bbcuk--2020-08-20--Liverpool host Leeds in opening Premier League games

Champions Liverpool will face Championship winners Leeds United in the standout opening weekend game of the 2020-21 Premier League season .
Championship play-off winners Fulham will host Arsenal , while West Bromwich Albion , the third promoted side , are at home to Leicester City .
The opening round of fixtures will take place on the weekend of 12 September .
However , Manchester City v Aston Villa and Burnley v Manchester United will be rearranged .
Those two games will not be played on the opening weekend to give City and United 30 days since their defeats in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ semi-finals of the Europa League respectively .
• How 's it turned out for your side ?
Club-by-club fixture list • Follow reaction to the Premier League fixtures being released Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers ' opening matches are both scheduled for Monday , 14 September after their slightly earlier European exits .
The Blues are at Brighton , while Wolves go to Sheffield United .
The other opening weekend fixtures are Crystal Palace v Southampton , Tottenham Hotspur v Everton and West Ham United v Newcastle United .
Exact dates and kick-off times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are made .
Matches will be played behind closed doors amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The English Football League fixtures are expected to be announced on Friday .
The meeting of the champions There can be little doubt over the glamour fixture of the opening weekend as the champions of the top two divisions go head to head .
Leeds , now under iconic Argentine boss Marcelo Bielsa , are back in the Premier League after 16 years away and have the toughest possible start .
Liverpool - English champions for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost a home game in the Premier League since a 3-1 defeat by Crystal Palace in April 2017 .
Jurgen Klopp 's side have won 25 of their past 26 league matches at Anfield .
The Reds travel to Chelsea for their second game , before a home match against FA Cup winners Arsenal .
Leeds host fellow promoted side Fulham in their second fixture .
When are the key fixtures ?
The first big derby of the season will be on Merseyside when Everton v Liverpool takes place on 17 October .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their old rivalry on 19 December , with the return game at Elland Road on 24 April .
Manchester City , who finished second last season , face title rivals Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on 7 November , with their other game on 6 February .
With the season starting a month later than usual because of the Covid-19 pandemic , the games will come thick and fast .
The upcoming campaign will be five weeks shorter than a standard season because of the late end to 2019-20 - and the winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liverpool meet in the Community Shield on 29 August , with players then going on an international break for the Nations League before the Premier League starts .
Manchester City v Aston Villa could be played on 15 September , with Burnley v Manchester United the following day - although that is yet to be confirmed .
Those are the dates Premier League clubs not in Europe enter the Carabao Cup at the second round .
Rounds two to four of that competition , which will involve top-flight sides , will be played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September .
Spurs start Europa League qualifying on 17 September and could end up with two first-team matches in the same midweek .
There are rounds of Premier League games due on 26 December , 28 December and 2 January over the festive period .
The final league fixtures will be on 23 May 2021 - eight days after the FA Cup final .
The Champions League final is on 29 May , with the delayed Euro 2020 starting on 11 June .
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Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Leeds face the toughest possible start to their first Premier League campaign in 16 years
Champions Liverpool will face Championship winners Leeds United in the standout opening weekend game of the 2020-21 Premier League season.
Championship play-off winners Fulham will host Arsenal, while West Bromwich Albion, the third promoted side, are at home to Leicester City.
The opening round of fixtures will take place on the weekend of 12 September.
However, Manchester City v Aston Villa and Burnley v Manchester United will be rearranged.
Those two games will not be played on the opening weekend to give City and United 30 days since their defeats in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and the semi-finals of the Europa League respectively.
Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers' opening matches are both scheduled for Monday, 14 September after their slightly earlier European exits.
The Blues are at Brighton, while Wolves go to Sheffield United.
The other opening weekend fixtures are Crystal Palace v Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur v Everton and West Ham United v Newcastle United.
Exact dates and kick-off times will be confirmed when the television selections are made. Matches will be played behind closed doors amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The English Football League fixtures will be announced at 09:00 BST on Friday.
Premier League fixtures opening weekend (exact dates to change) Crystal Palace v Southampton (12 Sep) Fulham v Arsenal (12 Sep) Liverpool v Leeds United (12 Sep) Tottenham Hotspur v Everton (12 Sep) West Bromwich Albion v Leicester City (12 Sep) West Ham United v Newcastle United (12 Sep) Brighton v Chelsea (14 Sep) Sheffield United v Wolves (14 Sep) Burnley v Manchester United (later date) Manchester City v Aston Villa (later date)
The meeting of the champions
There can be little doubt over the glamour fixture of the opening weekend as the champions of the top two divisions go head to head.
Leeds, now under iconic Argentine boss Marcelo Bielsa, are back in the Premier League after 16 years away and have the toughest possible start.
Liverpool - English champions for the first time for 30 years - have not lost a home game in the Premier League since a 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace in April 2017. Jurgen Klopp's side have won 25 of their past 26 league matches at Anfield.
The Reds travel to Chelsea for their second game, before a home match against FA Cup winners Arsenal. Leeds host fellow promoted side Fulham in their second fixture.
When are the key fixtures?
The first big derby of the season will be on Merseyside when Everton v Liverpool takes place on 17 October.
Manchester United host Leeds in a renewal of their old rivalry on 19 December, with the return game at Elland Road on 24 April.
Manchester City, who finished second last season, face title rivals Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on 7 November, with their other game on 6 February.
Selected derby matches...
17 October - Everton v Liverpool
5 December - Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
12 December - Manchester United v Manchester City
16 January - Wolves v West Brom
20 February - Liverpool v Everton
6 March - Manchester City v Manchester United
13 March - Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
1 May - West Brom v Wolves
All dates subject to change
Fixture congestion incoming
With the season starting a month later than usual because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the games will come thick and fast.
The upcoming campaign will be five weeks shorter than a standard season because of the late end to 2019-20 - and the winter break has been scrapped.
Arsenal and Liverpool meet in the Community Shield on 29 August, with players then going on an international break for the Nations League before the Premier League starts.
Manchester City v Aston Villa could be played on 15 September, with Burnley v Manchester United the following day - although that is yet to be confirmed.
Those are the dates Premier League clubs not in Europe enter the Carabao Cup at the second round.
Rounds two to four of that competition, which will involve top-flight sides, will be played midweek on 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30 September.
Spurs start Europa League qualifying on 17 September and could end up with two first-team matches in the same midweek.
There are rounds of Premier League games due on 26 December, 28 December and 2 January over the festive period.
The final league fixtures will be on 23 May 2021 - eight days after the FA Cup final.
The Champions League final is on 29 May, with the delayed Euro 2020 starting on 11 June.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Coronavirus: Police Scotland use emergency powers 62,000 times

Emergency coronavirus powers have been used by police in Scotland more than 62,000 times .
Scotland 's most senior police officer revealed the figures at the latest board meeting of the Scottish Police Authority .
He said that in the vast majority of cases - 94 % - no action was taken .
However , the figures also showed people living in the most deprived areas were up to 12 times more likely to be given fines for flouting Covid restrictions .
John Scott QC , who was commissioned by Chief Constable Iain Livingstone to review the force 's use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Good Morning Scotland programme that enforcement action was only taken by officers on a small number of occasions .
He said : `` It 's slightly more than 4,000 cases that enforcement action was taken , but it 's about 6 % of the total police activity involved the use of fixed penalty notices . ''
He added : `` When police spoke to people , they stopped doing whatever it was they were doing that might have been a breach of the restrictions or they went home .
The vast majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to by the police , it was enough . ''
However , Mr Scott said that analysis of the data showed that the chances of being issued with a fixed penalty notice were significantly higher for those from poorer areas compared with those from more affluent areas .
He said : `` In that very small percentage of cases , the 6 % , the likelihood of being issued with a fixed penalty notice was 12 times higher for those living in the 10 % most deprived parts of Scotland .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources are needed in these areas from a health perspective and also with adhering to coronavirus restrictions .
`` No doubt in those cases of fixed penalty notices being issued , there are people who simply refused to take the opportunity to stop breaching the regulations , but others found themselves in circumstances where that was difficult and there were people whose home circumstances made it far more difficult for them to comply . ''
• DEATHS : Who is dying and where ?
• RULES : What 's still closed in Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your knowledge of the coronavirus restrictions • FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?

He added: "When police spoke to people, they stopped doing whatever it was they were doing that might have been a breach of the restrictions or they went home. The vast majority of the time, the people being spoken to by the police, it was enough."


