bbcuk--2020-08-04--Scotland's results day: Thousands of pupils have exam grades lowered

Scottish school pupils have been finding out their results , with overall pass rates rising despite almost 125,000 grades being lowered by the exams body .
Exams were cancelled for the first time in history due to the coronavirus .
Results were worked out using estimates made by teachers based on the pupil 's performance over the school year .
However , a national moderation system meant that many pupils received lower grades than originally estimated .
Opposition politicians have warned that there will now be a `` deluge '' of appeals '' , and accused the Scottish Qualifications Authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judgement of teachers with `` contempt '' by changing so many grades .
The SQA said its moderation process had ensured `` fairness to all learners '' and maintained `` standards and credibility '' in the qualification system .
• How grades were worked out in the year with no exams About 138,000 students have been getting their results , with those who signed up for text or email alerts receiving their grades from 08:00 onwards , while certificates are arriving in the post during the day .
The pass rate for National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Higher pass rate was 78.9 % and the Advanced Higher rate was 84.9 % .
In 2019 , the National 5 pass rate was 78.2 % , the Higher pass rate was 74.8 % and the Advanced Higher rate was 79.4 % .
A total of 133,000 individual results were adjusted by the Scottish Qualifications Authority ( SQA ) from the initial estimates of grades that were submitted by teachers - a quarter of the total .
Of these , 6.9 % of the estimates were adjusted up , while 93.1 % were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % ) were adjusted by a single grade .
If the results had purely been based on the estimates from teachers , pass rates at grades A-C would have increased by 10.4 percentage points for National 5 , by 14 percentage points for Higher and by 13.4 percentage points for Advanced Higher .
Education Secretary John Swinney said this would have been a higher annual change than had ever been seen before in Scottish exam results .
He added : `` I know teachers and lecturers will always want the best for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acted professionally . ''
Exams were cancelled across the UK as schools closed and the country went into lockdown in March .
Scottish school pupils traditionally find out their results earlier than those in England , Wales and Northern Ireland , who will receive their grades for A-levels on 13 August and GCSEs on 20 August .
Pupils at Holyrood Secondary in Glasgow were among those to receive their grades on Tuesday morning .
Dionne told BBC Breakfast she had not known what to expect - but got `` exactly what I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm going to university and I 'm just so happy .
I ca n't believe it , '' she said .
Her father John said he was `` so proud '' of his daughter .
`` She 's done so much better than I could have ever done at school .
It 's been such a time of uncertainty and it 's a massive wait over now . ''
This year was the first time since 1888 that exams were cancelled in Scottish schools .
Pupils should have been sitting exams in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subjects in May and June .
There are no formal exams for National 2 , National 3 and National 4 qualifications .
What help is available to pupils ?
It will be open from 0800 to 2000 on Tuesday and Wednesday , then 0900 to 1700 on Thursday and Friday .
Information and advice is also available on the My World of Work website .
James Russell , from SDS , said this year was `` unlike any other '' and that it was understandable that young people and their families would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our advice and support is available and our message is if your results are n't what you expected , do n't worry - you have lots of options , '' he said .
The # NoWrongPath campaign is encouraging people to share their own stories on social media to highlight the different paths available to young people who may be feeling disheartened by their results .
The SQA 's candidate advice line will run from 0800 to 1800 on Tuesday , and from 0830 to 1700 on Wednesday , Thursday and Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Support and advice is also available on the SQA website and on BBC Bitesize .
Young people can also call Childline on 0800 1111 or get advice about exam results on its website .
How were the results decided ?
As in the rest of the UK , the grades of pupils who were unable to sit exams have been worked out using estimates made by their teachers based on their performance over the school year .
Teachers were asked to place students within bands for each subject , and rank their pupils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checked by the SQA , which said grades had been moderated `` where appropriate '' to `` maintain national standards '' .
The SQA said it had sought to `` uphold the integrity and credibility '' of the system in its moderation , but that its efforts had been focused on `` ensuring fairness for all learners '' .
The exams body also said it would look at each school 's previous history of estimating results and attainment , but denied that a school 's previous record could put pupils at either an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupil receives a lower grade than the one estimated by their teacher or lecturer , they will be able to use a free appeals process .
• You can read more about how the grades were calculated here Scottish Labour has accused the SQA of treating the judgement of teachers with `` contempt '' by lowering the grades of so many pupils - which can damage their prospects for university or college .
The party 's education spokesman , Iain Gray , said : `` Worst of all , the SQA have done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's past performance , marking the school not the pupil , and baking in the attainment gap .
`` They were told that this would be grossly unfair and it is .
`` The SQA will now be deluged with appeals .
I hope they are ready to deal with them properly . ''
This has been a results day like no other - with grades based on estimates by teachers rather than exams .
Pass rates are up in National 5s , Highers and Advanced Highers but they are still similar to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is crucial - dramatic rises could have undermined the achievements of learners .
Around a quarter of teachers ' estimated grades were adjusted by the SQA - mostly downwards .
Some candidates or teachers will be disappointed by this but it highlights the importance of the appeals system .
Where a grade is adjusted down , appeals can be made but supporting evidence will be needed This is crucial to the integrity of the system .
Have you received your results today ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Will Young's twin brother Rupert dies aged 41

Rupert Young , the twin brother of UK singer and Pop Idol winner Will , has died at the age of 41 .
A spokesperson for the singer confirmed the death and requested privacy for the star and his family `` during this very difficult and sad time '' .
The singer had spoken in the past about his sibling 's mental health issues and battles with alcohol .
`` It 's very tough having a family member who is an addict , '' he told the Daily Record in 2008 .
Rupert Young , who set up a mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the late 2000s , also spoke openly about his struggles with depression .
In 2008 he talked about seeing his brother perform on morning television when he had himself spent the previous night drinking and self-harming .
`` It seemed bizarre to me that two people who are genetically the same could behave in such different ways , '' he said .
In 2015 Will Young spoke about having post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) , which he attributed partly to being separated from his twin at birth .
The singer was crowned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has since released seven albums , written two books and has acted on film and stage .
When he set up The Mood Foundation , Rupert Young said he had been `` badly affected by depressive conditions '' and had `` suffered from addiction , self-harm and major depression '' .
`` It took years for me to first realise there was something wrong and then to find the right treatment , '' he wrote .
According to information from the Charity Commission , the organisation operated from 2008 to 2010 .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and support is available : BBC Action Line .

"It seemed bizarre to me that two people who are genetically the same could behave in such different ways," he said.


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Rural crime in England reaches eight-year high of £46m

Rural crime in England hit an eight-year peak last year , costing businesses around £46m , according to a new report .
This 9 % rise was partially driven by `` organised gangs '' targeting expensive vehicles like tractors and quad bikes , according to insurer NFU Mutual They also revealed a spike in livestock theft during lockdown , including a 15 % increase in sheep rustling .
Jonathan Rogers , from Plymouth , said he was `` naive '' to the threat before having 100 lambs worth around £10,000 stolen .
According to the insurer 's rural crime report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was £54.3m last year , including £2.3m in Scotland , £2.6m of losses to Welsh businesses and £3.3m in Northern Ireland .
The problem rose in every English region , with the three worst affected counties being Lincolnshire ( £2.8m ) , Essex ( £2.7m ) and North Yorkshire ( £2.2m ) .
Demand for high end farm equipment was fuelling the rise , the report said .
In 2019 , the value of these thefts , including tractors , quad bikes and four wheel drives , was £14.5m , up from £11.6m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theft also rose by 9 % to £3m , according to the findings .
The report said : `` Well-organised gangs taking large numbers of sheep , which are thought to enter the food chain illegally , are driving the increase .
`` A spate of sheep being slaughtered and butchered in farmers ' fields also contributed to the rise . ''
Sheep farmer Jonathan Rogers said he was `` extremely angry '' after discovering 100 lambs had been stolen from his Devon farm .
The animals had an estimated value of £10,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market for Easter .
Mr Rogers said : `` I was naive to sheep rustling as it was the first time it had ever happened . ''
He added the thieves must have been watching him to succeed .
`` They had to have known my habits , to have been quite well organised and in and out quick . ''

"They had to have known my habits, to have been quite well organised and in and out quick."


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Alexander Kareem death: Seven arrests in Shepherd's Bush shooting

Seven people have been arrested on suspicion of murdering a man who was shot dead in west London .
Detectives believe Alexander Kareem , 20 , was killed in a case of mistaken identity on 8 June as he made his way to a shop in Shepherd 's Bush .
Five men , aged 18 to 24 , a boy , 16 , and a woman , 34 , were arrested in the early hours and are in custody .
Mr Kareem 's sister Khafi Kareem , a Met Police officer , said her brother 's life had `` mattered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a shop and was riding a scooter to a friend 's home when he was killed on Askew Road .
A white Range Rover , which had been seen speeding away from the crime scene , was later found burnt out .
Det Ch Insp Wayne Jolley said the arrests were a `` significant development . ''
`` I believe this murder to have been a case of mistaken identity , perpetrated recklessly and with no regard whatsoever for human life .
`` We will continue to work hard to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Speaking at his funeral last week in Hammersmith , Mr Kareem 's family begged the public to not view his death as `` just another black boy who 's been shot '' .
Ms Kareem said her brother had planned to start university in September to study computer science .
She added : `` To anybody who 's seen this [ in the news ] and is thinking this is just another black boy who 's been shot by violence , I want to tell you that is not the case .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a future ahead of him , he 's not just another black boy .
He had a family , he had friends , this is real . ''

She added: "To anybody who's seen this [in the news] and is thinking this is just another black boy who's been shot by violence, I want to tell you that is not the case.


