's Brightest Celebrity Family line-up: ITV contestants, and when Lucy Fallon and Shaun Williamson are on tonight

Britain 's Brightest Celebrity Family line-up : ITV contestants , and when Lucy Fallon and Shaun Williamson are on tonight Celeb families will go head to head for the title , and the chance to win £25,000 for their chosen charity Two years ago you may remember The Chase 's Anne Hegerty hosting a brand new quiz show called Britain 's Brightest Family , which did pretty much what it said on the tin .
Well now it is back for a special celebrity series , Britain 's Brightest Celebrity Family , which is equally self-explanatory .
Celeb families will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the chance to win £25,000 for their chosen charity .
Here is everything you need to know ...
When is Britain 's Brightest Celebrity Family on TV ?
There are seven episodes in total , airing in the same time slot each week .
They are each half an hour long .
It will also be available to watch on catch-up on ITV Player .
John Barnes and Matt Le Tissier will compete in a football-themed episode ( Photo : ITV ) Representing EastEnders will be Shaun Williamson , who plays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Lucy Fallon , who plays Bethan Platt , will be on Team Corrie with her family .
A football-themed episode will pit two former England internationals against each other , with John Barnes ' family going up against Matt Le Tissier .
There will be a reality TV heat , in which Gogglebox and I 'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here !
star Scarlett Moffatt and her family - who you will recognise from the Channel 4 show - go up against Love Island 's Curtis Pritchard .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Llewellen-Bowens in a TV experts episode .
Scarlett Moffatt and Curtis Pritchard are going head to head ( Photo : ITV ) What should we expect ?
Hegerty told Radio Times : `` I don ’ t know if you ’ ve ever played a game where you have to memorise things - generally every adult will get their bum kicked by a child under 10 , kids can be amazing .
`` In the last year I had to play Scrabble against a boy Scrabble champion and he was quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 200 points .
He 's used to beating his dad by 600 points , but he still humiliated me ! ''

Two years ago you may remember The Chase‘s Anne Hegerty hosting a brand new quiz show called Britain’s Brightest Family, which did pretty much what it said on the tin.
Well now it is back for a special celebrity series, Britain’s Brightest Celebrity Family, which is equally self-explanatory.
Celeb families will go head to head for the title, and the chance to win £25,000 for their chosen charity.
Here is everything you need to know…
When is Britain’s Brightest Celebrity Family on TV?
The show starts on ITV on Thursday 28 May at 8pm.
There are seven episodes in total, airing in the same time slot each week. They are each half an hour long.
It will also be available to watch on catch-up on ITV Player.
Who’s in the line-up?
Each episode has a theme, starting with an EastEnders vs Coronation Street soap special.
Representing EastEnders will be Shaun Williamson, who plays Barry Evans, and his family, while Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethan Platt, will be on Team Corrie with her family.
A football-themed episode will pit two former England internationals against each other, with John Barnes’ family going up against Matt Le Tissier.
There will be a reality TV heat, in which Gogglebox and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! star Scarlett Moffatt and her family – who you will recognise from the Channel 4 show – go up against Love Island‘s Curtis Pritchard.
And Dr Ranj Singh and family will take on the Llewellen-Bowens in a TV experts episode.
What should we expect?
The celebrities will face a series of tricky questions testing their knowledge, numeracy, literacy and problem solving.
Two new rounds have been added since the initial series – an observation round and an identification round.
Hegerty told Radio Times: “I don’t know if you’ve ever played a game where you have to memorise things – generally every adult will get their bum kicked by a child under 10, kids can be amazing.
“In the last year I had to play Scrabble against a boy Scrabble champion and he was quite upset because he only beat me by about 200 points. He’s used to beating his dad by 600 points, but he still humiliated me!”


inews--2020-05-28--The Real Marigold Hotel 2020 cast: line-up for this series, and what time it's on BBC One tonight

The Real Marigold Hotel 2020 cast : line-up for this series , and what time it 's on BBC One tonight Duncan Bannatyne , Paul Elliott and Britt Ekland are among the celebrities heading to India for season four The Real Marigold Hotel has returned to the BBC , with eight new celebrities heading east to test out retiring in India .
This is the show 's fourth season since it launched back in 2016 .
The likes of Bill Oddie , Amanda Barrie and Bobby George have appeared in the past .
Here is everything you need to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is The Real Marigold Hotel on TV ?
The new season started on Wednesday 30 April at 9pm on BBC One , and is airing weekly at the same time and place .
This year sees the celebrities explore the culture of the cities of Puducherry on the east coast and Rishikesh in the very north of the country .
The show 's executive producer , David Clews , said : `` Household names combined with royalty from the creative industries all promise to see hearts open and some unlikely friendships blossom .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , health clubs , spas , media , TV , and property , and he has an OBE for his contribution to charity .
Better known as Paul Chuckle , Elliott was one half of the children 's television duo , the Chuckle Brothers .
The 72-year-old still makes semi-regular TV appearances , despite the death of his brother Barry two years ago .
Britt Ekland was a Bond girl in the '60s ( Photo : ITV ) Ekland , 77 , is a Swedish actress who was most famous during the 1960s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likes of Get Carter and The Wicker Man , was a Bond girl in The Man with the Golden Gun , and was also married to Peter Sellers for four years .
Dickson , 72 , is a Scottish singer whose hits include ' I Know Him So Well ' and 'January February ' .
She is one of the most successful Scottish female solo artists of all time , and is also a two-time Olivier Award-winning actress .
The 80-year-old 's playing career never progressed beyond Cambridge University , but he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sport 's history .
Rhodes , 79 , is an English fashion designer who has designed garments for the likes of Princess Diana .
She has also designed for Freddie Mercury and Brian May of Queen , and founded London 's Fashion and Textiles Museum in 2003 .

The Real Marigold Hotel has returned to the BBC, with eight new celebrities heading east to test out retiring in India.
This is the show’s fourth season since it launched back in 2016. The likes of Bill Oddie, Amanda Barrie and Bobby George have appeared in the past.
Here is everything you need to know about this year’s line-up…
When is The Real Marigold Hotel on TV?
The new season started on Wednesday 30 April at 9pm on BBC One, and is airing weekly at the same time and place.
This year sees the celebrities explore the culture of the cities of Puducherry on the east coast and Rishikesh in the very north of the country.
The show’s executive producer, David Clews, said: “Household names combined with royalty from the creative industries all promise to see hearts open and some unlikely friendships blossom.
“Our cast members deliver a journey of reflection and warmth, with laugh out loud adventures and life changing results.”
Who’s in the line-up?
Duncan Bannatyne
Bannatyne invested in 36 businesses during his 10 years on Dragons’ Den.
The 71-year-old’s business interests include hotels, health clubs, spas, media, TV, and property, and he has an OBE for his contribution to charity.
Paul Elliott
Better known as Paul Chuckle, Elliott was one half of the children’s television duo, the Chuckle Brothers.
The 72-year-old still makes semi-regular TV appearances, despite the death of his brother Barry two years ago.
Britt Ekland
Ekland, 77, is a Swedish actress who was most famous during the 1960s and 70s.
She appeared in the likes of Get Carter and The Wicker Man, was a Bond girl in The Man with the Golden Gun, and was also married to Peter Sellers for four years.
Barbara Dickson
Dickson, 72, is a Scottish singer whose hits include ‘I Know Him So Well’ and ‘January February’.
She is one of the most successful Scottish female solo artists of all time, and is also a two-time Olivier Award-winning actress.
Henry Blofeld
Blofeld, nicknamed Blowers, was a beloved cricket commentator on the BBC’s Test Match Special before retiring in 2017.
The 80-year-old’s playing career never progressed beyond Cambridge University, but he has one of the most recognisable voices in the sport’s history.
Zandra Rhodes
Rhodes, 79, is an English fashion designer who has designed garments for the likes of Princess Diana.
She has also designed for Freddie Mercury and Brian May of Queen, and founded London’s Fashion and Textiles Museum in 2003.
John Altman
Altman is best known for playing Nick Cotton in EastEnders on and off for 30 years.
He was one of the original cast members, appearing in the very first episode back in 1985.
Susie Blake
Blake, 70, is an actress who is best known for appearing on Victoria Wood’s As Seen on TV, and as Bev Unwin on Coronation Street.
She has played Hilary Nicholson on Mrs Brown’s Boys since 2011.


inews--2020-05-28--This House cast: who stars in James Graham's National Theatre Live play, and what time to watch on Y

This House cast: who stars in James Graham's National Theatre Live play, and what time to watch on YouTube tonight

This House cast : who stars in James Graham 's National Theatre Live play , and what time to watch on YouTube tonight The political comedy from James Graham , the man behind Brexit : The Uncivil War and ITV 's Quiz is the next show streaming from the National The National Theatre may still be off limits because of the coronavirus lockdown , but thankfully its plays are n't .
For weeks it has been allowing us to stream some of its most famous productions for free , from the comfort of our own homes , with the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already been treated to the likes of Frankenstein starring Benedict Cumberbatch , Ralph Fiennes in Antony and Cleopatra and Inua Ellams ' Barber Shop Chronicles .
And now it is the turn of This House , a political comedy from James Graham , the man behind Brexit : The Uncivil War and ITV 's Quiz .
Here is everything you need to know ... How can I watch This House ?
The play will be available to stream `` live '' on the National Theatre 's YouTube channel at 7pm on Thursday 28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7pm on Thursday 4 June , but you 'll need to start watching by 4.15pm on that day to ensure you see it all .
A Streetcar Named Desire , starring Gillian Anderson , is also available to watch until 7pm on Thursday 28 May .
What is it about ?
This House is based on true events that occurred in British politics during the 1970s , when a system called pairing threw Parliament into disarray .
The National Theatre synopsis says : `` It ’ s 1974 , and Britain has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ring with the sound of infighting and backstabbing as the political parties battle to change the future of the nation .
`` During this era of chaos , when a staggering number of politicians die and age-old traditions are thrown aside , MPs find they must roll up their sleeves , and bend the rules , to navigate a way through the Mother of all Parliaments . ''
This House depicts the battle between Labour and the Conservatives during the 1970s ( Photo : National Theatre )

