bbcuk--2020-08-19--Coronavirus: UK to ramp up coronavirus monitoring programme

Coronavirus tests are to be carried out on more people in the government 's monitoring programme to get a better idea of the spread of the virus .
The Office for National Statistics ' Infection Survey will test 150,000 people a fortnight in England by October , up from 28,000 now .
The survey is separate from the mass testing programme of people with symptoms to diagnose cases .
For the survey , a representative sample of the general population is tested .
That means it can provide estimates for the true spread of the virus .
The diagnostic testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely relies on people with symptoms coming forward .
Some people do not display symptoms when they are infected so the daily totals are an underestimate of the amount of infection that is around .
As part of the expansion of the programme , data will also be gathered in Wales , Northern Ireland and Scotland .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?
• WITHOUT SYMPTOMS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Matt Hancock said the survey was the `` single most important tool '' the government had for making policy decisions around coronavirus because it helped it understand how the disease was spreading .
Speaking on BBC Breakfast , Mr Hancock said expanding the ONS survey would allow the government to be `` more accurate and more localised '' in its response .
He added that it would help the government with its `` biggest challenge '' , which was finding people who were asymptomatic but could still pass the virus on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ representative of the population , whether or not they have coronavirus symptoms .
The results help experts estimate the weekly reproduction ( R ) number and growth rate of the virus - which tells us if new coronavirus infections are rising or shrinking .
The survey also provides important information about the socio-demographic characteristics of the people and households who have Covid-19 .
According to last week 's results , coronavirus cases across England appear to be levelling off , with an estimated one in 1,900 , or 28,300 people currently infected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising numbers of people testing positive is more testing or more virus .
It uses a small sample of people to inform the national picture , like tasting soup with a teaspoonful .
At the moment , spotting just 10 infections a week , it takes a while before it can tell whether a rise is a spike or just blip .
A bigger spoon means it will spot the national and regional trends faster .
That means we 're less likely to be caught unawares if the virus comes back with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still wo n't see many infections in a town or small city , so wo n't become our main local outbreak detector .
At the start of the pilot study , led by the ONS and the University of Oxford in partnership with the Department for Health and Social Care , around 20,000 households were invited to take part , with the aim of achieving data from around 10,000 households .
Since the end of May , additional households have been invited to take part in the survey each week ( roughly 5,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15,000 households contacted in July .
By beefing up the numbers participating , the ONS will be able to assess what is going on in much greater detail .
Professor Sir Ian Diamond , the UK 's National Statistician , said that the survey would be the biggest of its kind in this country .
`` Vigilance is key to containing this pandemic and the extra data on the spread of infections and antibodies at local level will be invaluable to the planning of effective local responses . ''
Prof Sarah Walker , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-leader of the survey , added : `` The added numbers will give us an awful lot of information about how this is all going to play out over the next six months .
`` The key question is 'can I get it again ? '
and because we are going back to households and because we will have enough people we can answer that question , not just overall , but by age , geneder and ethnicity . ''
The extended survey should be up and running by October when government experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection .
People who take part have routine nose or throat swabs to see if they currently have coronavirus .
The survey currently has 60,000 people enrolled - not all of them are tested every fortnight .
The aim is to increase this to 400,000 people across the entire project in England , and there will be proportionate increases in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
• SURVIVING THE VIRUS : 'Our medical science is struggling to catch-up '

"The key question is 'can I get it again?' and because we are going back to households and because we will have enough people we can answer that question, not just overall, but by age, gender and ethnicity."


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Manchester attack: Hashem Abedi refuses to leave cell

The brother of Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi has refused to leave his cell for his sentencing hearing .
Hashem Abedi was convicted of murdering 22 people in the 2017 Manchester terror attack in March .
The Old Bailey heard he helped his brother to plan the `` sudden and lethal '' blast in which hundreds of people were injured .
A two-day sentencing hearing is under way but Abedi has refused to enter the courtroom .
Mr Justice Jeremy Baker said : `` I have no power to direct that force be used to compel him to come into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to plan the attack at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on 22 May 2017 .
At his trial , jurors were told how the brothers worked together to source materials , which were used in the bombing .
On 17 March , he was found guilty of 22 counts of murder , one count of attempted murder - encompassing the remaining injured - and conspiring to cause explosions .
Abedi would have been eligible for a whole-life sentence had he been over the age of 21 at the time of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Justice Jeremy Baker said it was a `` matter for Parliament who pass legislation which prevents the court of making a whole-life order in the circumstances of this case '' .
The Old Bailey was told some of the victim impact and witness statements should not be read in open court , but instead be considered by the judge in private .
Survivor Claire Booth broke down in tears as she read her statement in memory of her sister Kelly Brewster , 32 .
`` Since 22 May 2017 our family has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearts are broken , '' she said .
`` It seems cruel that her life has been cut short .
`` My dad has not been able to walk his daughter down the aisle , my mum ca n't take her shopping for a wedding dress . ''
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Michael Thompson said his family was "going from day to day on autopilot" since his daughter Michelle Kiss, 45, had been "taken from us in the most terrible and cowardly way".


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Rail fares to rise 1.6% in January despite passenger slump

Railway season ticket holders and commuters will see a 1.6 % rise in fares from January in spite of a slump in passenger demand .
About half of rail fares are pegged to July 's Retail Price Index , which defied economists ' forecasts and rose from 1.1 % a month ago , the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) said .
Passenger groups said an overhaul of the fares system was needed .
UK consumer price inflation also rose , to 1 % in July from 0.6 % in June .
• What is the UK inflation rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anthony Smith said a system that fits `` the way we live and travel now '' is needed , and not `` season tickets designed for city gents in the last century '' .
Robert Nisbet , of the Rail Delivery Group , which represents the train operating companies , told the BBC 's Today programme that the government is ultimately in charge of the price increases and that the industry would like broader reform of fares to make flexible travel easier .
The rail rise compares to 2.8 % last year and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means a smaller price increase for travellers than last year .
But according to the figures from the government 's Office of Rail and Road , passenger numbers covering January to March fell 11.4 % compared to the prior year .
Those figures only partially cover the scale of the drop in rail journeys taken , as travel restrictions only started on 16 March and lockdown on 23 March .
Figures for April to June , due out in October , are likely to be much starker .
When lockdown was announced , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 70 % since the pandemic began .
To stop those firms from going under , the government then suspended all rail franchise agreements , which govern how many trains run each hour and restrict how much the companies that run them can charge for tickets and scrapped payments to government .
Currently , the network is being financially managed by the government and the companies are receiving a flat fee .
While generally profitable ventures , some train operating companies have had a difficult few years .
South Western Railway 's operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 financial year , which it blamed on strikes and unreliable infrastructure .
The loss put the franchise at risk , it said .
Abellio ScotRail , which runs Scotland 's services , posted a £10m loss for the 15 months to March 2019 .
And Northern was stripped of its franchise in January following months of chaos when new timetables were brought in .
Using RPI to manage rail fares has faced criticism for some time .
The ONS dumped the measure as a national statistic , favouring consumer price inflation ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The UK Statistics Authority recommended in 2019 that the publication of the RPI should be stopped and that , in the meantime , it should use the same data sources used to calculate CPIH , an inflation measure that includes some housing costs .
The UK Statistics Authority and the Treasury are consulting on how to fix RPI .
The ONS monitors the prices of a selection of goods and services commonly bought by British households .
In CPI terms , what cost £100 last year should cost £101 today .

"Taxpayers have been very generous in their support to keep trains running throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and whilst it's only fair that passengers also contribute to maintaining and improving the services they use, a lower rise will help ensure the system returns to strength."