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Pizza Express may close 67 outlets and cut 1,100 jobs

Pizza Express is considering closing 15 % of its UK restaurants , which would mean the loss of 1,100 jobs .
The chain is the latest High Street outlet to undertake a restructuring of its business after trading was halted by the coronavirus pandemic .
It is poised to launch an insolvency procedure which could see 67 of its 449 outlets close .
The firm would not say which sites are affected , as the final outcome of the restructuring has `` yet to be decided '' .
Zoe Bowley , UK and Ireland managing director for Pizza Express , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a `` positive step forward '' , the closures would be `` incredibly sad for our Pizza Express family and we will do everything we can to support our teams at this time '' .
Previously , Pizza Express has said the majority of its restaurants are profitable .
The company closed all its UK restaurants on 23 March after the government-mandated lockdown .
Restaurants were allowed to reopen in July .
Pizza Express opened 60 initially and said in Tuesday 's statement that customer demand had been `` encouraging '' at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open as the Eat Out to Help Out initiative starts , and says plans for further re-openings are well underway .
The company said the restructuring would put the business on a stronger financial footing in the new socially distanced environment .
Pizza Express has heavy debts and last year was known to have started talks to put its debts of more than £1bn on more favourable terms .
It is expected to announce a Company Voluntary Arrangement ( CVA ) in the near future , which is an insolvency procedure that allows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement with creditors regarding payment of all , or part of its debts .
1965 : Pizza Express founder , the late Peter Boizot , brought a pizza oven from Napoli and a chef from Sicily to open his first restaurant in London 's Soho .
1992 : Mr Boizot grew his empire over the following almost-three decades before selling it for £15m to Hugh Osmond and Luke Johnson , the man who was - until recently - chairman of Patisserie Valerie .
They floated it on the stock market the next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was worth £150m .
2003 : It was taken private again in a £278m deal by two private equity firms who then floated it two years later - although it lasted less than a year on the public markets before it was returned to private equity hands .
2014 : It changed hands again , this time to be acquired for £900m by its current owner , Chinese private equity house Hony Capital .
2020 : It has more than 600 restaurants globally : 454 in the UK , including five franchises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kong ; 6 in Singapore ; 14 in UAE ; 60 in China ; and 49 other international sites operated by franchisees .
Andy Pellington , group chief finance officer at Pizza Express , said : `` While we have had to make some very difficult decisions , none of which has been taken lightly , we are confident in the actions being taken to reduce the level of debt , create a more focused business and improve the operational performance , all of which puts us in a much stronger position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law firm BLM said : `` Pizza Express is yet another household name that has been pushed to the brink by Covid-19 .
`` Whilst the government has attempted to encourage people through the doors with 'Eat Out to Help Out ' , the initiative is clearly not going to be enough to protect the sector in the long term . ''

Andy Pellington, group chief finance officer at Pizza Express, said: "While we have had to make some very difficult decisions, none of which has been taken lightly, we are confident in the actions being taken to reduce the level of debt, create a more focused business and improve the operational performance, all of which puts us in a much stronger position."


bbcuk--2020-08-04--EasyJet increases flights to cope with holidaymaker demand

EasyJet is adding more flights to cope with increasing demand from holidaymakers .
The airline had expected to operate at just 30 % of its normal capacity , but is expanding its schedule to 40 % as more people look to escape lockdown .
It restarted flying in June and carried over two million passengers in July .
`` Returning to the skies again allows us to do what we do best and take our customers on much-needed holidays , '' said boss Johan Lundgren .
`` I am really encouraged that we have seen higher than expected levels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in July with destinations like Faro and Nice remaining popular with customers . ''
He said bookings for the remainder of the summer `` are performing better than expected '' and as a result , it has expanded its schedule over the July-to-September quarter to fly at around 40 % of normal capacity .
`` This increased flying will allow us to connect even more customers to family or friends and to take the breaks they have worked hard for , '' he said .
• What it 's like to fly in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bookings were performing well , with city destinations such as Amsterdam and Paris also proving popular .
The news helped EasyJet 's shares climb around 9 % in early trading on Tuesday .
However , with the price hovering at around 550p , it is still down almost two-thirds on the 1550p price it stood at in February .
In the three months to the end of June , EasyJet made just £7m after its fleet was grounded from 30 March because of the coronavirus pandemic .
But costs for the three months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than in the same period in 2019 .
The company has launched a major restructuring programme which includes `` rightsizing '' the organisation and reducing its workforce by up to 30 % .
It plans up to 4,500 job cuts and the restructuring includes closing bases at Stansted , Southend and Newcastle airports .
The airline has launched an employee consultation process on the staff reduction and base closing proposals .
The company called on the government to temporarily remove Air Passenger Duty to support the recovery of UK aviation .
It said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst hit '' industries by the pandemic , and government action was needed `` across Europe to retain connectivity and a viable airline infrastructure '' .
`` Without this we risk long term damage to the recovery . ''
It said removing Air Passenger Duty would `` significantly quicken '' the reintroduction and growth of the number of flights and routes available in the UK , particularly outside London .
EasyJet 's chief executive Johan Lundgren has reiterated criticisms of the government 's `` blanket approach '' to quarantine arrangements for travellers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking to journalists following the publication of the company 's third quarter trading update , he said there had been no consultation or dialogue with industry - and his company had had no prior warning of the reintroduction of restrictions on travellers coming from Spain .
The policy , he said , was `` not based on a risk approach '' .
Quarantine measures , he argued , should be targeted on a regional basis - for example , allowing travel to and from the Canary Islands and the Balearics to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding the rules and scientific advice .
Referring to problems customers have had obtaining refunds , he suggested that the sheer volume of cancellations caused by the lockdowns had made it impossible to process them quickly .
260,000 passengers had had their flights cancelled during a period when , last year , the figure had been just 2,600 .
No company or airline , he insisted , would have been able to set themselves up for the scale of what was required .
Mr Lundgren also reiterated his confidence in EasyJet 's chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has come under fire from the company 's pilots over his handling of planned cuts at the business .

The policy, he said, was "not based on a risk approach". Quarantine measures, he argued, should be targeted on a regional basis - for example, allowing travel to and from the Canary Islands and the Balearics to be excluded. There should be more clarity regarding the rules and scientific advice.


bbcuk--2020-08-04--UB40 singer Duncan Campbell 'up and about' after suffering stroke

Duncan Campbell , current lead singer of reggae band UB40 , is recovering in hospital after suffering a stroke .
In a statement , the Birmingham-based band said he was `` already up and about '' and asked fans for privacy during his recuperation .
The band said they hoped he would make `` a strong and speedy recovery '' and that they would be back touring next year .
Campbell , a former professional spoon player , became lead singer of UB40 when his brother Ali left the group in 2008 .
Ali Campbell has since toured as part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Astro & Mickey .
UB40 formed in Birmingham in 1978 , naming themselves after a form used by people to claim unemployment benefits at the time .
The band produced such hits as Red Red Wine , Falling In Love With You and their cover of I Got You Babe featuring Chrissie Hynde .
UB40 's current line-up includes Duncan Campbell , 62 , and the third Campbell brother , Robin .
Last year saxophonist Brian Travers was diagnosed with a brain tumour , forcing him to pull out of the band @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook , on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts , or on Instagram at bbcnewsents .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk ,

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bbcuk--2020-08-04--Coronavirus: Drive-through test motorist given parking fine

A motorist says he was `` flabbergasted '' to receive a £90 parking fine after taking a drive-through coronavirus test at a car park .
Geoff Pugh , 52 , was handed the penalty after taking his wife and two children for swabs at Edmonton Green Shopping Centre in north London on 7 July .
He said they were at the site in Enfield for 23 minutes and `` did n't even leave the car the whole time '' .
The company behind the fine said any issued `` incorrectly '' will be cancelled .
Photographer Mr Pugh , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` At first I thought it was just a genuine fine , so I was about to pay it , but when I looked into where it happened and realised what it was , I was flabbergasted .
`` I think it 's completely ridiculous to charge someone for looking after the health of their family , neighbours and work colleagues . ''
His vehicle 's details had been logged - by a camera using number plate recognition - when it entered the car park .
Then when it left without a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that automatically triggered the fine .
A spokesman for Highview Parking , which issued the fine , said : `` The car park terms and conditions and the pay-for-parking system and tariff are set by our client - we do not have any involvement in setting these rules , or indeed when they do or do not charge for parking .
`` We can not confirm whether or not the car park has been repurposed by Enfield Council , just that we have been asked to suspend enforcement activity on specific days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide space for Covid testing .
However , the car park is still being used for retail during this time .
`` As these are specific dates , we rely on notification of those dates in advance .
You may also be interested in : • Strippers who were filmed at work end privacy case Regarding the date of Mr Pugh 's visit , the company said : `` We were only notified that the site had been used for Covid testing more than a week later , and penalty charge notices were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` issued to visitors incorrectly on this or any other specified date where testing is taking place '' would be cancelled .

