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UK coronavirus live: Starmer attacks 'serial incompetence' of Tory handling of Covid crisis UK coronavirus live: Starmer attacks 'serial incompetence' of Tory handling of Covid crisis
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Latest updates: Labour leader urges ministers to consult with local leaders over increased restrictions and stop ‘Whitehall knows best’ approachLatest updates: Labour leader urges ministers to consult with local leaders over increased restrictions and stop ‘Whitehall knows best’ approach
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Sophie, Countess of Wessex is self-isolating at home after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive for coronavirus, Buckingham Palace has said.
A palace spokeswoman said: “Earlier this week the Countess of Wessex came into contact with someone who has subsequently tested positive for Covid-19.
“Her Royal Highness is not experiencing any symptoms, but is following all relevant Government guidelines and is self-isolating at home.”
The Welsh government will amend local lockdown restrictions to allow children to take part in organised sporting activities outside of their county boundaries.
In Wales, people must not enter or leave areas under local lockdown without a reasonable excuse such as work or education.
First minister Mark Drakeford told a press conference in Cardiff that Covid-19 was “waking up for winter”.
Police Scotland has announced that additional patrols will assist local authorities in ensuring pubs and restaurants across central Scotland close at 6pm this evening as the temporary shut down comes into force.
Chief constable Iain Livingstone said: “Officers will be highly visible in communities over the weekend to engage with the public, explain the new advice, guidance and restrictions and encourage people to do the right thing.”
Police Scotland officers have had over 75,000 Covid- related interactions with members of the public since March, with around 4,000 or just over 5% resulting in formal enforcement action.
Livingstone said he remained concerned about informal house gatherings:
Nearly nine out of 10 Covid-19 tests taken under the system used by care homes in England were returned after the government’s 48-hour target in September, official figures reveal.Nearly nine out of 10 Covid-19 tests taken under the system used by care homes in England were returned after the government’s 48-hour target in September, official figures reveal.
The performance of the NHS test-and-trace system has sparked warnings from care managers that continued delays will increase the risk of infection among their vulnerable residents.The performance of the NHS test-and-trace system has sparked warnings from care managers that continued delays will increase the risk of infection among their vulnerable residents.
At the end of the first month in which tests were routinely provided to care home staff and residents, 87% of those carried out at satellite testing centres, predominantly used by care homes, were returned after more than two days. Over half took more than three days to come back.At the end of the first month in which tests were routinely provided to care home staff and residents, 87% of those carried out at satellite testing centres, predominantly used by care homes, were returned after more than two days. Over half took more than three days to come back.
Care workers are now being tested weekly and residents monthly, but managers are concerned that delays of over a week in some cases in receiving results mean asymptomatic staff could be spreading infection.Care workers are now being tested weekly and residents monthly, but managers are concerned that delays of over a week in some cases in receiving results mean asymptomatic staff could be spreading infection.
Downing Street said it “won’t hesitate to act” to tackle rising coronavirus cases amid reports that new restrictions will be imposed next week.Downing Street said it “won’t hesitate to act” to tackle rising coronavirus cases amid reports that new restrictions will be imposed next week.
A Number 10 spokesman said: A No 10 spokesman said:
The spokesman did not confirm when the government would announce a new three-tier local lockdown system, which is reportedly to be outlined on Monday.The spokesman did not confirm when the government would announce a new three-tier local lockdown system, which is reportedly to be outlined on Monday.
At her daily press briefing, Nicola Sturgeon addressed head-on the confusion over the past 24 hours regarding the kinds of hospitality businesses that are affected by the temporary shutdown, starting at 6pm this evening.At her daily press briefing, Nicola Sturgeon addressed head-on the confusion over the past 24 hours regarding the kinds of hospitality businesses that are affected by the temporary shutdown, starting at 6pm this evening.
