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NORTH EAST / 23 - 29 MAY 2020 / FREE

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BY THE PUBLISHERS OF ASIAN SUNDAY

NORTH EAST / 23 - 29 MAY 2020 / FREE

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Kindness is 'key' between mosque and locksmith the work involved at the Mosque itself would normally cost around £100.

The Fletcher’s kindness has brought lots of positive social media messages including one from a man in Birmingham who said: “Hello Paul, I read the story about you helping the mosque, NHS workers and a care home.

were more people like you.

“I know a lot of people who would be like – its a mosque, forget helping them. But you have showed me there’s still humanity out there. I just wanted to say thank you.” Khanage Imran Khan.

Emergency locksmiths are also categorised as essential workers – but it does seem some have been asking hundreds of pounds for jobs worth much less.

“I just want to say thank you very much.

In these times it’s hard for everyone, but for you to carry out this work for free and help people out is great. If only there

As for Sunderland Central Mosque, they’ve told Paul blessings are certainly coming his way.

Wearside based Fletcher Locksmith & Safe Co found kindness was key when coming to the rescue of Sunderland Central Mosque.

With premises closed due to the coronavirus crisis, some access was still needed to help set up a regular broadcast from the mosque, so its congregation could worship in their own homes.

Unfortunately, mosque officials suddenly found themselves shut out due to a troublesome lock.

There was only one thing to do for former Mosque Secretary Abdur Rouf. Aware of the high reputation of a family company in the city’s Fulwell area, he picked up the phone to ask for help.

Paul Fletcher, who runs the business with his dad John Fletcher, 72 and son Layton, 20, takes up the story: “The people at the mosque rang us and said they were having trouble getting in and out of the building – then they couldn’t get in at all. It’s closed because of the coronavirus, but they still needed access, so I offered to help them out.”

Nothing unusual there you’d think until it becomes clear Paul, 44, was angered by tales of businesses profiteering from the lockdown. He was determined to show there are still good guys out there. He quickly cut new keys for the Mosque, offering his services free, even though

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ASIAN STYLE 8 PAGE PULLOUT: EXCLUSIVE WITH PAKISTANI HEARTHROB

BILAL ASHRAF

Paul pictured above added: “I’d been reading about ‘rip-off locksmiths’ charging a fortune for little jobs. I don’t want it to be in people’s minds we’re all like that. So, I’m doing my bit.

“I’ve cut a few free keys for nurses as well.

Hopefully I’ll get something back when things are back to normal.”

Paul’s good deed was certainly greatly appreciated by Abdur who said: “I’ve known Paul for a while. We had a problem with a lock at the mosque. He came out and didn’t take any money, because it’s a mosque and because it’s Ramadan.

We are all very appreciative.”

Meanwhile the efforts of Paul and his little team are also making a difference in the community as he explained: “I can’t afford to do everything free.

But I’m offering discounts to care homes too.”

CHILDREN’S COMMISIONER WADES INTO SCHOOL ROW AND APPEALS FOR MINISTERS AND TEACHING UNIONS TO ‘STOP SQUABBLING’ PAGE 10

#EIDATHOME / STAY SAFE / STAY HOME / SAVE THE NHS

ASIAN STANDARD / NORTH EAST

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WELCOME FROM EDITOR over the years, with digital news platforms taking away a large chunk of regional advertising revenue and now with the coronavirus pandemic the struggle is doubled.

As weeks have progressed and we get deeper into lockdown, the demand for news and responsible journalism is growing. Particularly as fake news is at its prime. As a respected media outlet, we have always been at the forefront of news focusing on the local South Asian community and I believe the need to continue championing the voices of the British South Asian community is needed now more than ever.

Since lockdown was announced on March 23, my team and I took the difficult decision of closing all our print publications but maintaining our journalism online.

With safety of paramount importance delivering newspapers under the circumstances was not a risk we wanted to take.

In addition to this, regional media had already taken a hammering

our door to door distribution need Sunday off. So, we will be replacing our Sunday newspaper, Asian Sunday with our weekday title Asian Standard. You can continue to expect the same quality of articles and news catering to the local South Asian community and anyone who has an interest in learning more about one of the UK’s largest ethnic community.

I hope you like the new look and will welcome the edition and continue offering your support.

lockdown may be easing, but remember we still need to keep safe and keep our Finally, for our Muslim readers, I just loved ones safe, so keep observing the want to applaud your effor ts during the social distancing rules and remember to month of Ramadan, it can’t have been wash your hands regular and keep your easy fasting and performing prayers spaces clean and sanitised. alone. Even though we are locked away May I take this opportunity to wish all from visiting family and mosques the spirit thanks to a united community who our readers who celebrate, a very don’t give up.

through kindness and great charitable blessed and safe Eid Mubarak! work is still visible. #StayatHome #EidatHome #SaveLIves As we start entering the month of June, #ProtecttheNHS

I want to thank all our readers and advertisers for their unconditional support during these testing times.

I also want to take this opportunity to offer our business community some strength and assurance to keep going.

It is a challenging minefield to sustain your business, but now is the time to get out of your comfort zone and look However, instead of picking up the at restructuring and adapting your newspaper from local businesses and community centres we will be delivering business to deal with the threats your direct door to door into more than 8000 organisation is faced with. After all, as business owner’s problem solving households across the city. is something, we do on a day to day This means, we won’t be able to basis anyway. So, stay strong and continue producing a Sunday edition, So, I am pleased that following some major restructuring and lots of innovation my team and I are now back with your regular weekly print newspaper.

DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL: Child poverty figures reaction Around a quarter of children in County Durham have been living in poverty, according to new research.

The End Child Poverty Coalition, with Loughborough University, has published an analysis of data from the Government that tracks child poverty across Britain before housing costs are taken into account.

Between 2014/15 and 2018/19, the North East of England saw child poverty numbers rise by 6.5% – the highest rise in England – with all council areas in the region also seeing individual increases.

The figures are based on government estimates using family income data.

In 2018/19, the worst hit area in the North East was Middlesbrough where more than a third (37%) of children were living in poverty closely followed by Newcastle (28%), Hartlepool (27%) and South Tyneside (26%).

In County Durham, 22.3% of children were living in poverty – a rise of 5.8% since 2014/15.

Durham County Council (DCC) bosses have stressed they have a range of services in place to support families facing financial challenges.

DCC’s cabinet member for social inclusion, Coun Angela Surtees, added local authorities need more funding support to tackle child poverty in the long-term.

“We have put in place a number of actions to try to support families facing significant challenges, including increased funding for welfare support,” she said.

“We have also made £1.5 million available to support around 200 local projects during the coronavirus pandemic, many of which a are providing vital support to families during this difficult time.

“However, we recognise that child poverty is a

longer-term issue which needs long-term resources to tackle it.

“Having faced unprecedented cuts over recent years, local authorities need to be adequately resourced to address the issue and provide children with more equal opportunities.”

The End Child Poverty Coalition is now calling on the Government to commit to a comprehensive strategy to end child poverty as it plans the nation’s recovery from coronavirus, which campaigners fear could draw more families below the poverty line.

Groups have also called for the Government to increase household income for struggling families.

Director of policy and campaigns at Action for Children, Imran Hussain, said: “We may all be experiencing the storm of coronavirus together, but we are not all in the same boat.

“Children in the North East are some of the most exposed to the devastating economic consequences of this crisis and are at severe risk of being swept deeper into poverty.

“Families who were already struggling to keep their heads above water are now living in fear that they can’t afford to keep their children and babies warm and well fed.”

In a statement on the figures, Easington MP Grahame Morris described child poverty as a “blight on our society.”

