bbcuk--2020-08-18--Coronavirus: Labour calls for evictions ban to be extended

The ban on evictions in England should be extended in order to prevent a `` homelessness crisis '' , Labour has said .
The government introduced the ban in March to help those financially hit by the coronavirus lockdown .
Homeless charity Shelter estimates 227,000 private renters have fallen into arrears since the pandemic and could lose their homes when the ban on evictions is lifted on 23 August .
The government said it would offer `` appropriate support '' to renters .
New evictions in England and Wales had initially been suspended until 25 June , but the pause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour-led Welsh government has doubled the notice period required for evictions issued on or after 24 July to six months , excluding cases relating to anti-social behaviour .
Meanwhile the Scottish government has proposed extending its ban on evicting renters until March 2021 .
• All rough sleepers in England 'to be housed' Labour 's shadow housing secretary Thangam Debbonaire said with the furlough scheme coming to an end and coronavirus infections rising , the government needed to set out how it would prevent a `` self-made homelessness crisis '' .
`` Veering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to run a country ... after the incompetent handling of the exams fiasco , the government must act now to avoid more chaos of its own making , '' she said .
The opposition is pressing for emergency legislation to ensure no one will lose their home because of coronavirus .
In a letter to Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick , she said Labour did not want to see the ban on evictions lifted until `` the government has introduced changes to our broken housing system that will protect tenants '' .
Specifically , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manifesto promise and end Section 21 evictions - also known as 'no-fault evictions ' .
She also called for Section 8 evictions to be changed in order to prevent automatic eviction for tenants whose income had been hit by the pandemic .
Section 8 evictions allow landlords to remove tenants before the end of their tenancy agreement .
Earlier this week Labour and Lib Dem MPs urged the government to guarantee councils financial support to house rough sleepers for a year and former shadow chancellor John McDonnell said the ban on evictions should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However the National Residential Landlords Association urged ministers to resist calls for a further extension , arguing that the majority of tenants had `` paid their rent as normal or come to a payment arrangement with their landlord during the pandemic '' .
The organisation said the UK government should instead establish a loan scheme to help renters , similar to the £8m package offered by the Welsh government .
A spokesperson for the Housing , Communities , and Local Government Department said the government had taken `` unprecedented action '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to support those affected when the eviction ban lifts .
`` We have changed court rules so landlords need to provide more information about their tenants ' situation when seeking an eviction - with judges able to adjourn a case if they do n't , '' they said .
They also said landlords would still need to give tenants three months ' notice for possession cases , including Section 21 evictions , until at least 30 September .
Evictions : What are my rights ?
Landlords in England and Wales can evict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issuing a Section 21 notice .
Normally , this can only be done when the initial fixed term has ended .
This notice might be ruled invalid if the landlord has failed to stick to certain rules , for instance by failing to properly protect a tenant 's deposit .
The normal notice period for this type of eviction is two months , but this has been extended to three months in England because of the Covid-19 crisis .
In Wales this period is now six months , except for cases relating to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has fallen behind on rent , landlords must issue a Section 8 notice .
If the tenant does not leave by the specified date , landlords can then apply to a court to enforce it .
The government has put new rules in place for when new repossession proceedings are allowed to start again after 23 August .
Under the new rules , landlords will have to say how the pandemic has affected their tenants financially when applying for a hearing .
They will also be required to produce a tenant 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceedings , rather than at the hearing itself .

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bbcuk--2020-08-18--Leicester lockdown: Beauty salons and nail bars to reopen

Beauty salons and nail bars are among businesses in Leicester allowed to reopen from Wednesday in a further easing of lockdown restrictions .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the rate of infections `` has now dropped to a safe enough level '' for some businesses to reopen .
However , restrictions on gatherings in private homes and gardens remain .
Leicester became the first area in the UK to be subject to a local lockdown on 29 June .
As well as salons and nail bars , spas , massage and tattoo parlours and body piercing services are also able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most vulnerable will continue , but it will be eased in Leicester to allow individuals to meet in a group of up to six if they are outdoors and maintaining social distancing .
Though the relaxed restrictions allow outdoor swimming pools to reopen , the only one in Leicestershire is in Ashby-de-la-Zouch , is not in the lockdown area and already open .
The move will bring the city into line with the easing of restrictions introduced for much of England on 11 and 13 July .
`` My gratitude goes out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all made sacrifices to keep the virus at bay and protect their local communities , '' Mr Hancock said .
Government figures released on Tuesday evening show there were 204 cases recorded in the week to 14 August .
This compares with 226 recorded in the previous week and is down by more than half compared with when the city was first told it would face tighter restrictions than the rest of England at the end of June .
The city still has one of the highest rates of new cases in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population in the week to 14 August .
Sir Peter Soulsby , mayor of Leicester , said the announcement was `` more or less what we expected '' , adding the relaxation some of the rules for people shielding `` will greatly benefit their mental health '' .
`` We had planned to continue our neighbourhood testing programme throughout August and the restrictions around households will help in our efforts to track down the virus and contain it , '' he said .
`` What we really do n't want is to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe restrictions being put in place once again in parts , or all , of the city . ''
Salons in the city said they were looking forward to reopening .
`` I 'm super-excited because we have been closed since March and obviously lost lots of business throughout , '' said Minal Parmar , who owns The Beauty Refinery on London Road .
`` Everyone has been affected financially - but I just ca n't wait to be open . ''
Krishna Devaliya , owner of Your Beauty At The Cutting Room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also a little bit nervous - Leicester still is n't fully recovered , will people come back or not ?
`` But I do feel happy to be going back to work and seeing our clients again . ''
Aleksandrs Cibulskis , who owns Route 66 tattoo studio , said he was `` very happy '' to be able to reopen , describing the past few months as `` horrible '' for business .
`` I understand [ it ] has been nobody 's fault with the virus and everything , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time I have had to pay for rent and bills - I was given a grant but it was not enough . ''
Rose Feng , who runs Vivian 's Nail Bar on Narborough Road , welcomed the opportunity to bring back customers .
`` The whole situation has been difficult , '' she said .
`` The rules and guidance have been very confusing .
`` We did n't understand why we could n't open but barber shops could , but if we can open tomorrow then that is really good news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the phone has `` not stopped ringing '' since the announcement , according to owner Femi Latif .
`` It 's a relief to know we can reopen , such a relief , '' she said .
`` How long can a business go on surviving with no income ?
At last we can open . ''
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Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

This compares with 226 recorded in the previous week and is down by more than half compared with when the city was first told it would face tighter restrictions than the rest of England at the end of June.


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Chariots of Fire actor Ben Cross dies aged 72

Actor Ben Cross , who was best known for playing athlete Harold Abrahams in the film Chariots of Fire , has died at the age of 72 .
His representatives said he had died `` suddenly '' following a short illness .
Writing on his Facebook page , his daughter Lauren said she was `` utterly heartbroken '' that her `` darling father '' had died .
She said he had been `` sick for a while '' but there had been a `` rapid decline over the past week '' .
Cross , who died in Vienna , Austria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Theo .
His representatives said he had just finishing shooting horror film The Devil 's Light and later this year will appear in a leading role in the romantic drama film Last Letter From Your Lover .
He was born Harry Bernard Cross in London to a working-class Catholic family .
After graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts ( Rada ) , he moved from the stage to screen and took a minor role in the 1977 war film A Bridge Too Far , which starred Sir Sean Connery and Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Royal Shakespeare Company in the same year , before gaining wider acclaim as Billy Flynn - the lawyer representing murderer Roxie Hart - in a 1978 version of Chicago .
It was a performance that was widely believed to have earned him his role in 1981 's Chariots Of Fire , which went on to win four Oscars including best picture .
Cross played Jewish runner Harold Abrahams in the film , which was based on the true story of two British men racing for Olympic gold in 1924 .
BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ portrayal of Abrahams had `` captured the burden of being an outsider '' .
He later appeared as Malagant in the 1995 film First Knight and Sarek in the 2009 Star Trek reboot .
Cross also appeared as Rudolf Hess in the 2006 BBC production Nuremberg : Nazis on Trial .
James Bond star Colin Salmon , who worked on The Devil 's Light alongside Cross , tweeted : `` It was good working with him , seeing his twinkle & his craft .
`` He wrote songs for the Sinatra of Bulgaria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Bulgarian and German on set .
Go Well Ben RIP . ''
US television and film director Todd Holland also shared a tribute , saying he had met Cross early in his own career .
`` We shot a screen test at Pinewood Studios .
I went to his home for dinner with his family , '' he said .
`` Ben Cross was a lovely man and talented actor .
That movie never got made .
But ... what a classy guy . ''
The Guardian reports he is survived by @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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bbcuk--2020-08-18--Pizza Express to close 73 outlets hitting 1,100 jobs

