bbcuk--2020-09-18--Schools in poorer areas lack catch-up cash

Schools in poor parts of England will struggle the most to help their pupils catch-up after the lockdown , says the Institute for Fiscal Studies .
The last 10 years have seen real-terms cuts amounting to 9 % per pupil which fell hardest on schools in the poorest areas , says the IFS .
And schools in poorer areas will get less of a boost from the extra £7.1bn earmarked for schools up to 2022-23 .
The government says it is committed to `` levelling up '' educational opportunity .
But , according to this analysis , schools in poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more affluent areas from the government 's education spending plans , leaving them `` badly placed '' to help their pupils catch-up on learning lost during lockdown .
The report authors want to see more of the extra funding targeted at the most disadvantaged areas .
• Primary pupils ' learning gap widens for first time since 2007 During lockdown the poorest pupils were the least able to access online learning or have quiet places to study and , because of this , IFS Research Fellow Luke Sibieta predicts `` a likely widening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with more deprived pupils have seen the largest falls in spending over recent years and are set to see smaller funding increases than schools in more affluent areas from the government 's new funding formula .
`` Most of the Covid catch-up funding will be spread across all schools , regardless of disadvantage .
`` This proves a strong case for greater targeting of additional funding to more deprived schools , '' Mr Sibieta said .
Overall the extra cash will largely reverse the real-terms cuts of the last decade , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best and worst funded parts of the country , says the IFS .
The Department for Education says the lowest-funded schools will receive the greatest increases under its plans .
`` We continue to target additional funding through the National Funding Formula for schools with high numbers of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds .
`` Our £1bn Covid catch-up package on top of this is helping level up opportunity for every young person up and down the country , '' said the DfE in a statement .
However , the analysis finds that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three to four percentage points less to schools in the poorest areas than to those in wealthier areas up to 2021 .
It follows a decade in which the funding advantage for schools in deprived areas has shrunk from 35 % per pupil to 25 % , the analysis found .
The researchers say the government 's National Tutoring Programme for five to 16-year-olds is the only part of the new funding package to be targeted at more deprived schools .
`` It is also not at a scale that will allow schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during lockdown , '' says the IFS .
Josh Hillman , Director of Education at the Nuffield Foundation which co-funded the research said that not only were the most deprived pupils more likely to be behind in their learning `` their families are also at greater risk of poverty , food insecurity and job losses '' .
`` This could further entrench the disadvantage these children face .
`` As this research shows , it is therefore crucial that schools in deprived areas receive adequate and well directed funding so tat they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure all children can reach their potential . ''
Dr Mary Bousted , joint general secretary of the National Education Union said the study showed `` an historic failure of the nation 's children '' .
`` It is also striking that despite government rhetoric of 'levelling up ' the reverse is true . ''
Julie McCulloch , director of policy at the Association of School and College Leaders said that while the £7.1bn in extra funding was welcome it would be `` largely absorbed '' by rising costs .
She said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant costs '' of Covid safety measures such as extra cleaning and more staff would put even more strain on budgets leaving even less money to spend on education .
`` It is a desperate situation and the government has its head buried in the sand , '' said Ms McCulloch .

Josh Hillman, Director of Education at the Nuffield Foundation which co-funded the research said that not only were the most deprived pupils more likely to be behind in their learning "their families are also at greater risk of poverty, food insecurity and job losses".


bbcuk--2020-09-17--No new 2p or £2 coins to be made for 10 years

Anyone who likes to see a new production date on their coins is set for a disappointing decade .
The Royal Mint has no plans to make new 2p or £2 coins for the next 10 years .
A coin mountain lies in storage as demand has dropped , in contrast to banknotes .
The issue was revealed in a wide-ranging report on the future of cash by the National Audit Office ( NAO ) warning it could become harder to access by those who rely on it .
It warned that the authorities were not keeping up with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving those who needed cash at risk .
• Future of 1p and 2p coins secured 'for years to come' • Coronavirus 'will hasten the decline of cash' Ten years ago , cash was used in six out of 10 transactions but by 2019 it was used in less than three in 10 purchases .
The NAO said the coronavirus outbreak may have accelerated the trend .
Despite the decline in cash use , a riddle remains over demand for coins and banknotes .
Coin-making has been cut by The Royal Mint but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceeding its targets .
For £2 coins , the hoard is 26 times over target .
A spokeswoman for The Royal Mint said 2p and £2 coin production could return if needed .
`` We constantly monitor the demand for coins from the banks and Post Offices , and seek permission to manufacture more from HM Treasury , '' she said .
These coins have not been needed because lots of old coins were returned to circulation when the 12-sided £1 coin was launched in March 2017 .
Everyone had six months to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ savings jam jars or money stores at work , sending the entire contents back to their banks .
In contrast , demand for banknotes has been rising and there is little reliable information over the whereabouts of £50bn worth of notes in circulation .
They are not used in transactions or held as savings , but may be overseas , tucked away in homes unreported or being used in the `` shadow economy '' .
Old and poor 'left behind' The NAO said there were wider issues over access to cash , partly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cash machines in two years .
Older and lower-income consumers tended to use cash more and were at risk if nobody took responsibility for stopping the slide in cash access .
`` Cash use might be declining overall but it remains a vital part of millions of people 's lives - particularly for some of the most vulnerable in society , '' said Meg Hiller , who chairs the influential Public Accounts Committee in the House of Commons .
`` The government took its eye off the ball and too many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to get their hands on cash .
`` It and the regulators will have to hurry to catch up with fast-moving technology , or even more people could be left behind . ''
The government has committed , with legislation , to protect access to cash , and address the sustainability of the cash infrastructure as its use falls .
Some businesses that transport or process cash could struggle , it said .
The NAO said it could not currently see a clear link between the government 's aim and which of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cash network could actually make it happen .
Gareth Davies , head of the NAO , said : `` The approach is fragmented , and it is not clear that the action being taken will keep up with the pace of change .
`` As society progresses towards the wide use of digital payments , the use of cash in transactions is dwindling .
It may become harder for people to access cash when they need it and those without the means to pay digitally will struggle if cash is not accepted @ @

"As society progresses towards the wide use of digital payments, the use of cash in transactions is dwindling. It may become harder for people to access cash when they need it and those without the means to pay digitally will struggle if cash is not accepted."


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Coronavirus: Test demand 'significantly outstripping' capacity

Demand for coronavirus testing is `` significantly outstripping the capacity we have '' , head of NHS Test and Trace Baroness Harding has told MPs .
She told the science and technology committee that the return to school meant test demand in England from under-17s had doubled .
She also acknowledged that results were also taking `` slightly longer '' .
But she said she was `` very confident '' of raising capacity to 500,000 tests a day by the end of October .
`` I am certain we will need more as we go beyond the end of October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500,000 a day , '' Baroness Harding said , before adding there was no formal target beyond the October deadline .
The test and trace programme has come under increasing pressure in recent days , with reports of people unable to access tests or being directed to test centres many miles away .
Figures published on Thursday also showed the turnaround time for community tests was getting longer .
Only a third of these tests came back in 24 hours in the week up to 9 September , compared to two-thirds a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it a cold , flu or coronavirus ?
It comes as the UK reported another 3,395 confirmed cases of coronavirus , and a further 21 deaths were recorded within 28 days of a positive test .
The number of people calling 119 and visiting the website to book tests was three to four times the number of available tests , Baroness Harding told the committee - although she said that may exaggerate the problem as some people call repeatedly from different numbers .
Committee chairman Greg Clark said it was `` dispiriting '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances of the return to schools and offices `` we have n't had the right capacity put in place '' .
Baroness Harding said they built the testing capacity for this autumn - which is now 242,817 a day - based on modelling from the Sage scientific advisory group .
`` I do n't think anybody was expecting to see the really sizable increase in demand that has happened over the last few weeks , '' she said .
Prof Carl Heneghan , a GP and epidemiologist at Oxford University , told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ utter chaos '' at the moment because other illnesses with Covid-like symptoms such as colds and flu had risen by 50 % in children in September .
He said there was only a `` slight increase '' in hospital admissions and deaths , however , and increased testing may explain some of the rise in cases .
`` What 's happening at the moment is the language and the rhetoric is making people so fearful and terrorised that they 're going beyond the guidance because they 're so fearful of what 's coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unpublished study suggested that coughs and fevers from other winter viruses could rise to 445,000 a day in December , overwhelming test capacity .
In Sunderland , meanwhile , more than 100 people were left waiting at an empty car park where they said they had been booked in for Covid-19 testing , although no staff or equipment was there .
Bolton Council , which faces the highest levels of infection nationally , said it was `` incredibly frustrated '' after problems with the national booking system led to long queues and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems were reported in Lewisham , south London , where the approach to the centre was `` gridlocked '' .
• TEST AND TRACE : How does it work ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• VACCINE : How close are we to finding one ?
Baroness Harding said testing was limited by the laboratory processing capacity , and that they had to restrict the number of people at centres because it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many samples to the laboratory that would then go untested .
An NHS Test and Trace survey showed 27 % of people seeking tests had no symptoms but had only been in contact with an infected person .
Tests should only be provided for members of the public with a continuous cough , a high temperature or a change in sense of smell or taste .
`` We do n't want to push away people who are scared , '' Baroness Harding said .
But she added that they must `` protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most need it '' .
The current priorities for testing are NHS patients , NHS staff and care home residents and staff .
Together these account for 50 % of testing , she said .
After that , areas with serious outbreaks are given priority .
Baroness Harding said they were looking at putting key workers next , particularly teachers , `` but work is still ongoing '' .
• Almost two million people in the north-east of England will be barred from meeting other households from midnight , as coronavirus cases rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest countries approved for quarantine-free travel to England and Scotland from Saturday morning • About 100 sailors are self-isolating on board the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth after `` fewer than 10 '' crew members tested positive • Nearly two thirds of adults are now back in offices and other workplaces , according to the Office of National Statistics • Retailer Next has said the pandemic 's effect on business has been `` expensive and miserable '' , with staff working at home `` stultified '' by boring online presentations • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` high risk '' of increased hospital admissions and deaths , Public Health Wales has warned • Scotland 's new contact tracing app has led to 100 people being told to self-isolate so far , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said • About 600 pubs in Northern Ireland which do not serve food have been given the green light to reopen next week • THE RULE OF SIX : What 's in the small print ?
• UNWIND WITH THE MINDFUL MIX : Switch off and escape