Sturgeon said she “readily accepts there has been a lack of clarity” but says this was due to the speed with which the new rules needed to be imposed and the desire to maintain places where people who live alone can meet a friend for a coffee and a chat.Sturgeon said she “readily accepts there has been a lack of clarity” but says this was due to the speed with which the new rules needed to be imposed and the desire to maintain places where people who live alone can meet a friend for a coffee and a chat.
The newly published regulations define a cafe as “an establishment whose primary business activity...is the sale of non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals”. The newly published regulations define a cafe as “an establishment whose primary business activity ... is the sale of non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals”.
Sturgeon says this doesn’t allow a restaurant to turn itself into a cafe in order to avoid the shutdown, but that the cafe exemption - which means that all cafes can stay open in the central belt until 6pm – had to be drawn “really tightly”. Sturgeon says this doesn’t allow a restaurant to turn itself into a cafe in order to avoid the shutdown, but that the cafe exemption – which means that all cafes can stay open in the central belt until 6pm – had to be drawn “really tightly”.
Sturgeon also confirmed 1,246 positive tests for coronavirus, counting for 16.2% of those newly tested, in the last 24 hours in Scotland.Sturgeon also confirmed 1,246 positive tests for coronavirus, counting for 16.2% of those newly tested, in the last 24 hours in Scotland.
There has been an increase of 20 people in hospital, to 397, and a further six deaths.There has been an increase of 20 people in hospital, to 397, and a further six deaths.
There were an average of 17,200 new cases per day of Covid-19 in private households in England between 25 September and 1 October, according to the latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).There were an average of 17,200 new cases per day of Covid-19 in private households in England between 25 September and 1 October, according to the latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This is up from an estimated 8,400 new cases per day for the period from 18 to 24 September.This is up from an estimated 8,400 new cases per day for the period from 18 to 24 September.
The ONS said there had been a “marked increase” in the rate of new infections over the last six weeks.The ONS said there had been a “marked increase” in the rate of new infections over the last six weeks.
The figures do not include people staying in hospitals, care homes or other institutional settings.The figures do not include people staying in hospitals, care homes or other institutional settings.
A UK government jobs quiz aimed at identifying potential new areas of work provides a string of unhelpful career suggestions including lock-keeping and boxing as well as currently precarious posts including airline pilot and cinema projectionist, users have complained.A UK government jobs quiz aimed at identifying potential new areas of work provides a string of unhelpful career suggestions including lock-keeping and boxing as well as currently precarious posts including airline pilot and cinema projectionist, users have complained.
Rishi Sunak’s warning that the coronavirus pandemic would force employees to adapt to find work has prompted much interest in the beta version of the career assessment tool. But some of the results it has produced, based on answers to 50 questions, have prompted mirth and despair among users.Rishi Sunak’s warning that the coronavirus pandemic would force employees to adapt to find work has prompted much interest in the beta version of the career assessment tool. But some of the results it has produced, based on answers to 50 questions, have prompted mirth and despair among users.
Suggested posts in troubled industries caused the most alarm. Lara Platman, a photographer, was unimpressed to be told she might suit the role of an airline pilot or lock-keeper.Suggested posts in troubled industries caused the most alarm. Lara Platman, a photographer, was unimpressed to be told she might suit the role of an airline pilot or lock-keeper.
Northern Ireland’s deputy first minister, Michelle O’Neill, is self-isolating after a close family member tested positive for Covid-19.Northern Ireland’s deputy first minister, Michelle O’Neill, is self-isolating after a close family member tested positive for Covid-19.
The Sinn Féin vice-president, who is being tested herself, will need to restrict her movements for two weeks and work remotely.The Sinn Féin vice-president, who is being tested herself, will need to restrict her movements for two weeks and work remotely.
The development would only have potential self-isolating consequences for O’Neill’s Stormont colleagues if she tests positive for the virus.The development would only have potential self-isolating consequences for O’Neill’s Stormont colleagues if she tests positive for the virus.