Pizza Express is to close 73 of its UK restaurants with the potential loss of 1,100 jobs .
The chain , which at the moment has 454 UK outlets , said it had cut a deal to reduce rent costs .
It said although most of its restaurants have been profitable over the past three years , earnings had been declining .
Pizza Express also confirmed it had hired advisers from Lazard to lead a sale process for the business .
It is is currently majority owned by Chinese firm Hony Capital .
Zoe Bowley , Pizza Express 's managing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Unfortunately , the impact of the global pandemic has meant that we have had to make some incredibly tough decisions to safeguard Pizza Express for the long term . ''
Ms Bowley said that in most cases , the stores selected for closure are near to another Pizza Express that has already reopened or will be reopening soon .
She added that the process `` will protect the jobs of over 9,000 of our colleagues '' .
The outlets to close are : 1965 : Pizza Express founder , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oven from Napoli and a chef from Sicily to open his first restaurant in London 's Soho .
1992 : Mr Boizot grew his empire over the following almost-three decades before selling it for £15m to Hugh Osmond and Luke Johnson , the man who was - until recently - chairman of Patisserie Valerie .
They floated it on the stock market the next year and ultimately sold out in 1997 when it was worth £150m .
2003 : It was taken private again in a £278m deal by two private equity firms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - although it lasted less than a year on the public markets before it was returned to private equity hands .
2014 : It changed hands again , this time to be acquired for £900m by its current owner , Chinese private equity house Hony Capital .
2020 : It has more than 600 restaurants globally : 454 in the UK , including five franchises ; 19 in Ireland ; 24 in Hong Kong ; 6 in Singapore ; 14 in UAE ; 60 in China ; and 49 other international sites operated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running its Eat Out to Help Out scheme in August to try to help revive the flagging UK hospitality sector .
Diners used the Eat Out to Help Out scheme more than 35 million times in its first two weeks .
Pizza Express has been taking part in the scheme , and has been reopening restaurants that had been temporarily closed to participate .

1992: Mr Boizot grew his empire over the following almost-three decades before selling it for £15m to Hugh Osmond and Luke Johnson, the man who was - until recently - chairman of Patisserie Valerie. They floated it on the stock market the next year and ultimately sold out in 1997 when it was worth £150m.


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Eat Out to Help Out dishes out 35m meals in two weeks

Diners used the Eat Out to Help Out scheme more than 35 million times in its first two weeks , the latest Treasury figures show .
The scheme offers customers in restaurants , pubs and cafes 50 % off their meal up to a maximum of £10 .
It runs every Monday , Tuesday and Wednesday in August to encourage support for the hospitality sector .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the 35 million figure `` is equivalent to over half of the UK taking part '' .
More than 85,000 restaurants have now registered for Eat Out to Help Out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Open Table , it has helped restaurants to be 27 % fuller on average than they were during the Monday-to-Wednesday period in August 2019 .
Mr Sunak said : `` With at least 35 million meals served up in the first two weeks alone , that is equivalent to over half of the UK taking part and supporting local jobs in the hospitality sector .
`` To build back better we must protect as many jobs as possible , that is why I am urging all registered businesses to make the most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's free , simple and pays out within five working days . ''
The government has set aside £500m to fund the scheme .
About 80 % of hospitality firms stopped trading in April and 1.4 million workers were furloughed - the highest proportions of any sector - according to government data .
• 'Eat out ' scheme used 10.5m times in first week • How can I get 50 % off a meal out this week ?
`` The Eat Out to Help Out scheme has really been amazing , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of restaurant chain Pho .
`` It 's so nice to see our restaurants full of happy staff and customers again .
`` It has certainly benefitted our early week figures and seems to have encouraged the British public to dine out safely , as our restaurants are filling up and staying busy throughout the weekend , too . ''
No vouchers are needed , with the participating establishment simply deducting 50 % from the bill , up to the £10 per person maximum , and reclaiming the money from the Treasury .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ food and soft drinks eaten on the premises , and does not apply to takeaways .
There is no limit on how many times the discount can be used in August , or for how many people , including children .
However , the scheme has faced criticism .
In July , the Institute for Fiscal Studies forecast it would most likely be a `` giveaway '' that benefitted those well-off enough to eat out .
Anti-obesity campaigners said the scheme `` would be a green light to promote junk food '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures could pull in diners earlier in the week to the detriment of weekend trade .

"To build back better we must protect as many jobs as possible, that is why I am urging all registered businesses to make the most of this by claiming back today - it's free, simple and pays out within five working days."


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Brexit: UK hopeful of EU trade deal next month, says No 10

The UK still believes it can agree a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU next month , according to Downing Street .
The PM 's spokesman said UK negotiators would `` continue to plug the gaps '' when talks enter their seventh round in Brussels on Tuesday .
The two sides remain divided over competition rules , fishing rights and how a deal would be enforced .
The UK has ruled out extending the December deadline to reach an agreement .
This week 's talks are the last scheduled negotiating round ahead of the autumn , although both sides have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier had dinner with UK counterpart David Frost on Tuesday evening , with talks set to conclude on Friday .
• UK-EU trade deal some way off , both sides say • What are the sticking points in the trade talks ?
On Tuesday , ahead of talks resuming , a European Commission spokesman said a deal would need to be agreed by October `` at the latest '' .
Mr Barnier has said an agreement is required by this date so it can be ratified before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in December .
After the last negotiation round in London , he accused the UK of not showing a `` willingness to break the deadlock '' over difficult issues .
Mr Frost said EU offers to break the deadlock had failed to honour the `` fundamental principles which we have repeatedly made clear '' .
But he said the UK , which has so far insisted on a series of separate deals in different areas , was also willing to consider a `` simpler '' structure for an agreement .
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach '' over British demands to limit the role of the European Court of Justice after the transition period ends .
Among the issues the negotiating sides will discuss this week are transport , police co-operation , fishing rights and rules on investment .
They will also discuss post-Brexit rules on competition and state support for companies , one of the thorniest issues in the talks to date .
The UK is due to stop following EU rules on so-called `` state aid '' at the end of the transition period , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regime .
Mr Barnier has said the EU will require `` robust '' guarantees in this area if it is to agree a deal , and has called for more details on the UK 's future plans .

France is jumpy that Michel Barnier may be so keen to be seen to get a deal done with UK this autumn that he "could be tempted to give away too much".