Baroness Harding said testing was limited by the laboratory processing capacity, and that they had to restrict the number of people at centres because it would be "very dangerous" to send too many samples to the laboratory that would then go untested.


bbcuk--2020-09-18--Van Morrison to release lockdown protest songs

Sir Van Morrison has accused the government of `` taking our freedom '' in three new songs that protest against the coronavirus lockdown .
In the lyrics , he claims scientists are `` making up crooked facts '' to justify measures that `` enslave '' the population .
`` The new normal , is not normal , '' he sings .
`` We were born to be free '' .
Speaking on Thursday , the prime minister said the government was doing `` everything in our power '' to prevent another nationwide lockdown .
`` I do n't want a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be completely wrong for this country , '' Boris Johnson told MPs at the Commons Liaison Committee .
`` So when I see people arguing against the rule of six or saying that the government is coming in too hard on individual liberties and so on - I totally understand that and I sympathise with that , but we must , must defeat this disease . ''
Recorded `` recently '' in Belfast and England , Sir Van 's three new songs sit in a familiar vein of jazz and bluesy R @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recall the angry young man who fronted Northern Irish rock group Them in the 1960s .
No More Lockdown is the most strident of the three tracks .
`` No more lockdown / No more government overreach , '' the musician sings in the chorus .
`` No more fascist bullies / Disturbing our peace .
`` No more taking of our freedom / And our God given rights / Pretending it 's for our safety / When it 's really to enslave . ''
• Which areas are now under lockdown ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ know about testing • Not enough tests for five months , study predicts Another song references a widely-shared Facebook post , of a screenshot from a UK government website saying , `` Covid-19 is no longer considered to be a high consequence infectious disease ( HCID ) in the UK '' .
While it is true that Covid-19 does not meet the criteria for an HCID - which typically has a high fatality rate ( as much as 50 % in the case of Ebola ) - the disease is still considered highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment currently available .
Sir Van has previously caused controversy by denouncing what he called the `` pseudoscience '' around coronavirus .
Launching a campaign to `` save live music '' on his website last month , the 75-year-old said socially distanced gigs were not economically viable .
`` I call on my fellow singers , musicians , writers , producers , promoters and others in the industry to fight with me on this .
Come forward , stand up , fight the pseudo-science and speak up . ''
The Brown Eyed Girl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month , and has two shows at The London Palladium next week but he says these types of concerts are unsustainable and he is worried about the future of live music .
`` This is not a sign of compliance or acceptance of the current state of affairs , this is to get my band up and running and out of the doldrum , '' he said .
The Music Venue Trust estimates that 400 grass roots venues in the UK are at the risk of closing .
• Many music venues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Van said his new songs would be released at two-week intervals with the first , Born To Be Free , arriving on 25 September .
In a statement announcing the songs , the musician said : `` I 'm not telling people what to do or think , the government is doing a great job of that already .
`` It 's about freedom of choice , I believe people should have the right to think for themselves . ''
The BBC has approached the government for a response .
Follow us on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"So when I see people arguing against the rule of six or saying that the government is coming in too hard on individual liberties and so on - I totally understand that and I sympathise with that, but we must, must defeat this disease."


bbcuk--2020-09-17--PM's Brexit compromise is 'not enough', says Lord Howard

Government plans to amend a controversial bill that overrides sections of the Brexit divorce deal have been rejected by former Tory leader Lord Howard .
The peer said the compromise between No 10 and Tory MPs `` is n't enough '' for him to back it in the House of Lords .
The proposed changes would hand the Commons a say before powers to break international law could be used .
MPs will vote on them next week , before the bill heads to the Lords .
Boris Johnson reached a deal with Conservative MPs on Wednesday , in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his backbenchers over the Internal Market Bill .
On Wednesday Lord Keen , Scotland 's Advocate General , became the second senior government legal officer to quit over the bill .
• A compromise ... but No 10 is not backing down • PM in compromise with Tory critics over Brexit bill • How could the Northern Ireland Brexit deal change ?
The government has now published an amendment to the bill , which would prevent ministers from activating new powers it gives them to override the Brexit divorce deal until MPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The change is similar to those proposed by senior Tory backbencher Sir Bob Neill , who will now drop an amendment he had planned on the issue .
Ministers have also tabled amendments to the bill that would place a time-limit on any attempts to question the legality of the controversial sections by judicial review .
But Lord Howard , who was Conservative leader between 2003 and 2005 , told the BBC : `` The government is still asking Parliament to break international law . ''
He added that even with the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bill being approved by the House of Lords were currently `` not great . ''
Asked if the matter could lead to a stand-off between the Commons and the Lords over the issue , he said : `` I think it may go beyond that '' .
`` I do n't know what my colleagues will do , but as far as I 'm concerned this is a matter of principle , '' added the Brexit-backing peer .
The government 's changes to bill were welcomed by senior Tory backbencher Sir Roger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against it if no changes were made .
In a tweet on Thursday , he wrote : `` At least Parliament will now have the chance to vote again if the government proposes to change the withdrawal agreement '' .
But Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said his party did not support the government 's bill , adding its powers to break international law were `` wrong '' .
`` The latest fudge by way of amendments does n't take the problem away , it just changes the problem , '' he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued the new powers in the bill are only required as a `` legal safety net '' in case ongoing talks with the EU over detailed arrangements for the Irish border break down .
In a policy paper published on Thursday , the government said the powers would only be triggered if the EU undermined the `` fundamental purpose '' of these negotiations .
It listed examples of what it said would constitute such behaviour , including if the EU insisted on export declarations for goods sent to Great Britain from Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did decide to use powers to override the Brexit divorce deal , it would begin formal dispute settlement talks with the EU at the same time .
Defending the bill on Wednesday , the prime minister said he believed the EU may not be negotiating with the UK in good faith during talks over a post-Brexit trade deal .
The EU has reacted angrily to the bill , threatening legal action and the possible suspension of trade talks if the measures overriding the withdrawal agreement are not withdrawn .
Asked to comment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation , the European Commission said it would not comment on `` internal discussions '' between British ministers and MPs .
However chief spokesman Eric Mamer said an EU request for the UK to withdraw the sections of the bill before the end of September `` has not changed '' .
On Mr Johnson 's claim the EU had not been negotiating in good faith , he said agreements the EU had struck with countries around the world showed the bloc had a `` rather splendid track record '' in this area .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier had demonstrated he could negotiate in good faith , even on `` politically sensitive issues '' , during talks to conclude the UK 's withdrawal deal , which entered into force in February .
Informal talks on a trade agreement are continuing in Brussels this week , ahead of another full-scale negotiation round later this month .
A UK Government spokesperson described the talks as `` useful '' and said `` some limited progress was made '' .
However they added that `` significant gaps remain in key areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The European Commission chief , Ursula von der Leyen , said she was `` convinced '' a trade deal remains possible with the UK but called Mr Johnson 's attempt to override the Brexit treaty an `` unpleasant surprise '' .
She said the Internal Market Bill `` distracted very strongly '' from the two sides being able to secure fresh trade terms .
What is the Internal Market Bill ?
The bill sets out rules for the operation of the UK internal market - trade between England , Scotland , Wales and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Brexit transition period in January .
• No new checks on goods moving from Northern Ireland to the rest of Great Britain • Giving UK ministers powers to modify or `` disapply '' rules relating to the movement of goods that will come into force from 1 January if the UK and EU are unable to reach an alternative agreement through a trade deal • Powers to override previously agreed obligations on state aid - government support for businesses .
The bill explicitly states that these powers should apply even if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say the legislation is needed to prevent `` damaging '' tariffs on goods travelling from the rest of the UK to Northern Ireland if negotiations with the EU on a free trade agreement fail .