A Sinn Féin spokesman said: “Joint head of government Michelle O’Neill has confirmed that she is being tested for coronavirus and is self-isolating after contact with a family member who has tested positive for Covid-19.A Sinn Féin spokesman said: “Joint head of government Michelle O’Neill has confirmed that she is being tested for coronavirus and is self-isolating after contact with a family member who has tested positive for Covid-19.
“Michelle will continue to follow the public health advice and carry out her duties in government remotely.”“Michelle will continue to follow the public health advice and carry out her duties in government remotely.”
High street fashion chain Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM), which owns Peacocks and Jaeger, is close to collapse, with 24,000 jobs in the balance, according to documents filed with the High Court.High street fashion chain Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM), which owns Peacocks and Jaeger, is close to collapse, with 24,000 jobs in the balance, according to documents filed with the High Court.
The company has lodged a notice of intention to appoint administrators to look for potential buyers to shore up the struggling business.The company has lodged a notice of intention to appoint administrators to look for potential buyers to shore up the struggling business.
Bosses wrote to staff on Friday morning, warning them that the national and local lockdowns had hit sales very heavily.Bosses wrote to staff on Friday morning, warning them that the national and local lockdowns had hit sales very heavily.
The company added that it has been hit hard by allegations, which it denies, that the retailer and several rivals failed to pay some Bangladeshi suppliers during lockdown in an attempt to cut costs for clothes they were unlikely to sell.The company added that it has been hit hard by allegations, which it denies, that the retailer and several rivals failed to pay some Bangladeshi suppliers during lockdown in an attempt to cut costs for clothes they were unlikely to sell.
The move by EWM, owned by businessman Philip Day, will see insolvency specialists at FRP spend 10 days carrying out an urgent review ahead of further action.The move by EWM, owned by businessman Philip Day, will see insolvency specialists at FRP spend 10 days carrying out an urgent review ahead of further action.
All stores will continue trading and further details will be announced in due course, the company added, but significant changes are expected.All stores will continue trading and further details will be announced in due course, the company added, but significant changes are expected.
Steve Simpson, chief executive of the EWM group said:Steve Simpson, chief executive of the EWM group said:
As tensions rise between northern mayors and the government over local lockdown measures in place in major cities across the north of England, fears that coronavirus could exacerbate the north-south divide are growing.As tensions rise between northern mayors and the government over local lockdown measures in place in major cities across the north of England, fears that coronavirus could exacerbate the north-south divide are growing.
For some families, the distinction between the local lockdowns in the north and the more relaxed measures in the south is particularly acute.For some families, the distinction between the local lockdowns in the north and the more relaxed measures in the south is particularly acute.
Helen Mason, 32, lives in the north-east under local lockdown restrictions, while her parents live in south Devon, which has no additional measures.Helen Mason, 32, lives in the north-east under local lockdown restrictions, while her parents live in south Devon, which has no additional measures.
Mason said while she understood the need for local restrictions, discrepancies between different areas were difficult to swallow. She has two young children and said being unable to see friends and family had left her feeling isolated. She said:Mason said while she understood the need for local restrictions, discrepancies between different areas were difficult to swallow. She has two young children and said being unable to see friends and family had left her feeling isolated. She said:
Students in lockdown across Britain have complained about the cost and quality of the food provided by their universities, with some charged hundreds of pounds for meal packages including baked beans and instant noodles.
With outbreaks recorded at more than 90 UK universities, some involving hundreds of people, the support provided by the institutions is coming under scrutiny.
Students have said they are struggling to feed themselves since supermarket delivery services are inaccessible or limited, and kitchen facilities lack space to stockpile food for the two weeks for which they have to quarantine.
Many have responded to universities’ patchy support by posting photos of their unpalatable emergency food packs on social media. They have complained they have no option but to pay high prices to their university for low quality food, some of which takes days to arrive.
Students at Queen’s University Belfast are being charged £15 a day (£210 for a fortnight) for meals that might comprise cereal, pot noodle and a microwave curry, which the Belfast Telegraph estimated would cost £55 in a local Tesco. According to the Save the Student annual survey of student finances, the average student spends £100 a month on groceries.