“It is the denial of life opportunities, which entrenches disadvantage and widens inequality,” he said.

“We should be outraged that people working day in, day out, cannot earn enough to lift their family out of poverty.

“Child poverty is a political choice. Unless the Government change course, they will repeat the same failed policies of the last decade.

“These figures are shameful, and the Government must set out a clear strategy to reduce and eradicate child poverty.”

A Government spokesman said: “This government understands the challenges many are facing which is why we injected £6.5 billion into the welfare

system, including increasing Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit by up to £1,040 a year, as well as rolling out income protection schemes, mortgage holidays and additional support for renters.

“We currently spend a record £95 billion a year on our safety net welfare system and remain committed to supporting the most vulnerable in society throughout the current

emergency and beyond.”

Recent analysis from the Office for National Statistics, carried out between April 17-27 2020, shows just under 1 in 4 adults (23%) said coronavirus was affecting their household finances.

The most common impact in this group was reduced income and nearly half said they had needed to use savings or borrow to cover living costs.

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MIDDLESBROUGH: Infected patients were sent back to Middlesbrough care homes, says health chief

By Alex Metcalfe | Local Democracy Reporter A HEALTH chief has confirmed hospital patients with coronavirus were sent back into Teesside care homes as the crisis escalated.

Erik Scollay, Middlesbrough Council’s director of adult social care, told councillors it was “pretty much certain” infected patients had been returned to homes as the outbreak worsened in the town.

Chairwoman Cllr Janet Thompson posed the question on discharges to council bosses at a virtual overview and scrutiny board meeting on Thursday (May 21).

Mr Scollay confirmed it was the case – offering a detailed run down of the procedures in place at the time.

The care chief told councillors both the NHS and the Government had given “very clear guidance” to social care teams about offering help to discharge people from hospital.

And he explained the advice had come when there was a “real danger” of hospitals being “overwhelmed” as the outbreak peaked.

Mr Scollay said: “The priority was about making arrangements to have people discharged from hospital – and we did a number of things to do that.

“One of those was block bookings of residential care beds – we had to respond to discharge requests in about three hours.

“What we need to remember is that at that point in time, there wasn’t routine testing of individuals on discharge from hospital.”

But Mr Scollay told the board some individuals who’d tested negative for the virus had actually gone on to test positive.

The council chief told members how decisions on discharges were made on how patients were presenting and “whether or not they were symptomatic”.

He added: “We’ve had people who tested negative discharged into care homes who have then turned out to be positive.

Mr Scollay added: “On the back of that, arrangements were put in place to isolate people once they were discharged to care homes.

“Within those cohorts of individuals from care homes it’s pretty much certain, from my perspective, that there were discharged individuals who were “covid-positive”.”

“Form your own opinion” Government guidance on hospital discharges up to April 15 said negative tests were “not required” prior to transfers or admissions into care homes.

“We’ve also had individuals who have had a covid-positive status – and have been discharged from hospital into care homes in the knowledge of the care home providers themselves.

“Most of the people coming out of hospital and going into care homes have not been new to care homes.

“In most instances, they have been people who have lived in those care homes returning to those homes.”

The advice was changed in the middle of last month – just as the virus was hitting its peak.

Mr Scollay said infection prevention information given to care home providers at the time had told them “barrier procedures” and “isolation” would mean there shouldn’t be an “unacceptably high risk”.

“People can form their own opinion on whether that has been borne out or not,” he added.

Testing for covid-19 when people are discharged from hospital is now routine.

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COMPLAINTS AND CORRECTIONS Asian Standard Newspaper and Asian Style Magazine always aims to report accurately and responsibly.

However, occasionally human error can mean mistakes can slip in. If you spot any incorrections please email us at corrections@asianstandard.co.uk If however you wish to make a formal complaint about our work or a news story, then email our editor at editor@asianstandard.co.uk.

Please allow 72 working hours for a response.

The week commencing April 13 was the deadliest on Teesside during the pandemic – with 69 fatalities recorded at hospitals.

Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics, which record all those fatalities where covid-19 is mentioned on death certificates, showed 60 covid-19 deaths were recorded in Middlesbrough care homes between April 10 and May 15.

was, therefore, only on April 15 that trusts were asked to systematically test every single, patient due for discharge to social care.

“So it is possible that a very small number of asymptomatic covid-19 patients, who trusts were unable to test prior to that date, were discharged into social care.”

Saffron Cordery, from NHS Providers, said she was “deeply concerned” that support NHS Public inquiry looms trusts had given to care homes Last week, NHS Providers chief “hadn’t been fully executive Chris Hopson said it acknowledged”. was “categorically not true” She added: “It will be for a that NHS trusts had public inquiry to establish why systematically discharged mortality in care homes has run patients they knew or so high. suspected had covid-19 into care homes.

“But we can see that the failures of testing to date and He added the NHS had the supply of PPE have hit the discharged “significant care sector particularly hard numbers of medically fit and remain problematic. patients” to create capacity before the virus had spread – pointing to a 40% drop in NHS "This is also indicative of the years of underinvestment patients discharged into care despite repeated government homes earlier this year. promises to resolve the crisis in social care.”

But Mr Hopson added sufficient testing had only been Government responds available since mid-April for consistent tests on patients.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it had The providers chief said: “It

asked councils to secure “appropriate accommodation” for isolation periods after discharges from hospitals.

A DHSC spokesman added: “This is an unprecedented global outbreak and the virus can sadly have a devastating effect on some of the most vulnerable people.

“Through our comprehensive adult social care action plan, we have ensured millions of items of PPE are delivered to care homes and are using our increased testing capacity to test care home residents and staff, regardless of symptoms.

“We are also providing an extra £600m for infection control measures in care homes on top of the £3.2bn we have already given to local authorities to deal with covid-19 pressures.

“This includes £1.3 billion of additional funding to enhance the NHS discharge process.

“This action has meant around two thirds of England’s care homes have had no coronavirus outbreak.”

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CRIME

ASIAN STANDARD / NORTH EAST

Cannabis Plants located in Stockton Police recovered over 80 cannabis plants from a property in Stockton yesterday, Wednesday 20th May. Officers attended an address on Bishopton Road, Stockton, after other emergency services attended and called police, following reports of a flood within the address.

Officers from the Incident Resolution Team and Operational Support Unit located the plants in the loft of the property and dismantled the farm.

No arrests have yet been made, but enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone who may have concerns or information regarding drugs activity in their local neighbourhood are asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org<http:// www.crimestoppers-uk.org/>.

Speed campaign launches

following two weeks, focussing on roads and Slow Down, Save Lives - that is the message areas where speeding is known to be an issue or Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit will be urging motorists to pay attention to there is a history of serious collisions. as a national speed campaign launches.

Inspector Cat Iley, from CDSOU, said: "Although Officers in the Cleveland and Durham Specialist the majority of motorists continue to obey the Operations Unit (CDSOU) will be taking part in rules of the road, some continue to travel at unacceptable speeds placing themselves and the National Police Chiefs' Council's (NPCC) other road users at risk of serious harm or death. speed enforcement operation.

With the gradual relaxing of lockdown restrictions, they will be taking part in a twophase operation to remind motorists of the importance of travelling within the speed limit.

"The impact families and loved ones experience when someone is seriously injured or killed as a result of speeding is devastating, and is sadly something we see all too often. Speeding related incidents are avoidable."

This operation is deliberately timed as travel She added: "Simply because there have been less restrictions start to ease, to keep people safe as vehicles on the road, does not mean that speed the volume of traffic increases. limits have been removed and that it is safe to drive above them.