"We cannot confirm whether or not the car park has been repurposed by Enfield Council, just that we have been asked to suspend enforcement activity on specific days and times where they have agreed to provide space for Covid testing. However, the car park is still being used for retail during this time.


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Coronavirus: GCSE students allowed to drop poetry in 2021 exams

GCSE students in England will be able to drop subject areas in English literature and history exams next year .
Poetry is one of the topics that will become optional following concern that schools may not be able to cover all areas because of the pandemic .
But head teachers said it amounted to `` tinkering at the edges '' amid `` widespread ongoing disruption '' .
Exams watchdog Ofqual has yet to decide if 2021 exams will be delayed , to give teachers more time to prepare students .
This summer 's exams were cancelled and exam boards will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a student 's predicted grades , results in previous exams and the performance of the school in previous years .
About 138,000 students in Scotland are the first in the UK to receive grades calculated in this way , for their Nationals , Highers and Advanced Higher courses .
• A-level and GCSE results to be higher this summer • 'Flexibility ' this year over staying on for A-level Having originally proposed that there would be no changes to the English literature exam in 2021 , Ofqual said it had decided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools expressed `` significant concern '' about their ability to cover all of the subject areas that form the basis of exam questions .
Nearly half of people who responded to a consultation opposed plans to leave the exam unchanged , saying it was hard for students `` to get to grips with complex literary texts remotely '' .
The government has agreed students will be given a choice of topics on which they will be asked questions , so schools can focus on a smaller number of texts .
All students will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but they can choose two out of the three remaining content areas : poetry , the 19th Century novel and post-1914 British fiction and drama .
A similar choice of topics will be available in GCSE history and ancient history to allow schools more choice over the content they teach , Ofqual confirmed .
The exam regulator had also considered delaying the start of the GCSE exam season to 7 June instead of mid-May , but said it is still considering the best approach .
Exam season generally finishes a few weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so there is room for manoeuvre at that stage of the year .
But Ofqual said that while there was some support for doing this to provide an extra couple of weeks of teaching time , there was concern about the knock-on effect it would have on the marking process .
At the moment , GCSE results day in England happens in the latter half of August each year .
If it was pushed any later , it would risk running into the start of the new academic year when many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start A-levels or vocational qualifications - but may need to know their results so they can decide on the best path for them .
• SCHOOLS : Which are re-opening , when ?
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• TESTING : Who can get a test and how ?
• BUBBLES : How do they work and who can be in yours ?
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
But the changes to exams `` amount only to tinkering at the edges when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing disruption over the course of the next academic year , '' said Duncan Baldwin , deputy director of policy at the Association of School and College Leaders .
`` Everybody can see that the situation with coronavirus remains precarious , '' he said , adding that schools may partially close in response to local outbreaks over the next year and students may need to self-isolate .
It would therefore be `` extremely challenging '' to teach all the content for GCSEs and A-levels `` on top of the disruption that has already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Paul Whiteman , general secretary of the school leaders ' union NAHT , said the plans are `` too little , too late '' and did not do enough to support young people 's wellbeing and mental health .
`` Instead , schools and students are now being left in the unenviable position that they will be expected to cover as much content as possible in a reduced amount of time .
This is unfair on students and it is unfair on schools and colleges , '' he said .
• ASK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelling to Spain

If it was pushed any later, it would risk running into the start of the new academic year when many of those GCSE students would be planning to start A-levels or vocational qualifications - but may need to know their results so they can decide on the best path for them.


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Lockdown: Tackling Cardiff Bay anti-social behaviour

Crowd management measures could combat anti-social behaviour at Cardiff Bay after police officers were injured , an MP suggested .
Two people in their 20s were arrested after incidents on the weekend .
Since the easing of lockdown restrictions , hundreds of young people have been gathering , drinking alcohol in large groups at Roald Dahl Plass .
MP Stephen Doughty called for measures to be put in place , similar to those used in the city centre .
On the weekend , a 48-hour dispersal order was put in place near the Wales Millennium Centre to deal with problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small minority of individuals to want to flout not only coronavirus safety regulations but also behaving in ways that would be unacceptable in any city during normal times , '' Mr Doughty said .
In the city centre , social distance markers and one-way systems for walking are in place and the Cardiff South and Penarth MP said he had spoken to the authorities about something similar in the bay .
He added : `` I 've had concerns about this for a number of weeks now .
`` I do want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus regulations and also enjoy Cardiff Bay in a safe way . ''
Mr Doughty also praised the council 's efforts in the early hours of the morning to clear the large amounts of litter from the area including empty alcohol cans and bottles .
`` What they 're having to deal with is completely unacceptable .
People need to act more responsibly , '' he added .
`` They 're coming down here and leaving the litter - take it home with you if the bin is full . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Breakfast he was concerned about the use of laughing gas .
`` I have urged the council and licensing to look into what they can do about that problem , '' he said .
`` It is obviously not just the alcohol but the drugs as well .
And there are questions about what businesses are doing in terms of serving individuals .
`` These things are banned and people are getting hold of them illegally .
There needed to be a crackdown and `` action taken '' , he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem . ''
In a statement , Cardiff council said : `` The Oval Basin is a police matter , as a dispersal order has been put in place .
`` As with all events where large people are congregating , and especially during Covid , our staff are unable to clean and clear when a significant amount of people are in one area .
We have no other option other than to clear it all up afterwards . ''
The statement added : `` We are putting larger bins in parks across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have is the large bins being used in any form of anti-social behaviour . ''
South Wales Police chief superintendent Andy Valentine said anti-social behaviour and criminality would not be tolerated .
`` Our officers are responding to these incidents and are using the powers available to them , including dispersal orders and enforcement action , however with more than 100 miles of coastline , parks , towns and city centres , it is extremely challenging and we can not be everywhere all of the time . ''
He added that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strong partnership approach was crucial to keeping people safe and ensuring the public 's quality of life was not negatively impacted `` by the selfish actions of a minority . ''

"The council is working closely with the police to address concerns caused by a minority of individuals in Cardiff Bay. Additional measures to improve compliance with social distancing and ensure that the area is safe for everyone will be put in place this weekend."


bbcuk--2020-08-04--AA motoring group in takeover talks with three suitors

The AA says it has received takeover approaches from three parties who are interested in buying the motoring group .
The business , founded in 1905 , has £2.65bn in debt and wants to raise funds .
It is also considering staying with its current ownership and raising the money itself from shareholders .
The AA has 2,700 roadside assistance patrol vehicles and also provides insurance and driving lessons .
It said there was no certainty that any of the approaches would lead to an offer .
The possible bidders are Platinum Equity Advisors , Warburg Pincus International , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and TowerBrook Capital Partners .
The AA said it had traded `` resiliently '' throughout the Covid-19 crisis , and it expected its financial performance this year to be `` only slightly below '' that of its previous financial year .
Motor insurance has performed well in recent months , as with fewer cars on the road there have been fewer claims .
But the company says it is constrained by its debts .
More than a third of its borrowing - £913m - is due for repayment in two years , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therefore a key priority and the group continues to ... seek to reduce its indebtedness well ahead of the upcoming maturity dates . ''
The AA has been owned by private equity before , but the company was floated on the stock market in 2014 .
At their best five years ago , its shares rose to more than 400p , but they fallen since , hitting 15p at their lowest point in April this year .
The news of the takeover approaches sent the AA 's shares up 13 % to 28p @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman John Leach said : `` The AA is a high quality and robust business , with an iconic brand , a resilient business model and a highly committed and loyal workforce .
`` However , in order for us to be able to achieve our full potential , the board believes that it must now prioritise reducing the group 's indebtedness . ''

But the company says it is constrained by its debts. More than a third of its borrowing - £913m - is due for repayment in two years, the company said: "Debt reduction is therefore a key priority and the group continues to... seek to reduce its indebtedness well ahead of the upcoming maturity dates."


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Weekly virus deaths in Wales fall to March levels

The weekly number of deaths of people with confirmed or suspected coronavirus in Wales has fallen to its lowest point @ @ @ @ @ the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) show seven deaths involving Covid-19 in the @ @ @ @ @ down from 11 the week before .
This is lowest figure since the week ending @ @ @ @ @ deaths were recorded .
In Wales there have been 2,503 registered deaths mentioning the virus @ @ @ @ @ deaths recorded from all causes since the start of the year in Wales , 10.2 @ @ @ @ @ average .
The ONS figures include deaths in all places and deaths when coronavirus is @ @ @ @ @ are often higher than the figures released by Public Health Wales .
The figures provided @ @ @ @ @ include deaths in hospitals .