The government has now published an amendment to the bill, which would prevent ministers from activating new powers it gives them to override the Brexit divorce deal until MPs had voted to approve it first.


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Coronavirus: North-east England local lockdown begins

New restrictions to halt a rise in coronavirus cases have come into force in north-east England , affecting almost two million people .
The temporary measures , which started at midnight , are to tackle `` concerning rates of infection '' in the region .
The rules affect Newcastle , Gateshead , Sunderland , Northumberland , South Tyneside , North Tyneside and the County Durham council area .
Pubs and restaurants must shut early and household-mixing has been limited .
Responding to the rise in infections , Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes said : `` The evidence we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's spreading in three main areas - in pubs , in people 's homes and in grassroots sports . ''
Meanwhile , the BBC understands new local lockdown restrictions are to be introduced in most of Lancashire , with the exception of Blackpool .
An announcement on measures in parts of north-west England is expected from the government later on Friday .
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson told the Liverpool Echo `` we fully expect '' additional restrictions as infection rates in the city have risen above 100 per 100,000 of population .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Meeting people outside your household or support bubble in private homes and gardens is banned ( exemptions include attending a birth , visiting someone who is dying , work , education , registered childcare , emergencies or care issues , moving house and child contact arrangements ) • People are advised not to socialise outside their household in public venues • Residents should only use public transport for essential purposes , such as going to school or work • Pubs , restaurants , cafes must be table service only and all leisure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are permitted but only with members of your household or support bubble • Travel outside the area is permitted but visiting another home or garden is not • People should not spectate at any grassroots sport or play sport in the restricted areas • Care homes are closed to non-essential visitors except in end-of-life circumstances • There are no local changes to funerals , weddings or religious ceremonies Speaking in the House of Commons on Thursday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : `` The data says that we must act now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection rate of 103 cases per 100,000 people .
In South Tyneside and Gateshead the latest published rates were 93.4 and 83.6 respectively .
• How are people reacting to new North East rules ?
• Which areas are now under local lockdown ?
• Updates as they happened on Thursday Concern has been raised about increased waiting times for coronavirus test results for people using community testing centres .
In Sunderland , drivers queued outside a Covid test centre , only to later find out it was empty .
There remains confusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the council and the government were still continuing over whether to exclude grandparents helping with childcare from the restrictions .
Mr Forbes tweeted that Newcastle City Council had `` specifically '' asked for this to be allowed and was `` hoping '' for government confirmation .
Council leaders have also requested additional funding for policing , as well as extra testing facilities .
Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth echoed the need for more testing capacity to be available in areas where there were tightened restrictions .
He said it was urgent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' or we face a `` very bleak winter indeed '' .
County Durham 's director of public health Amanda Healy said : `` If we do want to be able to continue to go to work , to schools , to keep in contact with relatives but stop an increase in the cases we have seen , we are really urging people to adhere to the guidance coming out today . ''
Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon said : `` Nobody welcomes these things but I would think the vast majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we all need to act and pull together . ''
Small businesses broadly welcomed the lockdown but called for more support to adapt to the new measures .
Simon Hanson , North East development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses , said it was `` absolutely critical '' that small and micro businesses were given grant support quickly to help them adapt and provide cashflow .
It is estimated than 10 million people in the UK currently face additional coronavirus restrictions , with local lockdowns covering parts of Scotland , south @ @ @ @ @ @ @ east of England , Yorkshire and the Midlands .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• SUPPORT BUBBLES : What are they and who can be in yours ?
• FACE MASKS : When do I need to wear one ?
• SCHOOLS : What will happen if children catch coronavirus ?
• TESTING : What tests are available ?
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County Durham's director of public health Amanda Healy said: "If we do want to be able to continue to go to work, to schools, to keep in contact with relatives but stop an increase in the cases we have seen, we are really urging people to adhere to the guidance coming out today."


bbcuk--2020-09-17--'Nearly two-thirds' of adults back in the workplace, says ONS

Nearly two in three adults are now travelling to work , as some employers ask their staff to return to offices during the pandemic .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) said that 62 % of adults reported commuting to work last week .
That compares with 36 % in late May , soon after the ONS began compiling the figures during lockdown .
The government has been encouraging workers to return to offices to help revive city centres .
While the proportion of people travelling to work has increased , the ONS said 10 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that 20 % of people continued to work exclusively from home .
The commuter data includes people who may be travelling to work exclusively , or they may be doing a mixture of commuting and working from home , the ONS said .
Business groups have warned city centres could become `` ghost towns '' if more staff do not return , damaging small businesses that rely on passing trade from office workers .
However , new research released on Thursday by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development ( CIPD ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a permanent fixture for many , following the pandemic .
According to the survey of 1,000 employers , 37 % believe staff will regularly avoid the journey into the office following Covid-19 - up from just 18 % before the pandemic .
• Next : Staff working from home 'miss out on camaraderie' CIPD chief executive Peter Cheese said : `` The step-change shift to home working to adapt to lockdowns has taught us all a lot about how we can be flexible in ways of working in the future .
`` Employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed properly , home working can be as productive and innovative as office working and we can give more opportunity for people to benefit from better work-life balance . ''
However , he said it did not suit everyone and that organisations would have to design working arrangements around people 's needs while `` also meeting the needs of the business '' .
The ONS also found that about one in 10 workers are still furloughed under the government 's job retention scheme .
Under the scheme , workers placed on leave have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their pay , up to a maximum of £2,500 a month .
That level is likely to fall in coming weeks as the government has started to scale back the amount of money it pays out to furloughed workers .
Companies who want to furlough their staff have had to pick up at least 10 % of the bill since the beginning of September .
In October , they will have to pay 20 % .
Almost 10 million workers have been furloughed since March , but the scheme is set to end @ @ @ @ @

The ONS also found that about one in 10 workers are still furloughed under the government's job retention scheme. Under the scheme, workers placed on leave have been able to receive 80% of their pay, up to a maximum of £2,500 a month.


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Staff blamed for Covid outbreak at Bacup primary school

A head teacher has blamed staff for an outbreak of Covid-19 at his school after they attended a party .
Eight members of staff at Bacup Holy Trinity Stacksteads CE Primary School have contracted Covid-19 since the party on 5 September , John Aspin said .
Another three , who did not attend , have since been infected and the whole school has now had to close .
In a letter to parents published on the school website , Mr Aspin said staff at the Lancashire school took an `` ill-advised risk '' when they attended a party at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he had `` spent many hours over the weekend '' trying to work out why so many staff were becoming ill as he had not been told about the gathering .
`` Had I been aware of the event I would have told them that they should not attend because of the risks , but sadly I was not informed '' , he said .
He spoke of his disappointment `` given the amount of time and effort that I , and others , have put into planning the safety procedures for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The staff did not break any government restrictions but `` failed to appreciate the bigger picture '' of the spread of the virus , he said .
`` I know each will be genuinely regretting the decision they took to attend what last year would have been an enjoyable event , but in the current situation was an ill-advised action to take , given their responsibilities to the children of the school and to their colleagues . ''

"I know each will be genuinely regretting the decision they took to attend what last year would have been an enjoyable event, but in the current situation was an ill-advised action to take, given their responsibilities to the children of the school and to their colleagues."


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Brexit: Hauliers' meeting with Michael Gove 'a washout'

The Road Haulage Association has described its meeting with Michael Gove about post-Brexit arrangements as `` a washout '' .
The body said there had been `` no clarity '' from the senior minister on how border checks will operate when the transition period ends after December .
Although the UK has left the EU , it has continued following some EU rules during the transition period .
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said the meeting had been `` constructive '' .
After the transition period traders will need to fill in customs declaration forms , with detailed information on what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haulage industry has expressed concern this could lead to long tailbacks at ports and disruption to supply chains .
In Kent a coronavirus testing centre has been closed to make way for a lorry park to accommodate post-Brexit customs checks .
And earlier this week Logistics UK warned that a new freight management system - designed to reduce delays at ports - will not be ready when the transition period ends .
• UK and Japan in first major post-Brexit trade deal A meeting between the government and stakeholders was arranged to discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive Richard Burnett said that it `` fell far short of our expectations '' .
`` The mutually effective co-operation we wanted to ensure seamless border crossings just did n't happen and there is still no clarity over the questions that we have raised , '' he said .
`` Although I do n't think we 're quite back at square one , we 're certainly not much further ahead . ''
Chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation Shane Brennan who also attended the meeting said : `` There is no point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - we are heading for major delays and disruption - systems are not ready , processes are unclear , awareness of what will be required is low across industry '' We will need calm heads and a willingness from customs , food and security officials ( on the U.K. and EU side ) to make sensible , pragmatic , decisions , probably throughout 2021 as systems bed down and new ways of working emerge . ''
A Cabinet Office spokesperson described the meeting as `` constructive '' and said government would `` continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks ahead so we can hit the ground running on 1 January 2021 and seize new opportunities '' .
`` To help businesses prepare , we have launched a major communications campaign in the UK and EU , committed to investing £705m in jobs , infrastructure and technology at the border and provided a £84m support package to boost the capacity of the customs intermediary sector . ''
Meanwhile informal talks aimed at agreeing a UK-EU trade deal are continuing in Brussels this week , ahead of another full-scale negotiation round later this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the talks as `` useful '' and said `` some limited progress was made '' but added that `` significant gaps remain in key areas , including fisheries and subsidies '' .
However the EU has warned that trade talks could be suspended unless the UK removes measures from its Internal Market Bill which could override parts of the original divorce deal .

Chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation Shane Brennan who also attended the meeting said: "There is no point pretending it's going to be smooth - we are heading for major delays and disruption - systems are not ready, processes are unclear, awareness of what will be required is low across industry


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Coronavirus: Restrictions in north-east England and demand for tests

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Thursday evening .
We 'll have another update for you on Friday morning .
Almost two million people in north-east England will be banned from mixing with other households and pubs will close early as restrictions come into force at midnight .
The measures affect seven council areas , including Newcastle , Sunderland , South Tyneside and Gateshead .
Meanwhile , strict limits on social gatherings came into force in Rhondda Cynon Taf this evening .
It means millions of people in the UK are now living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Demand for coronavirus testing is `` significantly outstripping the capacity we have '' , head of NHS Test and Trace Baroness Harding has told MPs this afternoon .
She told the science and technology committee that the return to school meant demand from under-17s had doubled .
It comes after widespread reports of people struggling to get tested , while others have been directed to test sites hundreds of miles from their homes .
Delays to test results have also been reported , with figures showing today that only one in three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in England are processed within 24 hours .
Some good news for travellers arriving into England from Thailand and Singapore - they will no longer need to self-isolate for 14-days from 04:00 BST on Saturday .
But Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urged holidaymakers to check before travelling as both countries may have their own requirements .
Meanwhile , Slovenia and Guadeloupe have been from removed from the safe list .
We take a look at which countries are on the UK 's quarantine lists here .
4 .
Is it a cold , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Covid-19 are caused by different viruses , but can have similar symptoms , making it hard to judge which one you have .
Most people who feel ill with coronavirus will have at least one of the key symptoms : a high temperature , a new , continuous cough and a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste .
Our health editor Michelle Roberts takes a look at how you can tell the difference .
5 .
Drive-in Panto to tour UK ( Oh yes it is ! )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast of Car Park Panto are taking their production on the road with a tour of outdoor venues across the UK .
Audiences will watch the production from their cars , which will be parked more than two metres apart .
And there 's more good news for theatre-lovers as London 's National Theatre , which has been closed since 16 March , has said it will remodel its largest stage so it can reopen for a socially distanced audience later this month .
Get a longer daily news briefing from the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by signing up here .
Find more information , advice and guides on our coronavirus page .
People across the UK have struggled to get coronavirus tests in recent days , as the government says capacity is higher than ever .
Our health team consider what is going wrong ?
What questions do you have about coronavirus ?
In some cases , your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your question :

Demand for coronavirus testing is "significantly outstripping the capacity we have", head of NHS Test and Trace Baroness Harding has told MPs this afternoon. She told the science and technology committee that the return to school meant demand from under-17s had doubled. It comes after widespread reports of people struggling to get tested, while others have been directed to test sites hundreds of miles from their homes. Delays to test results have also been reported, with figures showing today that only one in three tests carried out in community testing centres in England are processed within 24 hours.


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Coronavirus: Which areas are under lockdown and what are the rules?

Coronavirus restrictions are being tightened in parts of north-east England , including Sunderland and Newcastle .
They are the latest areas to see extra measures put in place as cases increase .
• Pub curfews and restrictions on people mixing are being introduced in Northumberland , Newcastle , Sunderland , North and South Tyneside , Gateshead and County Durham from 18 September • People in Rhondda Cynon Taf should not leave the area without a reasonable excuse like going to work or school ; pubs and restaurants must close by 23:00 BST and people should not meet other households indoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandwell are not allowed to mix • People living in Lanarkshire are not allowed to meet other households indoors • People in Ballymena town , the Belfast council area and certain Northern Irish postcodes are not allowed to go to each other 's homes • People in Caerphilly county are being told not to leave without good reason and should not meet indoors with anyone outside their household • In parts of Greater Manchester , West Yorkshire and Lancashire people can not meet anyone outside their own household , or support bubble , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oldham , Blackburn with Darwen and Pendle should not meet anyone from outside their household outdoors • In Bolton , there are visitor limits on care homes , while hospitality venues will only be able to serve takeaways and must close between 22:00 and 05:00 • In Leicester , people can not meet someone from another household in an indoor public venue .
However , they can meet other households outside • People living in Glasgow city , East Renfrewshire , Renfrewshire , East Dunbartonshire , West Dunbartonshire , North Lanarkshire and South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another household inside their home You can find out online which places in England , Scotland and Wales have imposed extra restrictions .
What triggers an area into lockdown ?
There is no set level of infection that triggers a lockdown in a particular area , but if it posts more than 40 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people , it is likely that extra restrictions will be considered .
As of 16 September , Sunderland 's rate was 82.1 per 100,000 people , South Tyneside was 93.4 , Gateshead was 81.7 and Newcastle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not the only factor considered .
For example , cases in Northampton jumped to 125 per 100,000 in August .
But as the rise was almost entirely down to workers at a local factory no lockdown was introduced .
Local decision-makers have a framework they can use to decide whether their area should be placed under extra restrictions to protect the public.. How long do local or regional lockdowns last ?
Lockdowns are regularly reviewed and when the number of infections falls , restrictions start to be eased again .
For instance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August but later lifted .
How are these lockdowns enforced ?
Local authorities in England have powers to : • Close specific premises ( such as shops , cafes and gyms ) • Shut outdoor spaces ( such as parks , playgrounds and beaches ) • Cancel events ( such as concerts , weddings and sporting events ) • Close sectors or types of premises in local areas • Restrict the use of transport • Caerphilly county to go under local lockdown What warnings are given before lockdown ?
Public Health England publishes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection rates are becoming worrying .
It separates them into `` areas of concern '' , `` areas of enhanced support '' and `` areas of intervention '' .
Police have powers to enforce a lockdown .
For example , if they believe that somebody is staying away overnight , they can tell them to return home .
They can also fine people for breaking the rules , and may issue a `` prohibition notice '' directing somebody not to do something .
But if a resident from a locked-down area wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the city , for example , there is nothing legally to stop them .
Instead , the government hopes people 's sense of civic responsibility will see them follow guidance to stay at home .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• SUPPORT BUBBLES : What are they and who can be in yours ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?

Find out how the pandemic has affected your area and how it compares with the national average by following this link to an in depth guide to the numbers involved.


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Covid symptoms: Is it a cold, flu or coronavirus?

Colds , flu and Covid-19 are caused by different viruses , but can have similar symptoms .
It can be hard to judge which one you may have .
Most people who feel ill with coronavirus will have at least one of the key symptoms : • a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste So what do you need to know about other things you may catch in the coming months ?
Does a fever mean I have coronavirus ?
A high temperature is 37.8C or above .
A fever like this can happen when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just coronavirus .
It is best to use a thermometer to take a measure .
But if you do n't have one , check if you , or the person you are worried about , feels hot to the touch on the chest or back .
Although fever is a key coronavirus symptom , it could be flu or a different infection .
A high temperature is unlikely with a cold .
If you have a fever , arrange a coronavirus test - you can use the NHS 111 coronavirus service online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu you may well have a cough , along with other symptoms .
Flu usually comes on suddenly and sufferers will often experience muscle aches , chills , headaches , tiredness , a sore throat and a runny or stuffed nose , along with the cough .
It feels worse than a heavy cold .
Colds tend to develop more gradually and are less severe , although they do still make you feel unwell .
Along with a cough , there may be sneezing and a sore throat and runny nose .
Fever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are rare .
A coronavirus cough means coughing a lot for more than an hour , or three or more coughing fits or `` episodes '' in 24 hours .
If you usually have a cough because of a long-standing medical condition like COPD , it may be worse than usual .
You should get tested for coronavirus if you develop a new , continuous cough .
What do loss or change to smell or taste mean ?
These are key symptoms of coronavirus and mean you should get a test .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simple cold .
But you need to check , even if you do n't feel unwell , to avoid the risk of spreading the virus .
• Coronavirus smell loss 'different from cold or flu' Does sneezing mean I 've got coronavirus ?
Sneezing is not a symptom of coronavirus , and unless you also have a fever , cough or loss of smell and taste , you do not need a test .
Sneeze droplets can spread infections though , so catch them in a tissue , put it in the bin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hands .
Face .
Space to help stop the spread of coronavirus and other illnesses : • Use a face covering when social distancing is not possible • Try to keep your distance from those not in your household More people in England are being offered a free flu jab this year too in the run-up to winter .
How about a runny or blocked nose ?
As we head into winter and with children back to school and more workplaces open , lots of people will be getting colds .
A runny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested for coronavirus , says NHS Scotland .
Data from an app that has been monitoring Covid-19 symptoms , reported by UK users , suggests children present less often with respiratory symptoms and are more likely to be suffering from fever , headaches , fatigue and skin rashes .
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • FACE MASKS : When do I need to wear one ?
• SUPPORT BUBBLES : What are they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • TEST AND TRACE : How does it work ?
What if I am very unwell ?
People with coronavirus have a wide range of symptoms , ranging from mild to severe , although some will have none at all , but can still be infectious .
• How to treat coronavirus at home Symptoms may appear up to two weeks after exposure to coronavirus , but usually around day five .
Feeling breathless can be a sign of a more serious coronavirus infection .
If you are having trouble breathing , contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or the NHS 111 online coronavirus service .
If you are very worried about sudden shortness of breath ring 999 .
• Call 111 if you 're worried about a baby or child under five • If your child seems very unwell , is getting worse or you think there 's something seriously wrong , call 999 • Do not delay getting help if you 're worried .
Trust your instincts • TASTE AND SMELL : How are they connected ?
• COVID-19 AND FOOD : How has lockdown changed what we @ @