The National Theatre may still be off limits because of the coronavirus lockdown, but thankfully its plays aren’t.
For weeks it has been allowing us to stream some of its most famous productions for free, from the comfort of our own homes, with the National Theatre at Home scheme.
We have already been treated to the likes of Frankenstein starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes in Antony and Cleopatra and Inua Ellams’ Barber Shop Chronicles.
And now it is the turn of This House, a political comedy from James Graham, the man behind Brexit: The Uncivil War and ITV’s Quiz.
Here is everything you need to know…
How can I watch This House?
The play was made available to stream “live” on the National Theatre’s YouTube channel at 7pm on Thursday 28 May.
It will be available until 7pm on Thursday 4 June, but you’ll need to start watching by 4.15pm on that day to ensure you see it all.
A Streetcar Named Desire, starring Gillian Anderson, is also available to watch until 7pm on Thursday 28 May.
What is it about?
This House is based on true events that occurred in British politics during the 1970s, when a system called pairing threw Parliament into disarray.
The National Theatre synopsis says: “It’s 1974, and Britain has a hung Parliament. The corridors of Westminster ring with the sound of infighting and backstabbing as the political parties battle to change the future of the nation.
“During this era of chaos, when a staggering number of politicians die and age-old traditions are thrown aside, MPs find they must roll up their sleeves, and bend the rules, to navigate a way through the Mother of all Parliaments.”
This original 2013 production is directed by Jeremy Herrin (People, Places and Things).
Who’s in the cast?
There are several well-known in the cast, including Phil Daniels (Quadrophenia, EastEnders), who plays Labour chief whip Bob Mellish.
His deputy, Walter Harrison, is played by Reece Dinsdale..
Also on the Labour side are Vincent Franklin (Bodyguard) as Michael Cocks, Lauren O’Neil (Richard III) as Ann Taylor and Richard Ridings (Fat Friends) as Joe Harper.
Conservative chief whip Humphrey Atkins is played by Julian Wadham (The Trial of Lord Lucan), with Charles Edwards (The Crown) as his deputy Jack Weatherill.


inews--2020-05-28--The First Team cast: who stars with Will Arnett in the BBC Two comedy series, when it's on tonight a

The First Team cast: who stars with Will Arnett in the BBC Two comedy series, when it's on tonight and what to expect

The First Team cast : who stars with Will Arnett in the BBC Two comedy series , when it 's on tonight and what to expect The First Team comes from the minds of Iain Morris and Damon Beesly , who also created The Inbetweeners Football is only gradually clawing itself back to life , with the return of the English game still a fair way off .
So what better time for the BBC to release a brand new football-based comedy .
The First Team comes from the minds of Iain Morris and Damon Beesly , who also created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footballers as they struggle to deal with an eccentric chairman and an Italian manager with a mind of his own .
Here is everything you need to know ...
When is The First Team on TV ?
The show kicks off on Thursday 28 May at 9.30pm on BBC Two .
What can we expect ?
The three central figures are Mattie Sullivan , Jack Turner and Benji Achebe , three young players at a top football team .
The show follows them and their off-field antics , which are n't quite as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to deal with their mercurial Italian manager Cesare , the team hard man Petey and an over the top American owner with grand ambitions .
Beesly said : `` First and foremost , it ’ s a comedy .
So there are jokes .
I promise you .
They may be funny .
`` Hopefully the viewers will find characters they can relate to living in a completely un-relatable situation .
`` It ’ s a chance to peek behind the curtain and see how privileged life can be inside the bubble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are brilliant , hilarious performances from the cast , some familiar faces and some breakthrough new talent . ''
The production crew also includes people who are involved in Channel 4 's Derry Girls , so expectations are high .
Who is in the cast ?

Football is only gradually clawing itself back to life, with the return of the English game still a fair way off.
So what better time for the BBC to release a brand new football-based comedy.
The First Team comes from the minds of Iain Morris and Damon Beesly, who also created The Inbetweeners.
It follows three young footballers as they struggle to deal with an eccentric chairman and an Italian manager with a mind of his own.
Here is everything you need to know…
When is The First Team on TV?
The show kicked off on Thursday 28 May at 9.30pm on BBC Two.
Like many British comedies the season will be six episodes long, all continuing at the same time and place each week.
It will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
What can we expect?
The three central figures are Mattie Sullivan, Jack Turner and Benji Achebe, three young players at a top football team. The show follows them and their off-field antics, which aren’t quite as glamorous as you may think.
They have to deal with their mercurial Italian manager Cesare, the team hard man Petey and an over the top American owner with grand ambitions.
Beesly said: “First and foremost, it’s a comedy. So there are jokes. I promise you. They may be funny.
“Hopefully the viewers will find characters they can relate to living in a completely un-relatable situation.
“It’s a chance to peek behind the curtain and see how privileged life can be inside the bubble of elite professional football. And there are brilliant, hilarious performances from the cast, some familiar faces and some breakthrough new talent.”
The production crew also includes people who are involved in Channel 4’s Derry Girls, so expectations are high.
Who is in the cast?
The biggest name is Arrested Development, BoJack Horseman and Lego Batman star Will Arnett, who plays chairman Mark Crane.
Mattie is played by Jake Short (SuperCool, This is the Year), Jack is played by Jack McMullen (The Souvenir, Ford v Ferrari/Le Mans ’66), and Benji is played by Shaquille Ali-Yebuah (The Feed, The Children Act).
Also among the cast are Theo Barklem Biggs (Sliced, White Gold) as Petey Brooks, Chris Geere (You’re The Worst, Modern Family) as Chris Booth, Tamla Kari (The Inbetweeners Movie, The Musketeers) as Olivia Talbot, Vadhir Derbez (How To Be a Latin Lover) as Carlos Velez, Phil Wang (8 Out of 10 Cats, Task Master) as Brian, and Neil Fitzmaurice (Peep Show, Mount Pleasant) as Darren.


inews--2020-05-28--Where is The Real Marigold Hotel 2020 filmed? Filming locations in India for the BBC One series

Where is The Real Marigold Hotel 2020 filmed ?
Filming locations in India for the BBC One series This year former dragon Duncan Bannatyne , Chuckle Brother Paul Elliott and Swedish actress Britt Ekland are among those heading to India Travelling abroad might be a fever dream for us right now , which means we have to live vicariously through others - normally on television recorded many months ago .
The BBC has brought back The Royal Marigold Hotel for a fourth season , with eight new celebs in their 70s heading to India to try out retirement .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brother Paul Elliott , Swedish actress Britt Ekland , Scottish singer Barbara Dickson , cricket commentator Henry Blofeld , fashion designer Zandra Rhodes , EastEnders actor John Altman and Coronation Street actress Susie Blake have taken the trip east .
But where exactly will they be going ?
Formerly known as Pondicherry , Puducherry is in the southern part of the Indian Peninsula , and is a popular spot with tourists .
It is majority Hindu , and home to many famous temples , including Sri Vedapureswarar Temple and Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promenade , several beaches and a statue of Mahatma Ghandi .
Ekland struggles with the heat while in Puducherry , while Elliott gets a stomach bug from some food .
The group swim in the Indian Ocean , visit a traditional coffee house and take a trip to the colourful Goubert market while in the region .
Rishikesh is one of the holiest places in India for Hindus ( Photo : Wikimedia Commons ) Rishikesh is in the foothills of the Himalayas right in the north of India .
It is known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the holiest places in the country for Hindus .
Sages and saints are said to have visited the city since ancient times in search of higher knowledge .
Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are both banned in the city on religious grounds .
It has also hosted the International Yoga Festival every year since 1989 .

Travelling abroad might be a fever dream for us right now, which means we have to live vicariously through others – normally on television recorded many months ago.
The BBC has brought back The Royal Marigold Hotel for a fourth season, with eight new celebs in their 70s heading to India to try out retirement.
This year former dragon Duncan Bannatyne, Chuckle Brother Paul Elliott, Swedish actress Britt Ekland, Scottish singer Barbara Dickson, cricket commentator Henry Blofeld, fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, EastEnders actor John Altman and Coronation Street actress Susie Blake have taken the trip east.
The show’s executive producer, David Clews, said: “Household names combined with royalty from the creative industries all promise to see hearts open and some unlikely friendships blossom.
“Our cast members deliver a journey of reflection and warmth, with laugh out loud adventures and life changing results.”
But where exactly will they be going?
Puducherry
Formerly known as Pondicherry, Puducherry is in the southern part of the Indian Peninsula, and is a popular spot with tourists.
It is majority Hindu, and home to many famous temples, including Sri Vedapureswarar Temple and Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple.
It also has a beautiful seaside promenade, several beaches and a statue of Mahatma Ghandi.
Ekland struggles with the heat while in Puducherry, while Elliott gets a stomach bug from some food.
The group swim in the Indian Ocean, visit a traditional coffee house and take a trip to the colourful Goubert market while in the region.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is in the foothills of the Himalayas right in the north of India. It is known as the pilgrimage town and is one of the holiest places in the country for Hindus.
Sages and saints are said to have visited the city since ancient times in search of higher knowledge.
Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are both banned in the city on religious grounds. It has also hosted the International Yoga Festival every year since 1989.
The Royal Marigold Hotel is airing at 9pm every Thursday evening on BBC One.


