NEWS SPECIAL
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BRITS BUY BRITISH DURING COVID-19 CRISIS New research shows that 65% of consumers are much more likely to buy British produce to support the country’s farmers during the coronavirus crisis and 55% prefer to buy British cheese instead of French or Italian. The findings are from the Stilton Cheese Makers Association.
TAX RECEIPTS PLUNGE AMID LOCKDOWN New figures show that HMRC’s tax receipts have plunged £31bn year on year and £47bn when looking at the three months to 31 May, highlighting the mountainous challenge
TOP DOCS WARN AGAINST COVID COMPLACENCY LEADING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS HAVE QUESTIONED WHETHER THE UK HAS MADE THE NECESSARY PREPARATIONS FOR A NEW SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES.
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edical experts have called for a review into the UK’s state of readiness for a second wave of coronavirus. In an open letter published in the British Medical Journal, 16 of the country’s top doctors warned that “action is needed urgently to prevent further loss of life.” The move came after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a broad relaxation of lockdown regulations in England with pubs, restaurants,
cinemas and hairdressers reopening from 4 July. A “one-metre plus” social distancing rule also comes in. Although Scotland has eased lockdown conditions somewhat, the two-metre rule remains (as it does in Wales and Northern Ireland) and it is now mandatory to wear face coverings on public transport and in taxis.
now faced to stabilise the country’s finances.
SHOPPING LANDSCAPE CHANGES DURING CRISIS Specialist food stores, such as butchers and fishmongers, have been most popular with younger shoppers (18-24-yearolds) during lockdown, says new research from IGD. Older age groups (65+) relied more on online services.
SGF DISAPPOINTMENT AT BUSINESS SUPPORT CONDITIONALITY RECOMMENDATION Scottish Grocers Federation has strongly criticised key recommendations in the report from the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery. The Group was established by the Scottish Government to provide independent expert advice on supporting the sectors and regions of Scotland’s economy to recover from the impact of Covid-19. It has been asked to deliver its recommendations by the end of June, in time to inform the Scottish
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Government’s approach to supporting Scotland’s economic recovery. The report states that the government’s approach should include targeted use of rates relief to incentivise economic recovery but that this should be accompanied by greater use of conditionality – this could mean that to qualify for the small business bonus, retailers would have to pledge to pay the Scottish government’s living wage or invest in skills in training.