When looking at excess deaths - the measure of how deaths compare with what we'd normally expect to see - Wales in the most recent week compares with the five-year average.


bbcuk--2020-08-03--Virtual house hunting gets a pandemic boost

It 's Saturday evening in London , and I 'm house shopping in Dublin , thanks to a virtual-reality headset .
Temporarily forgetting she is sitting beside me , I shout to my wife : `` I 'm in the children 's bedroom . ''
We ca n't go to the Republic of Ireland ourselves to do this .
Travellers from Great Britain need to restrict their movements for a fortnight , so nipping over and back is off the cards .
But I can take several paces through a virtual seaside flat in Dublin 's Dún Laoghaire , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Circles appear on the floor of the Dublin flat and , using hand controls , I can glide between them and explore .
Standing in each circle , I can peer up , down , whichever way I like .
It is immersive and I feel as though I 'm there , even if moving about feels a bit like using Google Street View .
Welcome to house shopping in the age of coronavirus .
It 's not for everyone as , at the moment , house hunters have to use their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director at estate agent Chestertons , says he will sometimes send buyers headsets for new-build properties , if a development has multiple near-identical apartments with some still being built .
`` Developers are often selling off-plan , and it 's hard to sell a product just on a 2D floor plan , '' he says .
`` So developers these days have virtual tours budgeted in from the start . ''
Once you have a headset , it 's a fairly simple process to find a virtual property on the estate agent 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work a virtual keyboard .
It 's still a fairly limited option , at the moment just 8 % of Zoopla 's listings have an option for a virtual tour .
But Zoopla says there was a surge of activity during the first month of lockdown , when virtual reality ( VR ) viewings of new-build properties tripled .
Much of the technology has existed for three to four years but there has n't been much incentive to use it , according to Miles Shipside , co-founder of Rightmove , a FTSE 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rental website .
But during lockdown buyers were unable to visit properties , which gave the technology a big push .
Estate agents used to `` take an hour of your time , go round in the car , and show you five two-beds in Putney , but now we would n't be doing that , '' says Guy Gittins , managing director at Chestertons .
• What you need to become an internet streaming star • Training your brain to relax on a virtual island • The stress of leading a start-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conference without a venue • The perfume makers that ca n't smell a thing Virtual reality offers greater detail than the traditional photos on a website .
It also saves time for estate agents and is safer for everyone : `` The last thing you want is for your staff members to get struck down with Covid-19 , '' Mr Shipside says .
Growing adoption of VR viewing also makes life easier for clients moving internationally , when travel back and forth is hard .
Buyers from mainland China looking at homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's strict fortnight quarantine on nearly all arrivals .
So it makes sense to treat buying a house `` just like online shopping '' , says Christopher Wang , founder of Imme VR , a Singaporean virtual-reality property company .
One large company in VR property technology , Silicon Valley 's Matterport , started in 2011 with a motion-and-depth sensor from Microsoft 's Xbox .
`` It would sit on your television and track your motions , letting you play tennis without a controller in your hands , '' says chief executive R @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-engineered this into a camera which `` for all intents and purposes could see in 3D , collect spatial data , and create a digital twin of physical spaces '' .
Offering these digital twins as virtual walkthroughs for the property business quickly emerged as the technology 's main commercial use .
`` We think that industry 's due for an upgrade , '' Mr Pittman adds .
The newest development is letting users make virtual twins of their property using a smartphone , instead of an expensive 3D camera .
In May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus , they launched Matterport for iPhone .
Artificial intelligence ( AI ) stitches together smartphone photographs into a full VR model , by using as training data `` the millions of buildings the system has already scanned , and looking back and learning from all the previous digital twins it has created '' .
Mr Pittman says this lets the AI `` get around a property and build the model , predicting the 3d geometry '' .
Other software , like the Unreal Engine , originally written for video games , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasons and times of day .
It means you can stand in your garden in each season and see if your vegetable patch is going to go mouldy .
It helps that VR headsets are growing more widespread during the coronavirus outbreak .
Standalone headset sales are expected to rise 22.5 % in 2020 to a global 2.8 million , says International Data Corporation , a Massachusetts-based US market research firm .
Upper-end devices by companies like Oculus ( purchased by Facebook in 2014 ) , Samsung , HTC , and Sony cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 499 in the US , for an 128-gigabyte Oculus Quest .
At the other end of the market , Google Cardboard kits , costing about $ 5 , concoct a headset from folded cardboard , a smartphone , simple lenses , and fasteners .
Meanwhile , 5G networks will let headsets shift computing tasks off the device to the cloud and shed weight , says Mr Wang .
`` Once they become like glasses I think they will become mainstream , '' he says .
You can also go round the virtual models @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A coming use of all this technology is letting prospective sellers find their property 's value without estate agents visiting .
Another will be letting possible buyers see a property `` as if it had their furniture already installed in the home , '' says Mr Pittman .
Scanning your house and then identifying furniture and other home contents is not a difficult task for AI , he adds .
Having this record of your property 's contents and their condition is `` especially beneficial if you ever have to submit an insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire or flood damage '' .
Another use will be in getting quotes from builders .
Instead of contractors measuring and taking photos , going away and coming back with bids , a digital twin could instead let more contractors bid on the work - giving power to the homeowner .
Mr Gittins of Chestertons predicts that estate agents may '' change forever from this point '' .
And maybe not just buying and selling property , but insuring it and getting in the builders , too .

Virtual reality offers greater detail than the traditional photos on a website. It also saves time for estate agents and is safer for everyone: "The last thing you want is for your staff members to get struck down with Covid-19," Mr Shipside says.


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Coronavirus: Second wave fears and Scottish pupils get results

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Tuesday morning .
We 'll have another update for you at 18:00 BST .
Current testing and contact-tracing performance in England is inadequate to prevent a second wave of coronavirus after schools reopen , scientists warn .
The UK government insists plans are in place to ensure schools can fully reopen at the start of the new school year , with local officials primed to act on data to stem any rise in cases .
About 138,000 school pupils in Scotland are finding out their grades in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , after the pandemic forced exams to be cancelled for the first time in history .
This year 's results will be based on estimates from their teachers .
GCSE students in England will be able to drop subject areas in history and English literature exams next year , as watchdog Ofqual addresses concerns that schools may not have time to cover all the exam topics after a pandemic-disrupted year .
But head teachers say the proposal amounts to `` tinkering at the edges '' when students face `` widespread ongoing disruption '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flabbergasted '' to receive a £90 parking fine after taking a drive-through coronavirus test at a car park .
Geoff Pugh , 52 , got the penalty after taking his wife and two children for swabs at Edmonton Green Shopping Centre , north London , on 7 July .
The company behind the fine says any issued `` incorrectly '' will be cancelled .
5 .
How has giving birth changed during the pandemic ?
The coronavirus pandemic has transformed the way that mothers and hospital staff have had to deal with pregnancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Bradford Royal Infirmary for Panorama .
One mother explains how it felt to be separate from her prematurely born son while awaiting the results of a coronavirus test .
Get a longer daily news briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , by signing up here .
... to book a test if you think you have coronavirus symptoms .
Find out how to go about it .
You can find more information , advice and guides on our coronavirus page and get all the latest from our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have about coronavirus ?
In some cases , your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your question : If you are reading this page and ca n't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or send them via email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your name , age and location with any question you send in .
• HOSPITAL SPECIAL : The human stories behind the headlines • JESSE LINGARD 'S HOME WORKOUT : Can you keep up ?

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or send them via email to YourQuestions@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any question you send in.


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Coronavirus: Journey from doctor to patient

At the height of the pandemic , the BBC heard from NHS staff about what it was like working on @ @ @ @ @ of them , Dr Sarah Edwards did a video diary in April , from the @ @ @ @ @ Leicester Royal Infirmary .
Recently , she was admitted into her own hospital with Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ s well again now and sent another diary of her first shift back at work @ @ @ @ @ Catherine Burns .

At the height of the pandemic, the BBC heard from NHS staff about what it was like working on the coronavirus frontline. One of them, Dr Sarah Edwards did a video diary in April, from the Accident and Emergency department at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Recently, she was admitted into her own hospital with Covid-19 and pneumonia.
She’s well again now and sent another diary of her first shift back at work to the BBC health correspondent Catherine Burns.


