Coronavirus: Marks & Spencer warns on profit as it considers store closures March 20, 2020 Marks & Spencer issued a coronavirus-related profit warning today and alerted investors it may close stores temporarily amid the UK’s Covid-19 outbreak. Its clothing and home divisions have suffered a big hit already from the UK coronavirus crisis, Marks & Spencer warned. As a result profit could fall below expectations of £440m to £460m. “The [...]
Deutsche Bank warns of material impact from coronavirus pandemic March 20, 2020 Deutsche Bank has warned that the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic may affect its ability to meet financial targets as the lender undergoes a radial overhaul following years of losses. The warning is the first time Germany’s largest bank has publicly expressed concerns over the impact of the outbreak, which has disrupted Deutsche’s operations [...]
London hospital Northwick Park declares critical incident after surge in coronavirus cases March 20, 2020 London hospital Northwick Park in Harrow has declared a “critical incident” after experiencing a surge in coronavirus patients. In a message to staff seen by the Health Service Journal, Northwick Park Hospital said it has no critical care capacity left and has contacted neighbouring hospitals about transferring patients who need critical care to other sites. [...]
Labour’s Ian Murray: We need universal basic income to beat coronavirus March 20, 2020 The government must introduce a universal basic income to protect the UK’s most vulnerable workers amid a coronavirus-fuelled economic downturn, Labour deputy leadership contender Ian Murray warned this week. He also called on Boris Johnson to step up measures to protect businesses in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic – or risk “local community businesses [...]
Coronavirus: UK death toll rises by 39 to 177 March 20, 2020 A further 39 people to have tested positive for coronavirus have passed away today, according to NHS England. It brings the death toll in the UK to 177 with 167 of those coming in England. There have been six deaths in Scotland, three in Wales and one in Northern Ireland. The majority of them are believed to be in [...]
London coronavirus outbreak: Tube travel plunges 70 per cent March 20, 2020 The number of Londoners taking the Tube has plummeted 70 per cent amid the coronavirus outbreak, Transport for London (TfL) confirmed today. The number of London Underground commuters will fall even further as people are urged not to take public transport, TfL also warned. Bus journeys have fallen 40 per cent too, London’s transport body [...]
Coronavirus: Jaguar Land Rover halts production at all UK plants March 20, 2020 Britain’s largest car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover is to suspend all production at its UK production plants from next week in an effort to minimise the spread of Covid-19. The Coventry-based automotive firm, which has plants in Solihull, Bromwich and Halewood, said manufacturing would resume on 20 April, “subject to review of the rapidly-changing circumstances.” [...]
Coronavirus live: Social distancing needs to be in place for most of a year, say government advisers March 20, 2020 1.35pm: Social distancing measures need to be in place for “most of a year” Scientists advising the government have said social distancing measures need to be in place for “at least most of a year” to combat the coronavirus outbreak. In a press conference last night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK could “turn [...]
Coronavirus: US stocks lift on stimulus measures despite Europe turmoil March 20, 2020 US stocks lifted slightly on the open this afternoon as traders reacted to massive amounts of government stimulus aimed at containing the coronavirus crisis. The S&P 500 dipped 0.5 per cent before rising just 0.1 per cent and the tech-heavy Nasdaq rose 1.3 per cent. The Dow Jones posted a 0.5 per cent rise shortly [...]
Travis Perkins suspends dividend and delays Wickes de-merger March 20, 2020 Builders’ merchant Travis Perkins has suspended its dividend due to coronavirus uncertainty. The company also announced its intention to delay its long planned de-merger of DIY retailer Wickes. However, the group announced in its trading update a strong balance sheet with cash deposits of £185m. Boss Nick Roberts said: “Our highest priority is the health [...]