UK to run ‘human challenge’ coronavirus trials in world first October 20, 2020 The UK is set to become the first nation to launch “human challenge” trials, after the British government today said it would plug almost £34m into studies where healthy people are deliberately exposed to coronavirus. The trials, which could begin as soon as January, will aim to speed up the hunt for a vaccine by [...]
Dettol maker Reckitt Benckiser boosts sales on UK hygiene kick during pandemic October 20, 2020 Dettol maker Reckitt Benckiser has continued to flourish throughout the pandemic, as the company today reported a 20 per cent hike in cleaning product sales during the third quarter. The FTSE 100 company, which also owns brands such as Nurofen, Cillit Bang and Durex, reported a 13 per cent jump in overall sales between July [...]
Covid deaths rise but still only five per cent of first wave peak October 20, 2020 Weekly coronavirus-related deaths have risen to the highest level since the start of July, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In total, 438 deaths were registered in England and Wales in the week ending 9 October with Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate, ONS figures released today showed. The [...]
City of London pledges to lure in small businesses and artists in plan to ‘reinvent itself’ October 20, 2020 The City of London Corporation has pledged to “reinvent itself” by encouraging small businesses and artists to “re-enter the city centre”, as the capital attempts to shake off the economic damage of the pandemic . In a five-year target to reinvigorate London, the City has drawn up plans to motivate small businesses and artists to [...]
Calls for a circuit breaker are out of date, misguided, and not grounded in science October 20, 2020 The politicians supporting a circuit breaker lockdown, like the one due to come into effect in Wales on Friday, say they are “following the science”. They appear to be referring to a Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) document dated 21 September. If so, it’s science, Jim, but not as hard as we know it. [...]
Hospitality sector bangs pots and pans in Parliament Square to call for further government support October 19, 2020 Chefs, farmers, waitresses and caterers took their pots and pans to Parliament Square today to make their calls for further government support for the hospitality sector heard across Westminster. Hundreds of workers from the food and drink industry urged ministers to provide fresh funding to save wide-scale job losses and venue closures, as further restrictions [...]
Ottolenghi: “Ludicrous” Tier 2 rules will “kill” good businesses October 19, 2020 Renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi has criticised the Government’s ‘tier 2’ restrictions at a protest in London. The Israeli-born Ottolenghi told Sky News today: “I don’t think hospitality has been shown to spread (Covid-19) restrictions, and if it has then shut us all down and give us furlough again.” Unless furlough support is forthcoming, Ottolenghi warned [...]
Best part of working from home? Tracksuits, snacks and extra sleep, say Brits October 19, 2020 Not having to wear work clothes and being able to take breaks whenever they want are among employees’ favourite working from home perks, a new survey showed.
Wasps’ Premiership final hopes recede after four more coronavirus cases October 19, 2020 Fears that Wasps could be forced to forfeit their place in this week’s Premiership Rugby Final have grown after more of their players tested positive for Covid-19. Three more unnamed players and one staff member returned positive tests over the weekend, taking the total number to do so in the last week to 11. Wasps [...]
Breaking: Wales to enter strict ‘fire break’ lockdown October 19, 2020 Wales to enter strict 'fire break' lockdown