inews--2020-05-28--National Theatre Live streaming: how to watch This House on YouTube tonight, and the full schedule o

National Theatre Live streaming: how to watch This House on YouTube tonight, and the full schedule of free NT plays

National Theatre Live streaming : how to watch This House on YouTube tonight , and the full schedule of free NT plays A range of plays will be made available to stream via YouTube in April and May , continuing with Antony and Cleopatra Just like all entertainment outlets , theatres have had to close their doors per the Government 's guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic .
However , the National Theatre is bringing the stage to the screen by streaming several iconic plays on YouTube every Thursday .
Explaining the reason for making the plays accessible to thousands free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` During this unprecedented time which has seen the closure of theatres , cinemas and schools , the National Theatre announces a new initiative National Theatre at Home providing access to content online to serve audiences in their homes .
Here 's all you need to know about the National Theatre shows that are streaming .
Theatres in London have been forced to close amid the Coronavirus pandemic ( Photo : Leon Neal/Getty Images ) How can I watch the National Theatre shows from home ?
During the lockdown , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel way for the public to still enjoy the best from the stage .
The best part of it all is that it 's free to watch .
Every Thursday at 7pm BST on the theatre 's official YouTube channel , fans will be able to stream a selection of performances for a week .
Phil Daniels as Bob Mellish in This House ( Photo : National Theatre ) The National Theatre at Home initiative has won praise from fans for being given the chance to watch the plays for free .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the various cast and crews of the plays who have waived their rights .
The executive director and joint chief executive of the National Theatre told the Guardian : `` Everyone has said yes .
Please .
Let ’ s get it out to people .
`` It has taken a bit of negotiation and management but the outpouring from the industry has been fantastic . ''
However , that 's not all the National Theatre has to offer as there will also be a selection of Q & As with the cast @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Just like all entertainment outlets, theatres have had to close their doors per the Government’s guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the National Theatre is bringing the stage to the screen by streaming several iconic plays on YouTube every Thursday.
Explaining the reason for making the plays accessible to thousands free of charge, a National Theatre spokesperson said: “During this unprecedented time which has seen the closure of theatres, cinemas and schools, the National Theatre announces a new initiative National Theatre at Home providing access to content online to serve audiences in their homes.
“Audiences around the world can stream NT Live productions for free via YouTube, and students and teachers have access to the National Theatre Collection at home.”
Here’s all you need to know about the National Theatre shows that are streaming.
How can I watch the National Theatre shows from home?
During the lockdown, the National Theatre has come up with a novel way for the public to still enjoy the best from the stage. The best part of it all is that it’s free to watch.
Every Thursday at 7pm BST on the theatre’s official YouTube channel, fans will be able to stream a selection of performances for a week.
The first show, which kicked things off on Thursday 2 April, was One Man, Two Guvnors featuring James Corden.
From Thursday 9 April until 16 April theatre lovers could stream Sally Cookson’s bold reimagining of Charlotte Bronte’s classic Jane Eyre.
The stage version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic adventure novel Treasure Island, adapted by Bryony Lavery, showed from 16 April.
After that it was time for some Shakespeare with a staging of Twelfth Night starring Tamsin Grieg.
This was followed by Danny Boyle’s Frankenstein – starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller – which streamed until 8 May.
Next came Antony and Cleopatra, starring Ralph Fiennes as Antony and Sophie Okonedo as Cleopatra.
From Thursday 14 May – Thursday 21 May Inua Ellams’ Barber Shop Chronicles was available to stream.
Next came A Streetcar Named Desire, starring Gillian Anderson, and This House, from Quiz writer James Graham.
Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, starring Tom Hiddleston, The Madness of King George III and Small Island, an adaptation of Andrea Levy’s Orange Prize-winning novel, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream followed.
Les Blancs, starring Black Panther‘s Daniel Sapiani, came next and now The Deep Blue Sea, starring Helen McCrory, is streaming.
The National Theatre at Home initiative has won praise from fans for being given the chance to watch the plays for free. But it’s all been made possible by the various cast and crews of the plays who have waived their rights.
The executive director and joint chief executive of the National Theatre told the Guardian: “Everyone has said yes. Please. Let’s get it out to people.
“It has taken a bit of negotiation and management but the outpouring from the industry has been fantastic.”
National Theatre at Home schedule
Thursday 2 April: One Man Two Guvnors by Richard Bean
Thursday 9 April: Jane Eyre by Sally Cookson
Thursday 16 April: Treasure Island by Bryony Lavery
Thursday 23 April: Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
Thursday 30 April: Frankenstein by Nick Dear
Thursday 7 May: Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare
Thursday 14 May: Barber Shop Chronicles by Inua Ellams
Thursday 21 May: A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
Thursday 28 May: This House by James Graham
Thursday 4 June: Coriolanus by William Shakespeare
Thursday 11 June: The Madness of George III by Alan Bennett
Thursday 18 June: Small Island by Helen Edmundson
Thursday 25 June: A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
Thursday 2 July: Les Blancs by Lorraine Hansberry
Thursday 9 July: The Deep Blue Sea by Terence Rattigan
However, that’s not all the National Theatre has to offer as there will also be a selection of Q&As with the cast and creative teams of the plays.
What else?
In a bid to help schools, colleges and universities, the National Theatre has also released a new National Theatre Collection which “makes the best of British Theatre available worldwide to libraries, schools, universities and the wider education sector.”
The collection features productions from a range of theatres including the National Theatre, the Young Vic, Donmar Warehouse and Bridge Theatre.


inews--2020-05-28--Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health: when the documentary is on BBC One tonight, and what

Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health: when the documentary is on BBC One tonight, and what to expect

Football , Prince William and Our Mental Health : when the documentary is on BBC One tonight , and what to expect The Duke of Cambridge wants to get people talking about mental health , and help the conversation spread across the country Prince William is known for being outspoken about mental health , and has been a huge football fan since he was a boy .
He wants to use the game to get people talking about mental health , and help the conversation spread across the country .
When is Football , Prince William and Our Mental Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The film gives us special , exclusive access to the Duke of Cambridge over the course of a year .
He meets players , fans and managers from grassroots to the elite as part of his efforts to start `` the biggest ever conversation on mental health , through football '' .
The film also tells the stories of men who have been affected by mental health , from former England goalkeeper Joe Hart , who has been forced to cope with a very public decline in his career and is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Burnley , to a group of bereaved fathers who use their local football team as a support network and safe space to talk .
Former Premier League footballer Marvin Sordell opens up about his struggles with depression and Aston Villa centre back and England defender Tyrone Mings talks about the pressures of living and performing in the public eye playing top level football .
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard also speaks to Prince William about how as a player he was `` stuck in the stone age '' when it came to mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long way to go in how it 's dealt with at clubs .
The Duke visits footballers from the grassroots to elite level ( Photo : BBC ) Explaining his choice to Gary Lineker , he said : `` A long time ago at school I got into football big time .
I was looking around for clubs .
All my friends at school were either Man United fans or Chelsea fans and I didn ’ t want to follow the run of the mill teams .
`` Aston Villa ’ s always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got friends of mine who support Aston Villa and one of the first FA Cup games I went to was Bolton v Aston Villa back in 2000 .
Sadly , Villa went on to lose to Chelsea .

Prince William is known for being outspoken about mental health, and has been a huge football fan since he was a boy.
In Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health, a new show from the BBC, he combines the two.
He wants to use the game to get people talking about mental health, and help the conversation spread across the country.
Here is everything you need to know…
When is Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health on TV?
The 55-minute documentary will be on BBC One on Thursday 28 May at 8.05pm.
It will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
What should we expect?
The film gives us special, exclusive access to the Duke of Cambridge over the course of a year.
He meets players, fans and managers from grassroots to the elite as part of his efforts to start “the biggest ever conversation on mental health, through football”.
The film also tells the stories of men who have been affected by mental health, from former England goalkeeper Joe Hart, who has been forced to cope with a very public decline in his career and is now struggling to get into the first team at Burnley, to a group of bereaved fathers who use their local football team as a support network and safe space to talk.
Former Premier League footballer Marvin Sordell opens up about his struggles with depression and Aston Villa centre back and England defender Tyrone Mings talks about the pressures of living and performing in the public eye playing top level football.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard also speaks to Prince William about how as a player he was “stuck in the stone age” when it came to mental health and how there’s still a long way to go in how it’s dealt with at clubs.
Prince William and football
The Duke has been a big fan of Birmingham side Aston Villa since he was at school.
Explaining his choice to Gary Lineker, he said: “A long time ago at school I got into football big time. I was looking around for clubs. All my friends at school were either Man United fans or Chelsea fans and I didn’t want to follow the run of the mill teams.
“I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments.
“Aston Villa’s always had a great history. I have got friends of mine who support Aston Villa and one of the first FA Cup games I went to was Bolton v Aston Villa back in 2000. Sadly, Villa went on to lose to Chelsea.
“It was fantastic, I sat with all the fans with my red beanie on, and I was sat with all the Brummie fans and had a great time.
“It was the atmosphere, the camaraderie and I really felt that there was something I could connect with.”


inews--2020-05-29--Hitched at Home: Our Lockdown Wedding: when Fred Sirieix's documentary is on Channel 4, and what to

Hitched at Home: Our Lockdown Wedding: when Fred Sirieix's documentary is on Channel 4, and what to expect