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Coronavirus: UK 'not considering' compulsory face masks in workplaces

The UK government is not considering making the wearing of face masks compulsory in offices and workplaces , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said .
It comes as France ruled that coverings must be worn in most workplaces following a surge in coronavirus cases .
`` We constantly look at the scientific advice and the answer here is that we are not currently considering doing that , '' said Mr Hancock .
Face coverings are currently required in some indoor settings in the UK .
For example , they are compulsory for customers in shops in England , Scotland and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They are also required for anyone travelling on public transport anywhere in the UK .
• What are the rules for face masks or face coverings ?
Earlier this week , France announced that from 1 September masks would be compulsory in all shared spaces in offices and factories where there is more than one worker present .
Masks are also even compulsory in some busy outdoor areas in Paris and other French cities .
Asked on BBC Breakfast whether the UK would follow France and introduce masks in workplaces , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And the reason is that the evidence from NHS Test and Trace for where people catch the disease is that , very largely , they catch it from one household meeting another household , usually in one of their homes .
`` And so it 's that household transmission that is the core group of passing on this virus in this country .
`` The amount of people who have caught it in workplaces is relatively low we think from the evidence we 've got . ''
• Should I be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will do to our offices and homes • What 's the future for the office ?
There is currently no universal rule for workers to wear face masks at work in the UK , however the government has set out guidance for particular industries .
For example , hairdressers and beauticians are advised to cover their faces because it 's harder to socially distance with the public .
Staff that work in shops or other indoor settings do not have to wear face coverings - although the government suggests businesses `` consider their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of August , the government changed its guidance about work , no longer ordering people to work from home where they can .
It is now up to employers to decide whether staff can return to the workplace - as long as it is safe to do so .
Anybody will be allowed to use public transport , including to get to work , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said .
Over the past few months , there have been outbreaks among workers at meat processing plants as well as factories .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a factory in Newark , Nottinghamshire , which makes desserts for Waitrose and Tesco .
• Heathrow Airport is planning to offer coronavirus tests so that passengers returning to the UK from some countries would not have to spend the full 14 days in quarantine if they test negative .
The plan needs government approval but , if rolled out , travellers would be tested at the airport and then again at home a few days later .
If they pass both tests they will be able to stop quarantining .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Heathrow on the plan but it must be made `` safe and secure '' • A survey that tests people in the UK is to be expanded , to get a better idea of how many are infected at any one time .
The aim is to test 150,000 people a fortnight in England by October , up from 28,000 now • Mr Hancock revealed the government is `` absolutely looking at '' lifting the cap on the number of places to study medicine , after fears there will not be enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grades to get in • European researchers have said the loss of smell that can accompany coronavirus is unique and different from that experienced by someone with a bad cold or flu • SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• EUROPE LOCKDOWN : How is it being lifted ?

"And the reason is that the evidence from NHS Test and Trace for where people catch the disease is that, very largely, they catch it from one household meeting another household, usually in one of their homes.


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Black Lives Matter: Cardiff Uni racism row student seeks legal advice

A former Cardiff University student is seeking legal advice on how it dealt with a racism complaint .
Natasha Chilambo , 25 , was one of eight black students to complain when a fellow student wore blackface as `` a stereotypical , hyper-sexualised black man '' in a 2016 play .
She felt `` isolated '' and `` paranoid '' , one student attempted suicide and another could not attend lectures .
The university apologised for the `` pain and upset '' caused .
It added it had held an independent inquiry .
Natasha , from Swindon , said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aftermath of the incident , and eventually had to leave the university and complete her training in London .
She was one of eight black medical students in their third year at Cardiff Medical School when the annual Anaphylaxis charity play took place in 2016 .
That year , one of the students who took part in the play impersonated the only black lecturer at the university 's medical school , by performing blackface and wearing a black sex toy around his waist .
The play also included other racist , sexist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the eight black medical students in Natasha 's year making a confidential complaint to the university in February as a group .
They also asked for a public apology .
The 31 medical students who took part in the play were immediately suspended from clinical placements after breaching the university 's student behaviour expectations , but they were later permitted to return .
'The university could have done so much more to protect us' BBC Wales has spoken to three of the students who complained , who felt the university did not deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One of the three , who has asked to remain anonymous , said the fact eight black students had made a complaint was made public by the university - effectively removing their anonymity in the process .
She said : `` People did the maths .
Out of 300 medical students in the year only eight were black .
People essentially started to hate us .
`` I 'd stopped going to lectures because I could n't face meeting or being in a room with so many other people who I knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were angered [ by me ] at standing up for what was right . ''
She added : `` The university could have done so much more to protect us . ''
Cardiff University said the letter had originally been shared so those involved could see the full allegations being raised .
The university arranged for the students in the play to write letters of apology , but the complainants said these were only available to view at a certain time and place under condition they would not disclose the contents .
Cardiff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invitation '' to read the letters , and that they formed one part of a restorative justice process , which offered support to those who had complained , and engaged everyone involved to `` try and help repair relationships '' .
A spokesperson for Cardiff University said a `` wide range of support '' was provided which included `` supporting members of the complainant group to move house , change clinical placement locations , access counselling and support '' .
They added : `` What the university does recognise is that it failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling amongst the medical cohort of students and that we were unable to influence or intervene in a manner that was able to prevent the very deep hurt caused by the breakdown in friendships and peer group relationships that we know impacted so heavily on some members of the complainant group . ''
The three complainants said the way the complaint was dealt with led to a decline in their mental health .
Natasha said : `` I could n't walk down the streets in Cardiff without feeling unsafe , without panicking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are they going to be the students in that play ?
`` I could n't do that any longer and ended up having to leave the medical school . ''
She moved to Kings College London to complete her studies .
But when Cardiff University tweeted about the death of George Floyd earlier this year stating `` racism and discrimination have no place in our modern society '' it brought it all back .
Natasha said : `` I remember thinking , how can you make such a bold declaration around this space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been in the past have told you for years that they face racism ? ''
It prompted her to consider legal action over the way her complaint was dealt with in 2016 .
She has raised nearly £6,000 on GoFundMe for legal fees .
Natasha said moving on would be the easier option , but that she wants to make things better for black students in the future .
She said : `` We have to create a culture where people are held accountable for their actions that are harmful , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused me harm ' .
`` We have to create a culture that empowers , encourages and supports people when they say these things are wrong , or otherwise they carry on and that 's not good enough . ''
The university said it conducted an Independent Review Panel to examine how it 's responding to institutional and cultural barriers that exist for minority ethnic students and staff .
It said the School of Medicine is working with student societies the African Caribbean Medical Association , Cardiff Healthcare International Perspectives and MedSoc to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group .
But some black students at Cardiff University still say they feel unsupported by the institution , four years after the play .
Yemi Sawyerr , from London , has finished her second year at Cardiff Medical School .
Yemi , 20 , said : `` Given that the university is predominantly white , I do n't think that black students are supported enough . ''
She said in equality and diversity training she was told to explain why racism is wrong if a patient was racist to her .
Yemi said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on us to deal with it and fight , rather than on the uni . ''
Earlier this year students at Cardiff School of Dentistry complained to the university of `` racist behaviour and unconscious bias '' from some teaching staff , fellow students and patients .
The authors claimed black and ethnic minority students have been mocked and subjected to racist language .
The university said it accepted there were failings in the handling of the 2016 Anaphylaxis play , and it had `` learnt many lessons '' and had taken action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central incident group to ensure a `` consistent approach to complaints of racism '' .
A spokesman said : `` The vice-chancellor took the unprecedented step of commissioning an independent and expert panel to review issues of racism in the institution .
The panel was given complete access to all available information and was supported to interview staff and students .
`` The independent report was published and made a series of recommendations which were accepted in full and their implementation was led by a dedicated member of staff reporting to the deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised by the event are taken extremely seriously and at the most senior level of the organisation as we continue to work to ensure a cultural transformation across the university . ''

They added: "What the university does recognise is that it failed to foresee the depth of reaction and feeling amongst the medical cohort of students and that we were unable to influence or intervene in a manner that was able to prevent the very deep hurt caused by the breakdown in friendships and peer group relationships that we know impacted so heavily on some members of the complainant group."


bbcuk--2020-08-19--A-levels U-turn: Government considering lifting cap on medicine places