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Nearly 600 in Scotland may have caught Covid at work

Nearly 600 people in Scotland are thought to have caught coronavirus at their place of work , new figures show .
The data includes eight people who died from the virus since April .
Care home workers account for nearly two thirds of the suspected occupational exposures , according to Health and Safety Executive ( HSE ) data .
But hairdressers , funeral directors , beauty therapists and NHS workers are among those who are also thought to have been exposed to the virus at work .
Gary Smith , secretary of the GMB Scotland union , said there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspected workplace coronavirus cases .
He said : `` The events of the last six months simply do not give any confidence in these figure .
`` In sectors which predominately employ women , such as social care and food manufacturing , we are talking about industries notorious for the under-reporting of workplace incident and injury pre-Covid .
`` We now know that many of the workers in these industries have been failed on basic health and safety issues , from the delay in the delivery of proper PPE provision to the ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Mr Smith said such under-reporting should be a `` cause for alarm '' for efforts to try and understand the impact of coronavirus in the workplace .
Employers have a legal duty to report cases where there is reasonable evidence to suggest an employee diagnosed with coronavirus caught it while at work .
Latest figures show that between 10 April and 8 August there were a total of 594 such reports by employers in Scotland to the HSE and local councils .
• What went wrong in Scotland 's care homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were workers in residential care , 32 were healthcare staff and a further 146 were classed as working in `` personal services '' such as hairdressers or funeral directors .
A further 43 people worked in other industries , according to the HSE figures .
Of the eight suspected Covid-19-related workplace deaths reported , four were in residential care .
The HSE has so far made inquiries into five reported deaths in Scotland and concluded that in four of these cases there was insufficient evidence to confirm they were the result of work-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still under investigation .
A spokeswoman for the health and safety watchdog said : `` We continue to carry out a detailed assessment of deaths that have been reported to us .
`` Where those reported meet HSE 's incident investigation criteria , they are being processed and an investigation initiated .
`` We are in regular dialogue with the Crown Office , Scottish government , regulators and others on reporting and investigation of Covid-19 work related deaths . ''
• CASES : Where are the latest cases ?
• DEATHS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 ?

"We now know that many of the workers in these industries have been failed on basic health and safety issues, from the delay in the delivery of proper PPE provision to the ability to access testing for suspected Covid infection."


bbcuk--2020-08-19--'We have had parents crying for us to open'

Children 's summer camp provider Richard Bernstein says he has had mums and dads sobbing down the line to him .
`` We had parents on the phone , literally crying , asking us to open this year , '' says Mr Bernstein , director of UK company XUK Camps .
`` They said they needed to take their child somewhere so they could work , and if they could n't they would effectively lose their jobs . ''
Like children 's activities and entertainment businesses around the world , XUK has n't been able to open this year due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've lost 95 % of our income , and we 'll make a six-figure loss [ this year ] , '' says Mr Bernstein .
`` We 're in a position that we 're able to ride this year out , but there will be a lot of organisations in the sector that will not be able to cope with what has happened in 2020 . ''
If you have young children , then you 'll realise the importance of pre- or out-of-school classes for kids - they give mums and dads a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay with your little darlings , at least someone else is keeping them interested and entertained .
And for mums or dads with babies , they are a very welcome bit of socialising , a chance to meet and talk to other new mothers or fathers at what can be a lonely and challenging time .
Yet the global kids ' activities sector says it is the forgotten industry when it comes to Covid-19 .
Such businesses around the world say governments have failed to given them the support and guidance they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firms also being important economically .
In the UK alone there are estimated to be more than 40,000 companies offering classes and other activities for children , with combined revenues last year of £12.5bn .
In Melbourne , Australia , Carlo Chincarini 's business Fit Kicks has been closed for the past five months .
His firm offers fitness and confidence-boosting classes to young children .
`` We have n't earned anything , we have n't had any income since March , '' he says .
`` I 'm lucky that my wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would have been incredibly rough . ''
Meanwhile , in the Philippines , full-time magician Dale Rubio says he is now reluctantly having to look for alternative employment after bookings dried up .
`` It hit me pretty hard because I do n't have another job , '' he says .
`` I 'm now looking for anything online .
I used to work in business process outsourcing , so I could do that .
But I love magic so maybe I 'll still do it on the side . ''
Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from country to country .
In the UK , providers have been able to use the government 's furlough scheme , while Fit Kicks has relied on an Australian government grant .
However , Mr Rubio says he has no financial support from the Philippines government .
In Canada , Veronika Tkach , owner of Princess Parties Toronto , also says she was not able to get any financial support from her government .
She says she was `` left high and dry '' because she was considered a gig worker , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't qualify for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit Scheme .
Mr Chincarini says these examples show that the industry is unfortunately `` not taken seriously because it 's about kids '' .
He adds : `` But we are an important part of the investment that we put into our kids for the future . ''
Even if firms have been able to access state financial support , such as in the UK and Australia , they say they have not had enough guidance from governments who more often do n't see them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy .
As a result they claim they have struggled to get answers to key questions , such as when they can reopen , the number of children they can have per class , how far apart children must be kept , and how any toys or sports equipment should be sanitised .
`` The guidance from the UK government has been an absolute farce , '' says Mr Bernstein .
`` It was late and very badly written , and not there to help the providers . ''
The situation in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health is a devolved matter , so the governments of Wales , Northern Ireland and Scotland can have different rules to the UK government in London .
A spokesman for the UK Department for Education said that firms in England should follow the guidelines of Public Health England .
Amid all the uncertainty , providers have been contacting each other , both directly , and via social media forums and groups , to gain and share help and advice .
`` We have been trying our best to support and offer guidance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an administrator of UK Facebook group Leap ( Leisure & Educational Activity Providers ) Networking .
`` But as lockdown has eased there is still a lot of uncertainty regarding class sizes , venues and safety regulations . ''
More from the BBC 's series taking an international perspective on trade : • The millions being made from cardboard theft • The islands that want tourists as well as fish Ms Sandford , who owns and runs Amazing Futures , a marketing consultancy for children 's activities companies , has also been working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the sector - the Institute for Children 's Activity Providers ( ICAP ) .
Founder Andy Georgiou says that in the short term it aims to provide vital information to the industry .
He adds : `` The goal longer term is to have more ability to lobby government , and to seek [ official ] guidance for what is now quite a sizeable sector . ''
While owners and workers in the sector obviously want everything to go back to normal as soon as possible , this is even more the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities .
Elliot Beech , a nine-year-old Londoner , says he has been greatly missing his mini-rugby , which he hopes can restart next month .
`` I have been really looking forward to playing rugby again in September , '' he says .
`` If the season does n't start again , it will literally be the worst thing ever . ''
His mum Rachel adds that Elliot , like other children around the world , has found lockdown a challenge .
`` Everything in his life that he loved has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his swimming lessons stopped , birthday parties have stopped , his school stopped .
`` Everything was stopped overnight .
For adults there 's ways around things , we can work from home , but for children it has been different . ''

"We've lost 95% of our income, and we'll make a six-figure loss [this year]," says Mr Bernstein. "We're in a position that we're able to ride this year out, but there will be a lot of organisations in the sector that will not be able to cope with what has happened in 2020."


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Coronavirus: Adventure days for NHS staff and families

NHS workers have been given a break from the stress of four months on the frontline fighting coronavirus .
The @ @ @ @ @ near Reading in Berkshire , has teamed up with a local charity to say thank @ @ @ @ @ days .
Forty families from hospitals across Berkshire and Oxfordshire have had the chance to @ @ @ @ @ groups - learning activities like raft building and making campfires .

NHS workers have been given a break from the stress of four months on the frontline fighting coronavirus.
The Path Hill activity centre, near Reading in Berkshire, has teamed up with a local charity to say thank you by running outdoor adventure days.
Forty families from hospitals across Berkshire and Oxfordshire have had the chance to spend time together in socially-distanced groups - learning activities like raft building and making campfires.
A film by Russell Sheath and Sophia Seth


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Chicken rehoming charity gets 52,000 lockdown hen requests

A charity that rehomes chickens said it has had more than 52,000 requests for hens since lockdown began .
Fresh Start for Hens saves birds that have reached the end of their peak laying years and would face being slaughtered .
Operations director Jaki Hann said the huge demand was sparked by a shortage of eggs in shops in March .
Despite coronavirus restrictions easing , the charity said it still had a lengthy waiting list .
Mrs Hann has more than 80 hens living in a large run in her back garden in Kent .
But she and her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers of birds since March .
`` This week I 'm organising a handover for 332 hens so it 's going to be a busy one , '' she said .
`` I 'm also trying to find homes for 800 ducks from a Somerset farm . ''
Fresh Start for Hens started in London in 2008 and has since grown to operate nationwide , offering an alternative to slaughter when hens get past 72 weeks , taking hens from farmers and other commercial operations and delivering them to households .
When the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like toilet roll , were suddenly in short supply .
That was when demand `` went absolutely crazy '' , said Mrs Hann .
`` We had to introduce a waiting list for the first time and so far we 've had 9,480 people register , requesting a total of 52,106 hens .
`` At the peak we were getting 4,000 inquiries a week . ''
Potential customers also tried to get round Fresh Start for Hens ' rule that the charity needed to see photographs of where the chickens would live before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charity said potential chicken owners would need fox-proof accommodation that could be locked at night , and two square metres of open space per bird .
`` People were sending us doctored images and ones from the internet , '' she said .
`` Now we insist someone includes a piece of paper in their photograph with that day 's date handwritten on it . ''
• New Zealand village taken over by chickens With lockdown easing , Mrs Hann said she had seen examples of people regretting their decision to get chickens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We have heard of people saying they will leave the coop door open and let a fox take care of the hens , which is just shocking , '' she said .
`` It 's a terrifying way to die and needless .
We always take the hens back if people ask . ''
Gloucestershire curate Jay Niblett started keeping chickens in May , partly because of the lack of eggs in shops and partly to help his children learn where food came from .
`` We 've wanted to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the space , '' said the 34-year-old , who lives in Chipping Campden , Gloucestershire , with his wife Laura , 32 .
`` We got them from a local farmer and the kids absolutely love them .
`` They get to look after them , collect the eggs and also clean out the coop . ''
Sarah Chidwick has kept chickens `` on and off '' for 20 years and said she considered them pets first , egg providers second .
Ms Chidwick said the birds , who roam her garden in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` A previous chicken of mine used to come into the kitchen - going through two cat flaps - and eat from the dog 's bowl . ''
she said .
`` One of my current ones loves to sit on your lap if you 're in the garden .
`` She 'll just come up to you and gently peck your leg and wait for you to pick her up . ''