Hitched at Home : Our Lockdown Wedding : when Fred Sirieix 's documentary is on Channel 4 , and what to expect Patrick and Louise have put their nuptials in the hands of First Dates ' Fred Sirieix Patrick and Louise have put their wedding in the hands of Fred from First Dates ( Photo : Channel 4 ) One of the many consequences of the coronavirus pandemic is that thousands of couples have been forced to cancel or reschedule their weddings .
But Patrick and Louise from London have decided to take a very different approach .
For a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Home : Our Lockdown Wedding , they have put their nuptials in the hands of First Dates ' Fred Sirieix .
He has just a matter of days to organise their dream wedding - virtually of course - so they can still get hitched during lockdown .
When is Hitched at Home : Our Lockdown Wedding on TV ?
It will also be available to watch on catch-up on All4 .
What can we expect ?
Those plans have gone up in smoke , but the did n't want the lockdown to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They got in touch with Channel 4 and they decided to make a show of it .
Fred , who is known for bringing couples together , will organise a socially-distanced stag do , hen party and wedding ... in just two weeks .
Fred has just two weeks to organise the wedding ( Photo : Channel 4 ) '' Having a virtual commitment ceremony , especially in these times of isolation , isn ’ t exactly how we thought we ’ d be doing this , '' the couple said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely could not have waited another year to get married . ''
He said : `` Patrick and Louise had everything in place , but it all got taken away from them .
So , I ’ m working with some of my most trusted colleagues to throw the biggest bash we can in these circumstances .
`` I ’ m working my finger to the bone to organise plenty of surprises for Louise and Patrick and we ’ re going to make it a day they ’ ll never forget .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to miss it . ''

One of the many consequences of the coronavirus pandemic is that thousands of couples have been forced to cancel or reschedule their weddings.
But Patrick and Louise from London have decided to take a very different approach.
For a brand new Channel 4 show, Hitched at Home: Our Lockdown Wedding, they have put their nuptials in the hands of First Dates‘ Fred Sirieix.
He has just a matter of days to organise their dream wedding – virtually of course – so they can still get hitched during lockdown.
Here is everything you need to know…
When is Hitched at Home: Our Lockdown Wedding on TV?
The hour-long show will air on Monday 1 June at 9pm on Channel 4.
It will also be available to watch on catch-up on All4.
What can we expect?
Patrick and Louise were planning an extravagant “festival wedding” in an orchard with 200 guests.
Those plans have gone up in smoke, but the didn’t want the lockdown to stop them from getting married altogether. They got in touch with Channel 4 and they decided to make a show of it. Fred, who is known for bringing couples together, will organise a socially-distanced stag do, hen party and wedding… in just two weeks.
“Having a virtual commitment ceremony, especially in these times of isolation, isn’t exactly how we thought we’d be doing this,” the couple said.
“But on the other hand, we absolutely could not have waited another year to get married.”
Fred will use his hospitality contacts to make sure to give Patrick and Louise a day to remember.
He said: “Patrick and Louise had everything in place, but it all got taken away from them. So, I’m working with some of my most trusted colleagues to throw the biggest bash we can in these circumstances.
“I’m working my finger to the bone to organise plenty of surprises for Louise and Patrick and we’re going to make it a day they’ll never forget. I promise you, you will not want to miss it.”


inews--2020-05-29--How people with no recourse to public funds are surviving in the coronavirus pandemic

How people with no recourse to public funds are surviving in the coronavirus pandemic People with no recourse to public funds ca n't receive Universal Credit , furlough payments or housing benefits - even in the pandemic For a many people in the UK , the no recourse to public funds rule that many migrants living in the UK find themselves subject to is equally baffling .
Government stipends have been a lifeline while normal life has fallen aside , leaving people without contracts , a stable salary , or even a job altogether .
But for people with no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NRPF , these payments are not available .
During their time in the role , they have assisted a 10-year old boy who had to wake up at 4.30am to get to school on time .
He and his family had been forced to move two and a half hours away from the school to find somewhere they could afford to rent .
Workers for the Unity Project said life was hard enough for people with NRPF before the outbreak ( Photo : BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images ) Since the outbreak began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sarah , who shared a bed with her two children .
The family shared the kitchen and bathroom with adult strangers , and the children sometimes had to use the garden to go to the toilet .
But when the family wrote to the Home Office to lift the NRPF conditions , Sarah 's 139 pages of evidence were rejected because there was `` no independent evidence to prove inadequacy of living arrangements . ''
“ Even before the pandemic , this policy was trapping working families in the most abject poverty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , insecure housing .
Since the Covid-19 outbreak , their situations have become even more dire and urgent , '' said Ms Hattam .
`` We have provided extensive evidence of how children ’ s lives are being blighted by this policy , and families must be given access to the welfare safety net to prevent them from falling into destitution .
We will continue to support those affected until we see real changes to the policy.
” The right to healthcare The NRPF network is one of a number of bodies looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The network , supported by Islington Council , said the impact of the rule is being keenly felt by those who have suddenly lost their employment and are unable to access the safety net offered by the Government through the benefits system .
Some NHS treatments come with a surcharge for people with NRPF ( Photo : Ian Forsyth/Getty ) The court heard that the eight-year-old had moved school five times and been street homeless with his mother due to the Home Office ’ s refusal to allow them access to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were also told that J , as his mother was known in court , had been driven into debt and suffered from serious anxiety .
The courts ruled the denial of public funds was unlawful ( Photo : Getty )

Prime Minister Boris Johnson appeared confused when he was asked about the effect of the no recourse to public funds rule on people living in the UK in a parliamentary committee hearing on Wednesday.
Mr Johnson was asked by MP Stephen Timms as to why a family, who are residents in the UK and live in his constituency of Oldham, Manchester, can’t receive Universal Credit, furlough payments or housing benefits during the coronavirus outbreak.
For a many people in the UK, the no recourse to public funds rule that many migrants living in the UK find themselves subject to is equally baffling. Government stipends have been a lifeline while normal life has fallen aside, leaving people without contracts, a stable salary, or even a job altogether. But for people with no recourse to public funds, known as NRPF, these payments are not available.
The rule, introduced by Theresa May when she was Home Secretary, stops people with leave to remain to visit, study, work or join family in the UK from having the right to claim any Government aid, as well as housing or homelessness assistance from their local council.
Normal life is hard enough under no recourse to public funds rules. But during the pandemic, it is chaos.
Life without recourse
Caz Hattam and Fiona Bawden have been assisting struggling families through the Unity Project, a charity set up to help people left destitute under the NRPF rule.
Over the last three years, they have helped families who have been living in squalor because they cannot claim any funding or assistance.
During their time in the role, they have assisted a 10-year old boy who had to wake up at 4.30am to get to school on time. He and his family had been forced to move two and a half hours away from the school to find somewhere they could afford to rent.
In another case, a woman lived in an unconverted garage because she couldn’t access any local authority housing. Hoping she’d be able to remove the NRPF restriction because of her living conditions, she applied to the Home Office. Her application was rejected on the grounds she hadn’t provided an official letter saying her accommodation was unsuitable.
Since the outbreak began, the charity has assisted full-time carer Sarah, who shared a bed with her two children. The family shared the kitchen and bathroom with adult strangers, and the children sometimes had to use the garden to go to the toilet. But when the family wrote to the Home Office to lift the NRPF conditions, Sarah’s 139 pages of evidence were rejected because there was “no independent evidence to prove inadequacy of living arrangements.”
“Even before the pandemic, this policy was trapping working families in the most abject poverty, forcing them into debt, and unsafe, insecure housing. Since the Covid-19 outbreak, their situations have become even more dire and urgent,” said Ms Hattam. “We have provided extensive evidence of how children’s lives are being blighted by this policy, and families must be given access to the welfare safety net to prevent them from falling into destitution. We will continue to support those affected until we see real changes to the policy.”
The right to healthcare
The NRPF network is one of a number of bodies looking after people with NRPF during the pandemic. The network, supported by Islington Council, said the impact of the rule is being keenly felt by those who have suddenly lost their employment and are unable to access the safety net offered by the Government through the benefits system.
Since 23 October 2017, certain migrants, about two-thirds of NRPF households, who are supported by social services include a parent or adult with no current immigration permission who would be liable to be charged for secondary and community NHS healthcare, putting them at further risk when it comes to receiving treatment for the virus.
While GP services and A&E assistance remains free, the NRPF network has found this is not necessarily common knowledge among practitioners. The network fear this could leave people without NRPF unable to access the healthcare they need to weather the crisis.
“The Prime Minister’s words were very concerning; it is clear he didn’t understand the full consequences of NRPF,” Cllr Una O’Halloran, Islington Council’s executive member for community development works with the NRPF network, told i. “This legal condition can affect many people including those who are working full-time and have leave to remain in the UK. The Government needs to urgently look at the full consequences of this policy and review it.”
Little victories
There is some hope that the tide could be turning for people affected by NRPF.
In its plans to house all rough sleepers during the coronavirus pandemic, the Government advised councils to accommodate people with no recourse to public funds. As well as this, a legal challenge brought to the high courts by the charity has somewhat discredited the policy.
A high court ruling on 7 May found that denying an eight-year-old British boy who is supported by his migrant mother access to the welfare safety net is unlawful.
The court heard that the eight-year-old had moved school five times and been street homeless with his mother due to the Home Office’s refusal to allow them access to the social security safety net. The judges were also told that J, as his mother was known in court, had been driven into debt and suffered from serious anxiety.
The judges ruled that the NRPF policy breaches the Human Rights Act, which prohibits inhuman and degrading treatment. A detailed order is expected to follow, which will set out the steps the Home Office needs to take to comply with the judges’ ruling.
Barrister Jan Doerfel, who has represented clients impacted by NRPF, called the legislation “fundamentally unjust and inhumane.”
“Not only does the NRPF condition risk violating the human rights of migrants including of the most vulnerable – such as single parents, children, those with physical or mental health problems and those needing care or providing care – but it is also fundamentally unjust and inhumane to deprive residents in the UK – many of whom work and hence financially contribute to the welfare system – of the basic safety net that is necessary to protect human dignity.”
“During the current pandemic, this policy is particularly harmful, both to those subject to the condition who are facing even greater economic uncertainty during this period, but also to society at large. The inability to access public funds may well force desperate individuals who should be self-isolating into seeking work outside their home to avoid destitution.
“It follows that the NRPF condition during the current worldwide pandemic also poses a public health risk, which has led other countries such as Portugal to abolish any NRPF condition and to allow access to healthcare and public services to all migrants.”
And while the Prime Minister’s reaction to NRPF on Wednesday elicited criticism, it has pushed him towards reviewing the rule. He told the committee “the Government will see what we can do to help”.
“Clearly people who have worked hard for this country and who live and work here should have support of one kind or another,” he said in the hearing.
“You’ve raised a very important point – if the condition of their leave to remain is that they should have no recourse to public funds I will find out how many there are in that position and we will see what we can do to help.”
For some leave to remain residents, this could signal the end of an eight year battle. For others, it could be three months too late.
A Government spokesperson said: “We have been clear that no one should find themselves destitute during this crisis due to circumstances beyond their control.
“We have taken action across the system to support those with no recourse to public funds, including protections from eviction for renters and mortgage holidays, as well as support through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Self Employed Income Support Scheme and those on zero-hours contracts.
“People granted leave under the family and human rights routes can also apply to have the conditions lifted if their financial circumstances have changed.”