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Coronavirus smell loss 'different from cold and flu'

The loss of smell that can accompany coronavirus is unique and different from that experienced by someone with a bad cold or flu , say European researchers who have studied the experiences of patients .
When Covid-19 patients have smell loss it tends to be sudden and severe .
And they usually do n't have a blocked , stuffy or runny nose - most people with coronavirus can still breathe freely .
Another thing that sets them apart is their `` true '' loss of taste .
It 's not that their taste is somewhat impaired because their sense of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the researchers in the journal Rhinology .
Coronavirus patients with loss of taste really can not tell the difference between bitter or sweet .
Experts suspect this is because the pandemic virus attacks nerve cells directly involved with smell and taste sensation .
The main symptoms of coronavirus are : Anyone with these symptoms should self-isolate and arrange to have a swab test to check if they have the virus .
Members of their household should isolate too to prevent possible spread .
• Coroanvirus : What are the rules ?
Lead investigator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of East Anglia , carried out smell and taste tests on 30 volunteers : 10 with Covid-19 , 10 with bad colds and 10 healthy people with no cold or flu symptoms .
Smell loss was much more profound in the Covid-19 patents .
They were less able to identify smells , and they were not able to discern bitter or sweet tastes at all .
Prof Philpott , who works with the charity Fifth Sense , which was set up to help with people with smell and taste disorders , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distinguishing features that set the coronavirus apart from other respiratory viruses .
`` This is very exciting because it means that smell and taste tests could be used to discriminate between Covid-19 patients and people with a regular cold or flu . ''
He said people could do their own smell and taste tests at home using products like coffee , garlic , oranges or lemons and sugar .
He stressed that diagnostic throat and nose swab tests were still essential if someone thought they might have coronavirus .
The senses of smell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in most people who recover from coronavirus , he added .
• Coronavirus wiped out my sense of smell Prof Andrew Lane is an expert in nose and sinus problems at Johns Hopkins University in the US .
He and his team have been studying tissue samples from the back of the nose to understand how coronavirus might cause loss of smell and have published the findings in the European Respiratory Journal .
They identified extremely high levels of an enzyme which were present only in the area of the nose responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( angiotensin converting enzyme II ) , is thought to be the `` entry point '' that allows coronavirus to get into the cells of the body and cause an infection .
The nose is one of the places where Sars-CoV-2 , the virus that causes Covid-19 , enters the body .
Prof Lane said : `` We are now doing more experiments in the lab to see whether the virus is indeed using these cells to access and infect the body .
`` If that 's the case , we may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therapies delivered directly though the nose . ''
• SURVIVING THE VIRUS : 'Our medical science is struggling to catch-up '

It's not that their taste is somewhat impaired because their sense of smell is out of action, say the researchers in the journal Rhinology. Coronavirus patients with loss of taste really cannot tell the difference between bitter or sweet.


bbcuk--2020-08-18--'I'm very anxious about getting back to work'

`` I 'm very anxious ... anxious about catching Covid , '' says Kate Skoczylas .
She is one of thousands of extremely clinically vulnerable people who have been shielding due to their health , and face a return to work in the autumn .
Kate , 56 , works for her local museums service , and had been about to return to work after undergoing cancer treatment when the first UK lockdown began in March .
Kate , and millions of other vulnerable people , were initially told to not go outside , and to self-isolate , to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance was gradually relaxed , and in August the government told extremely vulnerable people that they no longer needed to shield in England .
Kate lives in Leicester , so is locally locked down at the moment , but as it stands , she expects to return to work in September .
This is daunting for her , especially as trips which used to be mundane now seem very risky .
She has left the house twice since March .
`` It 's quite nerve-wracking , '' she says .
`` I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely fraught with danger . ''
She is nervous about how to go about her daily life , and is unsure about the reality of wearing masks in shops and having to use customer one-way systems .
Due to the nature of her treatment - Kate had surgery , chemotherapy , and radiotherapy - she understands her immune system is `` severely depressed '' .
She is not sure what would happen if she caught Covid-19 .
`` Physically , I 'm not in the best shape to be out in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has faith in her employer to take steps to keep her safe , she still works in contact with the public , and feels that there is a risk that she could catch coronavirus .
Kate says she was `` lucky '' as she was not furloughed , having been able to work from home during the lockdown .
She will be expected to go back to work .
However , thousands of people who have been shielding during the coronavirus pandemic , and who ca n't work from home , could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their health as furloughing winds down , charities have warned .
Eleven charities have called for the government to introduce furloughing for high-risk workers in that situation to avoid job losses .
Lynda Thomas , chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support , said : `` As more and more people who have been shielding return to the workplace , we need clarity around how people with cancer who continue to be particularly vulnerable to coronavirus will be supported and kept safe .
`` We are calling for the government to introduce a furlough-style @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The charities said many workers have concerns that their workplaces wo n't be safe enough for them to return .
The Office for National Statistics estimated recently that 176,000 people who were shielding were furloughed and ca n't work from home .
According to this data , an estimated 38,000 people who normally worked would not return within the next four months .
Caroline Abrahams , charity director at Age UK , said : `` We fear thousands of shielding workers will end up losing their jobs because they ca n't return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have made a lot of sacrifices over the last six months to protect the NHS as well as themselves , and they should n't have to lose their jobs as well . ''
The Department for Work and Pensions said employers must make sure staff feel safe returning to work .
`` We know it has been a challenging time for people shielding and their families , and we have been doing everything we can to support them throughout this pandemic , '' a spokesperson said .
`` Shielding for the clinically extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of August in most of the country as average rates of coronavirus remain sufficiently low .
`` Staff and employers must carefully discuss options around returning to the workplace , and employers are responsible for ensuring all their workers - including those who have been shielding - feel safe in doing so . ''
`` It is important our response remains proportionate , and shielding is still advised in specific areas of the country where prevalence of the virus is higher . ''
The government position is that no employer should force their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and they should ensure that vulnerable workers can return safely .
The furlough scheme has so far supported the wages of 9.6 million people at a cost to the taxpayer of £34.7bn , and the government has supported business through measures including tax deferrals , VAT cuts , business rates relief , rent moratoriums , and loans .

Lynda Thomas, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "As more and more people who have been shielding return to the workplace, we need clarity around how people with cancer who continue to be particularly vulnerable to coronavirus will be supported and kept safe.


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Coronavirus: Aberdeen lockdown 'having impact on cases'

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said lockdown restrictions in Aberdeen are having an impact , with the number of new covid cases continuing to decline .
Lockdown restrictions were reimposed in Aberdeen on 5 August due to a coronavirus cluster in the city .
The restrictions were kept in place last week and are to be reviewed again on Wednesday .
There have now been 386 cases in Grampian since 26 July , with 220 associated with the Aberdeen cluster .
Seven of the 49 new national cases announced on Tuesday were in the Grampian area .
Ms Sturgeon said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases across Grampian .
`` That suggests that the restrictions that were put in place two weeks ago are having an impact - as of course are the efforts of the health protection teams , '' she said .
However Ms Sturgeon warned that new cases were still higher than the rest of the country , which would be taken into account when it is announced if there is any change to the restrictions in Aberdeen .
`` The situation does appear to be improving but it 's important to stress to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over '' , she said .
The restrictions in Aberdeen mean : • no travel more than five miles for leisure or holidays • no travel to the city for leisure or to visit friends and family , even if you live in Aberdeenshire • no indoor visits with other households Earlier in the outbreak , it emerged that eight Aberdeen FC players had visited the city 's Soul Bar , with two later testing positive for Covid-19 .
Soul said on Tuesday it had underestimated how much of a challenge maintaining social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` truly sorry '' for what had happened .
It added : `` Getting it right will be crucial to the recovery of Aberdeen 's local trade '' .
Soul said if lockdown restrictions in the city were eased on Wednesday `` you wo n't see us rushing to open our doors '' .
• CASES : Where are the latest cases ?
• DEATHS : Who is dying and where ?
• RULES : What can I now do - and what are the rules ?
• QUIZ : Test your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MASKS : When should you wear one ?

However Ms Sturgeon warned that new cases were still higher than the rest of the country, which would be taken into account when it is announced if there is any change to the restrictions in Aberdeen.