Have I got Covid, a bad cold or something else? Published 5 April 2022
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The symptoms of Covid and other respiratory infections are now very similar
As the latest version of the Omicron variant continues to spread quickly, the official list of Covid symptoms has been expanded in England - but not yet in the rest of the UK.
The updated guidance now lists nine extra symptoms, including a sore throat, muscle pains and diarrhoea, but many of these are similar to cold and flu symptoms.
So how can you tell if you've got Covid, a bad cold or something else?
What are the symptoms to look out for?
The new list of Covid symptoms has been expanded from the original three:
a new, continuous cough
a fever or high temperature
loss of or change to smell or taste
It now includes nine other symptoms which are common signs of other respiratory infections too:
shortness of breath
feeling tired or exhausted, lack of energy
muscle aches or pains
headache that lasts longer than usual
blocked or runny nose
sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
loss of appetite
diarrhoea
feeling sick or being sick
It's not possible to tell if you have Covid-19, flu or another respiratory infection based on symptoms alone, official advice says.
But spotting these symptoms can help to reduce the spread to other more vulnerable people.
If you have any of these symptoms plus a high temperature or you don't feel well enough to go to work or school, you're advised to stay at home.
Is change or loss of taste and smell still important?
This was one of the three key Covid symptoms identified during the first two years of the pandemic but it appears to be much less common with Omicron infections.
The most common five symptoms experienced by people with positive Covid tests recently are runny nose (83%), fatigue (71%), sore throat (69%), headache (69%) and sneezing (68%), according to the ZOE Covid symptom app.
How can I tell if I've got a fever or high temperature?
A high temperature is 37.8C or above, and can happen when the body is fighting off any infection - not just coronavirus.
If you don't have a thermometer, check if you - or the person you're worried about - feel hot to the touch on the chest or back.
A high temperature is unlikely with a cold.
How do I know when to stay at home?
If you have any of these symptoms plus a high temperature or you don't feel well enough to carry out normal activities, you're advised to stay at home in England.
You should avoid contact with other people, in particular those who are at high risk of becoming seriously unwell if they get Covid.
People with symptoms are no longer advised to test for Covid in England, but if you do have a positive result, you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days after the day you took your test.
Many people will no longer be infectious after five days but some may still be able to pass on the virus for up to 10 days.
People with symptoms are still advised to take a PCR test in Scotland and Northern Ireland or a lateral flow test (LFT) in Wales. Anyone who tests positive in the three nations is asked to isolate.
When testing ends in Scotland, people who feel unwell will be advised to stay at home until they feel better.
How can I reduce spread in my household?
The advice is to try to keep your distance from people you live with, particularly those whose immune system is weaker than normal.
You can also open windows in rooms for 10 minutes after someone with symptoms has left.
Cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as door handles and remote controls can protect people in your house from Covid and other viruses.
What if I have to leave home?
If you can't stay at home while you feel unwell, you can reduce the chances of passing on the infection you have by:
wearing a well-fitting face mask
avoiding crowded places such as public transport or large indoor gatherings
taking exercise outdoors
covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands frequently
Who is at high risk from Covid?
For most people who've been vaccinated - and children, even if they haven't had a jab - Covid infections are usually mild, and typically last for up to a week.
But some groups are still at higher risk and need protecting from Covid and other respiratory infections, including:
older people
those who are pregnant
those who are unvaccinated
people of any age whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious illness
people of any age with certain long-term conditions
Some very young children who were born prematurely or who have heart conditions are also at risk from RSV, another respiratory virus.
What if I'm worried about my symptoms?
Most people can be treated for Covid at home, as with any other mild respiratory illness. You should get plenty of rest and drink water to keep hydrated.
You can take paracetamol to relieve headaches and muscle aches or pains, but antibiotics won't work against viral infections like Covid.
If you're having trouble breathing, contact your doctor, or use the NHS 111 coronavirus service online.
If you're very worried about sudden shortness of breath, call 999.
The NHS also advises:
call 111 if you're worried about a baby or child under five
if your child seems very unwell, is getting worse or you think there's something seriously wrong, call 999
don't delay getting help if you're worried, trust your instincts


bbcuk--2020-09-16--My NHS dentist can fix my son's teeth - if we go private

When Sally Armstrong took her 16-year-old son for his first check-up after the lockdown rules began to ease , she was shocked to discover that he needed nine fillings .
She was equally stunned when her dentist told her that coronavirus restrictions meant the work could not be carried out on the NHS - but that he could do it privately .
`` He wears braces and has not been cleaning his teeth properly because he could n't get between his teeth with the floss , '' said Edinburgh mother-of-two Sally ( not her real name ) .
They are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only in an emergency , if the patient is in pain .
However , that restriction does not apply to the private sector .
All dentists must follow protocols which include having a window open while using drills , having PPE , wearing a respiratory mask , and leaving a room fallow for one hour after any drilling stops .
So why are some services being offered to patients who are prepared to go private , but not by the same dentist on the NHS ?
The menu of procedures which are allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statement of dental remuneration .
The number of procedures on that list has been cut from 600 to 80 due to the Covid restrictions .
But private dentistry does not have to follow those guidelines - which is why those same dentists can carry out certain procedures on patients who are prepared to go private .
The Scottish government says the independent healthcare sector , including dentists , had previously been told about the importance of `` following the spirit of the route map '' .
She said : `` I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creating a two-tier system , but that is just not the case .
`` The government has no say in what we do privately .
The government does not financially support me for the private side of my business , so we need to work . ''
Only two of the three dentists in the practice can work each day so they can leave one room free for aerosol drilling work .
James Craig , a committee member of the Scottish Dental Association and owner of Currie Dental Care in Edinburgh , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used the income from private patients to subsidise NHS treatment .
`` It is a complicated system that needs revamped and updated .
It is also the reason why it does n't work in Covid times because you can not deal with high volumes of patients . ''
`` In a letter to private healthcare providers on 1 June the national clinical director and the chief dental officer highlighted the importance of the entire independent healthcare sector , including independent dentists , following the spirit of the route map and supporting key public @ @ @ @

The menu of procedures which are allowed on the NHS are set out in the statement of dental remuneration. The number of procedures on that list has been cut from 600 to 80 due to the Covid restrictions.


bbcuk--2020-09-15--Will Halloween and birthday parties be cancelled in Scotland?

Nicola Sturgeon has not ruled out a ban on guising in Scotland this Halloween .
The first minister said she did not want to stop children trick-or-treating but that she would do what was necessary to keep them safe from rising coronavirus infections .
New rules allow no more than six people from two households from gather indoors or outside .
Children under 12 do not count in the total , but do in the number of households .
At her daily briefing , Nicola Sturgeon was asked if new restrictions would affect Halloween celebrations next month .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wish I had a crystal ball sitting next to my magic wand and we would be in a different position .
`` I do n't want to be the person standing here telling children they ca n't go guising , but if it is necessary because of where we are then it 's better than allowing children to be at risk .
`` I will try to take these decisions with my colleagues with the overall interest in keeping the country as safe as we possibly can . ''
National Clinical Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early discussions with the government website Parentclub about what a safe Halloween might look like .
He said : `` We do n't know where we will be , what the prevalence will be and whether we have any further restrictions .
But we are going to have to think about Halloween as every other country will .
`` The reason we have limited the household numbers is that we believe once the virus gets into your house it is difficult to avoid it infecting the people inside .
The main aim is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The first minister has also promised clarification on children 's parties by the end of this week .
She said she had asked advisors to look at the possibility of further exemptions for under-12s to allow occasional celebrations to take place , as long as the number of adults was limited to six .
She also acknowledged that there were unintentional consequences in the limiting of households , one being that some families would not be in a position to access more expensive organised activities which are currently allowed to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decisions she made were perfect and that the aim was to limit household interaction .
Children 's parties - what can you do ?
As it stands with the new six people , two household rule , options for children 's celebrations are limited .
Even with no limits on the number of children under 12 , the two household rule applies .
If the activity is set up and run by a company or organisation which is operating under a governing body or an official sector regulator , then they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This would include , for example , five-a-side football , ski slope tubing sessions , or a horse riding lesson .
The session would be run with social distancing measures observed , sanitising and handwashing and appropriate protective equipment .
The bad news comes if you want a birthday tea to go along with it .
The six people , two household rule applies to hospitality , so party rooms , food and games are off the menu .