bbcuk--2020-08-04--How grades were worked out in Scotland's no-exams year

Scotland 's class of 2020 have got their results , but for the first time in history they will not be based on exams .
The coronavirus pandemic led to the closure of schools and an abrupt end to the 2019/2020 academic year .
Pupils in Scotland are the first in the UK to find out their grades .
So how have these results been worked out - and what can pupils do if they are unhappy with what they get ?
How did pupils do this year ?
The nationwide results for all Scottish examinations were higher than last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pupils getting an A to C grade compared with 78.2 % in 2019 .
For Higher the pass rate this year was 78.9 % compared with 74.8 % .
While Advanced higher was 84.9 % compared with 79.4 % .
However these grades would have been even higher if the estimates from teachers had been taken without moderation .
The Scottish Qualification Authority ( SQA ) revealed that teacher estimates for Higher were 14 percentage points above last year 's results .
For National 5 they were 10.4 percentage points higher .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous years .
Scotland 's chief examiner Fiona Robertson pointed out that the SQA accepted almost three-quarters of teacher estimates .
But 124,564 results dropped down a grade when the SQA got involved .
How were the results decided ?
As the number of Covid-19 cases continued to rise in March , the extent of the impact the pandemic would have on Scotland 's education system became clear and exams were cancelled for the first time in history .
Shortly afterwards the SQA announced that coursework would not be marked for National 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instead , the exams body said teachers should use their professional judgement to estimate a grade and band for each pupil .
It said this should be a judgement based on all of a pupil 's activity over the school year , not just the result of one prelim or one project .
Teachers were told to take account of any available work completed throughout a course , and use their knowledge of that work and a pupil 's progress to estimate the grade they would have achieved under normal circumstances .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with teachers asked to place candidates within those narrower bands - and also to rank their pupils in order .
How did the SQA use teachers estimates ?
The SQA `` checked and validated '' estimates from teachers and moderated them to `` ensure consistency across schools and colleges , and with results from previous years '' .
The exams body looked at each school 's previous history of estimating results and attainment .
It developed a maximum and minimum pass rate for each course at every school based on the four-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account for year on year changes .
For subjects taken by a high number of pupils , such as English , pass rates remain fairly steady over the years so the SQA could more easily predict the distribution of grades from A to C. But for low uptake subjects such as Gaelic Learners , there was a much wider range accepted for the pass rates because the annual figures were so volatile .
Where schools had made grade awards outside the accepted range , the teacher ranking of pupils were used to decide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grade .
The SQA claims teachers are very good at making relative judgments between pupils .
It was these rankings that were used to decide whose grade was lowered .
When a school was new to a particular course they had to accept the teacher estimate as there was no historic data .
Before the results were released , the Scottish Greens voiced concerns that some pupils from deprived communities could be marked down because of the previous performance of their school .
The SQA said this had not been the case and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better than last year and the four-year average .
They said that an Equalities Impact Assessment had ensured that , at every stage , the model was designed to check if any group was adversely hit by the model used to calculate grades .
Can grades be appealed against ?
There is a free appeals process for those who are given a lower grade than was originally estimated by their teacher or lecturer .
The appeal must include alternative evidence , and should be submitted by the school or college rather than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review a grade , not a band .
Priority reviews - for those pupils who have a conditional offer for university or college - must be submitted by 14 August .
The deadline for all other appeals is 21 August .
The SQA says that the alternative evidence which can be submitted can include any completed coursework which had already been sent to the SQA , as well as coursework which could not be completed .
It can also include prelims or mock tests , class work and commercially-produced question papers - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public domain .
The evidence must be from work produced before the 29 May deadline for submitting the estimates .
Grades can either be increased , lowered or remain the same .
What about the rest of the UK ?
Pupils in England , Wales and Northern Ireland will find out their grades later this month , with A-level results to be published on 13 August and GCSEs on 20 August .
As in Scotland , exams were cancelled this year and teachers were asked to estimate pupils ' grades .
The watchdog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good grades in England is expected to be 2 % higher at A-level and 1 % at GCSE this year .
The predicted grades suggested by teachers would have been far higher , but were knocked back down by exam boards .
Students who are not happy with their results will be able to sit exams in all subjects in the autumn .

Pupils in Scotland are the first in the UK to find out their grades. So how have these results been worked out - and what can pupils do if they are unhappy with what they get?


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Twitter: Athlete Jimmy Watkins' running music reviews a hit

A former top Welsh athlete has become a social media hit with a series of quirky music reviews .
Jimmy Watkins reached the 800m final in the World Indoor Athletics Championships in 2006 and set a Welsh indoor record .
He then left the sport to join a band - after that broke up , he re-discovered running and added his own twist .
His videos show him shouting reviews of recommended albums as he pounds the streets of his native Llanelli .
They have had thousands of views on Twitter and refreshed his enjoyment of running , which had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this the end of office working in Wales ?
`` It became a lot more serious - it had to and I just fell out of love with it , '' Mr Watkins said .
`` I spent a lot of time on my own , travelling and racing .
`` I was 25 , I had this passion for music and I could play guitar quite well .
I just wanted to be in a band .
I wanted to do something which had nothing to do with athletics . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined band Future of the Left - spending four years touring the USA , Australia and Europe , winning the Welsh Music Prize along the way .
But then he decided that also had to come to an end , which is when he hit a low point .
`` It put me in a strange place , '' he added .
`` I did n't really know what to do with my life .
I was over five stone heavier than I am now and I was drinking a lot - I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do .
`` We had a little boy that year - the things that should give you purpose , but I just felt I 'd let myself down .
I felt directionless . ''
Lockdown has inspired him to start running again - and he has clocked up almost 1,242 miles ( 2,000 km ) since January .
But he decided to add an extra dimension , by asking people to recommend albums or singles for him to review as he runs , with his social media posts attracting worldwide attention .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it blows me away because every time before I put a video online , I think 'it does n't make sense - you ca n't hear the music - it 's just a Welsh guy running and shouting , but the messages I 'm getting from people all around the world ... .I had a message from a fan in Arizona saying he 'd been on his first run ever after seeing a video , '' he added .
`` I ca n't stop now - even on days if I feel tired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people . ''
Mr Watkins has now set up his own running club , Running Punks , with a friend and they are starting a new branch in Cardiff , with plans to train runners .

"The reaction has been amazing - it blows me away because every time before I put a video online, I think 'it doesn't make sense - you can't hear the music - it's just a Welsh guy running and shouting, but the messages I'm getting from people all around the world....I had a message from a fan in Arizona saying he'd been on his first run ever after seeing a video," he added.


bbcuk--2020-08-03--How abusive dance teacher went unchecked for decades

For decades , Neil Harris used his position as a dance and gymnastics teacher to sexually abuse his vulnerable victims .
This summer he has been jailed for a second time and some of Harris 's victims have told of the impact the childhood attacks have had on their lives .
Harris 's job at his mother 's Birmingham dance school , which he later took over after her death , left him in a unique position to prey on pupils .
Victims have told how he did not allow his pupils to wear underwear underneath their leotards and would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to assault them .
Harris was jailed in January 2018 and in June 2020 for sex offences .
But before that his actions went unchecked for years , with criminal records checks - now commonplace for adults working with children - unlikely to have taken place , police have said .
Popular and well-known in the local dance community , for more than 50 years Harris taught at the Ann Harris School of Dance , which was established by his mother and operated from their home on Cecil Road in Erdington .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gain the trust and groom parents and children alike , said Det Con Nikki Thomas , the officer who led both investigations into Harris .
`` He presents himself as a very friendly individual , '' she said .
`` The witnesses , some of them will say he used to flirt with the mothers of the children .
`` He was a bit of a charmer .
He was a larger than life character .
`` Because he was very good at his craft a lot of people looked up to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a god .
A number of witnesses have said that to me .
`` He was very much untouchable . ''
But behind his friendly facade lay a man described by prosecutors as a `` persistent , predatory paedophile '' .
Harris , now 75 , they said , used `` twin disguises of amiability and authority to obscure his depredations '' .
`` We used to call him creepy Neil , '' said Gemma - whose real name we are not using to protect her identity but who took dance classes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 11 .
`` His hand used to be all over you , he used to put his hands down your leotard . ''
His behaviour went unchallenged as he was often the only adult present .
Police said as he ran his mother 's business , which then became his business , it was likely he would not have conducted any Disclosure and Barring Service ( DBS ) checks .
The combination of being almost the only authority figure over very young children `` may go some way to explain why some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perpetrated for such a long time '' , prosecutors said .
Harris 's abuse first came to light when a victim approached police in 2015 .
And when Det Con Thomas took on the case she was left `` astounded '' at the number of potential witnesses she approached who turned out to be victims .
Victims told of Harris routinely touching them inappropriately and putting his hands inside their clothes .
One said because the assaults took place in disco dancing classes , she associated the Village People 's YMCA with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a five-year sentence in 2018 for indecently assaulting four girls in the 1970s and 80s and in June was jailed for eight years for 25 further offences of indecent assault on 10 girls and one boy between the 1960s and 1990s .
He will remain on the sex offenders register for life .
The impact of his crimes has been significant .
Gemma , now 56 , has undergone counselling and said to this day she `` ca n't stand people touching me '' .
Another victim , Sandra - again not her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she attended the dance school , said the abuse was a trigger for mental health problems she has experienced throughout her life .
`` By sexually assaulting me at the age of five , Neil Harris took something that is very difficult to explain to other people , '' she said .
`` It was the moment when I realised my world was n't safe and it 's taken many years to understand this .
It left an emptiness that felt like there was something physically missing .
`` Years on I believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad things just happen to me .
This internalised shame and continued silence has been one of the most psychologically damaging things for me in my life . ''
Sandra has struggled with trust issues and said it was only now , at the age of 41 , that she had been able to `` face it head on and start the process of healing '' .
While there are currently no ongoing proceedings , Det Con Thomas said she believed the true number of Harris 's victims could be much higher .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and put a number on the number of victims who are out there and who have n't come forward , '' she said .
`` We know that he was committing offences from 1967-1991 .
`` He had multiple classes each day and the suggestion from each of the victims was he touched up all of the children in that class repeatedly . ''
Many of Harris 's victims came forward after seeing media coverage of the first trial , including Gemma who attended court to face her attacker .
It was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but she said to see him handed his sentence `` felt like he got justice '' .
For Sandra , the legal process has helped her process her emotions .
She added : `` Having gone through the legal system I now realise how resilient I am and that the blame and shame I have felt is not mine to keep .
Just knowing there were others somehow gave me some strength to go through with it . ''

His behaviour went unchallenged as he was often the only adult present. Police said as he ran his mother's business, which then became his business, it was likely he would not have conducted any Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.


bbcuk--2020-08-03--Why does Rocket Ronnie think he is a bit like William?

