Colors: Purple Color

Millions of self-employed people in the UK whose businesses have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic can now apply for grants from the government.

The Self Employed Income Support Scheme is designed to match the support that is being given to employees who are under the furlough scheme.

The grants will be calculated as 80% of the average monthly profit over a period of up to three years.

The government said that the money will be paid into the accounts of eligible people si days after making the application

The aviation watchdog has warned airlines that they are legally required to provide refunds to customers who had their lights cancelled because of coronavirus.

By law, plane operators must refund customers within seven days if their flight is cancelled.

But with fewer than 10% of UK flights already taken off, airlines are struggling to deal with all the requests for refunds.

The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) said that it could take action against airlines.

In a statement, the regular said; “We are reviewing how airlines are handling refunds during the coronavirus pandemic and will consider if any action should be taken to ensure that the consumer rights are protected”.

Last month, consumer group Which? said that it had received thousands of complaints from people who are struggling to secure a refund from their cancelled travel.

Instead, airlines were offering customers vouchers to be used when lockdown is lifted.

Which? said that the travel industry’s own estimates suggests £7bn of travellers’ money was affected.

A six-year-old boy with spinal bifida who raised £28k for the NHS has won a special award from the PM.

Frank Mills, from Bristol, only learned to walk 18 months ago managed to walk for 10 metres per day with the aid of his walking frame.

He had set out to raise £99 to match Captain Tom Moore’s age when he completed his record-breaking walk but, in the end, he managed to achieve 3,000 times that target figure.

In awarding the Point of Light to Frank, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: “He was as brave and brilliant as Captain Tom”.

Frank’s mother, Janet, set up a JustGiving page and shared Frank’s story – with the target set for just £99.

She said: “After four weeks in lockdown, the family came across Captain Tom’s daily fundraising walk - with his walking frame, and Frank just said ‘I want to do that’.

“So we grabbed hold of that magic moment of motivation and we took his walker outside for him and chalked out 10 metres on the pavement with a start and finish line and two metre ‘you can do it’ markers”.

She continued: “Frank’s enthusiasm was not just surprising, but invigorating, and as he shouted at one of our neighbours to sponsor him, we thought why not?

“So we quickly put something up on JustGiving and shared the link on Facebook and, from then it really took off.

“We couldn’t believe the response”.

Born with spina bifida, Frank has had on-going top-class NHS care at Bristol Children’s Hospital, as well as in his community.

Charity fundraising champion, Colonel Tom Moore, was presented with a gold Blue Peter badge for single-handedly raising over £30 million for the (NHS) National Health Service.

The highest accolade to be presented on the long-running children’s programme, the World War II veteran received this, yet further, recognition for completing his 100 lap walk around his garden in Bedfordshire. A feat he met just short of his 100th birthday.

Described as a “beacon of light” by the show’s presenter, Lindsey Russell, Cl. Tom celebrated his birthday by witnessing a special RAF flypast, over 130,000 birthday cards and a personal message from The Queen.

On receiving the gold badge, he said: “I am very proud to receive this gold Blue Peter badge because I have always been a follower of the programme”.

Receiving the special badge for being an outstanding individual who is considered to be a role model who inspires a nation, Colonel Tom joins a select list of recepiants which includes Sir David Attenborough and The Queen.

 

The government must clarify how it will approach easing Covid-19 restrictions so that businesses can prepare for life after lockdown.

That is according to a new report from Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce (GBCC), which provides analysis of the government’s coronavirus support measures.

The report, entitled ‘Mind the Gap’, calls for clarity on how restrictions will be eased when key milestones have been met, so that businesses can plan for the future.

While public safety and keeping pressure off frontline health services “remains paramount”, businesses need to know what happens next, according to GBCC chief executive, Paul Faulkner.

Firms in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors are in particular need of guidance, amid concerns that events, gatherings and travel could be among the last restrictions to be lifted under a ‘phased’ return.

Tracy Stephenson, co-founder and joint managing director of serviced apartment operator, Staying Cool at Rotunda, said: “Birmingham’s tourism economy is dependent on domestic and international visitors coming into the city for cultural pursuits, events and corporate travel.

“We are very concerned that, given that these activities were some of the first things to go as we went into lockdown, they could be the last things to come back online.