Fresh Start for Hens started in London in 2008 and has since grown to operate nationwide, offering an alternative to slaughter when hens get past 72 weeks, taking hens from farmers and other commercial operations and delivering them to households.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Coronavirus: 'My dad built me a beauty salon in the garden'

Amy Harris ' career prospects look good - thanks to her dad building her a beauty salon in their back garden .
The beautician , 18 , feared coronavirus would have an impact on her career when she qualified this summer .
With fewer jobs , and salons tentatively reopening with strict Covid-19 guidelines , Amy 's dad Andy decided to build her a business - literally .
`` Having a salon in the garden was only mentioned two weeks ago - now it 's up ! ''
said Amy .
`` It 's great because I felt a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where my income was going to come from .
I had bills to pay and felt a lot of pressure because when Covid happened my income stopped . ''
• One in six young people claiming benefits after Covid • Young people 'most likely to lose job ' in lockdown Amy realises how lucky she is , especially because while unemployment figures have remained stable for most age ranges , for 18 to 24-year-olds it has risen since the start of the year .
Latest official figures show jobs vacancies have gone from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK in February to a record low of 333,000 in June , with research suggesting young people were `` most likely to lose their job '' in lockdown .
The pandemic hit at a critical time for Amy 's beauty therapy qualification at Filton College in Bristol and it led to her being furloughed from her part-time job at a beauty salon near her home in Monmouthshire .
`` Obviously the idea is to go to college , get my qualification and get a job , '' said Amy , who lives with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But it 's quite daunting for some leaving college now after Covid , as there seems to be less jobs out there for those looking to start their career . ''
Like many in the same position , she was naturally worried about whether being furloughed might translate into ultimately losing her job .
Fortunately for Amy , mum Becky had a `` bright idea '' .
`` My dad converted their study for my first salon , '' said Amy .
`` But with social distancing guidelines and new health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt that was not safe for my clients or my family for that to continue .
`` Mum suggested 'why do n't we build a cabin in the back garden ? '
.
Dad said 'yeah ok ' and within a few days , the materials started arriving and now here it is .
`` Without my parents I would n't be able to do it , it 's great having that backup and support - I ca n't thank them enough . ''
The garden transformation cost `` a couple of thousand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andy was `` glad to make an investment to his daughter 's future '' .
`` You 'd do anything to help your kids , would n't you ? ''
said Andy .
`` My work has dropped off during Covid , so I had a bit more time and people starting out in the middle of this have got it tougher than most - so I 'm happy to do anything I can to help . ''
The Beautify by Amy salon has running water , electricity and heating , and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on those cold winter nights .
Crucially , it can also be accessed via a footpath outside the house to make it Covid compliant .
`` I want it to feel relaxed and welcoming for my clients as well as safe , '' said Amy .

"My work has dropped off during Covid, so I had a bit more time and people starting out in the middle of this have got it tougher than most - so I'm happy to do anything I can to help."


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Can I appeal my GCSE results? And other questions

This year 's GCSE results have already thrown up many questions .
Experts Eddie Playfair and Catherine Sezen , senior policy managers at the at the Association of Colleges , are answering them for you .
You can send them a question using the form at the bottom of the page .
What is the appeal process going to be like for GCSE students who are let down by their centre assessed grades ?
Janet Kalambo The reissued Ofqual student appeals guidance says it is felt that teachers know their students best .
Therefore students ca n't appeal simply because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( CAG ) - the predicted grade awarded by their teacher - unless they suspect malpractice , including bias , or an administrative error .
One thing to remember is that all schools and college have their own quality assurance processes , so it is not just an individual teacher making these important decisions .
Teachers will have graded and ranked students and then this will have been moderated at department level and signed off by a senior leader .
If a student has any concerns , the school or college will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IGCSE results appear to still be based on algorithms , creating a disparity in the evaluation of different students ' efforts .
So how can there be an even playing field in the approach to their assessments ?
Ian , Rotherham Cambridge International , which awards IGCSEs , has confirmed that the process for these qualifications will be in line with that for GCSEs and use the grades that schools submitted , unless the grade issued by the exam board was higher .
You can find further information here .
If you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - like drama or food tech - will this be considered for your final grade ?
Nikki Bell , Barnet Students will receive the CAG unless the calculated ( algorithm ) grade was higher .
Schools and colleges will have used a variety of evidence to arrive at centre assessed grade , including practical components .
Why is it not possible for GCSE students to resit exams this autumn ?
Umar , Bolton GCSE students will be able to sit exams in autumn 2020 .
Hopefully though , your results will be what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course and you might decide that there is no need to take an autumn exam .
Your school or college will be able to advise you .
If a student 's calculated grades were higher than the CAG , which will be used for their GCSE results ?
Alisa , Purley Good question .
The situation is the same as for A-levels .
Students will receive a CAG unless the calculated result is higher , in which case they will receive the calculated result .
When applying to university in two years ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same weight they may have had in other years ?
Adham , Warrington Universities will be aware of the challenges faced by Year 11 students this year .
I am sure that when the time comes they will be mindful of this .
Are there any safeguards for A-levels and GCSEs taking place in 2021 , as students will be at a disadvantage from missing in-school teaching ?
Shamimur Rahman , Barking The exam regulator , Ofqual , is already considering plans for next year for all qualifications , GCSEs , A-levels and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out more about A-levels and GCSEs next year here .
Is there any obligation on my son 's grammar school to let him do a retake if he misses the required grade in one subject ?
Anon , Tring First of all I hope your son gets the grades he needs .
Once he has received his results , the best thing to do is to speak to staff at the school who will be able to advise on next steps and the autumn exams if indeed he needs to take them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ exam results ?
Use the form to send it to us .
In some cases your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .

Will GCSE grade inflation cause problems for future students? And other questions Published 20 August 2020
This year's GCSE results have already thrown up many questions.
Experts Eddie Playfair and Catherine Sezen, senior policy managers at the at the Association of Colleges, are answering them for you.
You can send them a question using the form at the bottom of the page.
Image source, Association of Colleges Image caption, Catherine Sezen and Eddie Playfair offer personalised advice on what to do next
Won't this massive grade inflation cause horrendous problems for Year 12s and Year 10s (if not earlier year groups) who can't possibly hope to compete with this hyper-inflation? Sid Fletcher, Midlands
In such an unusual year it was going to be difficult to decide upon the best course of action to support this year's students. After all the twists and turns in the past week or so, at least most students now have grades which they can use to progress, which has to be key after all the uncertainty.
This year's students will all be in line with their peers, as were last year's students and, we anticipate, next year's students.
Will the GCSE maths grade I was emailed by my college be my final exam result, or will it change again? I am confused by all the information going round at the moment. Rebecca Gower, Essex
The result you received this morning should have been the college centre assessed grade (CAG), or the exam board calculated grade - whichever is higher - and should be the final grade you will receive. If you have any questions about it the best thing is to speak to your college to double check. I am sure they will be able to help.
My daughter is still waiting for Level 3 BTec results originally due last Thursday. When she does get them will they have been re-graded with the Level 1 & 2 or will she have to appeal (if needs be)? Sarah Martin, Surrey
BTecs are going to be reviewed as a matter of course, so your daughter won't need to appeal. This might mean that her results are delayed for a little longer. I would suggest contacting her school or college to see if they have an update.
Image source, Getty Images
My daughter failed her maths GCSE, but had no permanent teacher, so several teachers assessed her grades. Can GCSE results be based on mocks in this sort of case? Beth
The best thing to do is for your daughter to speak to the college and explain her concerns. Students are no longer able to use their mock grades to appeal, as this information would have been taken into account in the CAG [the predicted grade awarded by their teacher].
Can I re-sit one particular subject on my own, or do I have to go via my school? Roj
The advice for students who took exams at school is that you should sit the exam at that school, unless you have progressed to college and wish to take English and maths because you got a grade 3 or below.
Speak to your school or local college. If you have the grades you need to progress to your next step, you may not need to sit autumn exams.
If I get a lower grade while resitting, will I retain the previous (higher) grade? Anon
The guidance is that the higher grade of the two will be the official result.
Image source, PA Media
My mock results show I could have got amazing GCSE results instead of the ones I've been given. Is it worth taking the exams even though I have my sixth-form place? Anon, Newbury
If you have got the place you were hoping for then I would speak to your school or college about whether they advise that you consider taking exams in the autumn. You will be busy focusing on your new courses in the autumn and it might be better to concentrate on those.
I learned I had not met the criteria to move forward into a BTec Level 2 engineering course a week before the results were due to come out. How can this happen? Anon, Lincoln College
I would suggest that you speak to your college and ask them about the next best steps for you. They will be best placed to advise you.
My son has learning difficulties and is on the ASD spectrum. He would have had a scribe if he had sat his GCSEs, but his grade assessment does not factor this in. What help is available for him? Anoop
Centre assessed grades should have taken into consideration your son's learning difficulties and the fact that he would have had additional support. He will be able to take his GCSEs in the autumn if he wishes to do so at his school, but he may well have the grades he needs to progress to his next steps.
Why do we have to wait for our BTec results while others don't? Anon, Blackpool
The decision was taken late on Wednesday to review BTec grades in much the same way as has been done for GCSEs and A-levels in order to ensure that no student is disadvantaged.
I appreciate this is disappointing, but hopefully you should receive your grades very shortly, and will know that they have been double-checked to make sure that you get the result you deserve.
Image source, Reuters
What is the appeal process going to be like for GCSE students who are let down by their centre assessed grades? Janet Kalambo
The re-issued Ofqual student appeals guidance says it is felt that teachers know their students best. Therefore students can't appeal simply because they disagree with the CAG unless they suspect malpractice, including bias, or an administrative error.
One thing to remember is that all schools and college have their own quality assurance processes, so it is not just an individual teacher making these important decisions. Teachers will have graded and ranked students and then this will have been moderated at department level and signed off by a senior leader. If a student has any concerns, the school or college will be able to advise on next steps.
IGCSE results appear to still be based on algorithms, creating a disparity in the evaluation of different students' efforts. So how can there be an even playing field in the approach to their assessments? Ian, Rotherham
Cambridge International, which awards IGCSEs, has confirmed that the process for these qualifications will be in line with that for GCSEs and use the grades that schools submitted, unless the grade issued by the exam board was higher. You can find further information here.
If you have completed the practical part of a GCSE - like drama or food tech - will this be considered for your final grade? Nikki Bell, Barnet
Students will receive the CAG unless the calculated (algorithm) grade was higher. Schools and colleges will have used a variety of evidence to arrive at centre assessed grade, including practical components.
Why is it not possible for GCSE students to resit exams this autumn? Umar, Bolton
GCSE students will be able to sit exams in autumn 2020. Hopefully though, your results will be what you need to progress to your next course and you might decide that there is no need to take an autumn exam. Your school or college will be able to advise you.
Image source, Press Eye
If a student's calculated grades were higher than the CAG, which will be used for their GCSE results? Alisa, Purley
Good question. The situation is the same as for A-levels. Students will receive a CAG unless the calculated result is higher, in which case they will receive the calculated result.
When applying to university in two years' time, will my GCSEs have the same weight they may have had in other years? Adham, Warrington
Universities will be aware of the challenges faced by Year 11 students this year. I am sure that when the time comes they will be mindful of this.
Are there any safeguards for A-levels and GCSEs taking place in 2021, as students will be at a disadvantage from missing in-school teaching? Shamimur Rahman, Barking
The exam regulator, Ofqual, is already considering plans for next year for all qualifications, GCSEs, A-levels and vocational technical qualifications. You can find out more about A-levels and GCSEs next year here.
Is there any obligation on my son's grammar school to let him do a retake if he misses the required grade in one subject? Anon, Tring
First of all I hope your son gets the grades he needs. Once he has received his results, the best thing to do is to speak to staff at the school who will be able to advise on next steps and the autumn exams if indeed he needs to take them.
Image source, BBC
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bbcuk--2020-08-20--Channel crossings: Why can't the UK stop migrants in small boats?

The government has said it is committed to stopping migrants making the perilous journey to the UK in small boats .
Why is it so difficult ?
Towards the end of August 2019 , ministers in the UK and France jointly pledged to make crossings by migrants in small boats an `` infrequent phenomenon '' by spring 2020 .
When Priti Patel met her counterpart in Paris last summer , about 1,400 people had already made it to the UK by small boat within the previous 12 months - and at least two lives had been lost .
Since then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world to join them .
The UK has spent £5.5m to try to end the crossings .
Why has n't it worked ?
The home secretary has said she wants to make the route `` unviable '' and end demand by returning boats to France .
But , French authorities believe they are unable to intervene in many instances , because of differing interpretations of international maritime law , she added .
Calais MP Pierre-Henri Dumont said the most important thing was to ensure no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are talking about human beings , we are not talking about cattle , '' he said .
The UN Refugee Agency said it was `` troubled '' by the plans to intercept and return boats , adding that the numbers making the crossing `` remain low and manageable '' .
`` The foreseen deployment of large naval vessels to deter such crossings and block small , flimsy dinghies may result in harmful and fatal incidents , '' it said .
Both international treaties and national laws determine what states can do at sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lecturer in international maritime law at the University of Malta .
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea , a country has the right to act in its waters when faced with an `` inbound vessels carrying migrants which are intending to commit a contravention of the coastal state 's immigration laws , '' she said .
But any action must also `` take into account humanitarian considerations , for example , the need to protect the rights of asylum-seekers , '' which are protected by the European Convention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Any force used to return migrant boats to France `` may only be used as a last resort , if necessary , proportionate and justified to achieve a legitimate aim , '' she said .
Ultimately though , Dr Attard believes that `` given the safety issues both to the migrants on board and to international shipping , should it wish , France would be entitled to intervene '' .
However , the duty to `` render assistance and protect life at sea remains paramount throughout , '' she added .
Since January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ English Channel in small boats have been returned to Europe .
A further 166 are due to be returned , the home secretary said last month .
That is about 6 % of the 5,500 people who made it to the UK since the start of 2019 .
EU regulations known as `` Dublin III '' , which determine where an asylum-seeker 's claim is heard , were being used to `` frustrate the returns of those who have no right to be here , '' the Home Office said .
Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws that make it `` very difficult to then send [ migrants ] away again even though blatantly they 've come here illegally '' .
But , any new system will require support from the EU countries that asylum-seekers are being returned to , immigration barrister Colin Yeo said .
`` If you want to send somebody to France , then you have got to do it with French agreement , you ca n't just launch them on a rocket into French territory , '' he said .
Without a new agreement at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in January , the UK would `` go from a situation where it 's not easy necessarily to remove people to EU countries , to a situation where it 's impossible because there is just no way of securing their agreement to accept people back , '' he said .
Since October 2019 , the UK has paid for 45 French police officers to patrol the coastline .
Additional officers from French border police are also patrolling .
More than 47 % of attempted crossings have been prevented either at sea or before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional government in Calais .
Last month , police stopped 10 times more crossings than in July 2019 , it said .
But , the sheer scale of the 200-mile stretch of coastline , which is populated by quiet beaches lined with sand dunes , makes it impossible to stop boats setting sail altogether , French officials say .
`` We are doing a lot but there are limits to what humans and technology can do stop people realising their dream , '' said Mr Dumont .
The Home Office said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime networks '' behind the crossings .
This year 23 people smugglers have been jailed and two more were charged earlier this month .
Two men were jailed in France in December 2019 for helping organise a crossing in which Mitra Mehrad , a psychology PhD student from Iran , drowned off the coast of Kent .
In January , 23 people were arrested in France and the Netherlands on suspicion of smuggling 10,000 Kurdish migrants into the UK in lorries and small boats .
And yet , the number of people arriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rise .
Authorities believe that a reduction in freight on cross-Channel ferries and trains due to coronavirus has driven more people into the hands of people smugglers organising small boat crossings .
Steve Reynolds , of the NCA , told the BBC in January there was no evidence of a single gang behind the crossings .
Officers had focused on cutting off the supply of boats and engines , but smugglers , who are believed to charge migrants several thousand pounds per place , took to sourcing boats further afield including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , some migrants `` self-facilitate '' , by acquiring a boat themselves and making their own way , Mr Reynolds said .
On 6 August , the French rescued seven people from three kayaks , with a further five inflatable kayaks believed to have made it to the UK .
Some of the models used can be bought from sports retailers in France for as little as €300 ( £270 ) .
The Home Office has said that , instead of crossing the English Channel , people should seek sanctuary in France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a well-functioning asylum system '' .
But the UK only receives a small proportion of all asylum seekers , with many settling in other European countries , said Clare Moseley , of Care for Calais .
`` It 's a real misconception that all refugees want to come to the UK , '' she added .
France , which has a similar population and economy to the UK , receives more than three times as many asylum applications , according to EU data .
Across the EU in 2019 , the rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents .
In the UK , it was 5 per 100,000 .
The government has used some of the £5.5m spent to deter crossings - much of which went on technology like CCTV and night-vision goggles - to finance a `` strategic communications campaigns '' to deter people from making the crossing .
This has included `` delivering direct messaging to migrants , '' the Home Office said .
`` Occasionally it works , but in general Calais is the last destination , '' Ms Moseley said .
`` Most of the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason or another that they want to get to the UK , it 's kind of a bit late then . ''
Many have lost family members in conflicts and want to join surviving relatives already living in the UK , she said .
The tactics of French police have made it harder to dissuade those gathered in Calais from heading to the UK , she said .
Since the infamous `` Jungle '' was cleared in 2016 , smaller camps are regularly evicted and the last police operation , in mid-July , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` a lot of violence and tear gas , '' she said .
`` People who have got scars on their bodies from French police are not going to want to stay in France , '' she added .
The French interior minister has been contacted for comment .
In 2017 , following a report by Human Rights Watch alleging abuses by police , the then-minister said officers were working in a challenging environment , stopping thousands of attempts to illegally enter the Port of Calais and Channel Tunnel .
Refugee charities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be to allow would-be asylum seekers to apply for sanctuary before they arrive in Britain .
Mr Dumont has called for migrants to be allowed to claim asylum at British embassies across Europe .
`` What we would really like to see is safe and legal routes , '' Ms Moseley said .
She would like people to be able to make applications at the British border controls in Calais , rather than needing to land in the UK .
`` Focusing on security and deterrents does nothing more than brutalise people @ @ @ @ @

Without a new agreement at the end of the Brexit transition period in January, the UK would "go from a situation where it's not easy necessarily to remove people to EU countries, to a situation where it's impossible because there is just no way of securing their agreement to accept people back," he said.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Coronavirus: How has the pandemic changed politicians' holidays?