inews--2020-05-29--CNN reporter Omar Jimenez arrested live on TV covering George Floyd protests, released after governo

CNN reporter Omar Jimenez arrested live on TV covering George Floyd protests, released after governor intervenes

Omar Jimenez , a black correspondent for the news network , was arrested during a live broadcast from the blazing protests The Minnesota State Patrol arrested black CNN reporter Omar Jimenez while he was reporting live at the scene during the third day of protests sparked by the killing of 46-year-old George Floyd .
He was later released and appeared again on CNN , after Governor Tim Walz intervened , ordering their release and apologising .
'We 're getting out of your way' '' We can move back to where you like , '' he told the officers wearing gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he and his crew were members of the press .
`` We 're getting out of your way . ''
The officers continued to surround him while Mr Jimenez explained the situation .
`` We are four members of one team ... we are getting out of your way , so just let us know , '' he said .
Explaining that the force were part of the scene clearing the protestors , and policeman interjected and said `` you are under arrest . ''
As the officers began to handcuff him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am I under arrest ? ''
but did not appear to receive a response .
He later reported that he was told `` “ Look , I don ’ t know man , I ’ m just following orders.
” He was then walked away from the scene .
Omar Jimenez was arrested at the scene ( Photo : Still from CNN footage ) '' That is an American television reporter being led away by police officers , '' one of the crew said as Mr Jiminez was led away from the scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reporter and was respectfully explaining that our CNN team was there and moving away ... for some reason , he was just taken into police custody . ''
`` A CNN reporter and his production team were arrested this morning in Minneapolis for doing their jobs , despite identifying themselves - a clear violation of their First Amendment rights , '' the channel said in a statement .
`` The authorities in Minnesota , including the Governor , must release the three CNN employees immediately . ''
Mr Jimenez returned to air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the arrest ( Photo : Still from CNN footage )

Minnesota police have sparked outrage for arresting a reporter live on air as he covered the Minneapolis protests.
The Minnesota State Patrol arrested black CNN reporter Omar Jimenez while he was reporting live at the scene during the third day of protests sparked by the killing of 46-year-old George Floyd. He was later released and appeared again on CNN, after Governor Tim Walz intervened, ordering their release and apologising.
‘We’re getting out of your way’
The correspondent had just shown a protester being arrested at 5am CDT when half a dozen white police officers surrounded him.
“We can move back to where you like,” he told the officers wearing gas masks and face shields, before explaining that he and his crew were members of the press. “We’re getting out of your way.”
The officers continued to surround him while Mr Jimenez explained the situation. “We are four members of one team… we are getting out of your way, so just let us know,” he said.
Explaining that the force were part of the scene clearing the protestors, and policeman interjected and said “you are under arrest.” As the officers began to handcuff him, Mr Jimenez asked: “Why am I under arrest?” but did not appear to receive a response. He later reported that he was told ” “Look, I don’t know man, I’m just following orders.” He was then walked away from the scene.
“That is an American television reporter being led away by police officers,” one of the crew said as Mr Jiminez was led away from the scene. “He clearly identified himself as a reporter and was respectfully explaining that our CNN team was there and moving away… for some reason, he was just taken into police custody.”
A producer and his cameraman were then arrested, handcuffed and led away by the police shortly after.
Responses to the footage have erupted on social media, with the news network demanding the state releases the three employees “immediately.”
“A CNN reporter and his production team were arrested this morning in Minneapolis for doing their jobs, despite identifying themselves – a clear violation of their First Amendment rights,” the channel said in a statement. “The authorities in Minnesota, including the Governor, must release the three CNN employees immediately.”
Mr Jimenez has been released, and is back on air reporting from the scene.
The Gov. Walz apologised to CNN for the arrest of the reporter, his producer and photographer, calling it “inadvertent.” Mr Walz added that he wants the media to be there.
The death of George Floyd
The death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in police custody, has led to widespread outrage and protests across the US.


inews--2020-05-29--Coronavirus pandemic exposes risks and rewards of remote working

Much is at stake if companies and their staff embrace home working permanently It is hoped many of the resulting financial problems will be solved once social distancing rules are brought to an end but some of the knock-on effects of the lockdown are likely to endure once government controls are lifted , with people ’ s desire to continue working from home being one of the stickiest .
A number of the world ’ s biggest companies have begun canvassing their staff about how they would like their working day to look once employees are able to start returning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with some firms already announcing that they do not expect workers to return this year .
Twitter tells staff they can work from home 'forever' Twitter has told its staff they can work from home forever , should they choose to ( Photo : Getty ) Twitter , which employs more than 4,000 people , said : `` The past few months have proven we can make that work .
So if our employees are in a role and situation that enables them to work from home and they want to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make that happen . ''
According to a poll of 1,500 UK business-owners and staff , more than half ( 53 per cent ) said that remote working due to the coronavirus has increased overall productivity , while 82 per cent said they are considering changing future working practices to allow more staff to work from home once the lockdown ends .
Louise , whose name has been changed , works for a FTSE 100 company in London .
She told i : “ I am so much more efficient and happy at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to the office one or maybe two days a week but not everyday .
Less time in the office would also allow me to buy a bigger house outside of London.
” Øyvind Reed , the chief executive of Whereby , a Norwegian video-conferencing company that conducted the poll , added : “ It would appear that the unprecedented events of the past two months , which necessitated an overnight abandonment of traditional working practices , are going to result in a profound , long term change in professional behaviour .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reevaluate all that they knew about the working day .
This research highlights two things .
Firstly , remote working is not something people fear nor wish to resist .
Secondly , businesses are already looking ahead to how the lessons learned from lockdown might be applied , from office rental to recruitment.
” Much is at stake if companies and their staff embrace home working in a big way , not least a potential slump in the demand for commercial property within some of the UK ’ s most important business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the many gyms , sandwich shops , bars and cafes servicing staff in those areas .
Acutely aware of the possible damage , the City of London and Canary Wharf , which together house more than 600,000 workers , have moved quickly to make it as easy as possible for companies and their employees to return swiftly and safely to their offices .
Square Mile closes streets to get people back to the office The Square Mile said it will close some streets to cars in order to create more space for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules can be observed , while Canary Wharf has drawn up plans to bring back tens of thousands of bankers , lawyers and accountants to the financial district , publishing guidance on lift capacity , increased bike and car parking , and staggered working .
He said : “ We could see a substantial change in the office market as companies change working practices and reduce office space .
Whatever evolves , we think the general office market is likely to come under pressure ... the longer-term trend could be negative from here.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ new normal amid the coronavirus pandemic ( Photo : Getty ) A wholesale shift to working at home does not come without complications , however .
A poll by YouGov of more than 2,000 UK office staff , found that more than 57 per cent said they miss having in-person conversations with their colleagues , while 49 per cent miss the relationships forged in the office .
Emma , who did not want to give her real name , works for a media company .
She told i : “ I would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work from home all the time .
I like being around people .
If they enacted a full-time remote-working policy I would move to another company.
” The potential mental health risks attached to the isolation of home working are significant .
A further study , which polled more than 1,000 UK home workers who have never worked from home before , found that one in 10 staff said they had not had any contact with their manager since they began working remotely .
Robert Darling , president at Eko , a virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ Physical two-way conversations and regular , open and transparent feedback is crucial right now .
Many people are not used to being away from the office and their peers , so it can be an isolating experience .
”