Last updated on .From the section Snooker Ronnie O'Sullivan says the pressure on him from an early age of one day becoming world champion was similar to the expectation surrounding Prince William becoming king .
`` I have had that expectation level from the age of 10 or 11 , that I was going to be champion one day , '' he told BBC Radio 5 live .
`` In many ways it is like Prince William groomed to be king one day . ''
• None O'Sullivan romps into second round in record time He added : `` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want Prince William 's role ? '
I would not know where to begin .
`` He has had it since childhood and it has become natural .
For me , it is the same metaphor for snooker . ''
Fans favourite O'Sullivan began his quest for a first Crucible title since 2013 in emphatic manner with the fastest victory ever seen at the venue - a 10-1 rout of Thailand 's Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in a mere 108 minutes .
The enigmatic O'Sullivan , who suggested snooker players were being treated like `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed into the Crucible at the start of the championship , faces a difficult match with Ding Junhui in round two .
O'Sullivan said China 's top-ranked player , who won his third UK Championship in December and reached the world final in 2016 , has experienced a similar weight of expectation as he has .
`` Ding has delivered fantastically well in all events in China and has done brilliant with that sort of pressure on him , '' said O'Sullivan , who has won a record-equalling 36 ranking events .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with playing under pressure in amateur and professional ranks so I do n't see it as there being pressure but something you learn how to handle . ''
Sign up to My Sport to follow snooker news on the BBC app .
• None How did simulation lead to the track ?

Last updated on .From the section Snooker
Betfred World Championship Venue: Crucible Theatre, Sheffield Dates: 31 July-16 August Coverage: Watch live on BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four and Red Button, with uninterrupted coverage on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app. Full details and times.
Ronnie O'Sullivan says the pressure on him from an early age of one day becoming world champion was similar to the expectation surrounding Prince William becoming king.
O'Sullivan, 44, claimed a ranking event aged 17 and now has five world titles.
"I have had that expectation level from the age of 10 or 11, that I was going to be champion one day," he told BBC Radio 5 live.
"In many ways it is like Prince William groomed to be king one day."
He added: "If you said to me, 'do you want Prince William's role?' I would not know where to begin.
"He has had it since childhood and it has become natural. For me, it is the same metaphor for snooker."
Fans favourite O'Sullivan began his quest for a first Crucible title since 2013 in emphatic manner with the fastest victory ever seen at the venue - a 10-1 rout of Thailand's Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in a mere 108 minutes.
The enigmatic O'Sullivan, who suggested snooker players were being treated like "lab rats" when spectators were initially allowed into the Crucible at the start of the championship, faces a difficult match with Ding Junhui in round two.
O'Sullivan said China's top-ranked player, who won his third UK Championship in December and reached the world final in 2016, has experienced a similar weight of expectation as he has.
"Ding has delivered fantastically well in all events in China and has done brilliant with that sort of pressure on him," said O'Sullivan, who has won a record-equalling 36 ranking events.
"As a youngster I have learnt to deal with playing under pressure in amateur and professional ranks so I don't see it as there being pressure but something you learn how to handle."
Sign up to My Sport to follow snooker news on the BBC app.


bbcuk--2020-08-04--'How I found out Pablo Escobar was my father'

Roberto Sendoya Escobar , who lives in Mallorca under his adopted name of Phillip Witcomb , spoke to BBC Newsnight @ @ @ @ @ how he grew up not knowing his true identity until one “ extraordinary moment ” @ @ @ @ @ came ahead of the release of his book Son of Escobar : First Born .

Roberto Sendoya Escobar, who lives in Mallorca under his adopted name of Phillip Witcomb, spoke to BBC Newsnight about his infamous father and how he grew up not knowing his true identity until one “extraordinary moment” in 1989.
The interview came ahead of the release of his book Son of Escobar: First Born.


bbcuk--2020-08-04--The Papers: 'Rishi Two Snacks' and Russians 'hacked minister'

The alleged Russian hacking of the ex-cabinet minister , Liam Fox , is the top story for The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph .
The Guardian says `` Whitehall sources '' indicated that there were multiple security breaches from Mr Fox 's personal email and suggests it poses serious questions for the MP who is the UK 's nominee for a top position at the World Trade Organization .
The Daily Telegraph says the theft of documents from the former trade secretary has prompted a fresh review of government security .
The i newspaper reports that government scientific advisers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Covid-19 should be exempt from self-isolation and quarantine rules because they 're much less likely to be infectious .
It says the findings could reopen the prospect of `` immunity passports '' .
The Independent 's online paper reports on health data which it says reveals the `` true toll '' of coronavirus on NHS waiting lists .
According to its analysis , in March last year less than 1,200 people across the UK had to wait more that a year for treatment .
But by July this year the figure was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are many tributes following the death of one of the architects of the peace process in Northern Ireland , John Hume .
Writing for The Spectator , Alex Massie calls him `` the first and the greatest of the Irish peacemakers '' and says `` few men in our lifetimes have served their country with greater distinction '' .
The Guardian says peacemaking was `` often a lonely and perilous path '' , but the SDLP leader emerged `` vindicated and triumphant '' to become a revered statesman .
The Telegraph 's editorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the pantheon of Irish politics '' by his refusal to support the men of violence who sought to achieve their aims with the gun and the bomb .
Newspapers in Spain have been reacting to the decision by their former King , Juan Carlos to leave the country , while he is under investigation for corruption .
La Vanguardia says the departure of Juan Carlos , who handed power to his son six years ago , has `` shaken the foundations of Spanish politics '' .
El Mundo says the people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abroad , and says it the carries an `` added symbolic burden '' because of painful exiles experienced by him and several of his ancestors .
El Pais describes the former King as `` leaving through the back door '' from his home for almost 58 years .
Its editorial argues that despite his disappointing conduct in the final years of his reign , his contribution to the progress and freedom of the Spanish should not be forgotten .
Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your inbox Many papers carry pictures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as people took advantage of the chancellor Rishi Sunak 's `` eat-out-to-help-out '' discount .
The Daily Mail caption is `` bargain banquet Britain '' .
The Sun describes the `` Rishi dishy '' meal out as `` cheap as chips '' .
The Daily Telegraph reports that Monday to Wednesday , the days when the 50 % discount applies , is now the new weekend .
For the Times , the measure has helped restaurants `` turn the tables '' and the Daily Mirror also appears to hail it as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proof of the pudding '' .

According to its analysis, in March last year less than 1,200 people across the UK had to wait more that a year for treatment. But by July this year the figure was nearly 20,000 in London alone.


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Eastchurch cliff fall: More homes at risk after landslide

Neighbours of a house that collapsed in a cliff fall have been told nothing will be done to save their properties .
One homeowner in Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey , Kent , has been told to leave as soon as possible as another landslide could occur at any time .
Swale Borough Council said a policy not to slow erosion would remain in place .
Edwin Cane , 66 , was told he may qualify for a £6,000 grant to demolish his home , but said he has not been offered any other support .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We need help from the council and they say they are happy to see the cliff fall . ''
A family of six lost their home following a cliff fall in May , prompting the council to commission a geotechnical investigation to assess the cause of the collapse and the risk to other homes .
As a result of its findings , a `` hazard notice '' has been placed on the home of Mr Cane and one of his neighbours .
They have been told they can move back into their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hazard and make any visitors aware .
• The 'forgotten ' community left to fall off a cliff '' When the report came a lot of it was gobbledygook unless you 're a professor , '' Mr Cane said .
`` The crux of it says move out as soon as you can and we could give you up to £6,000 to demolish it . ''
The retiree said he did not know where he would go or how he would pay for it .
`` Everything I had has been sunk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The report found the cliff fall was contributed to by `` sea erosion from below , and ground water running from the top '' .
Erosion in the area is not new and a formal policy of `` no active intervention '' - meaning no applications for government-funded coastal defences will be made - has been in place since at least 1996 , the council said .
Residents have been told the costs of works would be greater than the value of the property being saved .
Tim Valentine , cabinet member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nature of the land here means that erosion will continue , and we expect more of the cliff to fall in the next few years , but we ca n't predict with any certainty when that will be .
`` So we have given them advice on actions they can take and we will support them as they make the difficult decisions they have ahead of them . ''

Tim Valentine, cabinet member for environment, said: "The nature of the land here means that erosion will continue, and we expect more of the cliff to fall in the next few years, but we can't predict with any certainty when that will be.