Usually around this time of year we start getting pictures of our politicians on their summer holidays - David Cameron admiring fish , Theresa May staying on brand with a low-key walking holiday or Gordon Brown really staying on brand by looking slightly uncomfortable by a lake .
But like so much about 2020 , the situation has changed .
This year , our leaders seem reluctant to show off their holiday snaps .
With the country in recession , many facing uncertain job prospects and others having had to cancel their foreign holidays , it is not hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their holiday pics to themselves .
The pandemic also seems to have changed where MPs are going on their holidays with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps serving as a cautionary tale to those seeking a bit of foreign sun .
He flew out to Spain for a family holiday , but quickly headed back home when the 14-day quarantine rule was imposed on those returning from the country .
`` I think it 's right to get back to work in the UK as soon as possible in order to help handle the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn to gin , '' was the reaction of London Minister Paul Scully who was holidaying in Lanzarote when the quarantine rules for Spain were introduced - although he also added that he would `` still be able to work '' despite the requirement to self-isolate .
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove chose instead to cancel his planned holiday to the Balearic Islands .
And although his wife , the columnist Sarah Vine , headed off with their children to North Devon to fulfil `` an absurd Famous Five fantasy '' - it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the secretary of state .
So like many others , politicians have chosen to holiday in the UK .
Labour leader Keir Starmer is taking a break in the New Forest , while Prime Minister Boris Johnson has opted for a camping holiday in Scotland with his partner Carrie Symonds and their son Wilfred .
But a prime minister is never able to switch off completely - and Mr Johnson has faced criticism for failing to publicly intervene in the recent A-Levels crisis .
Labour 's deputy leader Angela Rayner tweeted `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good look hiding in the middle of a crisis '' while the Daily Star mocked up a picture of Mr Johnson as `` The Invisible Man '' for its front page .
Acting Lib Dem Leader Sir Ed Davey called on Mr Johnson to cut short his holiday , adding that the PM `` can not be bothered to get back to work during the biggest exams crisis in a generation '' .
However , Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood defended the prime minister arguing that despite being on holiday he would still be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation and `` probably will be intervening '' .
`` Boris Johnson has had his own personal tough year - suffering from Covid-19 as well - therefore he is allowed to recharge , '' he added .
Some politicians have decided the safest route is to just forego a holiday all together .
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon told a press conference : `` I 'm fully occupied with what we 're doing at the moment . ''
However , despite the risks of revealing too much about their holiday - or going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs have been happy to share some details .
Conservative George Freeman let his followers know he was taking a `` covid-compliant '' honeymoon .
And Labour 's shadow international trade secretary Emily Thornberry posted pictures of her and her sister looking delighted to be on a pedalo in France .

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bbcuk--2020-08-19--Coronavirus: How is the pandemic affecting life in Scotland?

It is now almost six months since the first coronavirus infections arrived in Scotland .
The number of deaths from Covid-19 dropped to an all-time low of three last week , down from a peak of 661 in mid-April .
But the pandemic continues to have an impact on health , economy and society of Scotland .
How many people have died ?
For thousands of families , the most immediate impact of the pandemic has been a death .
While no deaths following a positive test for the virus have been recorded in Scotland for more than a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But there are other ways to measure Covid-related deaths which pushes the figure even higher .
The National Records of Scotland ( NRS ) counts the number of death certificates mentioning Covid-19 , which brings the total to 4,216 .
The NRS also publishes data on excess deaths , compared to a five-year average .
There have been 4,816 more deaths from all causes than would be expected in the months since the coronavirus outbreak began in Scotland .
According to official figures , Scotland saw the third highest number of excess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May , though they have now dropped to 8 % below the average .
At the peak in the second and third weeks of April , there were 80 % more deaths than would be expected at that time of year .
This next chart shows week-by-week the percentage difference between 2020 deaths and the five-year average .
How many infectious people are there in Scotland ?
The number of new confirmed Covid-19 cases has risen in recent weeks as several clusters have emerged around Scotland .
But the confirmed cases only represent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infectious people in Scotland .
Any one of these infections has the potential to spark another cluster as lockdown restrictions are eased and fulltime schooling continues .
The Scottish government 's current estimate is that somewhere between 125 and 300 people in Scotland are infectious .
What are the indirect health impacts on Scots ?
As the coronavirus pandemic began to grip the country , NHS Scotland was put on an emergency footing , with non-essential treatments and appointments cancelled .
Many paused services have now been restarted , but the outbreak is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and willingness to access health services .
One way to illustrate this is the number attendances at accident and emergency departments across the country .
These dropped drastically the first week of lockdown on 23 March .
They 've risen slowly , but are still not back to normal levels .
The Scottish government has created an index which estimates `` monthly business turnover '' in Scotland .
The index is designed to give an `` early indicator '' and is based on survey data used by the Scottish government for GDP statistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 45 and 55 on this index .
Levels vary month-by-month , but again the impact of the lockdown is clearly seen - with the latest levels still way below normal in both manufacturing and service industries .
While some businesses are starting to recover , others are still not able to operate at full capacity - or at all .
This has meant a steep increase the number of people in Scotland claiming benefits .
In July , Scotland 's claimant count was 222,300 - up 4.3 % since June and double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the Scottish government 's `` four harms '' dashboard .

According to official figures, Scotland saw the third highest number of excess deaths in Europe by the end of May, though they have now dropped to 8% below the average.


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Coronavirus: The back garden beauty salon built during lockdown

Amy Harris feared coronavirus would have an impact on her budding career as a beautician when she qualified this summer @ @ @ @ @ and salons tentatively reopening with strict Covid-19 guidelines , Amy 's dad Andy decided to @ @ @ @ @ .
The 18-year-old 's new beauty salon has been created in the family 's back @ @ @ @ @ .

Amy Harris feared coronavirus would have an impact on her budding career as a beautician when she qualified this summer.
With fewer jobs, and salons tentatively reopening with strict Covid-19 guidelines, Amy's dad Andy decided to literally build her a business.
The 18-year-old's new beauty salon has been created in the family's back garden in Caerwent, Monmouthshire.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Meet the UK's youngest qualified pilot, aged 14

Jack Jenner-Hall first started flying at the age of 11 at his local flying club .
Now he 's become @ @ @ @ @ after spending 45 minutes more than 3,000 feet in the air .
Listen to Newsbeat @ @ @ @ @ weekdays - or listen back here .

Jack Jenner-Hall first started flying at the age of 11 at his local flying club.
Now he's become the UK's youngest pilot after spending 45 minutes more than 3,000 feet in the air.
Interview by Manish Pandey, edited by Annabel Rackham.
Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Linda Nolan: 'We are the chemo sisters'

Linda Nolan: 'We are the chemo sisters'

Singer Linda Nolan has been describing her journey undergoing treatment for liver cancer , alongside her sister Anne , who @ @ @ @ @ .
Linda Nolan is among a number of celebrities urging people to not delay cancer @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
She described how the sisters have been supporting each other .