Covid-19 has changed the world immeasurably. Almost no part of society has been spared from the pandemic’s reach and the business and finance sector is no different.
Stock markets have been battered, economies globally have slumped and the number of people being laid off by their employers grows by the day.
It is hoped many of the resulting financial problems will be solved once social distancing rules are brought to an end but some of the knock-on effects of the lockdown are likely to endure once government controls are lifted, with people’s desire to continue working from home being one of the stickiest.
A number of the world’s biggest companies have begun canvassing their staff about how they would like their working day to look once employees are able to start returning safely to the office in large numbers, with some firms already announcing that they do not expect workers to return this year.
Twitter tells staff they can work from home ‘forever’
Twitter went a step further and has told staff they can work from home “forever” if they wish. The announcement came after Google and Facebook told employees they can stay away until the end of 2020.
Twitter, which employs more than 4,000 people, said: “The past few months have proven we can make that work. So if our employees are in a role and situation that enables them to work from home and they want to continue to do so forever, we will make that happen.”
According to a poll of 1,500 UK business-owners and staff, more than half (53 per cent) said that remote working due to the coronavirus has increased overall productivity, while 82 per cent said they are considering changing future working practices to allow more staff to work from home once the lockdown ends.
A further 53 per cent said their mental wellbeing had improved as a result of home working.
Louise, whose name has been changed, works for a FTSE 100 company in London. She told i: “I am so much more efficient and happy at home. I would like to go back to the office one or maybe two days a week but not everyday. Less time in the office would also allow me to buy a bigger house outside of London.”
Øyvind Reed, the chief executive of Whereby, a Norwegian video-conferencing company that conducted the poll, added: “It would appear that the unprecedented events of the past two months, which necessitated an overnight abandonment of traditional working practices, are going to result in a profound, long term change in professional behaviour.
‘Remote working not something people fear’
“Companies and employees worldwide are being forced to reevaluate all that they knew about the working day. This research highlights two things. Firstly, remote working is not something people fear nor wish to resist. Secondly, businesses are already looking ahead to how the lessons learned from lockdown might be applied, from office rental to recruitment.”
Much is at stake if companies and their staff embrace home working in a big way, not least a potential slump in the demand for commercial property within some of the UK’s most important business hubs, and a fall in trade for the many gyms, sandwich shops, bars and cafes servicing staff in those areas.
Acutely aware of the possible damage, the City of London and Canary Wharf, which together house more than 600,000 workers, have moved quickly to make it as easy as possible for companies and their employees to return swiftly and safely to their offices.
Streets close in Square Mile
The Square Mile said it will close some streets to cars in order to create more space for pedestrians and cyclists so that social distancing rules can be observed, while Canary Wharf has drawn up plans to bring back tens of thousands of bankers, lawyers and accountants to the financial district, publishing guidance on lift capacity, increased bike and car parking, and staggered working.
Sir George Iacobescu, executive chairman of Canary Wharf Group, said: “We are ready to provide a safe, clean and socially distanced environment for large numbers of people to return to the office.”
Alan Higgins, the chief investment officer at Coutts UK, the private bank whose wealthy clients include the Queen and David Beckham, recognises the threat to commercial property.
He said: “We could see a substantial change in the office market as companies change working practices and reduce office space. Whatever evolves, we think the general office market is likely to come under pressure…the longer-term trend could be negative from here.”
Almost 50% of staff miss office friends
A wholesale shift to working at home does not come without complications, however. A poll by YouGov of more than 2,000 UK office staff, found that more than 57 per cent said they miss having in-person conversations with their colleagues, while 49 per cent miss the relationships forged in the office.
Emma, who did not want to give her real name, works for a media company. She told i: “I would be deeply unhappy if my firm made us work from home all the time. I like being around people. If they enacted a full-time remote-working policy I would move to another company.”
The potential mental health risks attached to the isolation of home working are significant. A further study, which polled more than 1,000 UK home workers who have never worked from home before, found that one in 10 staff said they had not had any contact with their manager since they began working remotely.
An isolating experience
Robert Darling, president at Eko, a virtual workspace platform that conducted the study, said: “Physical two-way conversations and regular, open and transparent feedback is crucial right now. Many people are not used to being away from the office and their peers, so it can be an isolating experience.”
Business psychologist and wellness coach, Jivan Dempsey, added: “At a time of emergency, communication is vital and should be plentiful. Employees are naturally worried about themselves, their families and their futures, so leaders must step up to plate and respond with empathy and understanding.”
Whatever the impact on individuals, the rules for working have been changed dramatically, and possibly for good. Statistics released by the UK’s Office for National Statistics shows 49.2 per cent of adults in employment are currently working from home as a result of social distancing measures.
And many, it seems, would rather not go back to the office anytime soon.
How are you finding working from home? Email chris.newlands@inews.co.uk or contact the author on Twitter at newlands_chris


inews--2020-05-29--New lockdown rules explained: All the coronavirus measures easing in England on 1 June - and how the

New lockdown rules explained: All the coronavirus measures easing in England on 1 June - and how the changes affect you

New lockdown rules explained : All the coronavirus measures easing in England on 1 June - and how the changes affect you All changes are conditional on a sustained fall in case numbers and deaths in order to avoid a second peak Speaking at the coronavirus briefing , the Prime Minister said he was satisfied that the five requirements to get Britain safely out of lockdown have been met , but that changes could not be introduced too rapidly in case it sparked a second wave of the disease .
While it is unclear when lockdown will end , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 June in England , including the new addition that groups of six can now meet up , while socially distancing outside .
`` These changes mean that friends and family can start to meet their loved ones , perhaps seeing both parents at once or grandparents at once , '' Mr Johnson said .
He warned against seeing too many people from different households in quick succession however , and urged the public to use `` common sense '' .
The changes come as the new test and trace system has launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ piece in official 's plans for exiting lockdown , by replacing it with targeted isolation for those who may be Covid-19 positive .
The announced changes are only applicable to England , with governments in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland issuing their own restrictions and easing of measures separately .
A collection point for takeaway pints at a pub on Wandsworth Common ( Photo : Getty ) Boris Johnson confirmed that from 1 June people in England will be allowed to meet in groups of up to six , with those not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apart .
This must be done outdoors either in a public space , or private garden .
Schools are one of the big changes that could be reintroduced from 1 June , with years 1 and 6 expected to officially return for the first time since lockdown began .
The move is set to be in stages , so while these two years are the first , years 2 to 5 would then follow later in the month if all goes to plan .
This measure has faced backlash from headteachers and schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not reopen on 1 June .
Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June , with all other non-essential retailers being able to reopen in England from 15 June .

Boris Johnson has announced an update to Britain’s lockdown restrictions, easing a number of March’s coronavirus policies designed to curb the spread of the virus.
Speaking at the coronavirus briefing, the Prime Minister said he was satisfied that the five requirements to get Britain safely out of lockdown have been met, but that changes could not be introduced too rapidly in case it sparked a second wave of the disease.
Measures eased
While it is unclear when lockdown will end, a number of key changes will begin from 1 June in England, including the new addition that groups of six can now meet up, while socially distancing outside.
“These changes mean that friends and family can start to meet their loved ones, perhaps seeing both parents at once or grandparents at once,” Mr Johnson said.
He warned against seeing too many people from different households in quick succession however, and urged the public to use “common sense”.
The changes come as the new test and trace system has launched in England this week – an important piece in official’s plans for exiting lockdown, by replacing it with targeted isolation for those who may be Covid-19 positive.
All changes are conditional on a sustained fall in case numbers and deaths in order to avoid a second peak.
The announced changes are only applicable to England, with governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland issuing their own restrictions and easing of measures separately.
What will change?
Socialising
Boris Johnson confirmed that from 1 June people in England will be allowed to meet in groups of up to six, with those not from the same household staying two metres apart. This must be done outdoors either in a public space, or private garden.
School
Schools are one of the big changes that could be reintroduced from 1 June, with years 1 and 6 expected to officially return for the first time since lockdown began.
The move is set to be in stages, so while these two years are the first, years 2 to 5 would then follow later in the month if all goes to plan.
This measure has faced backlash from headteachers and schools however, with many warning they will not reopen on 1 June.
Shops
Some shops are set to open from 1 June, but not all.
Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June, with all other non-essential retailers being able to reopen in England from 15 June.
Sporting events
From around 1 June sporting and cultural events could begin again, but behind closed doors.
The return of the Premier League looks closer to mid-June, with an expected date of 17 June as long as there is not another spike in Covid-19 cases.


inews--2020-05-29--What our charity shops need from you when they reopen, from staggering visits to washing your donati

What our charity shops need from you when they reopen, from staggering visits to washing your donations

What our charity shops need from you when they reopen , from staggering visits to washing your donations As lockdown eases , we at Oxfam expect there ’ ll be a lot of things the public wants to donate to us Over the last two months most of us have had the urge for a good declutter .
Being confined to our homes has given people the time to get to the very backs of their wardrobes , into every corner of the attic and even the nooks and crannies of the garage .
So as lockdown restrictions ease , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a lot of things the public wants to donate to us – even more clothes , books , CDs , DVDs and homewares than we would have received if shops had been open since March .
We ’ re excited about this potential influx of treasures and are hugely grateful for the overwhelming generosity and support the public are showing to charity shops at this difficult time .
We are looking into ways to make it as easy as possible for people to donate .
While charity shops rightly closed during this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , charities also had to seal their donation banks as part of lockdown measures .
We expect that people will initially want to minimise the number of trips they take out of the house when restrictions ease .
So we are hoping to be able to reopen our textile banks soon so people can drop off their unwanted clothing when they visit their local supermarket .
This week we ’ ve started selling donated goods again from our online shop and now we ’ re busy planning all the systems we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen .
Thanks to our unique textile recycling plant , Wastesaver , we can collect and store surplus stock .
We are looking into options like additional collections from our shops to keep their stock rooms safe , and temporary storage sites .
We are following government advice and taking steps to create a safe environment .
In shops , that means ensuring there is space for social distancing , that staff and volunteers have the personal protective equipment they need and that all surfaces , doors and equipment are regularly cleaned .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 72 hours .
We are now planning the best way to reopen our 595 high street shops to the public .
It is likely to be in phases .
Just like the communities they are a part of , each Oxfam shop is unique , and the safety measures needed to reopen each one will depend on the size of each shop and the volunteers available to run it .
Shops typically have just one or two paid staff members working with a team of around 30 volunteers .
Across the country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our shops open and their health and wellbeing is a priority .
As many of them are vulnerable we are very aware of our responsibility to keep them safe .
We would love to hear from you if you would like to volunteer with us once our shops reopen .
You can register your interest online .
As shops reopen , we ’ ll be able to accept donations from the public .
So , if you are getting ready to donate items to Oxfam or any other charity shop , here is @ @ @ @ @ @