The government is `` absolutely looking at '' lifting the cap on the number of places to study medicine , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said .
The number of students studying to be doctors is regulated because of the cost and for NHS workforce planning .
But after this week 's changes to A-level results , universities fear there will not be enough places for all the students with the grades to get in .
The body representing universities has called for the cap to be lifted .
The number of places to study medicine is the latest issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday to change how exam grades are awarded , following a backlash .
The decision to give A-level and GCSE students the grades estimated by their teachers , rather than by an algorithm , means thousands of A-level students may now have the grades to trade up to their first-choice university offers .
• A-levels and GCSEs : How did the exam algorithm work ?
• Up to 75,000 new exam certificates to be issued in Scotland Although the cap on overall student numbers has been raised , places at medical schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors far exceeds the fees paid by undergraduates .
In a letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson , seen by the BBC , Universities UK sought `` urgent assurances '' that he was speaking to the Department for Health about increasing the medical student cap .
`` The role of universities in training the medical workforce is essential for all regions and nations of the UK , as clearly shown by our members ' response to the Covid-19 pandemic , '' the letter said .
It also called more widely for `` significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students are expected to change courses after being awarded higher grades .
The body , which represents 137 institutions across the UK , said that while the change to the grading method was the right decision , it would lead to grade inflation meaning universities with lower entry requirements would face a drop in course take-up and as a result require financial help .
The letter also asked for clarity on how increased student numbers could be managed alongside social distancing measures and guidance on how to handle a higher number of candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Asked whether he would consider lifting the cap on medical students , Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast : `` We are looking at that .
`` Thankfully we 've got an expansion in the number of medical places this year , the biggest number of medical places ever , because we 're hiring into the NHS , we 're growing the NHS and we want to make sure the NHS has the doctors it needs in the future , '' he added .
`` But I am absolutely looking at this issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` But of course there 's now a huge number of pupils who have the grades , and so we 're working very much immediately on how we can go further than we already are . ''
There have been planned increases in the number of medical school places available at English universities in recent years .
Prof Jenny Higham , principal of medical school St George 's , University of London , told the BBC 's Newsnight : `` Medicine is both a very practical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of clinical and practical experience and hence clinical placement capacity also needs to be increased . ''
The pandemic has meant the current students have been unable to carry out their clinical studies meaning there is a backlog in places , she said .
Prof Higham added it was a high cost subject with courses funded by supplementary payments from the government as well as tuition fees , and the need to pay for clinical placements .
• VACCINE : How close are we to finding one ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• TESTING : Who can get a test and how ?
• YOUR QUESTIONS : Our experts have answers • THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters Conservative MP Sir John Redwood told Newsnight any changes also needed to be fair to the class of 2021 as well as `` make up to the class of 2020 '' , with next year 's cohort needing to be assured of places if they got the necessary grades .
On Tuesday , universities minister Michelle Donelan said she wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` different course '' than planned , as a result of being downgraded last week , should be able to `` change their mind and to reverse that decision '' .
She said No 10 was working with universities to help `` boost the capacity available '' in order to `` minimise the amount of students that will be looking to defer . ''
• How will universities cope with extra students ?
And other questions Ministers in England , Northern Ireland and Wales all decided on Monday - four days after A-level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teacher assessed grades rather than the algorithm .
Scotland reverted to teacher assessed grades on 4 August after facing a similar backlash .
The move prompted a scramble for university places as students tried to reclaim places at universities which they had last week been rejected from .
However , the top universities warned that students who now have higher grades could still be asked to defer if there is no space left on their chosen course .
Conversely , the Institute of Fiscal Studies is warning that lower-ranked universities may lose a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates seek places on more demanding course .
This could be `` financially crippling '' , it says .
The chaos and uncertainty has led to calls from school and college leaders for an urgent review .
The education secretary apologised for the distress caused by the U-turn .
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"Thankfully we've got an expansion in the number of medical places this year, the biggest number of medical places ever, because we're hiring into the NHS, we're growing the NHS and we want to make sure the NHS has the doctors it needs in the future," he added.


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Channel crossings: Body of teenage migrant found on French beach

A 16-year-old boy from Sudan who disappeared at sea has been found dead on a French beach .
French minister Marlene Schiappa said the boy 's body was found on a beach in Sangatte , Calais , on Wednesday .
UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said the death of the young migrant was a `` brutal reminder '' that people smugglers exploit the vulnerable .
The Home Office would not confirm whether the boy was trying to reach the UK .
More than 4,800 people have crossed the Channel in about 360 small boats this year .
Clare Moseley , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` absolutely devastated by the unnecessary death of this child '' .
`` We can only imagine the fear he felt and our hearts go out to his family , '' she said .
Ms Moseley said the boys they support in Calais were `` fun to be with despite the horrors they have been through . ''
`` Some are cheeky , some are smart , some like football , some like books , '' she added .
`` None deserve to be here and none deserve to die alone in @ @ @ @

Asked to clarify if there was evidence people smugglers were involved in the death, it said it would not comment on an investigation that is being lead by the prosecutors' office in Boulogne-sur-Mer.


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Chris Froome & Geraint Thomas left out of Tour de France squad by Team Ineos

Last updated on .From the section Cycling Chris Froome has been left out of Team Ineos ' Tour de France squad .
There had been some doubt four-time winner Froome had the form to make the squad following injuries from a crash a year ago .
`` Chris needs that little bit longer to get to the highest level , '' said team boss Dave Brailsford .
Froome , who is leaving Ineos at the end of the current season , will instead lead them at the Vuelta a Espana in October , while Thomas will do so at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to target the Vuelta as `` more realistic '' and `` something that 's deliverable '' .
The 35-year-old has won seven Grand Tour races , including the Vuelta in 2011 and 2017 , and the Giro d'Italia in 2018 .
• None 'The unlikely hero who changed everything' • None Ineos to be renamed Ineos Grenadiers for Tour '' Chris is a true champion who has demonstrated incredible grit and determination to come back from his crash last year , '' added Brailsford .
`` We want to support him to compete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vuelta gives him that little bit more time to continue his progress to the top level . ''
Thomas , 34 , will attempt to win his second Grand Tour in Italy , also in October .
`` Geraint will target the Giro and take on the opportunity to double up his Tour de France win with another Grand Tour title , with the aim of being the first Welshman to win it , '' said Brailsford .
Ineos had the dilemma of deciding who was in the best form of the three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Froome in an unusually perilous position , having lost the most time during three crucial warm-up races in July and August - rebuilding as he is , following his recovery from a fractured right femur , a broken hip , a fractured elbow and fractured ribs .
Ineos ' policy is that whoever is the strongest rider going into the final week of any Grand Tour will be backed by the whole team - they had been reluctant to take three riders to the Tour who could all be considered team leaders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernal to lead the team after strong performances in the warm-up races , including victory at the Tour d'Occitanie in July .
However , there are also some doubts over Bernal after he withdrew from the Criterium du Dauphine last Saturday - as a precaution to `` rest a bad back , '' according to team-mate Thomas .
Thomas has himself admitted to finding his best form difficult to come by , but has largely finished stages during the recent races ahead of Froome , albeit behind Bernal .
Ineos - formerly Team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France each year since 2015 and have taken seven of the past eight Tours .
Brailsford added : `` Egan will once again target the yellow jersey in France and we are very excited to give last year 's Giro winner , Richard Carapaz , his debut in this year 's Tour also .
`` I am very proud that we have several current , and I am sure future , Grand Tour champions in the team . ''
Froome said : `` It 's a readjustment for me .
I 'm in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but not confident I can fulfil the necessary job that would be needed for me a this year 's Tour .
`` It 's more realistic to be targeting the Vuelta , where there 's a chance for me to get stuck into something that 's deliverable . ''
Thomas added : `` The Giro 's something I 've always wanted to go back to [ after crashing in 2017 ] .
The roads , the fans , the food - I 've always enjoyed it . ''
Froome leaves Ineos at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Israel Start-Up Nation , and he will be disappointed at not being able to seek a fifth tour victory - which would equal the record for Tour wins , shared by Jacques Anquetil , Eddy Merckx , Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain .
Ineos decided not to renew Froome 's contract , feeling Froome 's camp lacked the grace expected in negotiations , given the support the team had shown him during his rehabilitation following his crash a year ago .
Froome was also believed to have been frustrated with the team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner Bernal over comments he made in April .
The Colombian told reporters that , if he was in a winning position at this year 's Tour , he would not move over to let Froome lead the team .
Insiders felt the quote was fair enough , given the high status of both riders .
Had things been handled differently in recent weeks , Froome could well have seen out his career at Ineos .

Thomas and Froome have won the Tour five times between them
Chris Froome has been left out of Team Ineos' Tour de France squad.
Geraint Thomas, who won in 2018, also misses out, with the team focusing on last year's winner Egan Bernal and 2019 Giro d'Italia victor Richard Carapaz.
There had been some doubt four-time winner Froome had the form to make the squad following injuries from a crash a year ago.
"Chris needs that little bit longer to get to the highest level," said team boss Dave Brailsford.
Froome, who is leaving Ineos at the end of the current season, will instead lead them at the Vuelta a Espana in October, while Thomas will do so at the Giro d'Italia.
Froome described the decision to target the Vuelta as "more realistic" and "something that's deliverable".
The 35-year-old has won seven Grand Tour races, including the Vuelta in 2011 and 2017, and the Giro d'Italia in 2018.
"Chris is a true champion who has demonstrated incredible grit and determination to come back from his crash last year," added Brailsford.
"We want to support him to compete for another Grand Tour title and the Vuelta gives him that little bit more time to continue his progress to the top level."
Thomas, 34, will attempt to win his second Grand Tour in Italy, also in October.
"Geraint will target the Giro and take on the opportunity to double up his Tour de France win with another Grand Tour title, with the aim of being the first Welshman to win it," said Brailsford.
Ineos had the dilemma of deciding who was in the best form of the three Tour-winning riders in their ranks, with Froome in an unusually perilous position, having lost the most time during three crucial warm-up races in July and August - rebuilding as he is, following his recovery from a fractured right femur, a broken hip, a fractured elbow and fractured ribs.
Ineos' policy is that whoever is the strongest rider going into the final week of any Grand Tour will be backed by the whole team - they had been reluctant to take three riders to the Tour who could all be considered team leaders.
The team will now back 23-year-old Colombian Bernal to lead the team after strong performances in the warm-up races, including victory at the Tour d'Occitanie in July.
However, there are also some doubts over Bernal after he withdrew from the Criterium du Dauphine last Saturday - as a precaution to "rest a bad back," according to team-mate Thomas.
Thomas has himself admitted to finding his best form difficult to come by, but has largely finished stages during the recent races ahead of Froome, albeit behind Bernal.
Ineos - formerly Team Sky - have won the Tour de France each year since 2015 and have taken seven of the past eight Tours.
Brailsford added: "Egan will once again target the yellow jersey in France and we are very excited to give last year's Giro winner, Richard Carapaz, his debut in this year's Tour also.
"I am very proud that we have several current, and I am sure future, Grand Tour champions in the team."
Froome said: "It's a readjustment for me. I'm in a fortunate position to be back racing, but not confident I can fulfil the necessary job that would be needed for me a this year's Tour.
"It's more realistic to be targeting the Vuelta, where there's a chance for me to get stuck into something that's deliverable."
Thomas added: "The Giro's something I've always wanted to go back to [after crashing in 2017]. The roads, the fans, the food - I've always enjoyed it."
Froome leaves Ineos at the end of this year to join the Israel Start-Up Nation, and he will be disappointed at not being able to seek a fifth tour victory - which would equal the record for Tour wins, shared by Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain.
Ineos decided not to renew Froome's contract, feeling Froome's camp lacked the grace expected in negotiations, given the support the team had shown him during his rehabilitation following his crash a year ago.
Froome was also believed to have been frustrated with the team for not reprimanding last year's Tour winner Bernal over comments he made in April. The Colombian told reporters that, if he was in a winning position at this year's Tour, he would not move over to let Froome lead the team. Insiders felt the quote was fair enough, given the high status of both riders.
Had things been handled differently in recent weeks, Froome could well have seen out his career at Ineos.
Team Ineos Tour de France squad: Egan Bernal, Richard Carapaz, Andrey Amador, Jonathan Castroviejo, Michal Kwiatkowski, Luke Rowe, Pavel Sivakov, Dylan van Baarle