Singer Linda Nolan has been describing her journey undergoing treatment for liver cancer, alongside her sister Anne, who has stage three breast cancer.
She is among a number of celebrities urging people to not delay cancer checks because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Linda described to BBC Breakfast how the sisters have been supporting each other.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--The Papers: BTec results pulled amid 'exam fiasco'

The Times says that Mr Williamson was told directly , six week ago , about the risk that A-level and GCSE grading would produce unfair results - but pushed ahead anyway .
The paper says it was told by a `` senior source '' at the Department for Education that concerns about the statistical formula were raised in a letter by a former director general for schools - Sir Jon Coles .
A government source said Mr Williamson had raised the issue with the regulator , Ofqual , and had been `` given assurances '' .
The Times suggests its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Williamson 's claim that the scale of the problem only became clear at the weekend .
The Guardian , in a similar vein , says a warning was made to Ofqual about flaws in its grading algorithm , at least a month before A-level results were published .
But the paper says the regulator pressed ahead because of longstanding ministerial pressure to prevent grade inflation .
The Guardian also believes this raises questions about when Mr Williamson became aware of the unfairness of the process .
Apple 's astonishing success features prominently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first US company to hit a valuation of $ 2tn .
According to The Times it was helped by a `` lockdown sales surge '' for products such as its iPad and iPhone .
The story is front page news for the Financial Times , which says Apple 's shares have risen more than 50 % this year despite the company having to close stores , and being reliant on suppliers in China .
But the FT warns that some analysts are concerned that shares may become over-valued .
The spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ El Mundo says cases have `` skyrocketed '' with 127 deaths in the last 24 hours .
La Vanguardia reports that there were nearly 4,000 positive tests for Covid-19 on Wednesday - the most since the original lockdown was eased .
In France , Le Figaro reports that the number of infections there is rising - particularly among young adults .
Le Monde says health measures against Covid-19 are increasing in large cities and tourist areas .
Masks are now fully or partly compulsory in more than a third of French cities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pick up on an interview by the French chef Raymond Blanc with Country Life magazine .
It highlights his comments that so many of his customers suffer food allergies , his kitchen has become `` like a hospital '' and food intolerance has become `` almost like a fashion item '' .
The Michelin-starred chef does n't accuse customers of making it up though - he suggests the allergies are a result of eating intensively farmed food containing chemicals .
The Daily Telegraph highlights Mr Blanc 's suggestion that easy home food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to many .
He 's quoted as saying : `` We live busy lives and even an omelette requires effort '' .

The Times says that Mr Williamson was told directly, six week ago, about the risk that A-level and GCSE grading would produce unfair results - but pushed ahead anyway. The paper says it was told by a "senior source" at the Department for Education that concerns about the statistical formula were raised in a letter by a former director general for schools - Sir Jon Coles.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Exam results: Top GCSE grades rise in NI but BTecs delayed

There has been a significant rise in the number of top GCSE grades in Northern Ireland .
Grades A*-A were awarded to 37.1 % of entries , up from just under a third of entries in 2019 .
Almost nine in every 10 ( 89.4 % ) entries were awarded A* to C grades , up from 82.2 % in 2019 .
A body representing some school leaders has called for an immediate independent review of the process for awarding exam grades this year .
The GCSE results have been issued just days after the Education Minister Peter Weir said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided by schools .
Mr Weir also made a similar decision on A-Level and AS grades which had already been awarded to students .
Revised A-Level and AS grades will now be made available to affected pupils on Friday .
However , many pupils in Northern Ireland who were expecting to get BTec results on Thursday will not receive them .
On Wednesday evening , exam board Pearson announced it would re-grade BTecs in line with GCSEs and A-levels and told schools not to release the results they had been sent .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Regional College said Northern Ireland 's six regional colleges will reserve places for students who have already applied .
Brian Doran told BBC News NI it was `` extremely disappointing that Pearson have come out at the 11th hour to make this decision '' , but said the colleges will take steps today to ensure students are `` not disadvantaged '' .
`` Our focus rightly so is on the student who is affected by this , '' he continued .
`` These students have already gone through a very difficult time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just simply adds to that particular problem .
`` The delay for the BTec students and their progression into college will be addressed . ''
Heather McKee , a director at South-Eastern Regional College ( SERC ) , confirmed it will also be reserving places for students who have already applied .
`` In addition , the college 's application processes will remain open to allow other young people to submit applications for courses whilst awaiting their results , which they can confirm when they receive their grades , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ students affected in a year when they have already undergone far too much disruption and hope that Pearson will act to issue revised grades within days . ''
At GCSE , almost one in every five entries ( 19.6 % ) from grammar schools was awarded an A* grade , up from 13.3 % in 2020 .
More than half of entries ( 53.9 % ) from grammar schools were awarded A*-A grades .
That compared to 17.7 % in non-grammar schools .
Almost twice as many entries from girls achieved the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just under 9 % of entries from boys achieved A* compared to 15.7 % of entries from girls .
In languages , there were further decreases in the number of pupils studying French but entries in Spanish and German rose in 2020 .
The GCSE data provided by the Northern Ireland exams board CCEA does not include results for the relatively small number of students who take GCSEs through English and Welsh exam boards .
Those pupils will also receive results on Thursday , although aabout 98 % of GCSEs in Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of School and College Leaders ( ASCL ) congratulated pupils but said an overall review was needed into the process for awarding grades in 2020 .
`` We are supportive of the decision not to rely on a statistical model for moderating grades which would have produced far too many anomalous results , '' Robert Wilson of ASCL said .
`` However , it is imperative that we now understand what went wrong and why we have ended up in this situation . ''
`` We will be writing to the minister for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate independent review of the process for awarding grades to GCSE , AS and A-level students in Northern Ireland this year . ''
Nicole , a GCSE pupil at Carrickfergus Academy , said she was delighted with her results and will now progress to A-level subjects in English , science and art .
She was awarded an A* , two As , two Bs a C* and a C in Thursday 's results .
Fellow Carrick Academy student Oliver said he was `` very pleased '' after attaining 5As , two Bs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's principal , Dr Paula Downing , said it had been a `` very frustrating week '' , but it was `` much more positive than last Thursday morning '' when the standardised AS and A-level results were published .
`` There were a lot of results that we found very difficult to account for and explain , '' she told BBC Breakfast .
`` It left a lot of our students feeling very disappointed not knowing what the outcomes would be for them . ''
She said around a third of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results to be fully confirmed due to the delay with BTec grading , however , she said predicted teacher results `` allow them to make decisions '' .

"We will be writing to the minister for education to ask him to commission an immediate independent review of the process for awarding grades to GCSE, AS and A-level students in Northern Ireland this year."


bbcuk--2020-08-20--GCSE results rise as grades done on teacher assessments

GCSE results are up significantly on last year after a decision to base them on teachers ' assessment .
Qualifications Wales estimated almost three-quarters of grades awarded were A* to C , with more than 25 % A* and A grades - up from 18.4 % last year .
It follows the uproar after last week 's A-levels with 42 % of moderated grades lower than teacher assessments .
A pupil at Mary Immaculate school in Cardiff said the fallout from A-levels had caused stress for GCSE students .
`` But seeing my results today , I 'm really happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louis .
`` The results I got are the ones I wanted . ''
The exams regulator Qualifications Wales said its `` best estimate '' was that 74.5 % of GCSE grades were awarded at A*-C , compared to 62.8 % in 2019 .
For GCSE , A-level , AS-levels and the Welsh Baccalaureate , pupils now receive the highest grade , whether that was their teacher 's prediction or the standardised grades .
The A-level fallout escalated into a major political row and a U-turn by the Welsh government , amid similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U-turn , an algorithm was applied to grades to `` standardise '' them .
Though thousands of students are getting GCSE results , it was announced on Wednesday that BTec results issued by Pearsons exam board would be held back for regrading .
• Minister 'truly sorry ' for exam results handling • Teacher estimates to be used for Welsh grades Revised A-level results showed 41.3 % of grades were A* and A , compared to 29.9 % when results were released last week and 27.0 % in 2019 .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go up slightly when a pledge that pupils will get their AS grade if that was higher is taken into account .
What has happened with BTecs ?
A BTec student said she found out she would not receive her results on the news and social media .
Ellie Kidd , who studies travel and tourism at Coleg Cambria , near Wrexham , said she was `` distraught '' not to find out her exam results today .
GCSE-age students in Wales can study for a BTec qualification or its Wales-only equivalent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brand owned by Pearson and Entry Pathways is run by the WJEC .
It is not known how many students are receiving grades from Pearson in Wales , although Education Minister Kirsty Williams said it was a minority .
There will be no re-grading of WJEC vocational qualifications and those students will receive their grades today .
Speaking on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast , Ellie said it had caused her `` unnecessary stress '' and she could not confirm her place to study Level 3 at college next year .
`` To have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little unnecessary and has panicked me and a lot of people , '' she said .
Education Minister Kirsty Williams told Radio Wales she was `` sorry '' it had happened to some students , but explained it was a problem with exam board Pearson , rather than the WJEC .
`` I 'm am very pleased that the WJEC have been able to make their adjustments to their awards and those students are unaffected , '' she added .
Ms Williams added the WJEC had been able to adjust grades in time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pearson apologised for the delay , but added its `` priority is to ensure fair outcomes '' for students and it would be working `` around the clock to provide revised grades as soon as we can '' .
Pupils at Ysgol y Creuddyn , in Penrhyn Bay , Conwy county , are among those picking up their results .
Miriam said she was `` happy '' with her results after readjusting her expectations last week .
`` It 's been hard- I did n't expect to get good results after everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained .
`` I was n't nervous 'till A-level results day , '' said Nell Davies , who picked her results up at Prestatyn High School , Denbighshire .
`` So I was relieved when I sat we were getting [ teacher ] assessed grades rather than the algorithm . ''
Sameer Burney , also at Ysgol y Creuddyn , said it was a relief after such an uncertain period .
`` I did n't know what to expect and it was made worse because my predicted grades were n't great , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he explained .
As usual , pupils getting their grades found out results through their school but , due to the pandemic , some received an email rather than visiting the school in person .
For those students in Wales who now have their GCSE grades there is certainty , after the ups and downs since last week 's A-levels results day .
As expected , the all-Wales picture shows a big increase in results at GCSE and A-level now they are based on teachers ' assessments .
Working out what that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next year 's pupils will be part of an independent review .
Speaking at a school in the Vale of Glamorgan this morning , the education minister said governments across the UK had tried their best to make the right decisions about exams .
But the analysis of what went wrong will have to start as attention turns to the next big challenge - reopening schools fully in a fortnight .
What are the teacher assessment grades ?
This summer 's results were due to be calculated by `` standardising '' grades submitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how pupils would have done had exams not been cancelled .
We know already the proportion of top grades awarded under teacher assessments is more than last year .
Qualifications Wales set out that 24.5 % would have had a grade A* or A , compared to final results of 20 % in 2019 .
And 73.4 % would have had an A* to C grade , compared to 64.4 % in 2019 .
Dr Rhian Barrance , education lecturer at Cardiff University , said teacher assessments in general should be seen as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she accepted that `` in some cases '' teachers could be biased .
What will it mean for pupils now ?
• Pupils can not get a grade which is any lower than their teacher has assessed • But if the grade which has been `` standardised '' by the exam board is actually higher than the teacher 's assessed grade , then pupils will not lose out and will get this higher grade • Before the row , it was announced the appeals process would be widened but the details are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement , with more information expected soon How has this all happened ?
After it emerged a quarter of students received lower Highers results than estimated , the Scottish government stepped in - raising alarm bells in other parts of the UK .
A last ditch move by the Welsh government to provide a safety net that A-level grades would not be lower than AS failed to avoid the fallout once schools and pupils saw the grades .
There was mounting pressure as pupils , teachers and politicians said the process had generated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education minister initially defended the system as fair and `` very robust '' , it was announced on Monday that pupils would be awarded grades assessed by teachers after all .
Nevertheless , the chief executive of the WJEC exam board Ian Morgan has warned that `` grade inflation '' could have an impact on future groups of students .
Qualifications Wales said next year 's exams were being looked at , warning that there was `` a problem , potentially '' .
Ms Williams meanwhile has promised an independent review to look @ @ @ @ @