“We need greater clarity from government on what a phased return to ‘normality’ looks like so that we can move ahead. A prolonged lockdown or some form of half-way house where we are open but empty, due to fears of travelling would also require further government support”.

‘Mind the Gap’ provides a 10-point analysis of the coronavirus support measures announced so far, as well as highlighting areas not covered by existing schemes.

Paul Faulkner said: “Above all, safety remains paramount. We have all seen the impact of Coronavirus is having on our country and frontline care services.

“There are few people who don’t either know someone who has lost a loved one to this pandemic, or are going through the heart-breaking experience themselves.

“We are now exactly a month on since the Prime Minister introduced the lockdown measures. We have now reached the point at which businesses need to know what happens next, once key milestones on new infections are met. We know how challenging this is, but we also all know that this cannot go on indefinitely.

“The support that has been made available to help businesses and charities survive the coronavirus pandemic is unprecedented.

“However, while we welcome ambition, the GBCC will continue to lobby the government to fill the gaps in existing support on behalf of our members.

“At the heart of it, this crisis is a crisis of cash as many organisations attempt to wait out the lockdown period. Government schemes are not real for businesses and charities until they are paying out.

“The government needs to focus on shortening the timeframe between announcing support and that support reaching organisations and finding the simplest and most straightforward means of getting cash – be that grants, loans or other finances – where it is needed”.

Global fast food giants, McDonald’s, is set to run a test by opening one of its branches in the UK this week.

The burger chain has announced, however, that the branch will only be open for “operational test” and, at the same time, remain closed to the general public.

A spokesperson for the chain said: “Recently, we began working through a potential and limited reopening”.

But, it refused to put a firm date on when, exactly, customers would be able to buy any of their products.

Small firms are to get access to 100% taxpayer-backed loans after they raised concerns about slow access to existing coronavirus rescue schemes.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak told the House of Commons the scheme would start next week, offering firms up to £50,000 within days of applying.

It aims to unlock a backlog of credit checks by banks amid fears that many small businesses could fold before getting loans.

The scheme requires filling in a two-page self-certification form online.

The loan terms mean that no capital or interest repayments will be due for one year. Instead, the government will pay the interest for the first 12 months.

Banks have come under fire for delays in handing out loans, but have blamed the workload need to complete the necessary credit checks and a shortage of staff.

Mr Sunak told the House of Commons: “The new ‘microloan scheme’ would provide a simple, quick and easy solution”.

Businesses will not even need to provide proof of turnover in the application process.

He (Sunak) said: “I know some small businesses are still struggling to access credit – they are in many ways the most exposed to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic”.

Companies have complained about struggling to prove their future potential with so much uncertainty over the economic environment.

 

 

Virgin Atlantic boss, Sir Richard Branson has warned that his Virgin Atlantic airline needs support from the British Government in order that they survive.

The Virgin Group boss said tha the was not asking for any hand-out, but was looking for more in the way of a loan – which is said to be in the region of £500 million.

In an open letter to his staff, Sir Richard said: “Many of the airlines around the world are in need – and are looking for – their respective government’s support and many of them have received it”.

The plea from Branson came just as Virgin Atlantic, the second largest airline in the UK – face going into administration with aid.

Further developments revealed that Sir Richard pledged his luxury island resort in the Caribbean, as collateral to get a UK government bailout of his stricken airline.

In an open letter to staff, the billionaire Virgin Group boss made it clear that it was a commercial loan that he was looking for.

With the survival of his airline in doubt, he said, as well as his Necker Island home, they both could be mortgaged.

This has come at a crucial time for the Virgin Group as its airline in Australia is facing administration.

Research has revealed that just under half (41%) of working women in the UK have money worries, a figure that dips significantly down to less than a third (32%) for men.

Statistically, the figure is also higher in younger women with 55 per cent of women aged 16-24 reporting money worries, and 53 per cent of those aged 25-34.

The recently reported research was carried out by Salary Finance, an employee financial wellbeing platform, and also revealed the shocking impact of these figures on women’s mental health.

The stats show that women with money worries are much more likely than their male counterparts with the same concerns to be suffering sleepless nights (51% to 43%), anxiety and panic attacks (62% versus 57%) and are more likely to have depression and suicidal thoughts (71% versus 65%).