Over the last two months most of us have had the urge for a good declutter. Being confined to our homes has given people the time to get to the very backs of their wardrobes, into every corner of the attic and even the nooks and crannies of the garage.
So as lockdown restrictions ease, we at Oxfam expect there’ll be a lot of things the public wants to donate to us – even more clothes, books, CDs, DVDs and homewares than we would have received if shops had been open since March.
We’re excited about this potential influx of treasures and are hugely grateful for the overwhelming generosity and support the public are showing to charity shops at this difficult time.
We are looking into ways to make it as easy as possible for people to donate. While charity shops rightly closed during this pandemic, just like other retail outlets, charities also had to seal their donation banks as part of lockdown measures. We expect that people will initially want to minimise the number of trips they take out of the house when restrictions ease. So we are hoping to be able to reopen our textile banks soon so people can drop off their unwanted clothing when they visit their local supermarket.
This week we’ve started selling donated goods again from our online shop and now we’re busy planning all the systems we need to support our high street shops when they reopen. Thanks to our unique textile recycling plant, Wastesaver, we can collect and store surplus stock. We are looking into options like additional collections from our shops to keep their stock rooms safe, and temporary storage sites.
We are following government advice and taking steps to create a safe environment. In shops, that means ensuring there is space for social distancing, that staff and volunteers have the personal protective equipment they need and that all surfaces, doors and equipment are regularly cleaned. It also means isolating donated items for 72 hours.
We are now planning the best way to reopen our 595 high street shops to the public. It is likely to be in phases. Just like the communities they are a part of, each Oxfam shop is unique, and the safety measures needed to reopen each one will depend on the size of each shop and the volunteers available to run it.
Shops typically have just one or two paid staff members working with a team of around 30 volunteers. Across the country, we rely on 20,000 volunteers to keep our shops open and their health and wellbeing is a priority. As many of them are vulnerable we are very aware of our responsibility to keep them safe. We would love to hear from you if you would like to volunteer with us once our shops reopen. You can register your interest online.
As shops reopen, we’ll be able to accept donations from the public. So, if you are getting ready to donate items to Oxfam or any other charity shop, here is how you can help us:
Clean things. Wherever possible, put clothes and textiles through the washing machine and wipe down solid surfaces.
Have a think about what items we can sell. Ask yourself, “Would someone I know buy this?” If the answer is “Yes”, we’d love to receive it.
Call ahead when you’re ready to donate, to check the best time for your local shop.
Stagger your donations, rather than bringing everything at once. We appreciate not everyone has lots of storage space and we would be delighted to help clear your clutter from your home whenever the time is right.
Remember to Gift Aid your donation, this scheme allows charities to claim 25 per cent extra on the sale of your donations. With Oxfam’s Tag Your Bag scheme we will also let you know how much money your items have raised for our work which includes supporting people facing coronavirus around the world.
Fee Gilfeather is a member of the Oxfam charity shops team


inews--2020-05-29--Two Sisters, One Body: The extraordinary story of twins Carmen and Lupita - and when the documentary

Two Sisters, One Body: The extraordinary story of twins Carmen and Lupita - and when the documentary is on Channel 4

Two Sisters , One Body : The extraordinary story of twins Carmen and Lupita - and when the documentary is on Channel 4 The twins were born conjoined from the chest to the pelvis , and were given just three days to live in 2002 They were born conjoined from the chest to the pelvis , and were given just three days to live when they were born in Mexico in 2002 .
Now , 18 years later , they are still here , and are dealing with far more than just their medical situation - they are also having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's America .
In a new Channel 4 documentary , Two Sisters , One Body , Carmen and Lupita speak about their lives sharing a body , school and their future ambitions , as well as the new challenges presented by modern America .
When is Two Sisters , One Body on TV ?
What can we expect ?
They speak about how their lives are affected by being conjoined , but also the issue of being immigrants in Trump 's America and how , sometimes , that can be even more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ synopsis says : `` A coming-of-age story of two Omphalopagus twins .
About to leave high school Carmen and Lupita have more than their grades or their rare conjoined condition to think about , they are Mexicans in President Donald Trump 's America .
Now is a key turning point in their life as their American dream threatens to come to an end . ''
The twins arrived in Connecticut when they were two years old for medical reasons , and have remained ever since .
They each have two arms , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right and Lupita controls the left .
When they were young they spent years in physical therapy learning how to work together in order to walk and get around .
They have defied the odds to live to 18 , and now stand a good chance of surviving into old age .
Carmen told The Hartford Courant : `` Our friends , once they get to know us , our friends literally tell us , 'You guys are so completely different ' , and I 'm like , 'Well , yeah .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' ''

Carmen and Lupita Andrade are twins who have a closer bond than most.
They were born conjoined from the chest to the pelvis, and were given just three days to live when they were born in Mexico in 2002.
Now, 18 years later, they are still here, and are dealing with far more than just their medical situation – they are also having to contend with being immigrants in Donald Trump‘s America.
In a new Channel 4 documentary, Two Sisters, One Body, Carmen and Lupita speak about their lives sharing a body, school and their future ambitions, as well as the new challenges presented by modern America.
Here is everything you need to know…
When is Two Sisters, One Body on TV?
The hour-long documentary will air on Sunday 31 May at 9.15pm on Channel 4.
It will also be available to watch on All4.
What can we expect?
The documentary follows Carmen and Lupita as they prepare to leave school and enter the world beyond.
They speak about how their lives are affected by being conjoined, but also the issue of being immigrants in Trump’s America and how, sometimes, that can be even more of a challenge.
The Channel 4 synopsis says: “A coming-of-age story of two Omphalopagus twins. About to leave high school Carmen and Lupita have more than their grades or their rare conjoined condition to think about, they are Mexicans in President Donald Trump’s America. Now is a key turning point in their life as their American dream threatens to come to an end.”
Carmen and Lupita’s story
The twins arrived in Connecticut when they were two years old for medical reasons, and have remained ever since.
They were born conjoined from the chest to the pelvis, where their spines meet.
They each have two arms, but only one leg, so Carmen controls the right and Lupita controls the left.
They have their own hearts, lungs and stomachs, but share a liver, circulatory, reproductive and digestive system.
When they were young they spent years in physical therapy learning how to work together in order to walk and get around.
They have defied the odds to live to 18, and now stand a good chance of surviving into old age.
They have quite different personalities. Carmen is louder while Lupita is a little more shy.
Carmen told The Hartford Courant: “Our friends, once they get to know us, our friends literally tell us, ‘You guys are so completely different’, and I’m like, ‘Well, yeah. We’re two different people’.'”
They both have ambitions to have careers looking after animals, perhaps as vets.
Carmen and Lupita and very much a special case. About one in 200,000 live births are conjoined and most are stillborn or die shortly after birth.
Doctors decided it would be too risky to separate them when they were young, as they share too many vital organs.
And they cannot understand why anyone would ever want to separate them now.


inews--2020-05-29--From travel to babies, coronavirus has shown us that our fascination with planning is misguided

From travel to babies , coronavirus has shown us that our fascination with planning is misguided We 're simply not in control in the way we like to think we are , however much we believe we could plan to the contrary Often it feels as if we ’ re in a planning-obsessed culture .
We compulsively plan our diets , social lives , holidays , fitness regimes , career trajectories , either on apps or in expensive notebooks .
Instagram fetishes the art of organisation ; pictures of diaries next to a flatwhite - # planning !
Career coaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraging us to plan by the hour , the week , the month , the year .
We ’ re told to have vision boards for our future plans , to cross things off our bucket lists , to line our goals up like pins in an alley and spend all our energy and money trying to knock them down .
And that ’ s hard .
I know many people whose plans have simply evaporated before their eyes , ghostly promises of adventure or fertility treatment or promotion walking off into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I was meant to spend four weeks in the American midwest in April on a project that felt like a dream come true but has now been regulated back to simply a dream .
My partner and I had talked about trying for a baby at the end of this year but how can you accelerate life when the world is on pause ?
I try to remember that I am used to plans not working out .
Nearly all the universities I had applied for turned me down , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Immediately , I wanted to take a year out , forget I ’ d even applied , but my patient mother persuaded me to explore the offer I did have .
And thank god she did .
It sounds like a cliche but I had the time of my life at Sussex University , so much so it felt fated that I should be there .
But it wasn ’ t .
That was never the plan .
When I decided to go freelance , I ’ d just read a book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s chief of staff , Alyssa Mastromonaco .
She talked about planning frenzies she ’ d go into when working on particular projects with the President in which she ’ d cover her entire living room with Post-It notes , planning for every eventuality .
Inspired , I bought a new notebook and planned my heart out .
Or at least I thought I had .
Less than a year later , my main client folded , leaving me with thousands of pounds of unpaid work - something I hadn ’ t planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tougher , more agile , and opened me to opportunities I wouldn ’ t have found otherwise .
Our fascination with planning is misguided , and not just because of coronavirus but because we 're simply not in control in the way we like to think we are , however much we believe we could plan to the contrary .
You don ’ t have to believe in the gods or the stars to know this to be true .
Just ask anyone who ’ s tried for a baby or been diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke to the manager of a recovery centre for young women with substance abuse issues .
She told me the women were doing remarkably well and she put it down to the AA philosophy of “ one day at a time ” .
Their addictions were a daily battle , robbing them of long-term plans .
They could cope with lockdown , possibly better than a lot of others , because they understand acutely what not being entirely in control feels like .
Any professional success I ’ ve had has come from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly knocked me out cold .
Mostly , I think it ’ s about acceptance ; not holding onto a plan that ’ s redundant or futile but embracing plan B or C or even Z .
Today we call these sorts of people early adopters and I always like to think of the men and women who created Hollywood out of sweltering American desert .
The people who excel in times of change are the ones who let go of the certainty of old plans and make something out of the rubble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the heartache of canceled plans is let go of plans altogether .
Now to be prepared is not to be well planned .
It is to be malleable and adaptable , and allow ourselves to be swept along with the current , wherever it might take us .

