We have gone through this week’s news and have attempted to pull out the most relevant announcements for this round-up. Find out what’s new for small businesses this week.
Here is a brief look at the news you need to know:
Pubs and restaurants serving outside can reopen as planned next Monday, along with non-essential shops, gyms, and hairdressers, as England’s lockdown is further eased.
The prime minister also said the government was “hopeful” that international travel could resume on 17 May for the next stage of lockdown easing but cautioned against the effects of the surge of coronavirus in other parts of the world.
What is changing from 12 April in England?
For more information visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56641596
Springboard predicts a 48% rise in sales when lockdown restrictions are lifted on 12 April. Their analysis shows that during the four-day bank holiday, footfall in central London and other large British cities was three times greater than for the same period in March 2020, which was just after the first coronavirus lockdown began.
The analyst says that the fact more consumers are visiting retail parks and do shopping from those essential shops allowed to stay open indicates a “pent up demand” to make shopping decisions in person in bricks and mortar stores, rather than online.
According to PwC’s consumer markets lead Lisa Hooker, people were forced to do savings during lockdown which has led to record levels of optimism and a number of ‘firsts’ such as all regions being positive since we started the survey in 2008. Consumers have missed their favourite activities such as shopping, eating out, and going on holiday and so there is ample opportunity, over the spring and into the summer, for operators to maximise this appetite to spend.
For more information visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-56667980
Everyone in England is to be given access to two rapid coronavirus tests a week from Friday, under an extension of the government’s testing programme. The lateral flow kits, which can provide results in around 30 minutes, will be available for free at testing sites, pharmacies, and through the post.
The rapid tests are aimed at those without any Covid symptoms and can be taken at home. But critics of the programme say it risks becoming a “scandalous” waste of money.
The government introduced lateral flow testing for secondary school children and staff earlier this year, under plans to reopen classes in England by March. In February, the scheme was extended to the families of all school and college-age children in England. Kits were also offered to those who cannot work from home in the pandemic, so they can be tested twice a week.
From 9 April, kits will be available through:
For more information visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56632084