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Coronavirus: Robin Swann says NI is in danger of sliding down slope

Robin Swann has given the strongest hint yet that local lockdown measures or other restrictions could soon be reimposed to curb the spread of Covid-19 in NI .
The health minister was speaking at the first Stormont press conference to take place in more than six weeks .
On Tuesday , one more death was recorded bringing the death toll to 559 .
Mr Swann warned that NI was in danger of `` sliding down a very slippery and treacherous slope '' .
Forty-one new cases of coronavirus have also been recorded by the Department of Health , bringing its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scientific Adviser Prof Ian Young said officials were seeing an indication of an increase in hospital admissions , but that they remained at a `` low level '' .
`` If cases continue to rise it 's inevitable hospital admissions and deaths will rise in the future , '' he told the press conference .
'Covid-19 wo n't just go away' Almost 300 new cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland over the past seven days .
Mr Swann warned that people needed to realise the virus was still present in Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can still arrest that slide but this requires decisive action from all of us , '' he added .
`` Covid-19 wo n't go away just because we are fed up with it . ''
The minister said he wanted to `` address doubters and critics '' who had accused him of exaggerating the threat posed by the virus .
`` They 'll say infections are mainly impacting young people - this argument overlooks the fact there can be a time lag between infection and people becoming ill , '' added Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fine judgements to be made , but warned that the executive would soon need to consider the next steps in a bid to stop the virus from spreading more widely within the community .
`` The time is coming for the executive to consider fresh and concrete actions to prevent further spread of the virus , '' said the minister .
`` This could include imposing localised restrictions or general measures or a combination of both .
`` Given where we are now , Thursday 's executive meeting will have important decisions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to regularly consider the coronavirus lockdown restrictions , the latest of these being due to take place in two days ' time .
Prof Ian Young , the chief scientific advisor , said the figures showed that NI has a higher rate per 100,000 of the population than the rest of the UK at present .
He said Northern Ireland 's rate currently showed 24 cases per 100,000 over the past 14 days , evidence that pointed to the virus spreading again .
Prof Young added that the number of new cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July and warned that `` increased testing is not sufficient to explain the increasing number of cases '' .
Northern Ireland 's Chief Medical Officer , Dr Michael McBride said he did not want anyone to be in a position to reflect in the future and think they should have done more or `` listened more carefully to the advice '' .
He said the executive could need to look at restrictions on the number of people gathering outdoors .
`` If indeed we see particular clusters related to particular establishments such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things we need to look at , '' he added .
During Tuesday 's press conference , Mr Swann also said the Department of Health 's contract tracing app for Covid-19 had been downloaded almost 276,000 times so far .
The department is also expanding its flu vaccination programme ahead of the winter season , due to the ongoing pandemic .
The programme officially begins on 1 October , however the department said it was likely that deliveries of the vaccine will arrive from the end of this month , enabling the programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received their initial orders .
The current groups eligible for a free flu vaccination are people aged 65 and over , pregnant women , those aged under 65 years of age in clinical `` at risk '' groups , all children aged 2 to 4 , primary school pupils and frontline health and social care workers .
The department said additional supplies had been secured so that other groups of people could receive a free vaccination this year , which include : • Household contacts of those who received shielding letters during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GP • School children who will be in the first year of secondary school from September 2020 The programme could be extended by the end of the year to include those in the 50 to 64 age group , depending on eligibility of the vaccine , and will be phased to prioritise people deemed to be at risk .

He said there were always fine judgements to be made, but warned that the executive would soon need to consider the next steps in a bid to stop the virus from spreading more widely within the community.


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Coronavirus: Call for review into exams 'fiasco' and depression doubles

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Tuesday evening .
We 'll have another update for you on Wednesday morning .
The biggest story in the UK over the last few days has been on exam results - and it 's continuing tonight .
School and college leaders are now calling on Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to launch a review into how the `` fiasco '' was handled .
Earlier , Mr Williamson apologised to pupils `` for the distress '' caused , after the government 's U-turn decision about how A-levels and GCSEs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ row , while our political correspondent looks at how Mr Williamson has kept his job .
Twice as many adults in Britain are reporting symptoms of depression compared to this time last year .
That 's according to figures from the Office for National Statistics , which surveyed 3,500 adults who were followed up over the course of 12 months .
Under-40s , women , those with disabilities and people who said they would struggle to meet an unexpected cost of £850 were the most likely to show symptoms .
• How to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Out discount used 35 million times in two weeks We 're now into the third week of the government 's Eat Out to Help Out scheme , which sees diners get half price meals ( up to a maximum discount of £10 ) at participating restaurants on Mondays , Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August .
New figures from the Treasury show that in the first fortnight , the scheme was used more than 35 million times - that 's equivalent to `` over half of the UK taking part '' said Chancellor Rishi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scheme works .
There has been a further easing of restrictions in Leicester , which was the first area of the UK to go into a local lockdown at the end of June .
From Wednesday , businesses including beauty salons , nail bars , spas , massage and tattoo parlours , and body piercing services will be able to reopen .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the infection rate had fallen to a safe enough level to allow the changes .
But restrictions on gatherings in private homes and gardens remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Penny set off westwards from her home in Gower , south Wales , on a 20,000-mile trek around Britain and Ireland .
She was motivated to raise funds and awareness of dementia and Alzheimer 's disease , after her husband 's parents died of the condition .
She got as far as Shetland in Scotland before Covid-19 hit , and returned home .
Now , five months on and undeterred , she is resuming her journey .
Get a longer coronavirus briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information , advice and guides on our coronavirus page and get all the latest via our live page .
Plus , find out why the UK 's largest auction house network is experiencing its busiest period in more than five decades .
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 .
Please ensure you have read our terms & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form to ask your question : • FOOD REVOLUTION : Is the way we produce and buy food set to change for good ?

We're now into the third week of the government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which sees diners get half price meals (up to a maximum discount of £10) at participating restaurants on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August. New figures from the Treasury show that in the first fortnight, the scheme was used more than 35 million times - that's equivalent to "over half of the UK taking part" said Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Read more here on how the scheme works.


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Coronavirus: Courtroom backlog 'could take years to clear'

A backlog of sheriff court cases in Scotland could take up to a decade to clear without extra capacity being created , MSPs have been told .
Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service ( SCTS ) chief executive Eric McQueen told MSPs there were already 14,000 outstanding cases before lockdown .
He said the figure was expected to rise to 27,000 by the end of the month .
Mr McQueen said discussions were ongoing with ministers for extra funding to help deal with the backlog .
He told Holyrood 's justice committee : `` We now have our full programme of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August - that 's running about 33 trial courts a day .
`` What we would see is a gradual reduction in that backlog of about 2,000 a year but just simply running 33 trial courts a day would take a period of eight to 10 years to come back to the pre-Covid levels . ''
Mr McQueen said discussions were continuing with the Scottish government to provide the funding for a 25 % increase in capacity in sheriff jury trials , which he said would reduce the backlog in just three years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the running of trial courts at the weekends , which Mr McQueen said would wipe out the backlog in two years .
He added : `` All of these things have an impact on not just the court but on prosecutors , defence and third-sector organisations , and as you can imagine there 'll need to be quite significant discussions over the next short number of weeks and months to find the best solution that meets the needs and the resources that are available to all the organisations . ''
In terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courts , Mr McQueen reported that 390 trials were waiting to be heard before lockdown , which he described as a `` normal number '' .
That figure is expected to increase to about 750 by the end of this month and , dependent on what mitigation is put in place , could rise to as high as 1,400 in the next few years .
Again , Mr McQueen advocated an increase in capacity to make sure that trials were heard , including increasing the number of jury courts in Scotland from 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If we were able to do that , we would reduce the backlogs in the high court and bring that back to normal within two years . ''
Last week , the SCTS announced plans to host juries in cinemas , where they will hear trials remotely , in a bid to ensure that cases can be heard promptly .
• CASES : Where are the latest cases ?
• DEATHS : Who is dying and where ?
• RULES : What can I now do - and what are the rules ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus restrictions • FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?

He added: "All of these things have an impact on not just the court but on prosecutors, defence and third-sector organisations, and as you can imagine there'll need to be quite significant discussions over the next short number of weeks and months to find the best solution that meets the needs and the resources that are available to all the organisations."