These figures mean that when compared to those with no money worries women with financial concerns are over five times more likely to have anxiety and nearly seven times more likely to have depression. For men with financial worries, it is far less – they are 1.3 times more likely to say they’re suffering from anxiety and/or depression due to financial problems.

It’s also more likely that you will run out of money before pay day if you’re a woman, according to these statistics. Over a third (34%) of women are running out of money before pay day each month, compared to just under a quarter (24%) of men. Younger women were again much more highly impacted, being much more likely to run out of money before pay day.  

Of course, the impact of maternity leave is keenly felt by the female workforce. Of those surveyed that took maternity or paternity leave, a massive 73 per cent of women said they took on additional debt as a result, compared to just 27 per cent of men. Yet resulting childcare costs did not cause significantly higher levels of stress for women.

Asesh Sarkar, CEO and co-founder of Salary Finance, commented: “In 2020 it’s disheartening to see such a discrepancy between financial wellbeing in men and women. Our extensive research has shown the crippling impact that money worries can have on the UK workforce, and see these figures that show women suffer much more.”

Although there were many differences the survey did reveal that there are no notable differences in the approach to savings between women and men, suggesting attitudes and behaviour play a far bigger role in saving habits than gender.

Another similarity between men and women was an apparent unwillingness to discuss their finances. This highlights a general attitude rather than a gender-specific issue.

Asesh added: “Whilst the figures show that women are suffering more as a result of poor financial wellbeing, it’s important to remember that financial stress and concerns affects a wide range of people, regardless of gender, age or salary. 

“There is a need to tackle the stigma attached to discussing financial concerns and this is where financial solutions in the workplace can help. It is therefore important for employers to take an interest in the financial health of their employees. Our research has shown that around 77 per cent of workers feel they can trust their employer when it comes to sharing personal information. This really highlights the role that employers can play when it comes to tackling the issue of poor financial wellbeing amongst the UK workforce.”

FU Media like to talk.  If you’ve met ever met us, you'll know that’s true.  Since 1999, we’ve championed the idea of keeping in touch and staying connected - and it’s more critical now than ever before, be that for the preservation of your business, sanity or both!
 
What we do know is that talking to your customers – or even appealing to new ones – and keeping them engaged; and promoting what you can promote is what will give you the very best chance of surviving this difficult period and emerging in fighting-shape on the other side.  Those that quietly hibernate will be slower to respond, giving you advantage when the good times return, which is why FU Media has announced the launch of a new service: ‘30-Minute Mentoring’. 

Kevin Urquhart said: “As a business that’s been around since 1999, we’ve seen a wealth of economic ups and downs and we’ve talked to a lot of people. 

These two factors give us valuable experience and trusted connections.  What we have learned at FU Media, over 21 years, is that what is happening to us all right now isn’t forever. 

“Things will get better, if you’re prepared to, potentially, let go of what once was – and that might involve a period of mourning – and, instead, allow your thinking to evolve, adapt and get creative.  Think of solutions, not problems – and don’t be afraid to ask for help”.

Jonathan Fraser added: “At FU Media, it’s always been in our DNA to listen, to support, and to mentor.  We love brainstorming and finding a positive from a negative.  We adore nothing more than working with incredible people and businesses that want to be bigger, better, brighter and bolder”.

In these uncertain times, the one thing that IS certain is that when it’s quieter in the marketplace, those who shout get heard more clearly.  Silence, in this instance, is not golden, which is why business are being invited to try the 30-Minute Mentoring session. 

In this one-to-one Zoom session, you are openly invited to talk about you and your business needs with the FU founders, Kevin Urquhart and Jonathan Fraser.  