bbcuk--2020-08-04--John Hume: Family ask mourners to light a candle at home

John Hume 's family has asked mourners to refrain from lining the streets of his native city , as his body returns home ahead of his funeral .
Instead , they have asked people to light a `` candle for peace '' at their homes at 21:00 BST on Tuesday due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Tributes have continued to pour in from presidents and prime ministers for the former SDLP leader who died on Monday .
The Irish government is flying national flags at half mast to honour Mr Hume .
Ireland 's Foreign Ministry said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' as one of Ireland 's and Europe 's greatest political leaders and peacemakers .
In a statement , the Hume family said the `` heartfelt and sincere '' condolences they had received since announcing his death had been `` immensely comforting '' .
They said he would leave his home in Moville , County Donegal , on Tuesday evening and return to St Eugene 's Cathedral in Londonderry .
`` John loved the people of Derry and Donegal , '' they said .
`` We know he would have prioritised public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities .
We 're asking people to follow that guidance , please do not put yourself or others at risk .
`` Instead we would ask that people light a candle for peace at 9pm in their homes or at their door . ''
His funeral Mass will take place in the cathedral at 11:30 on Wednesday , and will be streamed live on the BBC News NI website .
The tributes to Mr Hume , who was one of the key architects of the Northern Ireland peace process , reflected his international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remembered his persistence and unshakeable commitment to non-violence , while former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair , who was in office when the Good Friday Agreement was signed , described him as a political titan .
The taoiseach ( Irish PM ) at the time of the deal , Bertie Ahern , recalled the former SDLP leader as a force for stability amid days of violence and chaos .
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Mr Hume as a `` political giant '' , while the current Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peacemaker '' .
On Monday , the Irish government lowered its flag to half mast outside its Dublin headquarters and also outside Iveagh House which houses the Department of Foreign Affairs to `` mark the passing of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate John Hume '' .
The department tweeted that he was `` rightly remembered across the world today as one of Ireland 's and Europe 's greatest political leaders and peacemakers '' .
Closer to home , a book of condolence for Mr Hume was opened at Derry 's Guildhall on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ centuries to come' • Young people explain what John Hume meant to them Signing the book , SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the island had lost its most significant political figure of the 20th Century .
Mr Eastwood compared his predecessor to the famous US civil rights leader Martin Luther King .
`` John Hume was our Martin Luther King , '' he said .
`` He was the greatest Irishman ever and he achieved something that no-one could ever achieve before him : he ended the Anglo-Irish conflict , the conflict that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he gave my generation the opportunity to achieve our political goals peacefully and democratically , and that is an enormous legacy . ''
The former Foyle MP and MEP for Northern Ireland , who had dementia and in recent years had lived in a care home in Londonderry , died in the early hours of Monday morning .

"He was the greatest Irishman ever and he achieved something that no-one could ever achieve before him: he ended the Anglo-Irish conflict, the conflict that had gone on for 800 years, and he gave my generation the opportunity to achieve our political goals peacefully and democratically, and that is an enormous legacy."


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Rural crime: Tractors and livestock taken as offences up in Wales

Rural crime cost Welsh businesses £2.6m last year as organised gangs targeted machinery and livestock , an insurance company has said .
NFU Mutual 's annual rural crime report said the cost rose 11.1 % in 2019 , compared to 2018 - higher than the average UK rise of 8.8 % .
Across the UK , rural crime cost £54m - an increase of nearly 9 % .
There are fears that incidents could escalate when the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic is felt .
The report said high-value tractors , quad bikes and large numbers of livestock had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be expanded across Wales Expensive tractors are being exported and sold in rich countries , the insurer said , while older models are being shipped to poorer countries .
While crime generally decreased during the initial lockdown period earlier this year , NFU Mutual said there were fears rural crime could now escalate .
Manager for Wales , Owen Suckley , said : `` Rural crime is like a wave as organised criminality spreads through our farms and villages , affecting everyone in the countryside .
`` We continue to work hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rural communities and helping with prevention advice , as there are concerns for the months ahead as the economic impact of coronavirus bites .
`` As well as the financial cost , there 's a serious effect on the mental well-being of people living in rural and often isolated areas .
`` There are fears that the impact will be felt harder this year as farmers have been working flat-out to feed the nation and many rural communities have been put under additional pressure by the challenges brought by Covid-19 . ''
Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area , has previously had vehicles and machinery stolen , and more recently , a solar-powered fence charger .
He said : `` I 'd only had the fence energiser for two weeks before it was taken .
A brand new piece of solar-powered kit that obviously looked expensive .
`` People can so easily search the value of things on their phones now that even specialist items like this can be identified as a payday by a passer-by .
`` The energiser was worth a couple of hundred pounds , which might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect of rural crime goes so much deeper than the monetary costs . ''
He added : `` Then there 's the emotional impact .
Once you 've stopped feeling angry , it 's actually gut-wrenching .
You can write-off the day you find you 've fallen victim to crime .
In the past , when I 've had larger things like vehicles stolen , it 's affected me for weeks .
`` It plays on your mind and makes it hard to concentrate on anything else .
`` The thought of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stealing from you , can make you feel paranoid , with a voice in your head telling you that they 'll be back to steal again .
You find yourself making business decisions based on what will make you least attractive to repeat theft . ''

"The thought of a stranger being on your property, and stealing from you, can make you feel paranoid, with a voice in your head telling you that they'll be back to steal again. You find yourself making business decisions based on what will make you least attractive to repeat theft."


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Leeds Nationwide held up by robber in a face mask

The man entered the Nationwide on Albion Street , in Leeds , at 10.30 BST on Monday , and produced a note demanding money .
He was brandishing a bag , and a cashier believed she saw what may have been the outline of a handgun inside .
No-one was injured during the raid , and the suspect fled through the Trinity Leeds shopping centre .
Police are now investigating and want to hear from anyone who took photos or video .
Det James Entwistle said : `` Incidents like this are thankfully rare .
`` It happened on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and people will have seen the suspect leaving the premises and his movements afterwards . ''
• More news and stories from Yorkshire The suspect , who is thought to be in his 40s , has been described as short and stocky .
He was wearing a dark hooded top and had a 'fade effect ' shaved into the sides of his hair .
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police or Crimestoppers .
Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news @ @ @ @ @ @ @

"It happened on a busy street in the centre of Leeds and people will have seen the suspect leaving the premises and his movements afterwards."


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Bosses' pandemic pay cuts 'superficial' says report

The UK 's biggest listed companies have failed to address their bosses ' huge salaries during the coronavirus pandemic , a pay report claims .
Despite some high-profile reports of executive pay cuts , these were mainly `` superficial or short-term '' , it says .
Nor have firms addressed a culture of excessive bonuses , says the report by the CIPD , the professional body for HR , and the High Pay Centre think tank .
It comes amid huge job cuts as the furlough scheme begins to unwind .
Some 36 FTSE 100 firms had made pay cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the London Stock Exchange up to 3 July .
`` The most common measure , taken by 14 companies , has been to cut salaries at the top by 20 % , '' the report said .
`` However , salaries typically only make up a small part of a FTSE 100 chief executive 's total pay package . ''
The report said 11 firms had cancelled short-term incentive plans for their chief executives , while two other companies had deferred salary increases .
However , none of the 36 had chosen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incentive plan , which generally makes up half of a chief executive 's total pay package .
`` It does n't look like the pandemic has proven to be an inflection point for executive pay yet , '' said CIPD chief executive Peter Cheese .
`` The bulk of cuts made so far appear to be short-term and do n't signify meaningful , long-term change .
`` Pay among the FTSE 100 will probably fall next year , but this is more likely to be due to wider economic circumstances , rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay.
`` As well as examining pandemic-related measures , the CIPD and the High Pay Centre also issued their annual analysis of executive pay , this time covering the 2018-19 financial year .
They found that in that year , a chief executive earned 119 times more than the average UK full-time worker .
Typically , the boss took home £3.61m , while the average full-time worker in the UK earned £30,353 .
`` This is broadly the same as the median FTSE 100 chief executive salary for the financial year ending 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.5 % decrease , '' the report said .
High Pay Centre director Luke Hildyard said : `` Very high chief executive pay undermines the spirit of solidarity that many companies are trying to project as they battle against the impact of the coronavirus .
`` More pragmatically , multi-million-pound pay awards worth over a hundred times the salary of a typical worker seems like an unnecessary extravagance during a period of such economic uncertainty .
`` If we want to protect as many jobs as possible and give the lower-paid workers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pay rise they deserve , we will need to rethink the balance of pay between those at the top and everybody else . ''

"If we want to protect as many jobs as possible and give the lower-paid workers who have got the country through this crisis the pay rise they deserve, we will need to rethink the balance of pay between those at the top and everybody else."