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Coronavirus: Coupar Angus cluster 'complex and potentially significant'

Nicola Sturgeon has described a coronavirus cluster linked to a food processing plant in Coupar Angus as `` complex and potentially significant . ''
Ten cases - at least seven employees and two people in the community - have been linked to the 2 Sisters plant , which closed yesterday .
The first minister said she would be `` very surprised , albeit pleasantly '' if that number did not rise .
The entire workforce will now be tested at a mobile testing unit at the site .
All workers will also have to self-isolate for 14 days .
Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sturgeon said that contact tracing in connection with the cluster was ongoing .
`` This is a complex and potentially significant cluster , '' she said .
`` In addition to the overriding public health concern relating to the outbreak , the closure of the plant potentially , of course , has an economic impact , and we also need to consider possible animal welfare issues . ''
Ms Sturgeon said animals that would have been sent to the plant in the next few days would not now do so .
She added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons , we are monitoring all aspects of this situation very carefully and closely , and we will provide further information in due course as and when it becomes available . ''
NHS Tayside Public Health was first alerted to the outbreak on Sunday..

She added: "So for all of these reasons, we are monitoring all aspects of this situation very carefully and closely, and we will provide further information in due course as and when it becomes available."


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Coronavirus: Wrexham has highest weekly number of deaths

There were more deaths registered involving coronavirus in Wrexham than any other area of Wales or England , for the second week running , Office for National Statistics figures show .
There have been 24 Covid-19 deaths registered in Wales in the week ending 7 August - nine were hospital deaths in Wrexham .
This means a rise in deaths from the 10 registered the previous week .
Altogether 16 deaths were in the Betsi Cadwaladr health board area .
The ONS figures show deaths in hospitals , care homes and people 's homes , and where coronavirus is suspected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were 16 deaths in north Wales - 15 in hospitals - this is far fewer than at the height of the pandemic in April .
But there are more involving the virus being registered than in other health board areas in Wales at the moment .
Separate daily figures from Public Health Wales - which deal only with confirmed cases of coronavirus - have been showing most deaths over the last fortnight have been in north Wales hospitals .
In July , there was a spike in infections in Wrexham and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital , with health officials also offering community testing at mobile units for a period .
The rate of positive cases in the area has eased off in the last week or so and the number of hospital infections also appears to have dropped in recent weeks .
• What do the stats in Wales tell us about covid ?
Very low numbers of deaths or no deaths at all involving the virus are now being registered when broken down by council areas , the ONS figures show .
Below Wrexham , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Tameside , Greater Manchester , four deaths in both Denbighshire and Kirklees in West Yorkshire .
Three deaths were registered in Flintshire , alongside Allerdale in Cumbria , Bradford , Mansfield in Nottinghamshire and Medway in Kent .
There were no deaths at all involving the virus in 15 Welsh council areas at all .
Speaking at the Welsh Government 's weekly news conference , Health Minister Vaughan Gething said the number of infections in Wrexham was falling and that there was a `` continuing and improved picture '' .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community transmission within Wrexham , '' Mr Gething said .
`` That 's really important - that shows that our system is working as it should do : identifying clusters , taking proactive action .
`` And we 'll need to see more of that as we see different cases and clusters around the rest of the country . ''
In Wales , the number of so-called excess deaths is again below what we normally see at this time of year .
There were 563 deaths from all causes , which is eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is seen as a useful tool in looking at how coronavirus is progressing .
The total number of Covid-19 deaths in Wales up to 7 August was 2,544 - for deaths to be included in these figures , they must have been registered by 15 August .
The weekly ONS figures also show there were six deaths in care homes .
Separate figures published by Care Inspectorate Wales ( CIW ) show Covid-19 was confirmed or suspected in 742 deaths of care home residents in the pandemic up to 14 August .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notified to CIW , which is now updating its figures every two weeks .

In Wales, the number of so-called excess deaths is again below what we normally see at this time of year. There were 563 deaths from all causes, which is eight fewer than the five-year average. This is seen as a useful tool in looking at how coronavirus is progressing.


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Coronavirus: Pupils test positive in Perthshire, Paisley and Coatbridge

Four more pupils at separate schools have tested positive for Covid-19 .
Two of the cases are in Perth and Kinross , one in Renfrewshire and one in North Lanarkshire .
One pupil from Newhill Primary in Blairgowrie and another from Oakbank Primary in Perth are now self-isolating at home .
The third attends Todholm Primary in Paisley .
A fourth pupil , who attends St Ambrose High School in Coatbridge , has also tested positive .
Three other pupils from St Ambrose High had already tested positive , along with one from St Andrew 's High in Coatbridge and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are a further three linked cases , who are not staff or pupils , and 14 cases in north-east Glasgow .
On Monday , NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lanarkshire confirmed that the cases in their areas were linked to house parties .
Parents have been contacted and made aware of the developments at the schools .
Meanwhile , NHS Tayside said it had been made aware of a single case of Covid-19 in an adult connected with Kingspark School in Dundee .
The issue of school outbreaks has prompted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the dangers of large groups , including parents , meeting at school gates .
The Educational Institute of Scotland ( EIS ) has written to the first minister urging her to `` do more on school safety '' .
However , at her coronavirus briefing , Nicola Sturgeon stressed that although the incidence of coronavirus cases among pupils would inevitably rise , the recent clusters had originated outside schools .
She said : `` These are considered at this stage to be community clusters with an impact on schools , rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the virus has transmitted within the schools . ''
The first minister said that mobile testing units had been established at the Time Capsule car park in Coatbridge and at Ravenscraig in Motherwell to assist Test and Protect in controlling the outbreak .
The Lanarkshire and Glasgow cluster was linked to indoor social events and Ms Sturgeon said that not sticking to the rules around household gatherings was `` presenting one of our biggest risks of outbreaks occurring at this time '' .
She said : `` Evidence suggests if the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then everyone at the party is at considerable risk of infection and they can spread infection more widely . ''
NHS Tayside and Perth and Kinross Council said there was no current evidence of transmission of the virus within either school and both remained open .
It said it had identified 41 close contacts of the positive cases , which includes some school pupils and staff .
There is no evidence of any link to the reported cluster in Coupar Angus which led to the closure of the 2 sisters factory and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Renfrewshire , parents and carers of children at Todholm primary were contacted in a letter from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde ( NHSGGC ) .
It said : `` There is currently no evidence to suggest that there is transmission occurring within the school itself '' .
Test and Protect are contacting any individuals who have been in close contact with the pupil and advising them to self-isolate at home .
The new cases come as contact tracing continues in various locations across the country amid a series of clusters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Lanarkshire were linked to house parties .
A joint statement from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and NHS Lanarkshire said the two boards were working together on the outbreak .
A total of 14 linked Covid cases have been identified in north-east Glasgow in addition to eight North Lanarkshire cases .
Many of those were secondary school pupils and both health boards said that evidence of social gatherings with no social distancing was a factor in their investigation .
In its letter to Nicola Sturgeon , the EIS said there were `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within schools and outside .
General Secretary Larry Flanagan raised concerns about people meeting outside schools in large groups .
He said : `` This includes parents gathering at school gates and young people meeting friends without following the guidance on physical distancing .
`` People are running the risk of spreading the virus to each other , their families and their loved ones . ''
He added : `` May I ask why the Scottish government thinks that it is acceptable that inside schools these rules do n't apply , where up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed confined area , ie a classroom , with as many different households as there are people ? ''
'It 's impossible to social distance in school' Dylan , 16 , is in fifth year at a secondary school in West Lothian .
He returned to school last week .
He said : `` I was n't thinking about social distancing because I knew if I thought about it I would just get myself worried over something I have no control over .
So I was mostly just worried about the mental shift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months to being in school every day and the work shift from barely doing any work to the fast pace of highers .
`` There 's 1,400 pupils and every 50 minutes we 're all moving around the school .
I took those pictures because the hall actually came to a stop because there were so many people .
And then there 's also classrooms .
You 're sitting shoulder to shoulder with other people for 50 minutes .
`` It 's not possible to social distance .
There 's nowhere else they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put classes outside in the rain so we are forced to sit together like that .
He added : `` The teachers are trying to distance from us , but there really is no way in my school we could actually be distanced unless we had some kind of half class .
It is just quite strange how we are being told we should social distance when anybody who knows a high school set-up knows that 's not possible . ''
Responding to the union 's concerns during the Scottish government briefing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen myself on social media pictures of scenes outside schools or inside schools that look as if they are too crowded and where we do see that we will contact the directors of education to make sure schools are being supported to comply with the guidance . ''
She said the issue of face coverings was under ongoing review .
`` We have tried to make sure we have robust mitigations in place but balancing that with the need to give young people as normal a schooling experience as possible , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider asking older pupils to wear them and support would be given to teachers and young people who wanted to do that .
• CASES : Where are the latest cases ?
• DEATHS : Who is dying and where ?
• RULES : What can I now do - and what are the rules ?
• QUIZ : Test your knowledge of the coronavirus restrictions • FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?