Areas of advice might include:

Social Media and Website Updates: Critical in this time and keeping customers updated can build even more loyalty and change buying habits if done properly.How are you doing it and how can it be better?
PR and Press Releases: Perhaps you’re bucking the trend or have an innovative new idea that needs to be heard? Let us help you find your best angle and get you ready for your close up. Or, perhaps you need to know that you have procedures in place with Crisis
Comms?Good or bad, we’ve got your back. In March alone, FU Media helped keep our clients in front of over 10 million people.
Marketing & Advertising: Let’s help you refocus and ensure you’re talking to the right people in the right way via the right channels, so you’re not wasting your precious budget.
Design: A picture says a thousand words, so let’s consider how you’re using design to achieve maximum stand-out.
Mentoring: Sometimes you simply need a fresh pair of experienced eyes and ears on an important project. Someone who’s experienced and not afraid to question – or elevate - your thinking.
Access to Professional Services: FU Media has a wealth of trusted advisors from the professional industries on speed-dial. Whether it’s plain-talking HR advice you need; Accountancy, Pensions or Wellbeing, talk to us as we know where to direct you.

To book your free, ‘30-Minute Mentoring’ ring:  077137 40272 (Kevin Urquhart)/ 0772 5809654 (Jonathan Fraser), or email directly on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Royal Mail has been accused of “putting profit ahead of safety” by workers who claim that the company has not provided them with sufficient protection from the coronavirus pandemic.

Postal workers throughout the UK said that there is a shortage masks, gloves and hand sanitisers, adding that social distancing whilst working is “almost impossible”.

Footage has been shown of employees working in close proximity to each other in a sorting office - action which goes against the government’s ‘two-metre distance’ guidelines, which is set out to be in practise at all times during the worldwide crisis.

A supervisor, based at one particular sorting office, said that he felt that workers were put in an unenviable position of “choosing between the job and their health”.

He said: “I am scared that my job will be jeopardised if I refuse to do a task because it will put my life in danger”.

Another postal worker said: “The buildings that we work in are designed for people to be spaced out.

“We are under each other’s skin It’s just completely impossible”.

This came off the back of mounting concerns that crowded working conditions are one of the major contributions of a rising number of postal workers who are forced to take time of sick, or self-isolating.

Since that start of the lockdown, many Royal Mail workers have at sorting offices across the country have walked out in protest over a lack of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) and concerns about the lack of social distancing being put in place.

A company spokesperson said: “In assessing the risks to our workers and making necessary operational changes to protect our workers, we take professional medical and health and safety advice on a daily basis.

“We have already made a series of adjustments to our parcel-handling procedures to protect our colleagues and our customers”.

 

Providing direct grants to people who have a professional background and their dependents, the Elizabeth Finn Fund has been given direct grants and support for over a century to people living in financial difficulties who have a professional background and meet its grant-giving criteria.

They give grants to people who hold, or formally held, occupations requiring a particular level responsibility and education, or whose partner has done so.

Awards can be granted to people from over 120 different professions whose work history includes employment in a role which requires a degree; NVQ level 4 or above – or equal.

The grants given help make a difference to an individual, or family’s life and improve their living conditions.

Over a million people contacted the charity for help – despite the government’s Coronavirus Retention Scheme

One person who was helped by the Elizabeth Finn Fund is Douglas, who said: “I was very emotional because I didn’t expect that kind of help.

“The grant allowed us to get back on our feet, pay off the critical priority bills and allowed time to sort things out so we could have a peaceful existence”.

Turn2us is giving £500 grants to people who are in financial jeopardy because of coronavirus.

Applicants for the Turn2us Coronavirus Fund will have to meet eligibility criteria to make sure that the money reaches those who are most genuinely in need.

As part of the application process for an Elizabeth Finn Fund, a range of documents – like bank statements – are required as evidence of occupation and situation.

 

Ms Manjit Rai, member of Coventry Mercia Lions Club & Managing Director of a successful business - Capital Care Homes – made history for Coventry Mercia Lions by offering to the National Health Service UK a 30 bed unit in her Macclesfield Care Home as her help to British Government for Corona Virus crisis free of charge.

Ms Rai is a very committed member of Coventry Mercia Lions Club and was introduced to the club by her family friend Lion Terlochan Singh who was President of the club in 2018. She was approached by other Asian Lion Clubs but Lion Terlochan Singh persuaded her to consider Coventry Mercia Lions Club.

Manjit Rai is a self made woman and despite her success in her business, she is so humble and full of respect. She has brought a new enthusiasm, energy, knowledge, her desire to help anyone who is in need provided she can help - qualities of a true Lion in a huge fraternity of Lions Clubs International.