In phase one - the CDSOU will be joining forces across the country to share messages "As the lockdown restrictions are gradually eased, encouraging the public to slow down and save the number of vehicles on the roads will naturally lives, in addition to normal speed enforcement increase making the roads a more hazardous place. Speeding shows a blatant disregard for activity. the safety of others and the laws in place.

Phase two - from May 25 - will see forces step "All of our roads policing teams will be out and up visible speed enforcement activity for the

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Appeal after Bag and Jacket Stolen from Delivery Van in Thorntree, Middlesbrough Police are appealing for information after a bag was stolen from a van delivering vital food supplies to a store in Thorntree, Middlesbrough.

The incident happened at around 6:10am on Tuesday 19th May at the One Stop Shop on Cargo Fleet Lane.

The driver of a delivery van which was parked at the side of the store was in the store for a matter of seconds when a jacket and a bag was taken from the passenger seat of the vehicle.

The bag was fortunately empty at the time of the incident.

The suspect is described as a male dressed in an all blue tracksuit with a white logo on the side and black trainers which were possibly Nike.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting event number 79924.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppersuk.org<http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org>.

about supporting the campaign, carrying out difference in avoiding a collision. both enforcement and educational activity within both Cleveland and Durham.

The distance required to stop safely, significantly increased at higher speeds.

"And while this is something we target all year round, in the current climate it is more important Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, Roads than ever to reduce the demands placed on all Policing Lead for NPCC, said: "Unsurprisingly, front line emergency services and the NHS so the lockdown saw very quiet roads. Many remember speeding is a choice and you all have forces reported increased speeding in a a part to play." general sense and some forces reported instances of very excessive speeding. It is also The aim of the campaign is to remind motorists of particular note that we have seen an of the devastating impact speeding can have, increase in pedal cyclists at this time, many of not only increasing the risk of a collision but the whom may be unfamiliar with busier roads. severity of the impact at higher speeds.

Pedestrians and runners have also got used to empty roads.

Figures show that on average, 17 people are killed and 126 seriously injured every month in "Put this together with better weather, lighter the UK, where speeding is believed to have been evenings, motorcyclists itching to ride out a significant factor. across our country roads and you have the concerning combination of factors for a At 30mph, vehicles are travelling at 44 feet or significant increase in people being killed or about three car lengths each second. seriously injured. I am determined for this not to be the case.

Even in good conditions, the difference in stopping distance between 30 mph and 35mph "Speeding kills, and driving within the speed is an extra 21 feet or 6.4 metres, more than two limits makes our roads safer. Please slow down car lengths, which could make all the and save lives."

Appeal after Motorcyclist is Injured in Collision in Middlesbrough Police are appealing for information after a collision involving a motorcyclist in Middlesbrough.

The incident happened at around 9:25pm on Wednesday 20 May, on Broadwell Road, Middlesbrough, involving a blue Yamaha motorcycle.

The 32-year-old male motorcycle rider suffered a broken leg as a result of the incident and he was taken to James Cook University Hospital for treatment.

Officers are now appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have dash cam footage or CCTV footage of it; or of the motorcycle being driven prior to the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Michael Fearns from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 81055.

ASIAN STANDARD / NORTH EAST

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NHS MIGRANT LEVY TO BE SCRAPPED IN CHANGE OF HEART

BY GRAHAM ANDERSON

Overseas health and care staff will shortly be exempted from the fee levied on migrants to pay for the NHS. Mounting Pressure Following pressure from senior Tories and members of the opposition Prime Minister Boris Johnson has asked home office officials to remove health and care workers from the surcharge “as soon as possible”.

The move will apply to all NHS workers from cleaners and porters to medical health staff, as well as those working independently and in social care.

has asked the Home Office and the Department for Health and Social Care to remove NHS and care workers from the NHS surcharge as soon as possible.

“Work by officials is now underway on how to implement the change and full details will be announced in the coming days.

“As the PM said in the House of Commons, he has been thinking about this a great deal.

When pressed by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in the Commons on Wednesday, he admitted some of the NHS had saved his life.

“He’s been a personal beneficiary of carers from abroad and understands the difficulties faced by our amazing NHS staff.

But he went on to defend his stance in keeping the fee in place adding:“We must look at the realities.”

“The purpose of the NHS surcharge is to benefit the NHS, help to care for the sick and save lives. NHS and care workers from abroad who are granted visas are doing this already by the fantastic contribution which they make.”

“This is a, a great national service, it’s a national institution, it needs funding, and those contributions actually help us to raise about £900 million. It’s very difficult in the current circumstances to find alternative sources.”

Change Of Heart Within hours of PMQ’s a Downing Street spokesperson told the media: “The PM

Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP

“This is a victory for common decency and the right thing to do. We cannot clap our carers one day and then charge them to use our NHS the next.”

Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee chairman William Wragg tweeted: “I will support the NHS fee exemption for migrant NHS and care workers. Now is the time for a generosity of spirit towards those who have done so much good. I am sure that Conservative colleagues will be supportive.”

Important Note Victory For Common Decency Mr Starmer said: “Boris Johnson is right to have U-turned and backed our proposal to remove the NHS charge for health professionals and care workers.

It’s important to remember however, The £400 surcharge, due to go up to £624 in October, will remain for other categories of visa applicants.

Full details will be disclosed in the next few days.

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB QC MP

ASIAN STANDARD / NORTH EAST

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CHILDREN’S COMMISSIONER APPEALS FOR UNITY ON SCHOOLS REOPENING

BY GRAHAM ANDERSON / graham@asiansunday.co.uk

The children’s commissioner for England has led the call for ministers and teaching unions to ‘stop squabbling’ and work together to facilitate the reopening of schools across the country.

Anne Longfield’s comments follow a week of turmoil in the education sector in the light of the announcement primary schools Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 should look to open from the start of next month.

Union representatives said they had been left with more questions than answers, with one leader describing the scientific evidence as “flimsy at best”.

General secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, Patrick Roach said: “Teachers needed clear evidence schools would be “Covid secure” and would not pose a risk to public health.”

Lord Blunkett Important Data Ms Longfield pointed to data suggesting NHS nurseries open during the lockdown had not suffered any outbreaks of coronavirus.

She added: “We cannot afford to wait for a vaccine, which may never arrive, before children are back in school.

“It’s time to stop squabbling and agree a staggered, safe return that is accompanied by rigorous testing of teachers, children and families.”

Stalemate The row escalated further following an inconclusive meeting between teaching unions and Government scientific advisers in the hope of reassuring staff it was safe to return to school. This, despite the presence of Chief Medical Officer for England, Chris Whitty, and the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance.

Speaking on Radio 4’s Today programme in the week, former Labour education secretary Lord Blunkett waded into the debate expressing surprise at the attitude of union leaders. He said: “I am being deeply critical of the attitude. It is about how can we work together to make it work as safely as possible.

Anyone who works against that in my view is working against the interests of children.”

Reaction to Schools Announcement Following the Prime Ministers announcement last Sunday Mr Brown, headteacher at Hadrian Primary School in South Shields posted on Facebook: “We hope to learn more from the government over the coming days and weeks and will update you as soon as we know more, so we can tell you what this will mean for our school.

“In the meantime, school will remain open only for vulnerable children and those of key workers until the end of May.”

Nichola Fullard, headteacher at Town End Academy in Sunderland said while awaiting further advice: “As you know the safety of pupils, staff and the wider community of Town End is always my priority and this will be at the forefront of any plans we make. In the short term, nothing has changed.”