bbcuk--2020-08-04--John Hume: SDLP tribute as body returns to Derry

John Hume 's body has been brought to St Eugene 's Cathedral in Londonderry , ahead of his funeral on Wednesday .
SDLP members formed a guard of honour , holding candles in tribute to their former leader who died on Monday .
His family asked mourners to refrain from lining the streets of his native city on Tuesday evening .
Instead , they asked people to light a `` candle for peace '' at their homes due to the restrictions in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Tributes have continued to pour in from presidents and prime ministers for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted that a candle had been lit in Downing Street , saying it was a `` symbol '' of the peace that Mr Hume `` was so instrumental in securing '' .
The Irish government is flying national flags at half mast to honour Mr Hume .
Ireland 's Foreign Ministry said he was `` rightly remembered across the world today '' as one of Ireland 's and Europe 's greatest political leaders and peacemakers .
In a statement , the Hume family said the `` heartfelt and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcing his death had been `` immensely comforting '' .
They said his remains would leave his home in Moville , County Donegal , on Tuesday evening and return to St Eugene 's Cathedral in Derry .
`` John loved the people of Derry and Donegal , '' they said .
`` We know he would have prioritised public health and the safety and health of our communities .
We 're asking people to follow that guidance , please do not put yourself or others at risk .
`` Instead we would ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 9pm in their homes or at their door . ''
Mr Hume 's funeral Mass will take place in the cathedral at 11:30 BST on Wednesday , and will be streamed live on the BBC News NI website .
The priest who is due to deliver the funeral homily has echoed the family 's call for mourners to pay their respects from home rather than attend mass gatherings during the pandemic .
`` We live in extraordinary times and , sadly , all those people all over the island of Ireland and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Fr Paul Farren said .
`` We have to be careful , prudent and safe and do what 's wise .
`` We ask people at home to pray , to light a candle - we will have a celebration of light and our intention is for peace . ''
The Mayor of Derry , Brian Tierney , who represents the SDLP , also lit a candle at the city 's Guildhall building on Tuesday evening as Mr Hume 's body returned to his home city .
The tributes to Mr Hume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ architects of the Northern Ireland peace process , reflected his international reputation .
Former US President Bill Clinton remembered his persistence and unshakeable commitment to non-violence , while former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair , who was in office when the Good Friday Agreement was signed , described him as a political titan .
The taoiseach ( Irish PM ) at the time of the deal , Bertie Ahern , recalled the former SDLP leader as a force for stability amid days of violence and chaos .
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , while the current Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was a `` great hero and a true peacemaker '' .
On Monday , the Irish government lowered its flag to half mast outside its Dublin headquarters and also outside Iveagh House which houses the Department of Foreign Affairs to `` mark the passing of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate John Hume '' .
The department tweeted that he was `` rightly remembered across the world today as one of Ireland 's and Europe 's greatest political leaders and peacemakers '' .
The Lord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has opened a book of condolence for mourners in Dublin to pay their respects to Mr Hume .
Closer to home , a book of condolence was opened at Derry 's Guildhall on Monday .
• John Hume to be 'remembered for centuries to come' • Young people explain what John Hume meant to them Signing the book , SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the island had lost its most significant political figure of the 20th Century .
Mr Eastwood compared his predecessor to the famous US civil rights leader Martin Luther King @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luther King , '' he said .
`` He was the greatest Irishman ever and he achieved something that no-one could ever achieve before him : he ended the Anglo-Irish conflict , the conflict that had gone on for 800 years , and he gave my generation the opportunity to achieve our political goals peacefully and democratically , and that is an enormous legacy . ''
The neighbouring district of Fermanagh and Omagh Council has also opened an online book of condolence on its website .
The former Foyle MP and MEP for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent years had lived in a care home in Londonderry , died in the early hours of Monday morning .
Meanwhile , cricketers from the Irish and English teams wore black armbands in memory of Mr Hume during Tuesday 's one-day international in Southampton .
A minute 's silence was held before the start of the match .
Mr Hume was a cricket fan and in his younger days was a left-arm spin bowler .
Ross McCollum , chair of Cricket Ireland , said the former SDLP leader `` will no doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , and his legacy will extend for many generations to come '' .


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Redundancy advice calls triple as furlough scheme winds down

Thousands of firms and employees are seeking redundancy advice as the coronavirus crisis continues to bite into the UK economy .
Conciliation service Acas said calls to its redundancy advice line almost tripled in June and July , as concerns mounted about the government 's job retention scheme winding down .
There has been a spate of redundancies as some firms struggle to stay afloat .
Nearly 4,500 jobs have been cut only a few days into August .
In June and July , calls to the Acas helpline to talk about redundancy rose nearly 170 % compared with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 12,000 to more than 33,000 calls .
In July , Citizens Advice said it had also seen a surge in demand for redundancy advice .
Acas chief executive Susan Clews said : `` At the moment , nearly a third of calls to our helpline are redundancy-related .
`` The economic impact of coronavirus , alongside fears around the furlough scheme tapering off , has left many employers and their staff concerned about their future livelihoods . ''
The latest figures from the government show 9.6 million jobs - about a third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been furloughed during the pandemic , at a cost of £33.8bn to the Treasury .
Businesses began to pay towards the furlough scheme from the beginning of August , putting more pressure on struggling firms .
The scheme ends in October .
• Coronavirus : What happens when the furlough scheme ends ?
Acas recommended that employers should look for alternatives to redundancies , which should be used as a last resort .
These alternatives include consulting staff `` on ideas that can help mitigate the financial difficulties that the business may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as : • more flexible working to cut down on office costs A number of major employers have announced job cuts since strict coronavirus lockdown rules were announced on 23 March .
According to the Press Association news agency , these include : July 17 : Azzurri Group ( owns Zizzi and Ask Italian ) - up to 1,200 July 14 : DFS - up to 200 at risk May 28 : Debenhams ( in second announcement ) - `` hundreds '' of jobs

In June and July, calls to the Acas helpline to talk about redundancy rose nearly 170% compared with the same months last year, from more than 12,000 to more than 33,000 calls.


bbcuk--2020-08-04--Charities and unions call for Tory MP suspension after rape allegation

A group of women 's charities and unions are calling on Parliament to step in and suspend a Conservative MP after he was arrested over rape allegations .
The unnamed man in his 50s was arrested on Saturday and later released on bail .
The former minister has not been suspended by the Tories , with the party saying it was right for the police to investigate the claims .
In a joint statement , the groups said it showed `` party politics was still interfering in justice and fairness '' .
A Tory Party spokeswoman said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A spokesman from the House of Commons said they could not comment on specific cases , but said `` sexual harassment has no place '' in Parliament , adding : `` We take the safety of our staff seriously and are ensuring that any necessary measures are taken in respect of our employees . ''
For an MP to be suspended by Parliament , a complaint needs to be considered by the House 's Commissioner for Standards and an independent expert panel .
If the complaint is considered to be serious enough for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the recommendation to the Commons and MPs will vote on it .
However , Parliament is on recess until 1 September , and votes can only take place when it is sitting .
The statement calling for action was issued by the TUC , Centenary Action Group , the Fawcett Society , Women 's Aid and unions representing parliamentary staff ( Unite , Prospect , PCS and FDA ) .
It accused the government of `` minimising violence against women and girls '' by allowing the MP to keep the Conservative whip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to believe victims and survivors when they bravely speak out '' .
The statement added : `` Given the seriousness of the allegations , we 're calling on Parliament to suspend the MP arrested on suspicion of rape , pending a full investigation .
`` The House of Commons should be no different from any other workplace .
Safety and the safeguarding of staff must be paramount . ''
As well as calling for parliamentary intervention , the groups urged the Conservatives to remove the whip - meaning he would no longer be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They also said all political parties should revise their own internal sexual harassment and complaint policies `` to ensure that they are transparent , quick , victim-focused and independent '' .
What stops the media from naming rape suspects ?
The police usually do not name suspects before charging them and there are two powerful parts of the law which deter the media from naming them .
Firstly , an alleged victim has automatic right under statute to lifelong anonymity .
That right can only be waived in writing by the victim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to add to a `` jigsaw '' identification and so must limit publishing any details which could help identify an alleged victim .
There are also strong privacy reasons for not naming .
Cliff Richard 's 2018 legal action against the BBC ( and later cases ) established that individuals under investigation by the state have a reasonable expectation of privacy in relation to the fact of an investigation and its details up until they are charged .
That can be displaced but only if there are sufficient public interest grounds to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balancing act which different parts of the media , advised by their different lawyers , view differently .
Which is why some parts of the media may decide to name more quickly than others .
The Conservatives ' Chief Whip , Mark Spencer , defended the party 's decision not to withdraw the whip on Monday , saying it `` did n't want to do anything to identify the victim '' .
Speaking to reporters , he said the allegations were `` very serious '' and it was up to the police to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to their conclusion , then we can assess where we 're at and the position that the MP finds himself in , '' he said .
The Sunday Times , which first reported the story , said the complainant alleged the MP assaulted her , forced her to have sex and left her so traumatised that she had to go to hospital .
The newspapers said the allegations had been made by an ex-parliamentary employee .
The Metropolitan Police said it had launched an investigation into the allegations .
`` On Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service received allegations relating to four separate incidents involving allegations of sexual offences and assault , '' the force said in a statement .
`` These offences are alleged to have occurred at addresses in Westminster , Lambeth and Hackney between July 2019 and January 2020 . ''
Police said the man has been released on bail to return on a date in mid-August .
It is understood that Mr Spencer spoke with the complainant in April , but he insists that she did not make any allegation of serious sexual assault .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not known the `` magnitude '' of the allegations .
But a report in the Daily Telegraph suggested the woman became frustrated after they spoke that nothing was done .
It is also understood the Leader of the House of Commons , Jacob Rees-Mogg , was told by an MP in recent weeks about the claims - with sources saying he had said the woman should contact the police .
A Tory party spokeswoman said : `` We have a code of conduct where people can report complaints in confidence .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would immediately advise the individual to contact the police . ''
In 2016 , the Commons approved changes to its procedures to end the practice of MPs being automatically identified by the Speaker if they were arrested .
Under the rules in force since then , the MP involved will be consulted and named in Parliament only if there is an issue of `` parliamentary privilege or constitutional significance '' at stake .

A spokesman from the House of Commons said they could not comment on specific cases, but said "sexual harassment has no place" in Parliament, adding: "We take the safety of our staff seriously and are ensuring that any necessary measures are taken in respect of our employees."