Often it feels as if we’re in a planning-obsessed culture. We compulsively plan our diets, social lives, holidays, fitness regimes, career trajectories, either on apps or in expensive notebooks. Instagram fetishes the art of organisation; pictures of diaries next to a flatwhite – #planning! Career coaches have become therapists for the ambitious, encouraging us to plan by the hour, the week, the month, the year. We’re told to have vision boards for our future plans, to cross things off our bucket lists, to line our goals up like pins in an alley and spend all our energy and money trying to knock them down.
But now, planning is cancelled. The coronavirus pandemic has pulled the shutters down on plans.
And that’s hard. I know many people whose plans have simply evaporated before their eyes, ghostly promises of adventure or fertility treatment or promotion walking off into the parallel universe of What Could Have Been. I was meant to spend four weeks in the American midwest in April on a project that felt like a dream come true but has now been regulated back to simply a dream. My partner and I had talked about trying for a baby at the end of this year but how can you accelerate life when the world is on pause?
I try to remember that I am used to plans not working out. Nearly all the universities I had applied for turned me down, including the place I had my heart set on. Immediately, I wanted to take a year out, forget I’d even applied, but my patient mother persuaded me to explore the offer I did have. And thank god she did. It sounds like a cliche but I had the time of my life at Sussex University, so much so it felt fated that I should be there. But it wasn’t. That was never the plan.
Read more Coronavirus shows we need a revolution for working women – and it starts with trade unions
When I decided to go freelance, I’d just read a book by former US President Barack Obama’s chief of staff, Alyssa Mastromonaco. She talked about planning frenzies she’d go into when working on particular projects with the President in which she’d cover her entire living room with Post-It notes, planning for every eventuality. Inspired, I bought a new notebook and planned my heart out. Or at least I thought I had. Less than a year later, my main client folded, leaving me with thousands of pounds of unpaid work – something I hadn’t planned for. Yet the recovery made me tougher, more agile, and opened me to opportunities I wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Our fascination with planning is misguided, and not just because of coronavirus but because we’re simply not in control in the way we like to think we are, however much we believe we could plan to the contrary. You don’t have to believe in the gods or the stars to know this to be true. Just ask anyone who’s tried for a baby or been diagnosed with a life-changing illness.
Recently I spoke to the manager of a recovery centre for young women with substance abuse issues. She told me the women were doing remarkably well and she put it down to the AA philosophy of “one day at a time”. Their addictions were a daily battle, robbing them of long-term plans. They could cope with lockdown, possibly better than a lot of others, because they understand acutely what not being entirely in control feels like.
Any professional success I’ve had has come from adapting to curveballs, some that initially nearly knocked me out cold. Mostly, I think it’s about acceptance; not holding onto a plan that’s redundant or futile but embracing plan B or C or even Z. Today we call these sorts of people early adopters and I always like to think of the men and women who created Hollywood out of sweltering American desert. The people who excel in times of change are the ones who let go of the certainty of old plans and make something out of the rubble.
Our only way through these times and the heartache of canceled plans is let go of plans altogether. Now to be prepared is not to be well planned. It is to be malleable and adaptable, and allow ourselves to be swept along with the current, wherever it might take us.


inews--2020-05-29--Coronavirus: As we head out of lockdown, Government assurances the 'five tests' have been met are on

Coronavirus: As we head out of lockdown, Government assurances the 'five tests' have been met are on shaky ground

Coronavirus : As we head out of lockdown , Government assurances the 'five tests ' have been met are on @ @ @ @ @ its coronavirus 'five tests ' have been met meaning lockdown can safely be eased across @ @ @ @ @ not yet been overwhelmed but that does n't mean it is safe ( Photo : @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson during a media briefing in Downing Street , London , on coronavirus ( @ @ @ @ @ No risk of a second peak So whilst the Government might be assuring the public @ @ @ @ @ the measures because it deemed it safe to do so , it remains to be @ @ @ @ @ prematurely or not .

To the relief of some and the concern of others, the Government has announced a significant drawing back of the strict social distancing rules the country has been following.
From Monday, schools and some shops will open and people will no longer be consigned to meeting just one person from outside their household – groups of six can gather and guests can be invited to private gardens.
Announcing the new rules, Prime Minister Boris Johnson talked about his oft-repeated “five tests”, strategy, introduced to act as a specific measure against which any lockdown measures would be analysed against.
He said all decisions were based on “data and evidence, about the spread of the virus and the impact of the measures taken so far”.
But what are the five tests and are they actually being met?
1. Protecting the NHS
The Government said at the start of the coronavirus outbreak that protecting the health service and preventing it from becoming overwhelmed was a priority.
There were concerns it would not be able to cope with the additional pressures of the pandemic so elective and non-emergency procedures and treatments were temporarily paused and extra capacity was built for intensive care patients.
But as of 27 May, the Government said just 11 per cent of mechanical ventilator beds in the UK were occupied by patients with coronavirus. This is down from a peak of around 40 per cent in the middle of April.
On 26 May, 475 people were admitted to hospital in England with coronavirus which is down from the highest point of more than 3,000 on a single day at the start of April.
The Prime Minister said he was confident these figures show the country had met its first test.
But these figures only reflect part of the story. Primary care workers – GPs and surgery staff – have had to bear the brunt of patients who cannot or will not go to the hospital or emergency departments, putting them under acute pressure.
With services beginning to reopen there are concerns that this pressure on primary care services will be ramped up and the backlog in referrals and diagnosis could push the fragile NHS to breaking point again.
Whilst the NHS may not have crumbled under a wave of critical Covid-19 patients, as it had been initially feared, there is still a long way to go before the wider impact of the crisis is known.
2. Fall in number of deaths
The Government’s second test is somewhat simpler to assess – to see “a sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rates from Covid-19”.
This acts as a measure as to when the “peak” of the virus is so ministers can feel confident that it has passed.
As of Thursday, the UK daily death rate measured by a seven-day rolling average was 256. This is significantly reduced from the highest average of 943 on 14 April.
Whilst this shows the number of deaths has been decreasing, it doesn’t necessarily mean death figures are low enough to be able to confidently reopen parts of the country and economy.
For example, 256 is more than double the number of daily deaths last reported in France – 115 – and higher than both Spain and Italy who are both reporting daily death counts below 100.
3. Fall in rate of infection
The third test is to see data from the Government’s scientific advisers showing that the rate of infection – or the R number showing the average number of people catching the virus – is decreasing “to manageable levels”.
Mr Johnson said on Thursday that there had been an average of 2,312 new cases confirmed over the past week, reduced from 5,066 in the first week of May.
If the R number is greater than 1.0 the virus will spread and the epidemic will grow, whereas if it is less than 1.0 then fewer than one person is being infected by every positive case – meaning it will shrink and eventually disappear.
Government scientists estimated that, as of 22 May, the R rate across the UK as a whole was between 0.7 and 1 – although this is an average and there is regional variation.
Whilst the number is below 1.0, there are concerns that it is not low enough to prevent a second peak of the virus if the lockdown is eased too soon.
When people are allowed to socialise more freely and mix with more than one household at a time, the infection rate could creep up a few points and, for areas where it is already 1.0, rapidly return to concerning levels.
4. Testing capacity and PPE supplies are adequate
The Government’s fourth test specifies that ministers must be confident that “operational challenges” seen across the country – such as shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing – have been resolved.
Mr Johnson said he “fully acknowledges the difficulties on testing and PPE that we have faced” but insisted the country was now “making progress”.
Testing capacity has indeed increased and is now at more than 160,000 per day – but only around 120,000 of those tests are actually being used.
Mr Johnson previously said he wanted to get up to 200,000 tests a day by the end of May which is not looking likely.
Whilst this might just seem like pointless numbers, the higher the number of tests carried out successfully the more effective the new test, track and trace system will be in monitoring closely the spread of the virus.
Mr Johnson also said he has signed 100 new deals with various PPE suppliers around the world – including for over two billion items of PPE, such as facemasks, visors, gowns and aprons.
As a result, he said, the Government would be able to start to “rebuild stocks” of equipment to prevent another shortage seen at the start of the crisis.
5. No risk of a second peak
The final test is perhaps the hardest to asses – that the Government is “confident any adjustments to the current measures will not risk a second peak of infections that overwhelms the NHS”.
Mr Johnson said the new lockdown rules were “carefully designed so that we can ease the burdens of lockdown while expecting to keep that R below one”.
“I cannot and will not throw away all the gains we have made together, and so the changes we are making are limited and cautious,” he added.
As explained, with the death rate still relatively high – compared with neighboring countries – and the R number extremely close to be over 1.0, the current state of the epidemic in the UK is incredibly fragile.
So whilst the Government might be assuring the public that it has only reduced the measures because it deemed it safe to do so, it remains to be seen whether ministers are acting prematurely or not.
If they are the risk of a second peak would be very real and the knock-on impact would be huge.