He said: "We don't know where we will be, what the prevalence will be and whether we have any further restrictions. But we are going to have to think about Halloween as every other country will.


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Where might next Welsh lockdown be?

Where might next Welsh lockdown be?

Six weeks ago , there were fears of a local lockdown in Wrexham .
The local hospital was dealing with 63 coronavirus cases , the area had easily the highest infection rate in Wales and hundreds went to local mobile testing centres .
Now , the area has one of the lowest infection rates in Wales - and it currently ranks 185th in the UK 's list of hardest hit areas , as analysed by the BBC .
But for two weeks running in August , Wrexham had more deaths involving Covid-19 than anywhere else in the UK .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself .
That is why public health officials are closely watching any part of Wales which shows signs of a jump in cases .
What are we looking for ?
Daily blips can happen , so health officials look at the case rate over the last week - the proportion of positive tests per 100,000 population .
They also look at the positivity rate - how many people tested actually turn out to have Covid-19 - and with more than 9,000 being tested a day now , when that gets above 4 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are under local lockdown and what are the rules ?
In Rhondda Cynon Taf ( RCT ) , this rate is currently 5.7 % - the highest proportion in Wales and double the national average .
Health officials are also looking closely at where people with infections are living .
Is it confined to their circle of family and friends or in the wider community ?
With the easing of lockdown , pockets and clusters of cases were expected .
The Welsh Government 's track and trace system so far has a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the infections are , and keeping a lid on the problem when it occurs , is key .
Officials can access micro-data , so they can tell which neighbourhoods are affected .
When they start to see a lot of cases that they ca n't track back to a source case then that 's a strong indicator that there 's community transmission .
It means efforts to specifically isolate groups or individuals have failed to contain the virus .
When that occurs it makes the prospect of a local lockdown far more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RCT .
When cases move up too fast - and too high - local areas are watched very carefully .
A few weeks ago , Cardiff showed an upsurge in cases .
This showed up in mainly younger people and was blamed on socialising and people not social distancing .
It was complicated by infected holidaymakers flying back from Greece .
Cardiff is now steady at 15.8 cases per 100,000 and an example of how a worrying rise in cases does not mean lockdown is inevitable .
At the weekend , a surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties around the recent bank holiday and its case rate is still of concern , alongside neighbouring Caerphilly - where the first lockdown was imposed more than a week ago .
Caerphilly still has the highest case rate in Wales but RCT has almost caught it up .
• What do the stats tell us in Wales ?
Both rank in the top 20 hardest hit areas in the UK - although this is dominated by towns in Greater Manchester and Lancashire .
In recent days , there was a rise in cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently in Bridgend - which currently has more than 20 cases per 100,000 - and Blaenau Gwent , on 34.4 .
Merthyr Tydfil has the smallest population of any Welsh council area , so a small jump in infections can push up the case rate .
But over the course of the pandemic it has the highest cumulative case rate , thanks mainly to an outbreak associated with workers from a meat plant .
In the last week it has risen 46.4 cases per 100,000 - the fourth highest in Wales .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Covid-19 symptoms after a lull .
But it is hospital admissions which are being watched keenly .
Cwm Taf Morgannwg - which covers RCT and Bridgend - had 14 covid-related admissions on Tuesday , the highest number since mid-June .
The previous week had seen the highest level of admissions with coronavirus since the start of August .
Despite a fall on the previous week , more than half of all Covid-19 hospital admissions in Wales are still in Aneurin Bevan , which covers Caerphilly and Newport , and Cwm Taf Morgannwg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Wales , told BBC Radio Wales he feared the level of infections in these areas meant a `` high risk '' of a rise in hospital admissions and this in turn could lead to a rise in deaths .
`` We are seeing older age groups now being infected and there is obviously a sad risk that we may be seeing deaths .
`` We would expect that hospital admissions would be increasing around about now and we are perhaps starting to see that in Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Merthyr Tydfil has the smallest population of any Welsh council area, so a small jump in infections can push up the case rate. But over the course of the pandemic it has the highest cumulative case rate, thanks mainly to an outbreak associated with workers from a meat plant. In the last week it has risen 46.4 cases per 100,000 - the fourth highest in Wales.


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Six months of heartbreak and loss

Six months of heartbreak and loss

It is six months since the first death of someone in Northern Ireland who had tested positive for Covid-19 .
Since then the total recorded by the Department of Health has risen to 573 , as of Wednesday .
BBC News NI spoke to three people whose lives have been affected by the virus .
Having buried her brother and father , Brenda Doherty knows what it is like to grieve .
While she still misses and mourns them , Brenda says losing her mum Ruth to Covid-19 in March was very different .
The 82-year-old was among the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Brenda says : `` My sons and my brothers - they so much wanted to give mummy the same send-off that they 'd given my dad , they wanted to carry her coffin .
`` I would have done a eulogy for my mum telling all her stories .
I will do that at the memorial but it wo n't be the same because she wo n't be in front of me in her coffin . ''
Like so many other families they did n't get to sit at her hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funeral service .
`` We did n't say goodbye to my mum .
We did n't see mum leaving the family home for the last time in her coffin .
Or mum being put in the grave before Jennifer and I could stand at the graveside , '' Brenda says .
`` We did n't get to touch mummy 's coffin , let alone see her in it .
`` That has impacted on the grief the same way that it has done for so many families .
`` There were 12 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say she was dying and mummy 's passing , I do relive them and I still ask questions - did she really understand why we all were n't there ? ''
Brenda says she struggles with how some people talk to her about Covid .
`` I am constantly defending my mummy dying .
I get asked , 'are you sure it was Covid ? '
'' she says .
`` No-one ever asked me if I was sure dad died from cancer .
They ask if she had underlying health conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` So all that impacts on my anger .
It 's all a rollercoaster of emotions.
`` The family are currently clearing their family home .
There are boxes and boxes of memories .
On top of one particular box is a hospital bag of personal possessions .
Brenda says they have yet to open it as it is just too painful .
`` Inside is the necklace that mum wore in hospital .
Everything else was destroyed because of Covid , but we asked them to save it , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing which touched mum .
That is precious . ''
'This has had a devastating impact' Prof Nichola Rooney is making her way through the pandemic wearing two hats - one as a mother of three children and the other as a clinical psychologist trying to offer advice and help make sense of it all .
`` Grieving is a normal process but Covid has made it worse , because it means it 's all happening in abnormal circumstances , '' Prof Rooney says .
She is part of a Department of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know there is already greater demand for bereavement support and that need will grow , '' she says .
`` Some people who have buried loved ones during lockdown ca n't believe it has happened .
`` The body not being at home , the lack of funeral , that feeling of being isolated .
`` All of this has had a devastating impact .
The normal traditions in Northern Ireland help , the wake , the walking behind the coffin , the funeral service , that all helps but for many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' According to Prof Rooney the Department of Health is putting resources in place to provide bereavement support .
She does not want to see people being handed out prescriptions for anti-depressants .
`` I think all this will extend the grieving process and will extend the feelings of anger and loss , '' she says .
`` Potentially there will be a huge impact on people 's mental health .
It is vital that grieving should not be confused with a mental illness - the two are completely separate . ''
Nurse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first death have gone by in a flash .
Back then nurses were transforming the wards into areas suitable to fight Covid .
`` We were prepared , we were ready for the virus and we worked hard , '' she says .
Nurses are used to dealing with death , but Maire says she experienced a different type of loss during the first wave of coronavirus .
`` A lot of our roles completely changed and that was a big loss , '' she says .
`` We came into work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do and had different priorities .
`` We were working with different colleagues from different hospitals .
That familiarity had gone .
`` It was amazing and challenging to create a new team , but I missed the old one too .
`` It was difficult and hard to deal with on top of everything else . ''

"I would have done a eulogy for my mum telling all her stories. I will do that at the memorial but it won't be the same because she won't be in front of me in her coffin."


bbcuk--2020-09-16--Coronavirus: 'Booking a test is like getting Harry Potter tickets'