Rebecca Long-Bailey MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, said: “In the absence of clear scientific advice and a safety plan, the Government has not demonstrated it is in a position to start planning for the wider safe opening of schools, or given any reassurance to parents, teachers and pupils that they will be safe.”

Scientific Advice Research from the Health Information and Quality Authority has suggested despite limited evidence, children are not significant contributors to the spread.

The group’s deputy chief executive and director of health technology assessment Dr Mairin Ryan said: “One study suggests that, while there is high transmission of COVID-19 among adults aged 25 years or older, transmission is lower in younger people, particularly in those under 14 years of age.”

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Dr Jenny Harries, has said: “There’s a lot of anxiety I think around this but people need to think through – in an average infant school with 100 children the likelihood of anybody having this disease is very small and diminishing with time.”

This flies in the face of the British Medical Association – which has said schools should not reopen until the numbers of coronavirus cases were much lower.

And in its first public statement The Bradford Science Collective, formed ‘to counter government propaganda about the coronavirus, untainted by political influence’, made it clear reopening schools early would be crazy, and could cause a surge in deaths, forcing Britain back into full lockdown again.

Council Concern Many Council leaders believe schools should be allowed to make their own decisions about reopening – especially in areas with a higher proportion of black, Asian and minority ethnic

residents. In fact, several have made it clear they will defy central Government if schools are told to open their doors.

The Local Government Association has demanded the Government should urgently publish the scientific evidence underpinning the decision to reopen England’s schools.

Meanwhile, Farnham primary school In Bradford, a member of Pennine Academies Yorkshire, have been monitoring the situation each day since lockdown was announced back in March.

Asian Sunday has learned in a letter to parents dated 16th May the school said: “I hope you are all safe and well and looking after your loved ones as we now enter the 8th week of lockdown.

The Government yesterday did not announce a date for schools to open. They suggested the 1st of June as an aspirational date as long as the safety measures are met. These have not been met yet.

For this reason, Pennine Schools are not planning for a June 1st opening. We cannot plan to open schools until we have further clarity from the Government and that we can guarantee staff and pupil safety.

We will of course continue to meet the needs of key workers and children the Government refers to as ‘vulnerable’ using our Hub school, Hollingwood Primary.

In the meantime, keep those routines going at home which are so important for mental health and well-being of children. Teachers are continually updating the Home Learning and Classes pages on our website.

For now, nothing has changed so please keep social distancing, wash hands frequently and stay safe at home.”

Clear Message from Government A DfE spokeswoman said: “Plans for a phased return of some year groups from 1 June, at the earliest, are based on the best scientific and medical advice. The welfare of children and staff has been at the heart of all decision making.

In Saturdays Downing Street press briefing, the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson made it clear the government will look at the R rate in great detail and schools “will only return if five tests have been met”.

EEDITOR’S DITO ITOR’S COLUMN ITOR COLUMN

Fatima Patel

Mondays tend to be a day where I kick start my motivation and set out to conquer the world (well my world anyway) – Monday 6th April was no different.

I promised myself over the weekend I would be up early and go for a run and exercise around my local park, and then walk to the supermarket for some fresh fruit and veg to get back in time to sit at my home based office and get some work done.

The day started amazingly well, glorious sunshine and plenty of happy faces at the park doing their routine exercises, with more than two-metre spaces between us all.

The air felt clean and I felt good. After all, I achieved what I set out to do that morning (well so far anyway) – up for morning prayer (which for us Muslims is called Fajr (the pre sunrise prayer)) and then a good hours exercise in the park with plenty of fresh air for my lungs, followed by a walk to the supermarket for my groceries.

This morning essentials were all in prep and to get me focused to tackle the mountain of emails and WhatsApp messages waiting for me at my home-based office. Little did I know my plans were about to change. As I walked back home, I could feel an uneasiness and my throat getting very dry. Immediately on arriving home I took a paracetamol and gulped down a glass of clean Yorkshire water.

By around lunch time, I could feel discomfort around my chest area and stomach pains. The throat had become worse and the dryness resulted in coughing. I didn’t have a temperature though, so put it down to dehydration.

By around 3pm that day, I was unable to focus on any work and decided to lie down and rest. My body at this point felt restless and extremely tired.

When I woke up at around 10pm that day, it was with very heavy chest pains, heavy cough and stomach pain.

The cough and stomach pain, along with throat ache were not alien to me, but the extreme fatigue and dryness all over my body, made it seem as though my body was dying.

After an unsettling night I decided to log on to 111 and check my symptoms with the hope the diagnosis would be related to a previous medical condition I’ve had. That would have felt strangely fine as it’s one I know and therefore, wouldn’t

BATTLING COVID-19 IT’S NOT A CONSPIRACY. IT’S REAL need to burden the NHS and I could deal with it at home.

· Diarrhoea and stomach-ache · Headache and brain fog

The conclusion from completing the online form was I should call my GP immediately. At first, I thought I will wait for a while and see if the pain and cough calm down, so I made myself a hot lemon and ginger herbal drink. A few hours later, I didn’t feel any different and the pain started getting worse.

If you or anyone in your family has these symptoms, they should stay at home for at least seven days. If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home. This applies to everyone, regardless of whether they have travelled abroad.

So, I painstakingly picked up the phone to my GP. The receptionist asked me the reason for my call, and I explained the message on the 111 online system. She informed me to stay at home and that she will get a doctor to call me back.

You should also look on the dedicated coronavirus NHS 111 website for information and take the online questionnaire to check your symptoms. If you get worse or your symptoms last longer than seven days, you should call NHS 111. People will no longer be tested for the virus unless they are in hospital.

Within a couple of hours my doctor called, and it took her less than two minutes to tell me: “You have covid-19 symptoms. You MUST self-isolate for seven days and if your breathing gets worse call 111 immediately.”

I was in denial at first as I explained that diagnosis was not possible. I live alone and I haven’t been in contact with anyone and neither do I have a fever, but the more I challenged those words my doctor continued to repeat the diagnosis with more assurance. It was very hard to digest I could have Covid-19.

As my GP went on to advise me on how I can help deal with the symptoms, her words: “you have Covid-19 symptoms”, continued to repeat in my head and all her useful advice was going over it.

Nevertheless, medical support was prompt, and immediate because once I had finished on the phone within seconds, I received a text message from my GP with a link giving me useful advice and tips on dealing with Covid-19 and selfisolation.

The next 72 hours were the most challenging.

The fatigue really set in, my mind wouldn’t focus making it hard to even reply to a simple text or WhatsApp message.

The cough became worse, with a bit of wheezing and so did the heavy feeling around my chest.

My daily sleep went from six to 18 hours, and the worse part of it was losing complete appetite for solid foods. Those who know me, will know how much I love my food; and will know that nothing can keep me away from it, but this Covid-19 (if it was) did.

The toughest challenge you will probably be faced with if you do get these symptoms, is your loved ones can’t be there to come and care for you. In Asian families there is usually a barrage of relatives visiting to offer prayers, food and the social family banter. But that’s not allowed now as there’s a danger of you passing the illness to them.

But this is where technology comes into play and it worked wonders for me, especially my mental wellbeing. I’m a strong believer if your mind is strong, it can make your body strong too. My amazing family, neighbours and loved ones reached out with their positive and strong messages on my phone, reading them made me laugh and cry, giving me the strength and motivation for the fight to free myself from ill health.

Traditional South Asian treatments also came in handy. I am not sure whether they cured me, but they helped strengthen my immune system besides due to them being 100% natural and void of any chemicals, the remedies truly did not do me any harm.

Here’s what I had during the first 72 hours of my illness.

A glass of water upon waking up followed by two paracetamols to help with the headache.