The whole world is facing a global emergency because of COVID19 and in UK, this pandemic is beginning to get serious, Mr Boris Johnson, PM is one of the victims of this deadly virus and we are all praying for his speedy recovery. Lion Saudagar Singh Nagra, the clubs most senior member, is currently in India, busy feeding the poor and vulnerable during the Lockdown in Punjab and rest of India.

He has pledged to feed 200 people who are stranded in his area for one month at his own cost. Lion Ravinder Sandu, 2nd Vice District Governor is helping the students in Coventry University who are trapped in their hostels and run out of food. Lion Ravinder Sandhu is organising basic necessities for the students during the time of national lockdown. Lion Anita Bedi is also offering advice to people and making sure they have supply of milk and other dairy products through her contacts.

Coventry Mercia Lions Club has just finished a tour of India with Miss England and distributed funds to various charities in India, the tour was sponsored by Coventry Mercia Lions Club and was a huge success.

“Lion Manjit Rai had just made Coventry Mercia Lion Club proud,” explained Davinder Prasad, “she has vacated one of her high quality care room with 30 beds capacity and has offered this facility to National Health Service to be used in their fight against COVID19.”

A millionaire fashion mogul is looking to plant over 1,000 trees to block views of a tennis court and skate park that he planning to take down.

Sean Thomas, founder of fashion chain, White Stuff, has made a new planning application for the change at his home in South Ham in Devon, in the UK after a previous application was rejected by the court.

Previously an enforcement team was ordered to start legal action to return to it former condition.

Thomas built the court, skate park, plus a two storey garage, at his home without planning permission.

Planning officers said that the additions were an unwelcoming and incongruous intrusion into an undeveloped countryside location.

His latest application includes planting over 1,000 new native trees, as well as a bird box, bat roost and the planting of wild flowers throughout the estate.

Thomas said that he will work with South Hams District Council to work on any concerns raised”.

 

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak has announced a £750m package to help to keep struggling charities afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The move follows concerns that some charities in the UK are facing major difficulties – including, in many cases collapse – with income in the sector vastly shrinking as the frontline shops being enforced to close during the lockdown.

The move by Sunak follows growing concerns that some charities are facing collapse, with income shrinking considerably.

Larger charities, such as Age UK and Oxfam, have been forced to furlough two-thirds of their staff.

The measures involve cash grants which will go direct to charities that are providing key services during the crisis.

As part of the scheme, £360m will be allocated to those charities with another £370m will go to small local charities; including those who are delivering food and essential medicines whilst also providing financial advice.

Sunak said that the government could not match every pound of spending that the 170,000 charities in the UK would be likely to receive this year.

He did, however, say: “The government want to help the charities that were on the ‘frontline’ of the fight against coronavirus.

“To shut up shot at this moment would contravene their very purpose”.

 

 

More than 100 organisations from around the world are calling for debt payments of developing countries to be dropped this year.

The countries include the world’s poorest economies who are struggling with the impact of coronavirus.

Major charities including Oxfam and ActionAid International are asking for the debt relief, which would free-up more than $25bn (£20bn) this year.

They have written to the world leaders and major central banks calling for a range of debt relief measures.

The call is being spearheaded by UK-based charity Jubilee Debt Campaign and came just before a due meeting of the G20 group of the world’s largest and fasted-growing economies.

Sarah-Jane Clifton, director of the Jubilee Debt Campaign said: “Developing countries are being hit by an unprecedented economic shock, and at the same time facing an urgent health emergency.

“The suspension of debt payments called for by the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and World Bank saves money now, but kicks the van down the road and avoids actually dealing with the problem of spiralling debt”.

The campaigners want debt payments to be cancelled with immediate effect, including payments to private creditors.

“This is the fasted way to keep money in countries in responding to coronavirus and to ensure that public money is not wasted bailing out the profits of rich and privileged speculators”, Ms Clifton added.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, campaigners want debt relief to be applied for all countries in need and urgently for the poorest countries.

Looking long-term, they want a process to reduce debt to a sustainable level once the crisis is over.

This involves asking the IMF to introduce clear guidelines on when a debt is unsustainable and follow its policy only to lend to countries with unsustainable debts if there is a default or debt restructuring plan in place.