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


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Bombardier: 95 jobs at risk of redundancy

Aerospace firm Bombardier has said a further 95 jobs are at risk of redundancy at its NI operations .
It follows the firm 's announcement in June of a workforce reduction due to interruptions and challenges caused by Covid-19 .
In a statement it said `` 95 Bombardier core employee jobs in Northern Ireland are at risk of redundancy '' .
It said it deeply regretted `` the impact this will have on our workforce and their families '' .
However , Bombardier added that `` it is essential we align our business with current market realities to ensure we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The company employs about 3,500 in Northern Ireland .
The trade union Unite said that the announcement by Bombardier was a `` further blow '' to its workforce .
It repeated its call for `` a Northern Ireland rescue strategy combined with a UK-wide aerospace taskforce to save this critical industry '' .
Unite Regional Secretary Jackie Pollock said `` additional job losses '' were `` unnecessary '' and that the focus should be on seeking `` support and resources for the sector '' .
East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson said the announcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has had across all sectors of our economy , but particularly within the aerospace industry '' .
`` Unfortunately today 's announcement appears to be related to global forces of which we have only very limited powers to intervene , '' he said .
`` However , the sale of Bombardier 's operations locally remains a key target which we hope can be a springboard for the future . ''
Mr Robinson said it highlighted the need for targeted support to the aerospace sector and that he would `` continue to press for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In June , Bombardier Aerospace announced it was cutting 600 jobs at its Northern Ireland operations It said the move was in response to `` extraordinary industry interruptions and challenges '' caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
Having reviewed its operations in Belfast , Bombardier said it had to adjust the workforce `` to align with market demand for the remainder of this year and through 2021 '' .
This was on top of 2,500 redundancies across the Canadian firm 's global operations announced in the same month .
Bombardier 's Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being sold to the US firm Spirit AeroSystems .
Earlier in August , it was reported that a number of issues were still to be resolved before the sale of Bombardier 's Northern Ireland operations can be completed .
In May 2019 , Bombardier said it was putting its Northern Ireland operation up for sale as part of a reorganisation of the business .
Today 's announcements reflect the range of sectors affected by the pandemic .
Retail and aerospace are two big parts of the Northern Ireland economy .
Across the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs over the next three months across its stores and management .
Unions from both sectors are now calling for targeted government support to help with recovery .
Covid 19 has changed how we shop and what we buy which is putting pressure on retailers to adapt .
Raymond Neal from USDAW union said : `` We need to save these jobs .
Retail workers were key workers throughout this pandemic and feel they have been let down . ''
The retail sector was already struggling before this pandemic hit .
Aodhan Connolly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This pandemic has brought about 10 years worth of change in 13 or 14 weeks .
This shows that retail will need more support from the Executive . ''
Meanwhile , Bombardier says demand for the rest of this year has softened further which is why it is consulting on further redundancies .
Susan Fitzgerald of Unite said : `` We are watching this industry bleeding out .
There has been complete inaction from Stormont and from Westminster .
`` Advanced manufacturing is a big part of the Northern Ireland economy and tens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the UK.
`` `` We are calling on the government to extend the furlough scheme and implement a host of other measures to save these jobs . ''

Having reviewed its operations in Belfast, Bombardier said it had to adjust the workforce "to align with market demand for the remainder of this year and through 2021".


bbcuk--2020-08-18--A-levels: How did Gavin Williamson survive exams U-turn?

The career aspirations of many teenagers were delivered a blow last week when 40 % of A level results in England were downgraded from teachers ' assessments .
So why are the career prospects of Gavin Williamson - the education secretary who presided over what even some usually supportive newspapers have described as a `` farce '' or a `` humiliation '' - not in tatters ?
It 's not just some students , teachers and parents who are scratching their heads over this question - but some Conservative MPs too .
One of them said to me : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not in a good place . ''
Another pointed out that he had plenty of time to prepare for how students should be assessed - exams were cancelled five months ago , on 18 March .
Yet Downing Street maintains the prime minister has full confidence in Gavin Williamson .
One reason is that he has a `` human shield , '' in the form of England 's exam regulator , Ofqual .
The case for the Williamson defence is , essentially , that he was asking the right questions of the regulator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • After the exams U-turn - what happens next ?
• How did the A-level algorithm work ?
It should be said that it was the education secretary himself who decided in March that he did not want to see `` grade inflation '' as a result of teachers ' assessments - and that this year 's results would have to be `` moderated '' or `` standardised '' .
Mr Williamson claims that the principle of `` moderation '' was widely accepted - and that in more normal times there would always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' expectations in real exams .
The Department for Education argues that there was also widespread consultation over the criteria Ofqual would deploy when standardising the grades .
So the only issue was how that standardisation would be conducted rather than any debate over whether it was right in principle .
Alarm bells about the effects of standardisation were loudly rung by the cross-party education committee - under the chairmanship of Conservative MP Rob Halfon - on 11 July .
Committee members called for more transparency over the algorithm Ofqual was using to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be published immediately to allow for proper scrutiny .
The algorithm was not made public until last Thursday .
The committee also warned that Ofqual 's model `` does not appear to include any mechanism to identify whether groups such as Black and Minority Ethnic ( BAME ) , Free School Meal eligible pupils , children looked after , and pupils with special educational needs have been systematically disadvantaged by calculated grades '' .
Gavin Williamson 's allies say he took these concerns seriously .
Schools minister Nick Gibb and education department officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 July and pressed for clarification on how the algorithm would impact pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and from ethnic minority communities .
Officials maintain that the correct questions were asked and that they received assurances that those from disadvantaged backgrounds would not be adversely affected .
One insider said that the education secretary can probe Ofqual on its methods but ca n't , of course , design an algorithm himself .
But Mr Williamson was aware that the algorithm 's use was likely to throw up `` hard cases '' and `` outliers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - who would not get the grades they deserved .
So the education secretary focussed on improving the appeals system and , ultimately , ensuring that it was free to use , officials say .
Ofqual have yet to respond to inquiries about the meeting .
In its July report , the education committee said : 'We are extremely concerned that pupils will require evidence of bias or discrimination to raise a complaint about their grades .
`` It is unrealistic and unfair to put the onus on pupils to have , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of bias or discrimination .
Such a system also favours more affluent pupils and families with resources and knowledge of the system . ''
Education department insiders maintain that Mr Williamson - who went to a comprehensive school - was determined to inject fairness in to the system and create a robust ( one of his favourite words ) safety net to catch anyone caught out by the system .
Indeed , there was still wrangling going on between Ofqual and the department as recently as last weekend over further changes to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal was removed from its website around eight hours after it first appeared .
And they say that it became apparent only in the past few days that the appeals system , however `` robust '' , could not deal with the potential scale of the problem .
Last Tuesday , the Scottish government had to perform a U-turn under pressure .
An analysis by Ofqual 's Scottish equivalent - the SQA - showed that pupils from deprived backgrounds were subjected to higher rates of downgrading than those who were better-off .
Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SQA standardisation model was fair - but that he was now moving to teacher assessments because of the `` anguish '' some pupils had experienced .
• How did John Swinney survive the school results row ?
Gavin Williamson 's allies say that he sought assurances from Ofqual that the problems the Scottish system had highlighted would not affect England - and , once again , he received assurances that this was the case .
Only when the results came out on Thursday did the outcome begin to look rather too familiar .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather a lot of `` outliers '' and only subsequently was it established that the algorithm itself was flawed .
Over the weekend , there was an internal debate at the DfE over whether the algorithm could be improved , or whether teachers ' assessments would have to be accepted after all .
What seems to have swung it is that fixing the algorithm would have led to a delay to this week 's GCSE 's results .
This was not something Downing Street wanted to see .
I 'm told that by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister spoke - by phone - on Monday morning , they were , metaphorically at least , `` in the same place '' .
It would have to be teacher assessments as the least worst option , and the announcement would be made later that day .
The case for the prosecution What is frustrating some Conservative MPs is not the U-turn itself , but the time it took to put into action .
Some privately accuse the education secretary of not being robust enough in interrogating Ofqual earlier in the process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal Statistical Society to help with the modelling in April were n't accepted .
But what is agitating most of the education secretary 's internal critics is that it took nearly a week for the U-turn in Scotland to be repeated in England .
They feel Gavin Williamson dug himself in to a hole by denouncing so strongly the actions of the Scottish government , highlighting the `` unfairness '' of taking teachers ' predictions solely as the basis for results .
This was , arguably , a failure of the education secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ofqual algorithm did not discriminate against the most disadvantaged , it should have been possible , critics maintain , to anticipate that the protests and parades of disappointed students in Scotland would be repeated in England , given that a similar scale of downgrading was to take place .
The perception that a government committed to `` levelling up '' the nation was downgrading bright students from underperforming schools was toxic .
And some MPs are questioning why , in the Times , as recently as Saturday Gavin Williamson was praising what was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the overwhelming majority of students '' .
And declaring there would be `` no U-turn , no change '' .
And on Sunday , when internal debates over accepting teachers ' assessments and abandoning the option of fixing the algorithm were very active - why was he apparently defending `` the calculated grade overseen by Ofqual '' , in the Express newspaper .
A former minister with a background in education told me that because the education secretary had nailed his colours so firmly to a teetering mast , it was `` inevitable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But it seems nothing is inevitable in politics .
Boris Johnson himself is not seen as devoid of blame by some of his own MPs .
Last Thursday , the prime minister was also defending the `` robust '' system of assessment in England .
As one MP put it , `` the captain of the ship was too hands off '' .
Indeed - for some - that captain changed direction as though he were on the bridge of an oil tanker , when what was required was the swift launching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister said he fully expects Gavin Williamson to be moved in any autumn reshuffle - that he has been given a reprieve by Downing Street , not exoneration .
He has to sort out the messy challenge of getting newly upgraded students in to universities then the tricky task of getting pupils in England back to school next month .
The partial return prior to the summer was n't exactly smooth .
So if Mr Williamson 's performance in those areas falls short , then his current job is not safe in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons why he has n't received a ministerial P45 .
This is not an administration which does resignations .
Boris Johnson is loyal to those who are loyal and useful to him .
The clamour amongst Conservative backbenchers for his adviser Dominic Cummings to go over his lockdown trip to Durham subsided as Downing St dug in its heels .
The controversy over the Richard Desmond planning decision has not cost housing secretary Robert Jenrick his job .
And Gavin Williamson has been helpful to Boris Johnson behind the scenes - as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sacked , and got behind Mr Johnson 's leadership bid .
A former chief whip , his reputation as a minister may have suffered but not his abilities as a fixer .
No 10 may want to retain him inside the tent .
But he also has some cover in the current controversy .
He U-turned - but so too did the SNP administration in Edinburgh , the Labour-led administration in Cardiff and the power-sharing DUP/Sinn Fein executive in Belfast .
As is important in times of personal crisis , he is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exams saga has predominantly dented Mr Williamson 's credibility - or that of the entire government .
With a majority of eighty and probably four years until the next election , that 's not a question to which Boris Johnson needs an immediate answer .