bbcuk--2020-08-19--PPE costs add to surprise jump in UK inflation in July

Prices started to rise more quickly in July as the UK economy opened up after lockdown and measures to contain the virus added to business costs .
The annual inflation rate rose to 1 % in July , up from 0.6 % in June , official figures showed .
The jump in the Consumer Prices Index ( CPI ) was bigger than expected as firms such as hairdressers and dentists adjusted their practices .
Another key factor was the absence of traditional summer sales .
The Office for National Statistics said clothing and footwear prices were the biggest contributor to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK inflation rate ?
In most years retailers slash clothes prices between June and July to clear out their summer ranges in preparation for autumn .
Many shops were not able to open until July , when lockdown for non-essential retailers was eased , and some retailers had already brought forward discounts to attract consumers shopping online from home .
When businesses were able to welcome shoppers back in July many faced higher costs associated with social distancing and enhanced cleaning .
Those providing services saw fewer customers .
As a result , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the previous month , the ONS said , with men 's haircuts costing 6.1 % more and women 's 4.5 % more .
Private healthcare services cost 1 % more in July than in June , the ONS said , as physiotherapists and dentists made their workplaces Covid-secure .
Transport costs also rebounded after falling sharply during lockdown .
`` Inflation has risen , in part , due to the largest monthly pump price increase in nearly a decade , as international oil prices rose from their lows earlier this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistician for economic statistics at the ONS .
The cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks fell slightly between June and July , helping to offset some of the price rises elsewhere .
July 's figures are used to calculate rail fare increases , using a different inflation measure , the Retail Prices Index ( RPI ) .
As a result , railway season ticket holders and commuters will see a 1.6 % rise in fares from January .
Inflation is calculated by looking at a `` basket '' of commonly purchased goods and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month and to the same time last year .
As a result of the pandemic the ONS said it was unable to identify prices for many of the 720 items it usually monitored .
In July the ONS said prices for only 12 items were still unavailable , reflecting parts of the economy still unable to operate normally including cruises , live music , theatre , swimming pool admission , and soft play sessions .
Ed Monk , at Fidelity International , said the inflation figures showed that economic life was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said he did n't expect inflation to continue rising strongly , pointing to Bank of England forecasts that prices could fall in August .
`` Looking forward , there is the possibility of negative inflation , or record lows , as VAT cuts and Rishi 's 'eat out to help out ' scheme distorts actual consumer spending levels .
`` On the other hand , the government 's increased budget deficit could lay the foundations for increasing inflation in the coming months .
A potentially worrying sign with consumer confidence still struggling @ @ @ @ @ @

"For us it was a necessity," he says. "We wanted to look at the immediate but also the long-term future of the business. We have a big team of 18 staff. We haven't had to make anyone redundant or keep anyone on furlough. Everyone is back working. That was my number one objective."


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Northamptonshire Police officer gets stuck in handcuffs in training

A police officer had to call on the fire service to release him from handcuffs after getting stuck in them @ @ @ @ @ Northamptonshire Police officer was showing new recruits how to use hinged handcuffs when the incident @ @ @ @ @ thanked Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service for cutting the cuffs off him .
The force @ @ @ @ @ `` would rather have chewed my arm off than call the fire service '' .
@ @ @ @ @ on Twitter , colleagues of the released officer said the incident carried a `` cake @ @ @ @ @ result in a `` career-long nickname '' .
The officer in question - the core @ @ @ @ @ - was made to walk to the fire station to be cut free from the @ @ @ @ @ mishap `` was n't a good start to the day '' but he did not @ @ @ @ @ put a smile on a single face during these difficult times '' .

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bbcuk--2020-08-19--Brittany Ferries to cut passenger sailings

A ferry firm is to reduce passenger sailings due to falling demand following the introduction of quarantine rules .
Brittany Ferries said it was laying up two ships and altering its schedule on routes from Portsmouth and Plymouth .
About 50,000 passengers with sailings already booked are likely to be be affected .
The company said the quarantine measures were having an `` immediate and profound '' impact on demand .
Brittany Ferries resumed limited operations in June , more than three months after they were suspended due to coronavirus travel restrictions .
It announced reductions to its schedule to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of August which would entail two vessels - Armorique and Bretagne - being laid up to help reduce operating costs .
Director general Christophe Mathieu said the changes were `` regrettable '' .
`` In the context of a terrible summer season we have no choice but to consolidate sailings that , by virtue of lack of passenger numbers , are uneconomic to run , '' he added .
Earlier this month thousands of holidaymakers saw their plans thrown into chaos after the government announced anyone returning from France would have to isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was imposed for Spain on 25 July .
Brittany Ferries normally operates routes from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander and Bilbao and cross-Channel ferries to France from Cork , Plymouth , Poole , Portsmouth and Rosslare - although Poole was not being served this summer .
Brittany Ferries was already having a dreadful summer .
Each sailing in its reduced schedule was already less than half full , to comply with social distancing .
In a normal summer , Brittany Ferries carries more than 800,000 holidaymakers .
This year the number is below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply collapsed .
And mere rumours that the French will soon impose a similar restriction on British people crossing the Channel has led tens of thousands of passengers to cancel their bookings .
If you face two weeks of quarantine after a two-week holiday - and perhaps soon while you are on holiday as well - a trip to France becomes pointless .
Like many British transport operators , Brittany now needs government cash to keep going .
So it is stripping out spare capacity and laying up ships , and most sailings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain .

It announced reductions to its schedule to come in to effect at the end of August which would entail two vessels - Armorique and Bretagne - being laid up to help reduce operating costs.


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Coronavirus: NI health minister warns of new restrictions

Northern Ireland 's health minister has said he will be recommending Covid-19 restrictions to the executive to curb the increasing spread of the disease .
Robin Swann said `` we have to step in now '' to deal with a rise in new cases .
He said he would be making a number of recommendations when Stormont ministers meet on Thursday on how to help arrest the spread of the virus .
Mr Swann suggested measures may include reducing the number of people who can meet together in a household .
The decisions will be made after ministers have taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officer Dr Michael McBride and Chief Scientific Adviser Prof Ian Young .
Both men told BBC Radio Ulster they believed changes to current Covid-19 rules were likely and they would be recommending lockdown-easing restrictions at Thursday 's executive meeting .
Northern Ireland has a higher rate per 100,000 of the population than the rest of the UK at present , said Prof Young .
Northern Ireland 's rate currently showed 24 cases per 100,000 over the past 14 days , evidence that pointed to the virus spreading again , he added .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections since the beginning of July , he said , with almost 300 new cases being confirmed in Northern Ireland in the past week .
`` At the beginning of July , it was three to four cases per day - that 's risen to the point where it 's been between 40 and 45 cases per day , '' said the chief scientific adviser .
He warned that if the current trend was allowed to continue it would `` inevitably '' lead to more hospitalisations and deaths .
'Long , long way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` a long , long way from over '' , adding that the public needed to show the `` the same , if not greater commitment as before '' to curb the current rise in cases .
Northern Ireland was likely to see some changes in terms of the restrictions `` that we have taken for granted '' in recent months , he told BBC Radio Ulster 's The Nolan Show .
On Tuesday , Stormont 's Department of Health confirmed there had been one further coronavirus-related death , bringing its death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases is concerning and clearly that 's why we saw Robin Swann , Dr Michael McBride and Prof Ian Young - yesterday do a media briefing .
The language used was plain : The health minister warned that Northern Ireland was in danger of sliding down a treacherous slope .
If this rise in cases continues - almost 300 in a week , 41 cases in the past 24 hours , according to Prof Young - it 's inevitable that hospital admissions and deaths will rise .
The briefing was used to jolt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still in this pandemic .
There could be an opportunity for the the so-called health trio to perhaps advise the executive that they might have to reintroduce some restrictions .
We 're not due to hear any more of easing until the end of August , so what we could see emerging is what has happened in the Republic where they 've reduced the number of people allowed at gatherings in gardens , and in outdoor activities .
Health authorities in Dublin have reined in a lot of those restrictions , saying they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Swann said there was no one trend to explain the recent rise in case numbers - otherwise it would be easier to act .
`` We can not put our finger on any specific , either location , or activity or industry as to a cause of the number of increases and positive tests we have seen . ''
He also refused to rule out a return to full lockdown in the coming months .
The department said on Tuesday 41 new cases were diagnosed , bringing its total since the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ireland , the chair of the National Public Health Emergency Team 's ( NPHET ) Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group has warned that unless the country moves collectively and firmly to prevent further transmission of Covid-19 , `` we will see case numbers rise to a level that is unsustainable '' .