The proportion of adults leaving home to socialise or dine out has fallen in recent weeks as local restrictions and fears for the winter continue, official figures show.
Just under half (43%) of adults reported meeting with others less often, when asked about changes to socialising outside their household, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
A quarter of adults said they had eaten or drunk in a restaurant, pub or bar during the previous week when polled by the ONS between 30 September and 4 October.
Three weeks earlier, 30% of respondents said they had done so in the past seven days.
The proportion of adults leaving their home to meet others in either a public place or a personal place, such as another person’s home, has fallen eight percentage points over the same period.
Overall, 27% of adults said they had not socialised with anyone outside their household in the past seven days, compared to 25% last week.
Levels of socialising varied by whether someone said they were in an area subject to local lockdown restrictions.
A third (34%) of those in these areas said they had not socialised with anyone outside their household, compared with 25% for those not in local lockdown areas.
Seven per cent of people in a local lockdown area said they had socialised in a group with six or more people, rising to 9% of those not in an area subject to restrictions.
The ONS analysed responses from 1,573 adults about their feelings and activity during the past week in its Opinions and Lifestyle Survey examining the social impact of coronavirus.
It also found that average anxiety scores for all adults have increased to 4.3, the highest since 3 to 13 April, when the average score reached 4.9.
And 36% of adults reported high anxiety levels, the highest proportion since the height of lockdown, when 37% said so during 17 to 27 April.
Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and member of the Sage committee advising the government on the pandemic, has stressed the need for urgent action now “to avoid spiralling out of control”.
In response to our story that some hospitals in the north of England are set to run out of beds for Covid patients within a week, Farrar said the government is facing the same choices as in March.
Hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people living in coronavirus hotspots could be told to shield this winter under plans reportedly being considered by the government as infections continue to soar.
Ministers are expected to outline a three-tier local lockdown system next week, which may see those most at risk if they catch Covid-19 being told to stay at home for months.
The Times said a decision on shielding had not been finalised and may be delayed because of fears for the mental health of those told to avoid seeing other people.
Around 2.2 million people in England deemed “clinically extremely vulnerable” were asked to shield at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, before the scheme was “paused” in July.
Professor John Edmunds, a member of the Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said coronavirus was “holding a gun” to Boris Johnson’s head over the restrictions being introduced, adding that the nation faces an anxious wait to see the full impact on the NHS. He said:
MPs representing constituencies in the Midlands and north of England - where case numbers are highest - were briefed by the chief scientific adviser Professor Chris Whitty on Thursday.
One of those who joined the call said it was implied that the NHS may not cope if case numbers continued to rise in the areas.
Whitty also warned that some lockdown measures in the Midlands and the north of England could be in place for six months.
Calls for stricter safety measures on buses are being stepped up after the death of a driver with coronavirus earlier this week.
Unite named the driver as Kofi Opoku, who was based in Croydon, south London.
The union said bus driver safety is particularly sensitive as during the height of the pandemic earlier this year, male London bus drivers were the profession at greatest risk of dying from Covid-19, with at least 29 succumbing to the disease.
Unite, which represents more than 20,000 London bus workers, has called for improvements to vehicle safety to better protect drivers and passengers as the virus continues to spread.
Unite said it wants to ensure all screens and seals are properly installed, health and safety reps are stood down from normal duties to monitor safety in garages, and for a review and enhancement of cleaning regimes.