It should be said that it was the education secretary himself who decided in March that he did not want to see "grade inflation" as a result of teachers' assessments - and that this year's results would have to be "moderated" or "standardised".


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Sajid Javid: Why has the ex-chancellor been allowed to work for JP Morgan?

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

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


bbcuk--2020-08-18--PC Harper: Wife Lissie calls for life sentences for killers

The widow of a police officer who was dragged to his death behind a getaway car has said she does @ @ @ @ @ has received justice .
PC Andrew Harper , 28 , died when he suffered catastrophic @ @ @ @ @ .
Lissie Harper is campaigning for the killers of emergency service workers to receive life @ @ @ @ @ 19 , Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole , both 18 , were convicted of manslaughter @ @ @ @ @ 's murder following a trial at the Old Bailey in July .
Driver Long was @ @ @ @ @ passengers Bowers and Jessie Cole were sentenced to 13 years each .

The widow of a police officer who was dragged to his death behind a getaway car has said she does not feel like the family has received justice.
PC Andrew Harper, 28, died when he suffered catastrophic injuries in Berkshire last August.
Lissie Harper is campaigning for the killers of emergency service workers to receive life sentences.
Henry Long, 19, Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, both 18, were convicted of manslaughter but cleared of PC Harper's murder following a trial at the Old Bailey in July.
Driver Long was jailed for 16 years while passengers Bowers and Jessie Cole were sentenced to 13 years each.
Reporter: Peter Cooke


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Motorbike handlebar wheelie world speed record broken by 1mph

Stunt motorcyclist Jonny Davies - AKA Stunter Jonny - broke the world speed record for doing a handlebar wheelie .
@ @ @ @ @ Durham , got up to 109.2mph , with his legs above the handlebars .
He @ @ @ @ @ World Championship in North Yorkshire .
And he says he could have gone even faster @ @ @ @ @ 122mph in practice .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or @ @ @ @

Stunt motorcyclist Jonny Davies - AKA Stunter Jonny - broke the world speed record for doing a handlebar wheelie.
The 28-year-old, from County Durham, got up to 109.2mph, with his legs above the handlebars.
He was at the Motorcycle Wheelie World Championship in North Yorkshire.
And he says he could have gone even faster - claiming to have made 122mph in practice.
Footage courtesy of Harvey Brewster/Marco George/Worldreach.
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Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.


bbcuk--2020-08-17--Dolphins play with Weymouth lifeboat crew

A lifeboat crew responding to reports of a vessel on fire in Dorset has been surprised by a small pod @ @ @ @ @ Weymouth RNLI all-weather and inshore lifeboats were launched on Saturday evening after reports of a @ @ @ @ @ Bay near Osmington .
Two water bikes and their riders were located and towed back @ @ @ @ @ while on the scene a small pod of dolphins popped up and played around the @ @

A lifeboat crew responding to reports of a vessel on fire in Dorset has been surprised by a small pod of playful dolphins.
The Weymouth RNLI all-weather and inshore lifeboats were launched on Saturday evening after reports of a vessel on fire at Ringstead Bay near Osmington.
Two water bikes and their riders were located and towed back to Weymouth Harbour, but while on the scene a small pod of dolphins popped up and played around the lifeboats.


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Newspaper headlines: 'Missing man' Johnson and a High Street 'bloodbath'

The Financial Times leads on the story that US stocks have rebounded after the coronavirus crisis to hit a record @ @ @ @ @ not done so well though , the paper says .
Inside , its top leader @ @ @ @ @ mess , arguing that humans , not the computer algorithm , are to blame for @ @ @ @ @ that a computer programme simply does what it is told to .

They say they've added details of the Samaritans to their emails after several applicants threatened self-harm. An algorithm may be to blame, they say, but "it's humans having to clear up the mess".