Boiled egg with lots of pepper for breakfast then back to sleep for around six hours.

Upon waking another glass of water, which then lead to a mug full of the family traditional herbal drink.

Other symptoms can include:

The main components of the drink are: turmeric (fresh is better but I used powder), fresh ginger, honey and some cloves. Bring to boil in water, strain and drink once lukewarm. I sipped on that during regular intervals and would go back to sleep.

By day four the chest pain had reduced, any wheezing had gone, and I started having some solid food, other than boiled egg, such as fruit, soup and bread. The herbal drinks continued, and my cups of tea became routine again too.

The fatigue and the dryness are what really pained me. The illness is like a flu, minus the runny nose, but worse. The tightness round the chest, the dryness all over your body (and trust me it’s bad), both sides of my hands were completely dry – even after day eight I still have very dry skin on my face, making my eyelids droop like heavy bags above my eyes, giving me chapped lips and broken skin around the corners of my lips.

· Fatigue · Loss of taste and smell

The cough persists, and I could literally fall asleep at any time anywhere, as tiredness is constant.

For those who still aren’t sure what Covid-19 or coronavirus is, then let me explain.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses able to cause infections ranging from the common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars).

The virus attacks the respiratory system, causing pneumonia-like lung lesions.

According to WHO about one in six people, become seriously ill. As this is viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use. The antiviral drugs we have against flu will not work, and there is currently no vaccine. Recovery depends on the strength of the immune system.

The most common symptoms are: · Dry, persistent new cough · Fever · Shortness of breath

Nevertheless, I am now capable of writing this blog, so that shows I have come a long way and am battling back to good health.

While my GP diagnosed the Covid-19 symptoms, I haven’t been tested, so will never know if this really was Covid-19, but if it was then my advice to everyone out there is if we all stay strong, have faith and start building our immune system each one of us has a good chance of fighting and beating it.

If there is one thing, we MUST all learn from this, it is HEALTH is everything.

That accounts for physical and mental well-being.

What got me through was the natural treatments I took, such as the home-made herbal drinks and water is most definitely a lifeline. Drink plenty of it, but not by gulping it, but respecting the clean and pure water we have and enjoying every sip slowly, so it has a chance to enter our body in the most, healthiest of ways.

The other and most important factor is the care, compassion and love from others, they keep giving you faith, and strength by telling you to stay strong and keep going. Keep telling your mind the same, stress will make the breathlessness worse and panic will not help recovery. Always keep a positive frame of mind.

Finally, for me faith. Having faith helps with everything. Spiritual guidance helps you build positive energy and this in turn helps with the healing process.

These are the things that worked for me and I anticipate they will be different for everyone, as we are all unique and have our own ways as does our body of taking to things.

The key thing to remember though is that you must have it within you to fight it off, no one else can do that. The frightening thing is the battle is yours and yours alone.

Sadly, some of us will win this battle and some of us won’t. It’s important for those of us who live through it though to take good from this. Blaming or finger pointing doesn’t help, there is a time and place to ask questions. Right now, though we should remember we are in this together and our ultimate focus should be on how we heal together.

If you must go out, please ensure you keep to the two-metre rule not just for yourself, but to others you meet. That includes friends and family members you might meet while out during your supermarket shop. You may all look well, but if one of you is carrying the virus and is healthy, your friend or loved one might not be so lucky.

Just don’t take any risk and follow the rules.

Stay at home, stay safe and let’s protect our most valuable asset – the NHS.

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COVID-19 DEATH TOLL LARGER THAN GOVERNMENT FIGURES SUGGEST

BY GRAHAM ANDERSON

The Office For National Statistics has revealed there have been more than 44,000 coronavirus-related deaths in the UK (based on data released on 20 May). These figures are one third higher than those announced by the government.

Why the difference? Because the ONS figures include all mentions of COVID-19 on a death certificate, including suspected coronavirus.

All are based on the date deaths occurred.

Telling Figures Breaking them down – 9,980 COVID-19related deaths were recorded in English and Welsh care homes. The ONS said in the week ending May 8, 42.4% of deaths happened in the care home sector in both countries. This represented a drop on the previous week for the second week running.

In the same time coronavirus-related deaths in England and Wales saw a drop of 2,105 deaths from the previous week. Bear in mind

this could be partly attributed to the early May bank holiday.

The Department of Health figures are based on when deaths were reported, on people who tested positive for COVID-19.

In The Regions Meanwhile, the latest data has shown in the North-East, Sunderland and South Tyneside have had the second and third most cases, relative to population, respectively. Up to May 10 this equates to a COVID infection rate of 477.6 per 100,000 on Wearside, while in South Tyneside it was 447.9.

Gateshead proved to be the highest in the region along with Middlesbrough and Cumbria, who are integrated into the same regional care system. All carried rates above 400 per 100,000.

In the Bradford district, figures show 281 people have died from the virus – 183 in

Bradford Teaching Hospitals, 96 at Airedale and two at Bradford Care Trust.

Another 14 coronavirus patients have died in hospitals across the Black Country, Birmingham and Staffordshire. At the time of writing no further deaths had been reported in London.

Liz Kendall Questions In the Commons Liz Kendall MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Social Care, pressed the health secretary on PPE, coronavirus testing and a policy of not testing coronavirus hospital patients being discharged into care homes. She also asked about about guidance claiming care home residents were “very unlikely to be infected”.

She told Asian Sunday in a statement: “Ministers claims to have formed a protective ring around care homes ring hollow when we see these numbers.

“These figures are still ringing alarm bells, as deaths involving COVID-19 as a percentage of all care home deaths continued to rise this week.

“The Government is still being too slow in its response. MPs have received reports of complete confusion around care home testing, with the new portal only available for care homes for over 65s and the portal not accepting care homes who try to apply.

“Ministers must give social care the resources, support and attention it needs to stop the spread of this awful virus.”

Health Secretary Reply In reply Mr Hancock said: “What’s important is that infection control procedures are in place”.

“Those infection control procedures were put in place at the start of this crisis and have been strengthened…as we’ve learned more and more about the virus all the way along.”

Parliamentary Committee Prof Terry Lum, head of social care policy at Hong Kong University, has told the UK parliament’s health and social care select committee Hong Kong treated the outbreak like Sars, another killer virus affecting Asia in 2003 and saved lives. He compared this to the UK’s response, based on planning for a flu pandemic. In fact, there had been no recorded deaths in care homes from COVID-19 In Hong Kong. This was due to a strict regime of infection control – measures not used in the UK. As the debate goes on levels of deaths in the UK from COVID-19 continue to decrease.

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‘MALANG ’ MAKERS WORKING ON SEQUEL Mohit Suris recent hit “Malang” is all set to have a sequel, the makers have confirmed.

Anil Kapoor, The musical romantic action thriller, starring u, had a Disha Patani, Aditya Roy Kapur and Kunal Kemm over Rs g earnin year, this r earlie run ice successful box off was recently 59 crore at the domestic box-office. The film rm) released on OTT (over the top – digital platfo such a shown have who nce “We are thankful to the audie the theatres, after g’ ‘Malan film our to nse respo l mena pheno g’ on Netflix , now on OTT. While people are enjoying ‘Malan are working Luv and Mohit .

2’ g ‘Malan with up g comin we are said ” soon, follow will s on the sequel and more detail producer Ankur Garg. his film is Mohit is currently thrilled with the response film’s primary getting. He took to Twitter to congratulate the cast and crew. ing In Top 10 In “Malang Is Winning Everyone’s Hearts. Trend @AnilKapoor ng !Mala g Malan ! g Malan Stay ries!