But the exams watchdog said A-level results were likely to go up slightly when a pledge that pupils will get their AS grade if that was higher is taken into account.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Coronavirus: Portugal added to UK's safe travel list as Croatia is removed

UK tourists will no longer need to quarantine after holidaying in Portugal , but travellers returning from Croatia will have to self-isolate .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said people will need to self-isolate for 14 days on returning from Croatia , Austria and Trinidad and Tobago .
The changes apply to anyone arriving after 04:00 BST on Saturday .
Meanwhile , the Scottish government has added Switzerland to its list of countries requiring quarantine .
The Portuguese government welcomed the changes as `` useful for all those who travel between Portugal and the United Kingdom '' .
It said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcome of intense bilateral work '' and `` allowed for an understanding that the situation in the country has always been under control '' .
But consumer group Which ?
said the change in rules for Portugal was `` likely to come too late to help many struggling holiday companies '' and called for support for the travel industry .
The latest updates to the quarantine list come after thousands of British holidaymakers made a last-minute dash to get home from France last weekend , before quarantine measures came into force .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently in Croatia .
Responding to the changes , Which ?
Travel editor Rory Boland said the government had `` now made it clear that countries can be removed or added from the travel corridor list at a moment 's notice '' .
He said the policy made it `` too risky '' for those who are unable to quarantine to travel .
But he added that holidaymakers who want to follow government advice and avoid non-essential travel to specified countries are finding it `` increasingly difficult to claim a refund '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely visit ?
• Where can I go on holiday without having to quarantine ?
Mr Boland also called on the government to provide `` urgent '' support to the travel industry , adding : `` The addition of Portugal is likely to come too late to help many struggling holiday companies who are at the point of collapse , as summer trips have already been cancelled . ''
The Tucker family , from Cambridge , were at a waterfront café on the Croatian island of Solta , off the coast of Split @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to quarantine on their return to the UK .
`` We already cancelled a holiday in Barcelona because of quarantine rules , '' said mum Luzita , 50 , a childminder .
`` We 've always wanted to come to Croatia so we looked at the infection rates and they seemed very low . ''
She said it was good the government had acted decisively , but suggested there were other options .
`` Why not [ carry out ] virus testing at the airport when we arrive back in the UK ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ home could be a risk . ''
Diane Barwick was in the Croatian town of Zadar visiting her daughter - having cancelled a planned trip to France when that country was removed from the exemption list .
She told BBC News : `` My daughter should have been married here in May .
I 've not seen her for nearly a year and have had three flights cancelled this year . ''
Unlike many other British visitors to Croatia , she had responded to rumours that the country was set to be removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternative early flight home .
That means she should be able to get home before the deadline and back to her job in retail .
`` If you 're in France you can get the boat or Eurostar .
Here it 's a flight only .
I 've got to travel three hours tomorrow to get to the airport in Croatia , '' she said .
The Department of Transport has advised people in Croatia , Trinidad and Tobago and Austria to follow local rules and check the Foreign Office website for further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged employers to be `` understanding of those returning from these destinations who now will need to self-isolate '' .
But children currently on holiday in those three countries will now miss the start of the new school term in England , Wales and Northern Ireland - unless their parents can get them home before 04:00 BST on Saturday .
People who do not self-isolate when required can be fined up to £1,000 in England , Wales , and Northern Ireland .
In Scotland the fine is £480 , and up to £5,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guy De Launey said only a small number of direct flights from Croatia were due to reach the UK before the deadline of 04:00 BST on Saturday .
The UK introduced the compulsory 14-day quarantine for arrivals from overseas in early June .
But the following month , the four UK nations unveiled lists of `` travel corridors '' , detailing countries that were exempt from the rule .
Since then it has periodically updated that list , adding and removing countries based on their coronavirus infection rates and how they compare with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Portuguese government expressed `` regret '' at the UK 's decision to continue to exclude it from the safe travel list .
The country 's foreign minister had previously said he hoped an `` air bridge '' between the UK and Portugal could be secured by the end of June .
The UK provides the largest number of overseas tourists to Portugal , with more than two million tourists visiting every year .
The Algarve coast is the most popular destination , with 1.2 million visitors from the UK last year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost of flights from Manchester to Faro on Saturday morning had risen from £50 to £98 in 30 minutes .
`` A good time to book that late summer break , though fares are already soaring , '' he said .
According to the Department for Transport , weekly coronavirus cases are on the rise in Croatia , Austria , Trinidad and Tobago as follows : Have you been affected by the new quarantine measures ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can also get in touch in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

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


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Manchester Arena attack: Hashem Abedi jailed for minimum 55 years

The brother of the Manchester Arena bomber has been jailed for at least 55 years for the murders of 22 people .
Hashem Abedi helped his older sibling Salman to plan the atrocity that killed 22 men , women and children and injured hundreds more on 22 May 2017 .
He was convicted after a court heard he was `` just as guilty '' as his brother , who detonated the bomb at the end of an Ariana Grande concert .
Abedi , 23 , refused to leave his cell at the Old Bailey for the sentencing .
Mr Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stark reality is , these were atrocious crimes .
Large in scale , deadly in intent , appalling in their consequences '' .
`` The despair and desolation of the bereaved families has been palpable , '' he added .
He told Abedi , formerly of Fallowfield , Manchester , he would spend at least 55 years in prison before he could even be considered for parole , adding he `` may never be released '' .
Family members gasped as the sentence - a record for a determinate prison term - was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the age of 21 at the time of the murders , the law forbids the imposition of a whole life order , meaning a life sentence with no minimum term .
Manchester-born Abedi , who had travelled to Libya before the bombing , was arrested shortly after the terror attack and extradited to Britain to face trial .
The court heard how the brothers spent months ordering , stockpiling and transporting the deadly materials required for the attack .
Abedi was found guilty by a jury in March of 22 counts of murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured - and conspiring to cause explosions .
Figen Murray , the mother of Martyn Hett who was killed in the blast , said : `` Abedi has now faced justice for his crimes .
`` My life completely changed due to the horrific crimes spoken of today . ''
She added she would continue to spread `` messages of kindness and tolerance so that those who seek to divide us never win '' as well as campaigning for Martyn 's Law , which would make it compulsory for every venue to assess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The families of Liam Curry and Chloe Rutherford said `` we 've had our children ripped from us in the most horrific way '' , adding Abedi was `` an absolute coward '' for refusing to attend court .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the jailing of Abedi was `` an opportunity to reflect on the importance of tolerance , community and kindness '' .
`` The Manchester Arena attack was a horrifying and cowardly act of violence which targeted children and families , '' he said .
`` Those who were taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nor will the spirit of the people of Manchester who came together to send a clear message to the entire world that terrorists will never prevail . ''
• 'There is always that empty chair where she should be' • The road to the Manchester Arena bombing Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said the attack was an act of `` pure evil '' .
`` This attack on our city and everything it represents caused untold misery .
But ultimately it failed , '' he added .
`` It was meant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closer together . ''
Over the two-day sentencing hearing , the court heard emotional testimonies from bereaved relatives .
Parents broke down in tears as they recalled the moment they discovered their loved ones had died .
Some held up photos of their children as they paid tribute to them and described the `` devastating '' effect of their grief .
Victoria Higgins , a lawyer for Slater and Gordon acting on behalf of 12 of those who were killed , said : `` This is the end of one chapter for those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The families have waited a long time to see this man brought to justice and facing a life sentence for his crimes . ''
But she added `` the next phase is about to begin '' with a public inquiry into the attack due to start later this year .
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins described the bombing as `` one of the worst terrorist attacks this country has seen , and one of the darkest days in our city 's history '' .
`` The division and hatred he sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , met by strength and unity - by the courage of the victims ' families , the bravery of the survivors and the kindness and generosity of Greater Manchester as a whole , '' he said .
BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw said Abedi 's 55-year minimum term is the longest ever handed down by a court in British legal history .
The trial in its entirety was the `` largest murder case in English legal history '' , Jenny Hopkins from the Crown Prosecution Service said .