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Coronavirus: Care homes ask for insurance cost help

Care home owners whose insurance premiums have soared this year have called for government protection from being sued over coronavirus deaths .
Care England warned the situation was an `` an absolutely enormous threat '' to the future of the sector .
Owners said they feared they could go out of business if they were not offered similar indemnity to the NHS .
The government said it was doing everything it could to support the social care sector .
Care England , a charity that represents providers across the country , said if care homes could not get insurance they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with coronavirus from hospitals .
'People need to be cared for' Mike Padgham , managing director of St Cecilia 's care group in Scarborough , North Yorkshire , said he was shocked to be told renewing his existing policy would cost him 880 % more than last year .
He previously paid £10,000 but his quote for renewal was initially £98,000 .
He received an alternative offer of £41,000 and finally settled for a policy costing £18,000 .
`` I do have some sympathy with the insurance companies because they 're worried about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want the government to step in and help the industry , '' he said .
Mr Padgham has written an open letter to the health secretary calling for government intervention .
`` I 've had some sleepless nights over it , '' he said .
`` We do n't have to do this job , of course , but somebody has to provide the care because people need to be cared for .
`` Providers like ourselves are playing a part in that , but we want the government to help us in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their word , we are all in this together , then they should be helping us . ''
There have been outbreaks of Covid-19 in about 44 % of all registered care homes , according to Public Health England figures .
The National Care Association , which represents small and medium-sized care providers , surveyed all of its members regarding insurance .
It received 68 responses , with 68 % reporting an increase in their premium and 35 % changing provider .
Almost all respondents - 93.5 % - said they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Care England 's chief executive Martin Green said : `` This is an absolutely enormous threat to the care sector and I think we should acknowledge that some of the increases in costs are absolutely astronomical .
`` We 've seen people who used to pay £12,000 being told they have to now pay £98,000 and also will get less cover than they used to get .
`` So , faced with that situation , businesses are going to have to either find that extra money or in many cases they wo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'll go out of business . ''
• How big is the epidemic in care homes ?
• Almost 30,000 more care home deaths than last year • More stories from across Yorkshire During the early stages of the coronavirus crisis , government legislation was brought in giving additional protection - or indemnity - to the health service .
However , those measures would not apply to care homes .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • ENDGAME @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this mess ?
• WITHOUT SYMPTOMS : The mystery of 'silent spreaders' Mr Green added : `` The reality is that social care and the NHS are inextricably linked and we all support the same people .
`` So I do n't see why the government should make an exception and deliver indemnity for one part of the system and totally ignore the other . ''
A Department for Health and Social spokesperson said : `` We are doing everything we can to support the social care sector during this unprecedented pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with care providers and insurance representatives , to understand these issues and any action that may need to be taken . ''
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Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news @ bbc.co.uk or send video here .

"Providers like ourselves are playing a part in that, but we want the government to help us in that drive and if they're true to their word, we are all in this together, then they should be helping us."


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Scottish exam results: 75,000 new certificates in September

Up to 75,000 new certificates are to be issued in the wake of the school exam results row , the Scottish Qualifications Authority ( SQA ) says .
This year 's grades were originally based on teacher assessments after exams were cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic .
But when the results were published two weeks ago , 125,000 of those estimates were downgraded by the SQA .
Now , the SQA has confirmed new certificates will be sent out in the week beginning 7 September - and will be paid for from existing budgets .
• How did John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Swinney insists U-turn was not about saving his job A spokesman said : `` Schools and colleges already have the data they need to tell candidates their revised grades , following the decision to award teacher estimates .
`` SQA will be sending a report confirming any revisions to grades - including confirming the retention of upgrades - by 21st August .
We are aiming to have new certificates issued week beginning 7 September .
`` The Alternative Certification Model and recertification will be delivered within previously-approved budgets with no additional funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determined at the conclusion of the process . ''
The SQA said the original downgrading of results was to ensure they were comparable with previous years .
However , the move led to claims that the system unfairly penalised pupils at schools which had historically not performed so well .
The Conservatives , Labour and the Lib Dems called for Mr Swinney 's resignation during a vote of no confidence at Holyrood .
Mr Swinney 's climbdown on the issue was enough for the Scottish Greens to back the SNP in the vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post .

Mr Swinney's climbdown on the issue was enough for the Scottish Greens to back the SNP in the vote and keep the education secretary in his post.


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Coronavirus: Ireland at 'tipping point' as Covid-19 cases rise

The Republic of Ireland 's cabinet has reversed some of its lockdown relaxation measures as it attempts to deal with rising Covid-19 case numbers .
Irish Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said : `` We are at a tipping point . ''
He added that a few weeks ago there were just 61 new reported cases for a seven day period but last week there were 533 cases .
The tightening of restrictions comes ahead of the reopening of schools over the next two weeks .
Taoiseach ( Irish PM ) Mícheál Martin said that if the current rates of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impossible to stop the spread of the virus to our most vulnerable and our most compromised '' .
On Tuesday , a further coronavirus-related death was reported , bringing the Republic of Ireland 's total to 1,775 .
There were 190 more confirmed cases of Covid-19 .
Crowds attending outdoor events , including sports , are to be reduced from 200 to 15 .
Indoor gatherings - excluding shops , restaurants and other businesses - are to be restricted to six people .
Those over 70s are again being asked to stay at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also once again being encouraged to work from home and not to use public transport .
Consideration is to be given as to whether Gardaí ( Irish police ) should get new powers to intervene where they believe social distancing rules are not being complied with .
People have been advised to continue working from home and to avoid public transport where possible .
In an initial response to the measures the leader of Labour party , Alan Kelly , has said the measures send out the wrong signal and will affect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place until 13 September at the earliest .
Following Tuesday 's cabinet meeting , Irish Health Minister Stephen Donnelly told a press conference that multiple clusters had emerged in homes and workplaces around the country .
Mr Donnelly said the 14-day cumulative cases per 100,000 of population is now 26 and the Republic of Ireland 's rate of growth in the past two weeks was the fourth highest in Europe .
The number of coronavirus cases rose by 200 on Saturday , although the daily tally on subsequent days was lower .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down from 66 on Sunday .
The overall total number of cases in the Republic of Ireland is 27,499

Taoiseach (Irish PM) Mícheál Martin said that if the current rates of Covid-19 continue to rise "it will be impossible to stop the spread of the virus to our most vulnerable and our most compromised".


bbcuk--2020-08-18--Black Lives Matter: Cardiff Uni racism row student seeks legal advice

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

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


bbcuk--2020-08-19--Basildon University Hospital maternity unit rated 'inadequate'

A maternity unit has been rated inadequate after a `` lack of learning '' from a mother 's death has led to the `` same failings '' in new serious cases .
Care Quality Commission ( CQC ) inspectors turned up unannounced at Basildon University Hospital , Essex , after a whistleblower voiced fears .
The watchdog told the department to improve last year , but returned due to concerns about six cases this year .
Clare Panniker , of the hospital trust , said it was `` focused '' on improving .
The unit was criticised following the deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mother Gabriela Pintilie , 36 , in February 2019 .
The CQC inspected the department the month Mrs Pintilie died and said the unit , which had once been rated outstanding , required improvement .
In June , inspectors returned for a surprise `` focused '' inspection after being contacted by an anonymous whistleblower .
They were concerned about babies who had to have specialist cooling treatment , which is sometimes offered to newborns who have had a lack of oxygen during birth .
• Not enough staff with the right skills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between midwives , doctors and consultants , which had an impact on the `` increased number of safety incidents reported '' • Women being referred to by room numbers instead of their names • A `` lack of response by consultants to emergencies '' resulting in delays The CQC also referred to issues relating to the death of Mrs Pintilie , who was not named in the report , and said five serious incidents `` identified the same failings of care '' .
`` This demonstrated there had been a lack of learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place were not embedded . ''
However , it also identified several areas of good practice .
Ms Panniker , chief executive of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust which runs the hospital , said the serious cases were being investigated independently , £1.8m had been invested in staffing and a new clinical director was in post .
Nine midwives and two consultants had already started working and 20 more midwives would join in the autumn .
She also said its poor workplace culture was `` unacceptable '' and would not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused in the last few months in making the improvements that mean women can be confident to come and have their babies in the maternity department at Basildon and be very safe in the process , '' she said .
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"With my most recent miscarriage [when she was pregnant again after her son died] I had four scans - one of which I did have a midwife come in for support which was lovely - but I had scans where I was all on my own to receive bad news. There are situations where people need support."