We're not due to hear any more about easing until the end of August, so what we could see emerging is what has happened in the Republic of Ireland, where they've reduced the number of people allowed at gatherings in gardens, and in outdoor activities.


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Local lockdown in Aberdeen extended

Local lockdown in Aberdeen extended

A local lockdown in Aberdeen will be extended for another week , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced .
The @ @ @ @ @ ago after a spike in Covid-19 cases in the city .
Pubs and restaurants were @ @ @ @ @ on travel and visits to other households .
Ms Sturgeon said the lockdown was having @ @ @ @ @ it was `` not yet safe '' to lift the restrictions .
The current restrictions @ @ @ @ @ people in Aberdeen , are : • no travel more than five miles for leisure @ @ @ @ @ to the city for leisure or to visit friends and family , even if you @ @ @ @ @ indoor visits with other households • DEATHS : Who is dying and where ?
• @ @ @ @ @ closed in Scotland and why ?
• QUIZ : Test your knowledge of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ When should you wear one ?

"That is not necessarily unusual for an outbreak of this scale, but it is something we must monitor very carefully because these cases don't appear to be linked to the original outbreak."


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Whitley Bay mask-exempt woman urges 'more understanding'

A woman who is exempt from wearing a mask said the abuse she has received while shopping without one has left her afraid to leave the house .
Louise Sharp said she needs to stay uncovered so she can communicate with her daughter who is autistic and would otherwise get distressed .
However , after negative comments from another shopper sparked a panic attack two weeks ago , she can no longer shop .
She said people should be more understanding of those with exemptions .
Ms Sharp told BBC Newcastle she was accosted at her local supermarket in Whitley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she was exempt due to both her panic and anxiety disorder as well her daughter 's autism , the person still said she was `` selfish '' .
She ended up suffering from a panic attack and had to leave .
`` I have n't been to any shop since , not once , I do n't have the confidence '' , she said .
`` It 's not right , I now feel under lockdown more than before .
`` People feel they 've got the authority to question anyone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to address the issue of exemption and to give people respect .
`` Please understand there are exemptions and respect those exemptions . ''
Face coverings must be warn in any enclosed public space in England , although there are exemptions including : • Children under the age of 11 .
• Those unable to put on or wear a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or disability .
• People for whom wearing or removing a face covering will cause severe distress .
• Anyone assisting someone who relies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleas are being echoed by charities including the National Autistic Society , Asthma UK and the Alzheimer 's Society .
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bbcuk--2020-08-19--Coronavirus: Photographer explores loneliness in exhibition

Professional photographer Tony Fisher has been travelling across England , exploring the subject of loneliness and isolation before and after lockdown .
He told BBC News he hoped people would find the subject surprisingly uplifting .
`` I have met many wonderful people while I 've been out taking these photographs . ''
Tony Fisher 's idea for a photography exhibition on loneliness was pitched to the Arts Council before lockdown .
But since the measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus took hold , the issue of isolation has become even more relevant .
Despite the sobering nature of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoped the interactions he has caught for a series of exhibitions called Only the Lonely would give people hope in unsettling times .
`` People have written to me to tell me it 's kept them going , '' he said .
Mr Fisher - who lives in sheltered housing accommodation in Derbyshire - approached the Arts Council and received its backing for his exhibitions with a grant in April 2019 .
His travels took him from his Riddings home to Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset , where he photographed some of the founders of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yorkshire .
However , things `` ground to a halt '' because of the pandemic , forcing him to adapt how he worked and instead take `` lockdown portraits '' .
Fortunately , a mere 20-minute drive from his home , the residents of Belper were seeking other creative ways to combat lockdown isolation - namely the Belper Moo .
`` That was fantastic , '' says Mr Fisher , who catalogued the quirky town event that saw residents issue mooing sounds from their homes and gardens .
`` It was a wonderful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Mr Fisher , 65 , said it was his own experiences of `` extreme loneliness '' that led him to explore the theme within his project .
In the mid-1990s , he lost both of his parents in the space of a few months and then his wife Anne died of motor neurone disease .
The succession of tragedies led to depression , anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) .
`` It caused tremendous isolation , '' he said .
`` Even my friends walked on the other side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what to say . ''
He said he believed lockdown had increased loneliness which , in turn , had affected mental health for many people .
`` As you get older the social interactions diminish and , particularly now with Covid , those things have disappeared and people have become more isolated , '' he said .
`` People are interacting on the internet but it 's not quite the same as real life . ''
However , he has found working on his exhibition `` enriching '' and said he thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Fisher has won a number of awards for his work , his latest success being an honourable mention in the Worldwide Photography Gala Awards .
His work also featured in the lockdown collection in the Historic England archive .
Ten years ago , health issues and disability saw him move into an independent living scheme .
`` It 's not always been rosy but I am a positive person , '' he said .
Only the Lonely can be seen at a number of locations , including Royal Derby Hospital , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arthouse in Wakefield , but also on the photographer 's Facebook page .
The project has been extended until 2022 and more portraits will be added to current displays as time goes on .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• BUBBLES : How do they work and who can be in yours ?
• JOBS : Can my boss force me to go to work ?
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
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Tony Fisher's idea for a photography exhibition on loneliness was pitched to the Arts Council before lockdown. But since the measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus took hold, the issue of isolation has become even more relevant.


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Coronavirus: Pupils test positive in Perthshire, Paisley and Coatbridge