She added she would continue to spread "messages of kindness and tolerance so that those who seek to divide us never win" as well as campaigning for Martyn's Law, which would make it compulsory for every venue to assess the risk of a terror attack.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Taylor Swift's cash gift helps student take up degree

Singer Taylor Swift has donated £23,000 to a London-based student struggling to raise the funds to take up a maths course at the University of Warwick .
Vitoria Mario 's online fundraising page details how she has lived in the UK for four years after moving from Portugal .
But she is not eligible for maintenance loans or grants .
Vitoria said : `` I was worrying too much about the money , what I have to do and if I have to look for a job .
She actually made my dream come true . ''
The American singer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hits include the aptly titled Wildest Dreams , wrote a message on Vitoria 's fundraising page as she confirmed her donation .
At that stage , Vitoria had collected nearly half of her £40,000 fundraising target , and Swift wrote : `` Vitoria , I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality .
`` I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount .
Good luck with everything you do !
Love , Taylor . ''
Vitoria said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her and she needed funds to help pay for her accommodation , a laptop , textbooks and general living costs .
She said the approach from Swift had `` come out of the blue '' .
The 18-year-old had written on her page : `` Though my story is not unique , my dream of becoming a mathematician is not only a chance at social mobility for my family and I , but to inspire people who have been in similar positions to aspire to be the best version of themselves . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` studious '' and was unable to speak English when she moved to the UK in 2016 .
Despite that disadvantage , she left school with two A*s and an A in her A-levels .
When coming to the UK , Vitoria had to make the difficult decision to leave Portugal , where her mother still lives .
`` Moving away from her was a challenge but it was a sacrifice worth being made in my family 's eyes , '' she added .
She estimated she would need £24,000 for accommodation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living costs including food , transport , gas and electricity .
Swift has previously made a number of impromptu donations to fans whose stories she has read about online , including a New York photographer who asked for financial support via Tumbler .

The 18-year-old had written on her page: "Though my story is not unique, my dream of becoming a mathematician is not only a chance at social mobility for my family and I, but to inspire people who have been in similar positions to aspire to be the best version of themselves."


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Coronavirus: Eviction day fears for worried tenants in England and Wales

A five-month ban on landlords evicting tenants in England and Wales ends this weekend , in stark contrast to elsewhere in the UK .
Courts will start hearing cases put on hold owing to the coronavirus crisis from Monday .
Stricter rules will be in place , but in Scotland and Northern Ireland bans are planned to be extended until March .
Renters have argued the financial and practical effects of the crisis mean they should not be thrown out .
Among them are Meghan Butt and her wife Faith Taylor .
They are facing a section 21 , so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have three months to leave the property in Hackney , London .
`` This home has been a sanctuary during lockdown , and our first as a married couple , '' said Meghan , who studies horticulture and runs a dog-walking business in the area .
`` It is really hard to plan life at the moment anyway .
This puts us on the edge of our seats . ''
• Labour calls for evictions ban to be extended The government ultimately wants an end to section 21 evictions , but that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tenants are getting a minimum of three months ' notice of eviction in England - a timeframe ministers could decide to extend - and six months in Wales , until at least 30 September , compared to two months before the coronavirus outbreak .
A survey by homelessness charity Shelter suggested that more than 170,000 private tenants have been threatened with eviction by their landlord or letting agent , and 230,000 in England have fallen into arrears since the pandemic started .
Charity Christians Against Poverty said : `` The crisis is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who were struggling financially before the crisis , it 's just beginning . ''
The District Councils Network ( DCN ) has estimated that up to 500,000 people could be at risk of being evicted as they spend more than half of their income on private housing rent , and health bodies have warned that homelessness or moves to overcrowded accommodation could risk higher numbers of Covid-19 infections .
Citizen 's Advice warned that one in nine people had reported falling behind on household bills .
With the eviction moratorium and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend , `` many of those struggling may face harsh enforcement '' , the charity said .
A spokesperson for the Housing , Communities , and Local Government Department said the government had taken `` unprecedented action '' to support renters during the pandemic and would continue to support those affected when the eviction ban lifts .
`` We are working on how best to continue supporting renters and landlords during the pandemic and will make an announcement on the next steps shortly , '' the spokesperson said .
With other parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for tenants facing eviction , Ministers in England are now under pressure to help up to a quarter of a million tenants who are at risk of losing their home .
Councils have warned that housing departments will struggle to cope with a steep rise in homelessness applications .
With an acute shortage of temporary emergency housing , local authorities might need to move homeless individuals and families away from their locality and house them in budget hotels .
The County Courts in England have a backlog of 40,000 eviction cases and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity to deal with tens of thousands more , particularly when the government 's jobs furlough scheme ends in October .
Social distancing means most courts can not operate at full capacity and it is estimated that it may take a year simply to deal with the eviction disputes in the system before lockdown .
This is a huge concern to landlords who rely on rental income to pay their bills , including their own housing costs .
If they can not evict troublesome tenants or those who have significant rent arrears , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is committed to ending 'no fault evictions ' in its manifesto and some housing charities argue this would reduce the number of people losing their home and bring greater certainty to the rental system .
But Ministers have been consulting on such a reform and have found it hard to devise a system that does n't have unintended consequences .
With just two days to go until the ban ends , any change in policy now is likely to be characterised by their opponents as another last-minute U-turn .
'We just want somewhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laid off from his job in pest control at the start of lockdown .
He lives in a flat in High Wycombe with his partner , who works as a building company receptionist , and at the moment is a stay-at-home dad to one-year-old daughter Miley .
The fall in income and reliance on benefits means he is worried about the future .
`` In all honesty , [ benefits ] are not enough and just do not cover everything , '' he said .
`` In difficult times there is a possibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
We would like to know that we 've got somewhere secure .
`` The landlords have been very good so far , but they can only do so much .
And if there was another coronavirus wave , it will be very worrying as to what might happen . ''
Lawyers and landlords ' groups have said that , despite the end of the ban , there is little expectation of people who have faced Covid-related financial problems being swiftly told to leave properties .
Chris Norris , policy director for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Our research clearly shows that the vast majority of landlords and tenants are working together constructively to sustain tenancies wherever possible .
`` We need the courts to deal with cases where tenants are committing anti-social behaviour or where there are long-standing rent arrears that have nothing to do with the pandemic . ''
Government measures mean more evidence is needed from landlords for the courts to agree to a possession .
• They must show evidence of what they know about the tenant 's circumstances including the effect of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Without it , the case would be delayed .
• Pre-outbreak cases that have been put on hold will require a re-activation notice to be sent to the court and the tenant • Courts will also prioritise cases where there has been anti-social behaviour or domestic violence involved , and courts ' capacity to hear cases will be limited by social distancing restrictions .
`` It is unlikely that we will see an immediate spike in evictions and certainly not tenants kicked out onto the streets the following day .
Landlords are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process down , '' said Jacqui Walton , from law firm Royds Withy King .
In Wales , tenants who have fallen into arrears are being aided with a saving scheme .
Landlords groups have called for more help in England to reduce the financial pressures on landlords , in addition to mortgage holidays .
• Anyone under threat of eviction should start gathering evidence such as receipts for rent paid or any communications with your landlord • Landlords have to give you notice before they can apply to court for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this notice must now be at least three months in England or six in Wales , but lodgers may get less notice • If a possession order had already been made against you before 27 March 2020 , then your landlord may apply for this to be enforced when the ban comes to an end .
You should receive 14 days ' notice of the eviction date • Anyone now struggling to pay rent should speak to their landlord , and organise a repayment plan to pay off arrears • Those receiving housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay rent might be able to get a discretionary housing payment from the local council

In a letter to judges, Master of the Rolls Sir Terence Etherton said that, having expected the end of the ban on Sunday, the proposal had been of "an extremely unusual nature and timing" but would allow further work to be done to prepare for the ban to be lifted.