Count 12 mu @ElliAvrRam #AdityaRoyKapur @DishPatani @kunalkem em_arora @ @ase ankur @garg ranjan @luv_ lm angFi @Mal @TSeries Films @Luv i raman hewak itsBhushanKumar @jays or. direct the ed tweet ” ra, anDar @Kar Aditya Roy A few days ago, “Malang” stars Anil Kapoor, a virtual reunion.

Kapur, Disha Patani and Kunal Kemmu had e The film is a revenge saga set in Goa and, despit y catch has it ce, violen of ome moments grues g tunes composed by multiple music directors.

MINDY KALING TO CO-SCRIPT ‘LEGALLY BLONDE 3’ Actress Mindy Kaling will be co-writing the script for Reese Witherspoons “Legally Blonde 3” along with Dan Goor.

Witherspoon is also attached to the project since 2018 and is set to return as sorority girl-turnedlawyer Elle Woods. She will also produce the film through her banner, Hello Sunshine production company.

Mindy and Goor aren’t working on a “makeover, nor are they doing touch-ups”. They will add a fresh spin to their version of the screenplay, reports deadline. com.

“Legally Blonde”, which followed the life of a sorority girl who tries to win her boyfriend back by getting a law degree from Harvard University, was a huge success when it released in 2001.

The first film also starred Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, Jennifer Coolidge and a Chihuahua named Bruiser, owned by Witherspoon’s character.

Mindy and Goor are also partnering on Mindy and Priyanka Chopra’s upcoming wedding comedy.

Recently, Mindy earned applause for her OTT comedy series “Never Have I Ever”, which she co-created with Lang Fisher.

For “Never Have I Ever”, Mindy has used her “relationship with being Hindu” and the experience of “Straddling the lines of two cultures” to narrate the story of 15-year-old Devi, a firstgeneration Indian American, and her desperation to feel that she belongs in the society, and her journey to shed her reputation as “unf***able nerd”.

With Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan and Richa Moorjani leading the cast, the coming-of-age story examines Indian culture, its values and grief through the story of Devi as she navigates the ups and downs of high school.

PRIYANKA CHOPRA STARRER ‘FASHION’ TO GET A SEQUEL? Priyanka Chopra, Arjan Bajwa and Kangana Ranaut starrer ‘Fashion’ was a massive hit in 2008. Directed by Mad hur Bhandarkar, the film gave a glimpse of the glamorous world of fashion and the life of models. Speaking to a new s portal, Arjan revealed that Priyanka and he had been persuading Madhur Bhandark ar to work on ‘Fashion 2’ and write a story but seems like the filmmaker is taking his time to work on the sequel.

‘Fashion’ earned Priyanka Chopra her first National Award and Kangana Ranaut was also honoured with a National Award for Best Supporting Actress performance in the film. Priyanka Chopra earned massive fame in Bollywoo d and is not a global force to reckon with.

She is not just working in Hollywood films but is also producing some interesting content in regional cinema in India. Priyanka Chopra was last seen in ‘The Sky Is Pink ’, co-starring Farhan Akhtar and Zaira Wasim. She is yet to announce her next Bollywood film.

MGM released its sequel “Legally Blonde 2 Red, White and Blonde” in 2013.

ADAM SANDLER STARS IN ‘HUSTLE’, CO-PRODUCED BY LEBRON JAMES Actor Adam Sandler will star in “Hustle”, to be directed by Jeremiah Zagar.

In the Netflix film, Sandler will play an American basketball scout who is “unjustly fired after discovering a once-in-a-lifetime player abroad”.

He then decides to bring the player to the US “to prove that they both have what it takes to make it in the NBA”, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

Taylor Materne and Will Fetters are on board to write the script. Sandler will be backing the project with his banner, Happy Madison, alongside basketball superstar LeBron James’ SpringHill Entertainment and Roth/Kirschenbaum Films.

The news comes after the streaming platform extended its partnership with the actor and his

Happy Madison Productions with a commitment to produce four more films.

Sandler recently found critical and commercial success with “Uncut Gems”, a crime thriller about a jeweller in New York, who risks everything in hopes of staying afloat and alive.

In a rare departure from comedy, Sandler in “Uncut Gems” is seen as a debt-ridden gambling addict named Howard Ratner. The movie, which is directed by brothers Josh and Benny Safdie, was in making for 10 years. It finally released on Netflix.

The actor’s latest production under Happy Madison, titled “The Wrong Missy”, released on Netflix recently. Sandler does not feature in the star cast of the film, starring David Spade, Lauren Lapkus and Molly Sims.

ARIANA GRANDE, JUSTIN BIEBER REACT AFTER TEKASHI 6IX9INE ACCUSES THEM OF BUYING THEIR BILLBOARD NO.1 STATE). they are ride or ST die mother***kers and I thank tha god every day that I have them in my life. not h just jus when they fight for us to win (even when I ask them the not to as I did this week) but because they’re we some of the greatest so people I know. sales count pe for more than streams. u can ca not discredit this as hard ha as u try.”

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine is learning first hand that Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber’s fandoms yield some serious power in the music world.

According to E!News, the 24-year-old rapper publicly accused Ariana and Bieber of fraudulently climbing their way to the top of the Billboard charts with their recent collab, ‘Stuck With U.’ On Monday, Tekashi (whose song ‘GOOBA’ fell short of the top spot to land at Number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100) put out a video

on Instagram claiming that his team launched an “investigation” and discovered that “six credit cards” were used to purchase 30,000 units of the song.

Tekashi alleged in the video, “When we asked where was those six credit cards linked to, Billboard said we can’t disclose that information.”

Both Ariana and Justin staunchly denied the allegations.

Ariana wrote in a lengthy Instagram statement, “my fans bought the song.

JUSTIN’S fans bought the song. OUR fans bought this song (never more than four copies each, AS THE RULES

Without calling out Wi Tekashi by name, the T 26-year-old Grammy winner Grande added, “to anybody that is displeased with their placement on the chart this week or who is spending their time racking their brain thinking of as many ways as they can to discredit hardworking women (and only the women for some reason.....), I ask u to take a moment to humble yourself. be grateful you’re even here. that people want to listen to u at all. it’s a blessed position to be in.”

“I’ve had a lot of ‘almost number ones’ in my career and I never said a g*ddamn thing because

I FEEL GRATEFUL TO EVEN BE HERE. TO WANT TO BE HEARD AT ALL... and you should feel that way too.

Congratulations to all my talented ass peers in the top ten this week. even number 3,” she wrote.

Bieber also called Tekashi’s credit card claims a “lie” in his own statement posted to Instagram Stories, writing, “The rules are clear. One credit card can buy max 4 copies. Anything over that the entire amount gets thrown out. Nielsen checks this and found all our sales were legit because our fans are amazing and bought them.”

“This is my song with Ariana Grande and I’m honored to work with her to help raise money for a great cause. If [you’re] gonna say her name make sure you say mine because it’s our song,” he concluded.

The ‘GOOBA’ rapper Tekashi didn’t heed Justin’s warning, instead, he posted another video

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to address Ariana directly.

He said, “I don’t want you to think that I’m coming at you. I’m not saying that you’re not talented and I’m not saying you can’t sing. You’re a beautiful singer. You just don’t understand my pain. My frustration is for Billboard.

I speak for the millions of kids that come from nothing. I want you to understand that I come from a different, different background than you.”

In early April Tekashi was released from prison was several months earlier than scheduled and placed under house arrest due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier, Ariana and Justin dedicated all net proceeds from the streams and sales of ‘Stuck with U’ to the First Responders Children’s Foundation.