Demand for coronavirus tests has surged since pupils returned to schools , with many staff and students unable to tell a winter bug from the pandemic virus .
How are teachers and heads coping with the disruption ?
William Lau , a computer science teacher at Central Foundation Boys ' School in North London , knew how important it was to get a test when his two-year-old daughter developed a fever at 3am on Tuesday .
He did not want students , who had already faced so much disruption to their education , to have any less time with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want his own seven-year-old son to miss more school .
`` We have just come out of six months of lockdown where students have n't had access to education .
I teach in a school with quite high social deprivation .
A lot of the students do n't have computers at home they can do computer science work on , '' he said .
So he began trying to book a test in the early hours of the morning , then set an alarm to carry on at 07:00 BST , searching online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try booking for the best results .
• Can my child go to school with a cold ?
After 11 hours of trying , he eventually found a test booking , but he said the website made it especially hard , repeatedly losing the details he had entered and sending him back to the beginning of the booking process .
`` It 's highly reliant on the user being persistent and just refreshing , refreshing , refreshing , like you 're trying to book Harry Potter tickets . ''
Nicole , in Sheffield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special needs and said she has to self-isolate while waiting for test results for her two children .
Leaving vulnerable children who had missed months of school without their usual teacher brought her close to tears .
She told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast : `` I 'm desperate to be in with them because I want to do the right thing for them . ''
Nicole said she thought the government should have been better prepared .
`` You do n't have to be Chris Whitty or Jenny Harries '' to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , flu and coronavirus in schools this year , she said .
She said : `` Vulnerable children are being hung out to dry .
I just think my report card is 'could hugely do better ' . ''
School leaders estimate that around 740 schools in England have sent home some pupils , whether it 's a bubble , a year group or multiple year groups , said Steve Chalke , the founder of the Oasis trust .
Eight out of his trust 's 52 schools have been affected .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' after spending days trying to book a test for her child with special needs , only to be offered one that she could not reach without a car .
Mr Chalke said this was the `` predictable '' result of focusing on returning students to school physically , and said the government needed a plan to support remote learning for everyone during these disruptions .
Mark Tilling , head teacher of High Tunstall School in Hartlepool , said his school had limited the number of pupils self-isolating to just half a dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped to establish who had been in contact with the school 's one positive case .
But he told BBC Radio 4 's the World At One he had run out of the 10 testing kits provided for his 1,257-pupil school .
They had ordered more , but it was not clear how many they would get or when they would arrive .
Emma Knights , chief executive of the National Governance Association , said the disruption of education is `` beginning to get up a head of speed '' .
`` Just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of bugs brought back and trying to work out what is Covid and what definitely is n't is not a decision that a head teacher can make , '' she said .
Schools were promised it would be `` as easy as possible '' to get a test and that public health teams would carry out a `` rapid risk assessment '' of any suspected cases , to ensure that staff and pupils could isolate if needed without unnecessary disruption .
But she says this is not happening in all schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has Covid-19 and who has been in close contact with them .
Head teachers ' unions said they had received hundreds of emails from schools describing staff and pupils struggling to access tests and being given contradictory advice .
Geoff Barton , ASCL general secretary , told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme that without testing to cut short the self-isolation period for those who are negative , staff absence could be `` unsustainable '' and it would feel like `` lockdown by default '' .
One primary school in Exeter told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were offered tests a seven-hour drive away .
And at a school in Northern Ireland one staff member was told to self-isolate for 14 days even if the test was negative , while another was told they only needed to self-isolate for seven days if it was positive .
Paul Whiteman , general secretary for the NAHT head teachers ' union , said : `` The government assured us that this would be ready , but at the first sign of stress it seems to be falling over . ''

But he told BBC Radio 4's the World At One he had run out of the 10 testing kits provided for his 1,257-pupil school. They had ordered more, but it was not clear how many they would get or when they would arrive.


bbcuk--2020-09-16--Coronavirus: Marshals 'unlikely' in England, councils say

The widespread introduction of Covid marshals to towns and cities in England is `` unlikely '' and `` almost impossible '' , some local authorities have said .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested the marshals would enforce rules about social distancing , gathering in groups and wearing masks .
But a lack of detail has been criticised by council and health officials .
Local authorities `` are best placed to determine the model of deployment and responsibilities of marshals in their areas '' and `` further details will be set out in due course '' , a government spokesman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stockton Council , said the announcement had `` caused a lot of confusion '' .
`` We 've had no answers to any of these questions .
It 's a very strange way of doing things , '' Mr Cook said .
`` Things would be a lot clearer if the government would actually talk to local councils before making such announcements . ''
Mr Johnson has said marshals could also be volunteers or current members of council staff .
A Cheshire East spokesman said any new responsibilities would `` have to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southend 's public safety councillor , Martin Terry , said : `` We ca n't do things out of thin air .
The government has to put money on the table . ''
Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes complained authorities were given just days to hire and train the marshals `` with no extra funding or resources to help '' and accused the government of `` serial incompetence '' .
Spokespeople for Lewisham , North Yorkshire and Swindon councils have also said they need more information about what marshals are actually expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have , how they will be paid for .
The prime minister has also been criticised for the manner of the announcement .
Lewisham Council 's cabinet member for finance , Amanda DeRyk , said she learned about the plans on the radio .
`` You 're like , hang on a minute , that 's the first we 've heard , '' she said .
`` There 's this sort of policy of decision making by sensational announcement .
I heard that on [ Radio 4 's ] the Today Programme '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Even if marshals were rolled out in great numbers , they will not have enforcement powers so it is important that residents do not expect councils to be able to act when they can not '' and `` any new responsibilities for councils in this area will have to be fully funded '' .
A few areas of the country - including Leeds and Cornwall - have already introduced marshals to give `` friendly help and guidance '' .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• SUPPORT BUBBLES @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in yours ?
• FACE MASKS : When do I need to wear one ?
• SCHOOLS : What will happen if children catch coronavirus ?
• TESTING : What tests are available ?

The Local Government Association said: "Even if marshals were rolled out in great numbers, they will not have enforcement powers so it is important that residents do not expect councils to be able to act when they cannot" and "any new responsibilities for councils in this area will have to be fully funded".


bbcuk--2020-09-15--Coronavirus: Can I attend gym classes of more than six? And other questions

If you and your boyfriend both live alone and in England , you can form a support bubble , which means that you can spend as much as time as you want in each other ’ s company , inside or outside a house .
You don ’ t have to keep a 2m distance from one another , and you can stay overnight at each other ’ s house .
If you are living alone , and your partner is in a shared household ( or vice versa ) , matters get complicated .
You can still form a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will also be with his household , and it would be the only bubble allowed to that household .
What this means is that if one of your boyfriend ’ s housemates has a partner who is - like you - living elsewhere and alone , that couple will be prevented from meeting up .
Support bubbles are for the benefit of people who are living alone ( or alone with children ) .
If both you and your boyfriend are living in shared households , you are not allowed to form one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and at a distance of 2m from each other .
Northern Ireland has also introduced support bubbles while Scotland and Wales now allow a similar arrangement known as `` extended households '' .
In all of these , if one person taking part develops symptoms , every member of the bubble or extended household must self-isolate .

How is the government going to protect vulnerable children who remain unvaccinated? My son has cystic fibrosis and will now be forced to mix - he has not had any access to vaccination.
Because your son is in a clinical risk group - and as long as he is over five - he should soon be offered two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. You should be contacted by your GP or specialist team to arrange this.
With regard to the dangers of mixing, the UK has also recommended that Covid vaccines are offered to all children aged 5 to 11, not just those at high clinical risk. This is likely to start in England in April. Children are generally at much lower risk of becoming seriously ill from a Covid infection, although some do still get sick and need hospital care. Over-12s can already be vaccinated, and it's hoped that extending the rollout to younger age groups will help protect even more children from the risk of catching and spreading Covid.
Schools are expected to work with and support families who have concerns about a pupil returning to the classroom. It is compulsory for school-age children to attend, even if they were previously shielding - the only exception is a small number of children whose clinician or GP has advised them not to attend. If you have concerns about this, you should talk to your doctor.


bbcuk--2020-09-15--Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation rules?