A fourth pupil at a school in Coatbridge has tested positive for coronavirus .
The student from St Ambrose High had already been identified as a contact and is part of a cluster in North Lanarkshire and North East Glasgow .
Three pupils at Newhill Primary in Blairgowrie , Oakbank Primary in Perth and Todholm Primary in Paisley are also confirmed as having the virus .
Parents have been contacted and made aware of cases at their schools .
The new Coatbridge case comes as NHS Tayside confirmed that there had been a single case of Covid-19 connected to Kingspark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff at Kinmylies Primary School in Inverness has also tested positive for the virus .
NHS Lanarkshire said three other pupils from St Ambrose High in Coatbridge had already tested positive , along with one from St Andrew 's High in Coatbridge and one from Caldervale High in Airdrie .
There are a further three linked cases , who are not staff or pupils , and 14 cases in north-east Glasgow .
On Monday , NHS Greater Glasgow confirmed that the cases in their areas were linked to house parties .
The issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest teaching union to warn about the dangers of large groups , including parents , meeting at school gates .
The Educational Institute of Scotland ( EIS ) has written to the first minister urging her to `` do more on school safety '' .
However , at her coronavirus briefing , Nicola Sturgeon stressed that although the incidence of coronavirus cases among pupils would inevitably rise , the recent clusters had originated outside schools .
She said : `` These are considered at this stage to be community clusters with an impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is not thought that the virus has transmitted within the schools . ''
The first minister said that mobile testing units had been established at the Time Capsule car park in Coatbridge and at Ravenscraig in Motherwell to assist Test and Protect in controlling the outbreak .
The Lanarkshire and Glasgow cluster was linked to indoor social events and Ms Sturgeon said that not sticking to the rules around household gatherings was `` presenting one of our biggest risks of outbreaks occurring at this time '' .
She said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a house party , then everyone at the party is at considerable risk of infection and they can spread infection more widely . ''
NHS Tayside and Perth and Kinross Council said there was no current evidence of transmission of the virus within either school and both remained open .
It said it had identified 41 close contacts of the positive cases , which includes some school pupils and staff .
There is no evidence of any link to the reported cluster in Coupar Angus which led to the closure of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence of wider community spread .
In Renfrewshire , parents and carers of children at Todholm primary were contacted in a letter from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde ( NHSGGC ) .
It said : `` There is currently no evidence to suggest that there is transmission occurring within the school itself '' .
Test and Protect are contacting any individuals who have been in close contact with the pupil and advising them to self-isolate at home .
The new cases come as contact tracing continues in various locations across the country amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Covid-19 clusters in Glasgow and Lanarkshire were linked to house parties .
A joint statement from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lanarkshire said the two boards were working together on the outbreak .
A total of 14 linked Covid cases have been identified in north-east Glasgow in addition to eight North Lanarkshire cases .
Many of those were secondary school pupils and both health boards said that evidence of social gatherings with no social distancing was a factor in their investigation .
In its letter to Nicola Sturgeon , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' in Covid-19 safety policy within schools and outside .
General Secretary Larry Flanagan raised concerns about people meeting outside schools in large groups .
He said : `` This includes parents gathering at school gates and young people meeting friends without following the guidance on physical distancing .
`` People are running the risk of spreading the virus to each other , their families and their loved ones . ''
He added : `` May I ask why the Scottish government thinks that it is acceptable that inside schools these rules do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils may be in a closed confined area , ie a classroom , with as many different households as there are people ? ''
'It 's impossible to social distance in school' Dylan , 16 , is in fifth year at a secondary school in West Lothian .
He returned to school last week .
He said : `` I was n't thinking about social distancing because I knew if I thought about it I would just get myself worried over something I have no control over .
So I was mostly just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in my house for seven months to being in school every day and the work shift from barely doing any work to the fast pace of highers .
`` There 's 1,400 pupils and every 50 minutes we 're all moving around the school .
I took those pictures because the hall actually came to a stop because there were so many people .
And then there 's also classrooms .
You 're sitting shoulder to shoulder with other people for 50 minutes .
`` It 's not possible to social distance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
They ca n't put classes outside in the rain so we are forced to sit together like that .
He added : `` The teachers are trying to distance from us , but there really is no way in my school we could actually be distanced unless we had some kind of half class .
It is just quite strange how we are being told we should social distance when anybody who knows a high school set-up knows that 's not possible . ''
Responding to the union 's concerns during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` I have seen myself on social media pictures of scenes outside schools or inside schools that look as if they are too crowded and where we do see that we will contact the directors of education to make sure schools are being supported to comply with the guidance . ''
She said the issue of face coverings was under ongoing review .
`` We have tried to make sure we have robust mitigations in place but balancing that with the need to give young people as normal a schooling experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said the government would consider asking older pupils to wear them and support would be given to teachers and young people who wanted to do that .
• CASES : Where are the latest cases ?
• DEATHS : Who is dying and where ?
• RULES : What can I now do - and what are the rules ?
• QUIZ : Test your knowledge of the coronavirus restrictions • FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?

He said: "I wasn't thinking about social distancing because I knew if I thought about it I would just get myself worried over something I have no control over. So I was mostly just worried about the mental shift from being in my house for seven months to being in school every day and the work shift from barely doing any work to the fast pace of highers.


bbcuk--2020-08-19--A-levels U-turn: Universities facing 'crazy demand' from students

After the government made a last-minute U-turn over how A-levels were graded , thousands of students who initially thought they had missed out on their first choice of university may now have the grades to trade up .
But can universities still help them or is it too late ?
• How did the A-level algorithm work ?
`` The demand from students has gone crazy , '' says Emma Reay , director of admissions at Newcastle University .
Following the government 's announcement on Monday to revert to teacher-assessed grades , she says the university has been `` inundated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 700 phone calls in the first two hours on Tuesday morning .
`` It 's just been a logistical nightmare the last couple of days , '' she says .
`` We want students to know what 's happening , we want to be able to support them .
`` If that includes them coming to Newcastle University , or includes them now no longer wanting to come here , we have to make that as easy as possible for them and that 's what we 're trying to do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ made more difficult because universities themselves have yet to be granted access to upgraded results , so the university has put its admissions process on hold until they receive them .
`` It 's a waiting game until we hear from Ucas - we 're just making sure the systems are ready to go . ''
Admissions service Ucas says it hopes to pass the grades on to universities on Friday .
The university has received more requests than normal from UK students wanting to defer to next year , she says , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdrawing their applications so far .
Prior to the government U-turn over results , she says Newcastle University had minimal places left to fill .
But it is one of a number of institutions which have said they are working to honour all their offers , although , like others , they have limited spots in medicine and dentistry .
`` One way or another , we will honour an offer for them no matter what the course , '' she says .
`` It may be that some students have to consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the demand , but we 'll just have to wait and see . ''
She says that could mean accepting more students than they had originally planned to , although that would bring other complications like capacity issues , a need for more staff , and trying to operate within Covid-safe conditions .
However , she says the main focus for the university - a member of the Russell Group which is made up of 24 leading universities - is making the situation as `` easy as possible '' for students .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody is just talking about how these poor students must be feeling in all of this .
It might be just another year for us , but it is the only year these students will be applying for university and it 's been awful for them . ''
Anxious students have also been keeping the phones busy at the University of Greenwich , which has seen their admissions line become more of a support service for students , according to Karen Brough , assistant director of student and academic services .
She says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many students who are calling to say `` I have n't got a clue what my options are , I need some support '' .
The university has had to be very reactive to try and `` unpick '' the issues created by the policy changes , she says , and rather than wait for the teacher-assessed grades to be verified by Ucas , they are piecing together all the evidence supplied by students .
`` What we are conscious of is the longer we wait for verifiable information , the longer we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loose end and do n't know what 's happening .
And that , of course , creates a huge amount of anxiety . ''
She says the challenge is that offers are not straightforward decisions based on grades supplied by a computer .
Instead , they have become `` an individualised conversation with every applicant '' .
There had been suggestions that some universities would lose out on students because of their improved results , but Karen says that has n't been the case at the University of Greenwich , whose level of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were last year '' .
• How will unis cope ?
And other questions • The fallout from the A-level fiasco The issue of students withdrawing has n't affected the University of Brighton either , says Carl Griffiths , head of recruitment at the university , who says there has been less movement than previous years .
He speculates that may be because students who applied in the main cycle will have already secured accommodation , `` so moving universities now may be more disruptive during what is already a very challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started making verbal offers to students whose grades have gone up by relying on `` formal communications from their schools '' , rather than wait for Ucas to confirm them , he says .
`` We hope that this means that they will now be able to relax '' , he adds .
For universities which are already over-subscribed , offered a deferred place for 2021 is an option , although Prof Mark Goodwin , deputy vice chancellor at Exeter University , told Radio 4 's today programme that would result in `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Year 12 .
However , he adds that his university was expecting fewer students to defer this year because of the coronavirus pandemic limiting options like gap years , so `` overall there may not be that many more students deferring '' .
He adds that there should be some flexibility in the system `` because this year and next year are years when there are fairly low numbers of 18-year-olds '' compared to four or five years ago .

"One way or another, we will honour an offer for them no matter what the course," she says. "It may be that some students have to consider that being next year, to cope with the demand, but we'll just have to wait and see."


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Sajid Javid: Why has the ex-chancellor been allowed to work for JP Morgan?