Unite officer John Murphy said:
Scotland’s clinical director Jason Leitch has attempted for clear up the confusion surrounding which hospitality premises are allowed to remain open after the crackdown on indoor drinking comes into force this evening.As we earlier reported, many business owners in central Scotland, where a 16-day shutdown of pubs, restaurants and cafes that serve alcohol was announced by Nicola Sturgeon on Wednesday, claimed that they were still uncertain whether they were expected to close at 6pm on Friday as trade bodies described the Scottish government’s behaviour as “dysfunctional”Asked about the distinction between a restaurant and a cafe on Friday morning, Leitch said:
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Leitch added that the strict hospitality measures would work in combination with the ongoing ban on household visits, and a “reset” for retail to 2 metre distancing.Asked about accusations from the pub and restaurant sector that they were being scapegoated without compelling evidence, he insisted: “Nobody is being punished however I do understand certain sectors feel downtrodden. We will get the economy moving just as quickly as we can but the number one priority has to be the death and destruction caused by this virus.”He added: “There is a compliance challenge, that’s why we’ve gone back to 2 metres in retail for example”.
Business minister Nadhim Zahawi has been doing the media rounds this morning, answering questions on new coronavirus restrictions and the latest UK growth figures.
He said “leaks” to newspapers over upcoming coronavirus restrictions are “corrosive”, after Labour leader Keir Starmer said they have led to confusion over Downing Street’s strategy.
Zahawi told Sky News:
Zahawi also warned that 2020 “is going to be a difficult year”, after new figures on GDP showed a struggling economy.
He told BBC Breakfast:
He added that evidence presented to MPs by England’s chief medical officer showed 30% of coronavirus infections are coming through hospitality.
Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds has said Rishi Sunak’s job support scheme is “forcing businesses to flip a coin over who stays and who goes” because it is cheaper to employ one worker than two to do the same hours.
She said the cost to an employer of bringing back two workers in the arts sector for half of the week versus one for the whole week is £163 in the UK - compared with £98 in the Netherlands, £69 in France and nothing in Germany.
“The Chancellor’s sink-or-swim Job Support Scheme is forcing businesses to flip a coin over who stays and who goes,” she tweeted.
The job support scheme is a replacement for the coronavirus job retention scheme, and will involve the government contributing towards the wages of employees who are working fewer than normal hours.
The pace of the UK’s economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis has slowed considerably and is far below what experts had hoped for, new figures show today.
Gross National Product (GDP) was up by 2.1% during August, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
It was the fourth consecutive month of growth, after the economy took a serious hit during the depths of the coronavirus lockdown. But it is less than half of what experts had expected, and a major slowdown since July.
Analysts expected that GDP would increase by 4.6%, according to a consensus taken by Pantheon Macroeconomics.
In July, GDP was up by 6.4%, and in June it rose by 9.1%, according to ONS data.
The government invested hundreds of millions of pounds to get the economy back on its feet in August, including through its ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme which paid for half a restaurant bill during parts of the month.
It was largely this scheme, and other government initiatives, that encouraged growth across the month, said Suren Thiru, head of economics at the British Chamber of Commerce.
The accommodation and food service sectors contributed 1.25 percentage points of August’s growth in GDP. Thiru said:
It is now vital that the government is ready to help companies through what will prove to be a “difficult winter,” Thiru added.
The data shows that GDP rose by 8% in the three months to the end of August, marking a major turnaround from the depths of lockdown after GDP dropped a record 19.5% in April.
However, the measure is still 9.2% below where it was in February this year.
ONS deputy national statistician for economic statistics Jonathan Athow said:
You can follow rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news after the release of the UK growth figures over on our business live blog:
Morning everyone, this is Jessica Murray, I’ll be running the live blog today.
The government is coming under increasing criticism for its failure to consult with local leaders over extra coronavirus restrictions.
Writing in the Telegraph today, Labour leader Keir Starmer said:
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will today announce further support for jobs and businesses that are affected by coronavirus shutdowns amid calls to help the hardest hit industries and regions.
Sunak will detail “the next stage” of the Jobs Support Scheme on Friday, ahead of new restrictions expected for the hospitality sector.
Cities in northern England and other areas suffering a surge in Covid-19 cases may have pubs and restaurants temporarily closed to combat the spread of the virus.
Regional leaders and unions have been calling for fresh financial support to prevent further layoffs when new restrictions are imposed.
This morning Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, said that “without an extension to the main furlough scheme, the damage to the economy of the North will be deep and lasting”.