England and Scotland have reduced the number of people allowed to meet socially to six , amid a rise in coronavirus cases .
Wales has also cut the number who can meet to six - but only indoors .
How does that change what you are allowed to do ?
What are the new rules on socialising ?
In England , the limit of up to six people from multiple households meeting up applies both indoors and outdoors , and to all ages .
Gatherings in private homes , venues like pubs and restaurants , and in outdoor spaces like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a maximum of six people from two households can meet .
Unlike England , children under 12 - from those two households - are not included in the total .
In Wales , it is now illegal for more than six people from an extended household to meet indoors .
Children aged 10 and under from the extended household do not count in the total .
Up to 30 people from different homes can still meet outside .
Northern Ireland has not announced any changes .
What are the rules on mingling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times when `` mingling '' could break the rules .
It says `` there can be multiple groups of six people in a place , provided that those groups do not mingle '' .
If you are at a pub , restaurant or other venue , you should `` avoid mingling with anyone outside the group you are with , even if you see other people you know '' .
People attending a protest , or other organised event , should also attend in groups no larger than six .
Home Secretary Priti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a chat would be another example of mingling that broke the rules .
Will any gatherings of more than six be allowed ?
• If your household or support bubble is larger than six • Protests and political events , if coronavirus rules are followed • Support groups , such as for addiction or abuse Weddings , funerals and special religious occasions can go ahead with up to 30 people attending - in groups of six or less .
However , celebrations afterwards are limited to weddings or civil partnerships .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pub ?
• Remember the R number ?
Why is it so important ?
• What are the rules on weddings ?
Can I still go to the pub or to a place of worship ?
Yes .
Pubs , restaurants , shops and other venues will remain open if they follow safety rules and allow for social distancing .
Each group can have no more than six people in it and venues should also allow for social distancing between groups .
Places of worship can have as many people in them as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , people can only attend in groups of six or less .
What are the rules for sports ?
You can play organised indoor and outdoor sports in groups of more than six , but not on an informal basis .
So , a Sunday League football match could go ahead , but not a game in the park with more than six people .
Group exercise classes are exempt from the rule of six , as long as they are organised under Covid-secure guidelines .
The government has listed 30 organised sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participants .
It says others will also be allowed if a sport 's organising body has published guidelines .
Can I be fined for breaking the rules ?
The new measures mean police can break up groups larger than six .
Members of the group can be fined if they fail to follow the rules .
This will be £100 for a first offence , doubling on each further offence up to £3,200 .
What is the guidance on social distancing ?
Each UK nation is advising people to stay 2m ( 6ft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live with .
However , there are some differences : • In England , if you ca n't stay 2m away , you can stay `` 1m plus '' apart .
The `` plus '' means doing something else to limit possible exposure - like wearing a face covering • In Scotland , there are exemptions to the 2m rule in some places - like pubs and restaurants .
Children aged 11 or under do not need to social distance • In Wales , the 2m guidance reflects the fact it 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like a hairdresser 's .
Primary age children in Wales are also exempt • Northern Ireland 's guidance was 1m ( 3ft ) for a time , but is now back at 2m • THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • SUPPORT BUBBLES : What are they and who can be in yours ?
• TEST AND TRACE : How does it work ?
• SCHOOLS : What will happen if children catch coronavirus ?
• TESTING : What tests are available ?

The current restrictions in England don't include any limits on socialising - so friends and family are legally allowed to see each other in private houses, or to meet in public places like pubs and nightclubs.


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Rail replacement services 'humiliating' disabled people

Disabled rail passengers say they are left `` humiliated '' by inaccessible replacement bus and coach services .
Providers have until the end of the year to put on vehicles which anyone can use during disruption and engineering work .
Campaigner Anne Wafula Strike said long waits for taxis `` restricted '' the way disabled people travelled .
However the Rail Delivery Group says there are not enough suitable coaches to meet demand .
It said although figures showed some operators used few or no compliant vehicles , disabled passengers were provided accessible alternative transport , such as taxis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , suggest up to six out of 10 buses and coaches used in place of trains did not comply .
Rules on accessibility were passed in 2000 and come into force all buses and coaches from 31 December 2020 .
However until legal advice was published last year , rail operators say they only needed to make `` reasonable endeavours '' to use fully accessible vehicles for replacement services , while providing alternative transport .
Anne Wafula Strike , a Team GB Paralympic wheelchair racer and disability rights campaigner from Harlow in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inconsistent '' and `` restrictive '' for disabled people .
`` I want to be empowered to make the choice of how I travel , '' the 51-year-old said .
`` But at the moment if there are no taxis available and if there is a replacement service you have to wait a long time for another accessible train or coach , while able-bodied passengers can jump on the next one . ''
Mrs Wafula Strike said successive governments were to blame for delays in implementing the law by applying pressure on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to provide the right vehicles .
`` If the whole coach market had become compliant , this would have fixed the problem , '' she said .
`` For 20 years one party has sat and expected the other to act . ''
David Williamson , a wheelchair athlete and fundraiser who had both his legs amputated when he was a few months old , said his experiences with replacement services had been `` awful '' .
Mr Williamson , from Brackley in Northamptonshire , added it was `` rare '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in place of a coach , forcing him to try to board .
`` You 're kind of reduced to half crawling up the steps , '' he said .
`` When you 're a 41-year-old man , you 've got a decent job ... starting this Kilimanjaro-esque ascent ... the whole process is humiliating . ''
Mr Williamson said it felt as if rail companies did not believe disabled people `` have jobs to go to '' and need the same access to public transport as non-disabled passengers .
Doug Paulley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigner from Wetherby , West Yorkshire , said all he was asking for was `` access to the same frustrations as anyone else '' taking a rail replacement service .
The 42-year-old said : `` It 's really frustrating because the reason this legislation exists is so the experience should be as easy or difficult as it is for everybody else . ''
He added when alternative transport , like a taxi , was provided he often found it uncomfortable and with no toilet facilities .
`` So I 'm transported unsafely and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later than the buses , '' he said .
Following a consultation by the Office of Rail and Road regarding the availability and use of accessible vehicles , the BBC obtained figures for the number used by 16 out of 23 rail operators via a Freedom of Information request .
The latest data covered between August 2018 and July 2019 .
What do the rail companies say ?
Since the period covered by the data Southeastern Railway said it now used accessible vehicles for 99 % of journeys .
South Western Railway said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metropolitan areas , but some routes required coaches due to distance and luggage space .
It said compliant vehicles for these journeys were in `` very limited supply '' .
Northern Trains said throughout 2020 `` the vast majority of replacement transport '' was fully accessible .
Dominic Lund-Conlon , head of accessibility and inclusion at the Rail Delivery Group , said the industry had plans to boost the number of vehicles available , as there were currently not enough accessible coaches to meet demand .
`` All operators will ensure that disabled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle that meets their needs and enables a safe and comfortable journey , '' he added .
A spokesman for bus and coach industry body the Confederation of Passenger Transport , said investment in fully accessible coaches was `` difficult '' for companies , `` with costs running into the £100,000s per vehicle '' .
He added the coronavirus pandemic had made the situation worse for coach companies , forcing them to put investment plans `` on hold '' .
`` The industry recognises the need to improve accessibility and is working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible , '' the spokesman said .
What do charities and the government want ?
Ceri Smith , from the disability charity Scope , said : `` Accessibility should be a right , not a privilege . ''
`` We need a single transport regulator which can provide more consistency of regulation between different modes and hold transport providers to account , '' she said .
The Office of Rail and Road has introduced new guidance for operators on replacement services .
Stephanie Tobyn , from the ORR , said companies must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles and improve information to passengers on their availability .
A Department for Transport ( DfT ) spokesman said : `` It is frustrating that the independence of some disabled people remains hampered by the shortfall in rail replacement buses or coaches which do not meet standards for accessibility . ''
He said the government was working with train companies to ensure they increase the number of vehicles and deliver `` a long term solution to allow disabled people to travel with confidence '' .
The DfT said from December if operators were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic commissioners would decide if there should be `` appropriate and proportionate '' sanctions .

"I want to be empowered to make the choice of how I travel," the 51-year-old said. "But at the moment if there are no taxis available and if there is a replacement service you have to wait a long time for another accessible train or coach, while able-bodied passengers can jump on the next one."


bbcuk--2020-09-17--Drive-in Car Park Panto to tour UK (Oh yes it is!)

A drive-in performance of a Christmas pantomime will tour outdoor venues across the UK .
The Car Park Panto will tell the story of a young boy trying to save Christmas .
In December , it will visit as-yet unknown locations including Birmingham , Bristol , Cardiff and Edinburgh , as well as Glasgow , Liverpool , and Manchester .
The traditional festive favourite had been under threat , with many theatres remaining closed due to coronavirus .
But Birmingham Stage Company have decided to take their performance of Horrible Christmas - a pantomime inspired by Terry Dreary 's Horrible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the road , in a socially distanced manner .
Audience members will have their tickets scanned through their car windows upon arrival and cars will be parked more than two metres apart .
They will then watch the show from inside their vehicles , picking up sound via their radios .
• Pantomimes are starting to be cancelled Last month , the UK 's biggest pantomime producer , Qdos , started cancelling its 2020 shows amid ongoing uncertainty about when theatres will be able to reopen fully .
Meanwhile a recent drive-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did get under way , but had to be scrapped due to fresh fears around the unpredictability of local lockdowns .
'Relieved to see actors live on stage again' The newly announced panto will also visit Nottingham , Plymouth , Sheffield , Leeds , Leicester , Southampton , Exeter , Northampton and Chelmsford .
It follows on from a series of similar Car Park Theatre events this summer .
`` We were thrilled to be invited to take part in the run of Car Park Party events around the country and were overwhelmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were clearly delighted and relieved to see actors live on stage again , '' said Horrible Histories actor/manager Neal Foster , from the Birmingham Stage Company .
`` I was totally surprised by just how well Car Park Theatre worked and loved the whole collective experience . ''
`` We ca n't wait to be back on stage in cities and towns that will be crying out for a Christmas show to entertain their families , '' he added .
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"We were thrilled to be invited to take part in the run of Car Park Party events around the country and were overwhelmed by the response of the audience, who were clearly delighted and relieved to see actors live on stage again," said Horrible Histories actor/manager Neal Foster, from the Birmingham Stage Company.