Sajid Javid resigned as chancellor back in February 2020 after being told to sack his advisers .
Six months later he has taken up a job with US bank JP Morgan on an undisclosed salary and will sit on their advisory council for Europe , the Middle East and Africa .
But are there problems with a former government minister taking up such a role ?
• What MPs do as second jobs MPs are allowed to take on second jobs - and while some have argued that representing constituents should be a full time job , others say working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of Parliament grounded in reality .
For ex-members of the government , however , taking on paid work is slightly trickier - particularly if they have only recently given up their ministerial red boxes .
If a former minister wants to start a job less than two years after leaving their government role , they should first seek advice from ACOBA - the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments .
In its advice to Mr Javid , the committee warns that the former chancellor 's `` privileged access to information '' means accepting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential risks '' .
`` Privileged information '' refers to official information a minister has gained as a result of their job , but which is not available to the public .
This privileged insight could give the MP 's employer - in Mr Javid 's case JP Morgan - an unfair advantage over their competitors .
Specifically , the committee points to his knowledge of `` potentially at risk firms '' and the government 's likely post-Brexit policies .
However , the committee says in its advice on Mr Javid 's new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the change in economic conditions caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
`` The information you had access to is unlikely to be significantly up to date given recent events , which will significantly impact the economic and political context , '' the committee says .
However , to reduce the risk of giving JP Morgan an `` unfair advantage '' the committee issued Mr Javid with the following advice : • He should not take up the job until six months after his last day in government , 13 February 2020 • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available to him from his time as a minister - specifically in relation to the UK government 's Brexit negotiations • In the two years after leaving government , he should not personally lobby the UK government on behalf of JP Morgan or use his contacts to influence policy for the bank • In the same time frame he should , limit his advice to the impact of the coronavirus , the future direction of the EU , emerging markets and geopolitics ACOBA is meant to clamp down on potential corruption and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of government and the worlds of finance and industry .
The rules , which are set by the Cabinet Office rather than ACOBA , are meant to prevent the `` suspicion that an appointment might be a reward for past favours , '' as well as the risk that employers might gain an unfair advantage or ministers might exploit their insider knowledge .
While the regulations apply to all levels of the civil service and former ministers , ACOBA only advises on cases of senior civil servants and former ministers taking new appointments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire for not enforcing these rules with sufficient rigour .
In 2017 , Labour 's then shadow cabinet office minister Jon Trickett said it was `` populated with establishment figures '' .
And in the same year a report by the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee described ACOBA as `` a toothless regulator '' and highlighted `` numerous loopholes including , for example , civil servants at lower levels who have responsibility for commercial management '' .
Since April , ACOBA has been chaired by Lord Eric Pickles who served as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a parliamentary committee in March , he said it was important to reassure the public that neither ministers nor civil servants were able to profit from the privileged information they obtained in government .
`` That needs to be addressed , particularly in a Brexit world , where there 's going to be an awful lot of people engaged in negotiations .
And there 's going to be an awful lot of new procurement , '' he said .
`` If we do n't get it right , it 's one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the inside . ''
• George Osborne 's enthusiasm to take on extra work while still an MP grabbed headlines .
After being sacked as chancellor , the Conservative accepted several roles including as an advisor to the BlackRock Investment Institute and the editor of the London Evening Standard newspaper .
He quit politics in 2017 and recently stood down as the Standard 's editor , taking on the role of `` editor-in-chief '' • After leaving Downing Street , Labour 's Gordon Brown remained an MP while taking up positions with New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foundation , Harvard University and the Adam Smith College in Kirkcaldy , Scotland • Current PM Boris Johnson was criticised by ACOBA for failing to seek their advice before signing a contract to become a Daily Telegraph columnist less than a week after resigning as foreign secretary • Conservative Sir Geoffrey Cox - attorney general under Theresa May - has often made it to lists of best paid MPs through his work as a barrister .
Last year he apologised to Parliament after failing to declare earnings in excess of £400,000 from his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stepped down as health secretary in 2007 , but six months later found work as an adviser to Boots the Chemist

The rules, which are set by the Cabinet Office rather than ACOBA, are meant to prevent the "suspicion that an appointment might be a reward for past favours," as well as the risk that employers might gain an unfair advantage or ministers might exploit their insider knowledge.


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Newspaper headlines: 'Missing man' Johnson and a High Street 'bloodbath'

There is no respite for the education secretary , who faces further criticism for his handling of the exams U-turn .
The Daily Mail 's sketchwriter , Henry Deedes , describes Gavin Williamson 's round of media interviews on the subject yesterday as `` a study in political ineptitude '' and `` a masterclass in ministerial feebleness '' .
Students at a protest in Leeds tell the Daily Mirror he is `` shameless '' and must quit .
The Guardian says trade unions and MPs are warning that parents and teachers have lost faith in his competence to lead a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools .
University vice-chancellors have told the Times they 'll honour students ' offers , but can not guarantee they 'll be able to take them up this year .
The Daily Telegraph reports concerns that Covid-19 is an `` elephant in the room '' as the desire of universities to increase their numbers of students is limited by desk and lab space .
An administrator working in the admissions office of a leading medical school writes anonymously in Huffpost UK that they 've never seen chaos like this year , in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added details of the Samaritans to their emails after several applicants threatened self-harm .
An algorithm may be to blame , they say , but `` it 's humans having to clear up the mess '' .
The Sun 's leader column is concerned about those still to sit GCSEs .
It argues that children must go back to school next month and stay there throughout the academic year .
It says a `` gaping chasm '' between rich and poor pupils passing key GCSEs existed even before the pandemic struck .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charity Teach First which shows that in 2019 just 45 % of disadvantaged children passed their maths and English GCSEs compared with 72 % of their richer classmates .
A surge in stock market values on Wall Street makes the lead in the Financial Times .
The paper warns that the concentration of gains in Big Tech firms - including Apple , Amazon and Microsoft - has prompted fears among some investors that the rally might be built on shaky foundations .
The Daily Telegraph says the rebound suggests traders are still predicting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world 's largest economy .
The New York Times says investors are buoyed by signs of the coronavirus abating .
Under the headline `` End this torture '' , the Daily Mirror leads with an appeal for the American woman accused of killing the teenage motorcyclist , Harry Dunn , to `` do the right thing '' and return to Britain to face justice .
Harry 's mother , Charlotte Charles , has issued the plea a year after the death of her son .
In its leader column , the paper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deportations from the UK to the US until Anne Sacoolas is persuaded or required to appear in court .
Scented candles have taken `` an unexpected detour '' , according to the Times , which reports on the success of several new collections which aim to replicate the smells most longed for during lockdown - including a country boozer and , apparently , Norfolk .
Sales of candles , the paper says , have increased since March .
And if you 're striving for a whiff of authenticity it recommends a candle called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cut grass , burger vans , cannabis smoke and the `` merest shimmer of distant Portaloo '' .
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They say they've added details of the Samaritans to their emails after several applicants threatened self-harm. An algorithm may be to blame, they say, but "it's humans having to clear up the mess".


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Met Police assaults: Attacks on officers up 40% during lockdown

Attacks on police in London have risen sharply during the coronavirus lockdown , exclusive figures have shown .
Met Police figures showed 2,027 assaults on officers were recorded between May and July , a 38 % increase compared with the same period in 2019 .
Scotland Yard said the rise was partly driven by a series of high-profile protests and unlicensed music events marred by confrontations with police .
Assaults could have `` long-term effects '' on officers , the Met said .
In the 12 months to the end of July 2020 , there were 6,668 victims of assaults @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared with the previous year .
Police said a series of high-profile events that turned into confrontations had `` contributed '' to the increase , including protests by Black Lives Matter and far-right groups , and a series of unlicensed music events .
The figures included Covid-related assaults , in which officers were spat at or coughed on - which often had multiple victims . '
I thought to myself this is going to end really badly' PC Nick Morley said he was `` lucky to escape with his life '' when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on duty .
Mr Morley was left with a broken wrist and injuries to his leg after a routine traffic stop spiralled out of control .
`` We pulled over a car because it was driving a bit too quickly , '' he told the BBC .
During questioning the driver tried to drive off but Mr Morley jumped into the car as a `` reflex action '' .
`` He sped off at full speed with me still in the car , '' he said .
`` We got to 50mph and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to end really , really badly if I do n't jump out .
`` I remember making the decision to jump out of the car and then I remember rolling a couple of times as a hit the floor .
`` I had a massive rush of adrenaline and I just lay down in the middle of the road and trying to take in what had happened . ''
Mr Morley , who is now a sergeant with the Westminster emergency response unit , said the incident was `` always in the back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm not scared , but now as a supervisor it surprises me how often PCs get assaulted on a daily basis .
`` In my opinion its getting worse and I do n't know how to stop that . ''
Jamie Williams , 23 , from Croydon was given a suspended 18 months prison sentence and disqualified from driving for two years over the assault .
The incident will feature in the documentary `` Police Call Zero '' on Channel 5 at 21:00 BST on Wednesday .
Ch Insp Dave Brewster , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for dealing with assaults on officers and helping the victims , said : `` It is clear that assaults on police officers and staff are increasing year-on-year and the impact this has on our profession can not and should not be underestimated .
`` Assaults should never be seen as part of the job and officers should be able to go about their work without fear of abuse or attack .
However we know that is not always the reality .
`` The impact can have long-term effects on the individual that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not always physical . ''
Last month the government consulted on doubling to two years the maximum jail sentences for violent offences against emergency workers in England and Wales .
Currently anyone found guilty of common assault or battery of a police officer , firefighter , prison officer or paramedic would face a maximum 12 months in prison .
Deputy mayor for policing and crime , Sophie Linden , said : `` Our officers have been working tirelessly under increasing pressures to keep our communities safe during these challenging times .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is simply unacceptable and will not be tolerated .
`` Police officers deserve our full respect and anyone who attacks an officer should feel the full force of the law . ''

"Assaults should never be seen as part of the job and officers should be able to go about their work without fear of abuse or attack. However we know that is not always the reality.


