Image copyright Getty Images Restaurants have claimed more than 100 million meals under the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, Treasury figures show. Diners got a state-backed 50% discount on meals and soft drinks up to £10 each on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during August. The Treasury said restaurants have so far made 130,000 claims worth £522m, figures likely to… Read more →
Image copyright Reuters Gatwick airport says passenger numbers fell by 14.7 million, or two-thirds, in the first half of the year as air travel collapsed amid the pandemic. The airport, which announced job losses earlier this week, also posted a £344m loss as sales fell across its business. Despite signs of recovery, Gatwick said it expected air traffic and passenger… Read more →
Image copyright Getty Images The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits unexpectedly climbed back above one million last week, official figures show. The Labor Department said claims rose to 1.1 million, ahead of economists’ forecasts of 925,000. The rise came as US President Donald Trump faces increased pressure over his handling of the health crisis. Coronavirus infections continue to spread… Read more →
Image copyright HM Treasury Diners used the “eat out to help out” scheme more than 10.5 million times in its first week, the Treasury has said. Under the scheme, which is intended to boost the struggling hospitality sector, the government pays for 50% of a meal eaten at a cafe, restaurant or pub on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. The… Read more →
Image copyright Getty Images The US economy created jobs at a record pace in June as firms took on more staff after the coronavirus downturn. Payrolls surged 4.8 million, the most since the Labor Department began keeping records in 1939, helped by the reopening of factories and restaurants. It follows May’s jobs rebound, when 2.5 million joined the labour market,… Read more →
Image copyright Getty Images More than one million people have fallen through cracks in government schemes designed to support them during the coronavirus crisis, MPs says. The Treasury Select Committee called on ministers to plug gaps in the schemes to fulfil the government’s promise of “doing whatever it takes”. Freelancers and recent employees are among those who cannot access support,… Read more →
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The schemes are intended to ensure those who cannot work have some financial support The UK government has said 774,200 people in Scotland have been assisted by the furlough scheme and self-employment support. The schemes were among measures introduced after the coronavirus lockdown to support people whose businesses could not operate. Official statistics show… Read more →
Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionPersonal finance expert Martin Lewis says he wants an end to ‘furlough shaming’ online Some 8.9 million workers are now covered by the government’s furlough scheme, the Treasury has said. Claims for subsidies filed by employers have now reached £19.6bn, it added. The scheme, brought in to mitigate the effects of coronavirus,… Read more →
Image copyright Getty Images Some 8.4 million workers are now covered by the government’s furlough scheme, up from eight million a week earlier, the Treasury has said. Claims for subsidies filed by employers rose to £15bn from £11.1bn, it added. The scheme, brought in to mitigate the effects of coronavirus, allows employees to receive 80% of their monthly salary up… Read more →
Image copyright Noel Hillis Image caption Patrick has been in the top job at Greencore since 2008 The BBC’s weekly The Boss series profiles different business leaders from around the world. This week we speak to Patrick Coveney, chief executive of convenience food group Greencore. When you are the UK’s largest maker of pre-packaged sandwiches the coronavirus lockdown is a… Read more →