Funds will go toward grants and scholarships for children of healthcare workers and other front line responders fighting against the coronavirus pandemic.

SUNIEL SHETTY: THE TEAMINTENDS TO MAKE ‘HERA PHERI 3’ BUT SOME DIFFERENCES HAVE TO BE IRONED OUT FIRST Suniel Shetty: The team intends to make ‘Hera Pheri 3’ but some differences have to be ironed out first Suniel Shetty, who took a break from acting to spend time with his ailing father, returned to films as the antagonist in the Sidharth Malhotra-led actionthriller, ‘A Gentleman’. Soon after, he crossed over to the South film industry. After playing Sudeep’s mentor in the Kannada sports drama, ‘Pailwaan’, the 58-year-old actor signed up for a face-off with Rajinikanth’s cop in AR Murugadoss’s Tamil action thriller, ‘Darbar’. Now, he is gearing up for the release of Priyadarshan’s Malayalam period-drama, ‘Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea’.

“Films like ‘Bahubali’ and ‘KGF’, and digital platforms, have bridged the gap between the Hindi audience and films from other regions. Language barriers don’t matter anymore,” Suniel explains his foray down South, adding that he was also drawn to them because of the projects, the money offered and the respect he got there. “’Darbar’ and ‘Pailwaan’ are in

line with myy stature stature. I’d rather make an impact with a big film, even if it doesn’t revolve around me, than sign up for junk.”

The actor also has the Hollywood film ‘Fraudsters’, to be dubbed in Telugu as well, and another HindiTelugu bilingual, in the offing. Priyadarshan’s film, fronted by Mohanlal, was to release on March 26 before the nation-wide lockdown was announced.

Instead of sighing over the delay, Suniel chooses to rave about the action done by an international team with its production values. He is sure it will appeal to a wider audience.

One of his most iconic comedy films, ‘Hera Pheri’, completed 20 years on March 30. It is frequently in the news with talks of a sequel. “Everything is on hold for now. The film’s team intends to make ‘Hera Pheri 3’, but some differences need to be ironed out first. The film is a big hit on television as well as in the meme world and we are all aware of the anticipation among the audience for the film,” Suniel signs off.

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FILM FILM FASHION FASHION BEAUTY BEAUTY

SONAKSHI SINHA TO AUCTION 10 PAINTINGS TO PROVIDE RATION TO FRONTLINE WORKERS

SANJAY KHAN TO RE-LAUNCH SON ZAYED KHAN IN A WAR DRAMA

Bollywood’s Sonakshi Sinha has revealed that she has been supplying Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19 and appealed to her fans to contribute towards the healthcare system.

The actress, who likes to paint when not shooting, announced on her social media that she will be auctioning some of her artwork and the proceeds will be used to provide money and ration to the needy.

“My art is my sane space, my solace. It helps me channelise my thoughts and brings me happiness. I want to use it to bring relief to those for whom the lockdown has been a nightmare,” the actress said in a video.

Actor-filmmaker Sanjay Khan is all set to direct a biopic on Brigadier Mohammad Usman. The period drama will feature his son, actor Zayed Khan as the 1948 war hero.

Sonakshi, who has been sketching and painting while at home, is fascinated by the process.

“You start from nothing and end up creating something beautiful. It’s like meditation. I want to use my time productively,” she smiles, adding that most of her work includes pen sketches.

“Three canvas paintings, four sketches and three prints are being auctioned. I want my art to reach out to as many as possible, so that we can collectively make a difference in the lives of those who need it the most,” Sonakshi informs, saying that she is exploring new forms every day, polishing her skills and creating art she is proud of.

This is the father-son duo’s first collaboration. In an interview with Mid-Day, Sanjay said, “I am working hard on the script because I want to make it as authentic as possible. I want to depict the Indian Army’s bravery, and how they fought despite not being armed with sufficient artillery and equipment. The brigadier’s story is one of courage and principle.”

Calling it his duty to re-launch Zayed Khan, Sanjay Khan told the publication, “He is one of the most handsome actors in the film industry. As a father, it is my duty to make a film for him. The audience will rediscover him in the movie.” Zayed was last seen in Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene (2015).

LOCKDOWN DIARIES: HRITHIK ROSHAN FASTS FOR 23 HOURS Hrithik Roshan has been spending the lockdown with his ex-wife Sussanne Khan, who has temporarily moved in with him to take care of their two sons -- Hrehaan and Hridhaan. in Apart from indulging himself r intense workout sessions, acto in ves belie also han Hrithik Ros fasting.

Hrithik recently took to his has Instagram and shared that he hour “23 rs. hou 23 for fast on n bee fast. #HealthyLiving #Resilience wrote. #DisciplineEqualsFreedom,” he seflie in Along with it, Hrithik posted a . wink a g which he is seen givin e Recently, Hrithik shared som ‘lockdown tips’ with his fans. He in D to suggested a daily dose of vitam the ng duri lth hea tal take care of men lockdown. ding the Hrithik Roshan has been spen sanne Sus ife ex-w lockdown with his ed in mov rily pora tem has who n, Kha sons two r thei of with him to take care n. haa Hrid and aan -- Hreh ned Recently, Sussanne Khan ope ther. up on their decision to stay toge days the that on y earl ised ““We real oup our ahead would require us to regr nity sere ting crea ards energies tow

ght for one another. With that thou , we in mind, and a heap full of love e. ntur adve n dow lock our started on days in The idea was to structure our minds, such a way that we grow our bodies warm our hearts and keep our no have we re whe ng— fit and stro y and option but to use a little creativit out a with days our y enjo to n innovatio ugh,” sense of monotony seeping thro Sussanne told a daily. to “It’s a wake-up call for all of us ng learn from, as well as an awakeni t poin t eren diff a from to look at things we of view. To cherish the bond that work share with our loved ones and ice of colleagues. To strive to be in serv and , can we re whe people when and acts to practice selfless and random dful of kindness, and to be more min more of those around us. And to give ories,” time to making beautiful mem she added further.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC: KATRINA KAIF REFLECTS ON THE OUTBREAK; SAYS, ‘IT HAS CHANGED MY PERSPECTIVE ABOUT LIFE’ Katrina Kaif will be next seen in Akshay Kumar starrer Sooryavanshi.

The film also stars Jackie Shroff, Gulshan Grover, Jaaved Jaaferi and others in pivotal roles.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world down to its knees. It has changed almost everything - especially people’s perspective of looking at life. Katrina Kaif isn’t feeling anything different. “The pandemic, followed by the lockdown has surely left many of us introspecting, on how blessed our lives are and how much we take for granted in our normal lives. Also, with the alarming number of cases, I feel we all should work towards at having better immunity through our food habits and lifestyle. It also changed my perspective about life in some ways,” Katrina told IANS.

She also shared how she gets worried about the situation at times, and she shares a few tips on how to control anxiety during the lockdown. “I take one day at a time but, yes, there are days when I miss being on a shoot. Sometimes I also get worried about when will life go back to normal again.

But I understand the crisis the world is dealing with, and the importance of everything that is being practised to defeat the pandemic.

“Anxiety is a serious issue, I would suggest that everyone keeps calm, meditate or perform yoga, and think of the brighter side. Think about the days to come after this phase and how to not repeat the mistakes we have been making towards the environment. In this phase whenever I have felt low, I have resorted to meditating, doing yoga, or watching a movie or a show that cheers me up,” Katrina added. Not only this, the

crisis has helped the actress polish her housekeeping skills, in the absence of caretakers.

“This phase has helped me polish my cooking skills and kitchen skills in a big way. It has helped me improve in managing many household chores at once and has also given me a newfound respect for the homemakers who do it on a regular basis,” she expressed.