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Coronavirus: Tourism tensions 'could put industry at risk'

As tensions between locals and tourists rise in rural areas , there are warnings the industry could be at risk if visitors are not made welcome .
Locals in Morfa Nefyn , on Gwynedd 's Llyn Peninsula , say this year has been the busiest season they have ever seen .
But with every weekend drawing bank holiday-sized crowds , it is causing tension .
The Welsh Government said the priority is to `` grow tourism by listening to residents , visitors and businesses '' .
Professor Michael Woods , director of centre for Welsh politics and society at Aberystwyth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are getting the message coming into rural Wales that they 're not welcome , they 're not going to come back .
• 'More than 500 cars ' parked on Snowdonia roads '' Yes , we need to think about diversifying the economy in future but we need to be careful and manage it in such a way that we are n't undermining the economy we have already in rural Wales . ''
Lois Llywelyn Williams , a student at Oxford University , said after returning home for the summer she has noticed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Every conversation I have in recent weeks has been about the increase in people here , the traffic is seriously heavy and the lack of social distancing , '' she said .
Iwan ap Llyfnwy runs Cwrw Llyn in nearby Nefyn .
The company was set up with employment for local people in mind , but he says they are dependent on tourism .
`` Tourism is great .
We welcome everybody here , and we 're dependent on them as a business , but the issue of second homes worries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 've got children myself and I tend to worry how are the next generation going to afford to buy their first property . ''
Gwyneth Hughes , who has run a clothes shop in Morfa Nefyn for 35 years , added : `` I welcome the tourists , but we do n't want it to be overcrowded .
We want it to be safe . ''
Elfed Roberts is a local businessman , running Spar shops across the peninsula and is currently developing new business units in Nefyn .
He wants local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs for local people .
`` My heart is saying one thing and my head another , '' he said .
`` My heart is saying we do n't want people here , just to safeguard ourselves but my head says we need them here , we need people spending here in order to support the jobs of the people I employ at the moment . ''
On a clear day , you can see Anglesey from the beach at Morfa Nefyn , another area of Wales which welcomes thousands of tourists every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP for Ynys Mon , said she is delighted to hear the hotels and caravan sites are welcoming lots of tourists but recognises that the industry does not provide the highly skilled jobs the island needs .
`` There 's a significant dependence on tourism here and that makes the economy very focussed on the summer months and it makes the winter really , really tough , '' she said .
`` So , for the young people here , I want to ensure that if they are ambitious they can stay on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm focussed on trying to deliver those high skilled jobs . ''

"My heart is saying we don't want people here, just to safeguard ourselves but my head says we need them here, we need people spending here in order to support the jobs of the people I employ at the moment."


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Dylan Freeman: Murder accused mum's son 'died from restricted airways'

The 10-year-old son of a celebrity photographer allegedly killed by his mother died from restriction of his airways , a court has heard .
Dylan Freeman 's body was discovered in Cumberland Park , Acton , west London , on Sunday .
His mother , 40-year-old Russian national Olga Freeman , has been charged with murder and appeared at the Old Bailey earlier .
At the hearing , Dylan 's cause of death was revealed by prosecutor Joel Smith .
Judge Mark Lucraft QC remanded Mrs Freeman in custody to appear at the Old Bailey again on 4 November .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in Spain when his ex-wife allegedly killed their son , paid tribute to him earlier this week .
Mr Freeman , whose work includes campaigns with Bollywood star Deepika Padukone and Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper , said in a statement on Monday : `` Dylan was a beautiful , bright , inquisitive and artistic child who loved to travel , visit art galleries and swim .
`` We travelled extensively over the years together , spending such memorable time in places including Brazil , France and Spain .
`` I ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Mr Freeman, whose work includes campaigns with Bollywood star Deepika Padukone and Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper, said in a statement on Monday: "Dylan was a beautiful, bright, inquisitive and artistic child who loved to travel, visit art galleries and swim.


bbcuk--2020-08-19--BTec grades pulled on eve of results day

Nearly half a million UK pupils face a fresh round of results chaos after exam board Pearson pulled its BTec results on the eve of releasing them .
Pearson said it would be re-grading all its BTecs to bring them in line with A-levels and GCSEs , which are now being graded via school-based assessments .
The move affects 450,000 pupils , 250,000 of whom received grades last week , with the rest due in a few hours .
Heads said it was incomprehensible that changes were being made this late .
Pearson apologised and acknowledged the additional uncertainty the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also conducts a large proportion of the GCSEs and A-levels taken by UK pupils .
• Williamson 'sorry ' for school and exam disruption However , the late decision will cause even further disruption to students seeking places in further and higher education .
Universities are already struggling to cope with the impact of grade changes on their admissions process .
Geoff Barton , general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders , said he could not understand why it had taken Pearson until this late stage to realise the implications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It really does need to give an explanation of why this has happened .
We feel desperately sorry for the students affected in a year when they have already undergone far too much disruption . ''
Pearson said in a statement : `` BTec qualification results have been been generally consistent with teacher and learner expectations , but we have become concerned about unfairness in relation to what are now significantly higher outcomes for GCSE and A-levels . ''
Some 38,000 students who took Cambridge Technicals , run by exam board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review .
But the board let schools know about this on Tuesday .
These results are due to be given out on 25 August now .
England 's exams regulator has already said that the school-assessed GCSE and A-level grades are likely to be higher than last year by nine and 12 percentage points respectively .
A Department for Education spokesman said it understood students ' frustration at the delay , adding that awarding organisations had taken more time to make sure no student was inadvertently worse off because of the switch to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will see their result downgraded as a result of the review , so results already issued will either stay the same or improve . ''
The Association of Colleges ' chief executive , David Hughes , said it had asked Pearson to look at a small number of results which had seemed unfair , adding that the `` timing is worrying , because thousands of students were due to get their results in the morning and others have already got results which we know will not go down , but might improve .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is vital for students that this is sorted in days rather than weeks so students have the chance to celebrate and plan their next steps . ''
Leora Cruddas , chief executive of the Confederation of School Trusts , said Pearson was right to act , but added : `` This late notification will cause very significant challenges for schools , trusts and colleges .
`` It simply is unacceptable that some of the most disadvantaged students will not receive their grades tomorrow and that nothing has been done to correct this over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 health and social care BTec student Jay Golby got lower results than she expected and missed out on a place at Coventry University to study adult nursing this year .
The re-grade means the situation may change , but she adds : `` It was my plan to do it this year , as I was ready to go and it just breaks my heart because I wo n't have the opportunity any more .
`` I hope something can get sorted soon as it 's had a big mental impact , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other BTec students as well , especially the ones that have n't even got their results yet .
`` They 're just waiting on the edge of their seat and they do n't know what 's going to happen . ''
BTec student Jude Walker told the BBC she was still waiting for her results .
`` We should have received our results along with the A-levels , however , we have n't - this is n't good at all , because most of us really want to apply for our higher education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to go an apprenticeship and obviously if I do n't have any results , I can not go and do that . ''
Level 3 BTec student Harry Baker says it 's worrying that time is running out for students who want to progress to university .
`` I think it 's good that they are trying to put thing right for students , but it is worrying that university starts in 20 or 30 days , '' he says .
`` All this uncertainty is daunting and is bad for young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now almost no 16 to 18-year-olds across the UK whose hopes and fears have n't been mangled by the chaos of this year 's results .
Perhaps the only exceptions are students with special needs so severe they are not entered for qualifications .
As A-levels , then GCSEs , were caught up in multiple ministerial U-turns , Pearson 's , the company that awards BTecs insisted all was fine as the results were more stable .
This was based partly on the modular way BTecs are assessed as students go along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results , and fewer than 1 % of entries being downgraded from teacher estimates .
These skill based qualifications can be either equivalent to a GCSE at level 2 or A-level at level 3 .
They 're accepted for entry to university , so immediately a whole big slice of 18-year-olds have been put at a disadvantage in the scramble for university places .
The same is true of those wanting to start a higher level apprenticeship .
For Pearsons this last-minute change of tack is reputational damage to a brand marketed across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further proof their generation is paying a heavy price for the disruption of Covid-19 .
That , in turn , is terrifying for ministers as they will all be old enough to vote at the next election .
Labour 's shadow education secretary , Kate Green , said the situation was `` totally unacceptable '' .
`` For some young people to find out less than a day in advance that they will not be receiving their grades tomorrow is utterly disgraceful .
`` Gavin Williamson and the Department for Education should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago . ''
She urged the government to set a clear deadline by which every young person must receive their grades .
Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Layla Moran said it was `` yet another shambles from the government '' and called for the education secretary 's resignation .
`` This summer has been a disaster for the government , it has left students panicking about their future and colleges in turmoil , '' she said .
Pearson has now written to all schools , colleges and training providers to say the following qualifications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Although we generally accepted centre assessment grades for internal ( i.e .
coursework ) units , we subsequently calculated the grades for the examined units using historical performance data with a view of maintaining overall outcomes over time .
`` Our review will remove these Pearson-calculated grades and apply consistency across teacher-assessed internal grades and examined grades that students were unable to sit .
`` We will work urgently with you to reissue these grades and will update you as soon as we possibly can .
`` We want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down as part of this review .
`` Our priority is to ensure fair outcomes for BTec students in relation to A-Levels and GCSEs and that no BTec student is disadvantaged .
`` Therefore , we ask schools and colleges not to issue any BTec L1 and L2 results on 20 August , as these will be reviewed and where appropriate , re-graded . ''
Have you been affected by the BTec results delay ?
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The Association of Colleges' chief executive, David Hughes, said it had asked Pearson to look at a small number of results which had seemed unfair, adding that the "timing is worrying, because thousands of students were due to get their results in the morning and others have already got results which we know will not go down, but might improve."