Also, Katrina has contributed her bit in the fight against the coronavirus. Her make-up brand Kay Beauty has partnered with De’Haat to support dailywage earners in rural areas of Maharashtra.

DR QURESHI REVEALS HER TOP TIPS ON COMBATING ACNE

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To really get a taste of the knowledge, expert advice and practical solutions on offer Asian Standard enrolled the help of Dr Uzma Qureshi from My Skyn Clinic to offer some useful advice on acne. Over to you Dr Qureshi.

It is believed that about 95 percent of people aged 11 to 30 in the UK are affected by acne to some extent, with most cases usually starting in puberty due to a surge in hormones. Oily skin is another major cause for acne and spots.

Spots can take on many forms – blackheads, whiteheads, papules (small red lumps under the skin), pustules (like papules but filled with pus), nodules (painful hard lumps under the skin), and cysts (large pus-filled swellings) During lockdown an increasing number of people are noticing that they are experiencing breakouts due to stress and eating unhealthy foods.

This blocked pore then can bulge outwards – creating the ‘spot’.

Normal bacteria that exist on the skin surface, usually causing no problems, are attracted to the blocked pore and cause it to become infected – causing the painful inflamed spot.

Dr Qureshi says that acne is no more common in South Asians compared to other ethnicity, however due to darker skin types South Asians are more likely to experience scarring and pigmentation where they have had spots.

As a qualified doctor and GP practising for more than a decade Dr Qureshi offers some treatment options.

So, what causes acne?

Well, if you think acne is caused due to a poor diet, or is caused by ‘dirty skin’, or that only teens get acne and that by squeezing a spot this helps a spot clear up faster, then these are just some myths you need to know have been completely disproved.

Acne actually starts from the sebaceous glands.

Sebaceous glands are located next to the hair follicles in the skin. They are responsible for producing oil to help keep our skin moisturised.

She advises always see a medically qualified professional to assess and advise on treatment because it is easier to treat acne before scarring or pigmentation occurs.

The purpose of treatments is to address the causes behind why the acne has happened i.e – unclog the pore, reduce the hormones, reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin.

Depending on stage/degree of acne you may be offered:

If you have pigmentation Dr Qureshi recommends the following:

· Medicated creams containing benzyl peroxide, retinol – unclog the pores and remove dead skin · Oral antibiotics – reduce bacteria · Chemical peels – unclog the pores · Contraceptive pills – reduce hormone levels · LED therapy – reduces bacteria · Oral retinoids – only dermatologist can prescribe this and reserved for severe acne due to the risks attached with the medication, but works really well in most cases

· Chemical peels. This will help to exfoliate and lighten skin · De-pigmenting creams. This can help reduce the melanin in the pigmented areas and improve overall skin tone · Topical prescription strength retinol. This helps to unclog pores, reduces oil production and increases skin turnover

Dr Qureshi advises that If you have scarring you can try: · Micro needling – this is where tiny needles penetrate skin and stimulate new collagen to help plump out scars · Or surgical procedures. This is advised for more sever scarring. This procedure helps release the scars or can be filled with dermal fillers

Aside from practical treatment emotional care is also recommended due to the psychological effect of acne Dr Qureshi says there is plenty of research and evidence that tells us that acne sufferers can experience problems with self-consciousness, embarrassment, self-esteem and self-image.

Interestingly the degree of psychological issues is not related to the severity of acne, i.e mild acne can have profound effects on a person’s mental wellbeing.

So seeking treatments for acne shouldn’t be seen as a cosmetic /vanity issue but should be encouraged.

They are stimulated to produce excess oil by hormones, typically testosterone. The oil then mixes with dead skin cells and blocks the pore that the hair follicle exists from.

Why not visit Dr Qureshi and her expert team at MySkyn to learn more! They can conduct a medical assessment and advise on which treatments are suitable.

Bradford's leading Doctor led aesthetics clinic CQC registered, doctor-led medical aesthetics clinic. We provide a full range of cosmetic dermatology, laser, aesthetic and minor surgery treatments all under one roof. A combination of scientific anti-ageing treatments with our team’s expertise allows our comfortable yet private clinic to deliver bespoke treatments tailored to your individual needs.

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SIX

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

LOCKDOWN WITH

BILAL ASHRAF “We all really need to go back to basics. I think technology, it’s great. Science is great but maybe things were moving too fast, and I think it’s a time to go back to basics. Like baking your own bread, for example, or making your meals.”

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

SEVEN

Bilal Ashraf is one of Pakistan’s leading men on the big screen. His last film, Superstar, where he starred opposite Mahira Khan, has gone on to become one of Pakistan’s highest grossing films of all times. Ayesha Babar spoke to the multi-talented actor, about how he is taking care of his mental health during the lockdown, what he feels the future holds for the Pakistani film industry and a very special message for Asian Style readers.

Ayesha: The past few weeks and months have been a difficult time for all of us. What has been the most challenging part during this time for you?

Bilal: Alhamdulilah, it has not been so bad for me personally. But I do find it hard to sit in one place, so it is a big challenge. I need to go out all the time. Not going out partying but I do enjoy just being out. I used to literally eat one meal at home and the rest would all be outside. I would usually end up meeting with friends literally every day, sitting out, having a coffee - all of that.

Now with the lockdown, I can go for a drive but that’s about it. So that has been kind of tough. We have all had travel plans cancelled too.

I guess what it really is, is that you realise just how much you take for granted. And that is why, when I go to my roof now, I really appreciate the sky, the trees, everything a lot more because we can’t move around as freely as we were earlier on able to do.

Ayesha: Ramadan is almost coming to an end could you please share with our readers what Ramadan is usually like for you and how it has been different this year?

Bilal: Well, Ramadan for me has not been so different because usually I try not to work in Ramadan. Last year was an exception, as we were working on Superstar and we had a very tight schedule. Ramadan for me is literally a lot of sport, and fasting.

I keep my fasts and then I play cricket for the Karachi Gymkhana, it is a Twenty 20 tournament that takes place from 2-6pm and then I break my fast and then I go for volleyball at night or night cricket.

It is basically a lot of sport for me.

So, the one thing that is missing this year is the sport part of it but then I am doing that at home. I am training, I am working out, doing a lot physical stuff at home, shooting some basketball hoops at home.

That’s the major difference for me workwise or going out. I usually like to be at home in Karachi during Ramadan so I’m grateful.

Ayesha: For a lot of people this lockdown has been a difficult time in terms of mental health, so how have you looked after your own mental health, during this time?

Bilal: Yeah, of course. Not just mental health, I was reading a lot of different articles about the levels of certain kinds of domestic abuse going up too, especially in Pakistan.

And I agree, it is a tough time. The

way I deal with it is that I do a lot of research. There’s a lot of stuff on the Internet, now on our fingertips.

There are some great experts who have got their own blogs and channels on YouTube. If you just sit and listen to them it makes a lot of sense, it is very relaxing.

There are also some great yoga exercises that I’ve started doing, which are really helping me. A little bit of meditation always helps.

During this time, I have also come to realise that I don’t need a lot of things that I was dependent on. I really need to, I guess we all really need to go back to basics.

I think technology, it’s great.

Science is great but maybe things were moving too fast, and I think it’s a time to go back to basics.

Like baking your own bread, for example, or making your meals.

These are the few things that have helped me.

Ayesha: Talking about good things, Eid is just around the corner.

How are you celebrating Eid, this year? How is it going to be different to normal years?

Bilal: Again, for me, it will not be that different. My Eid is usually spent at home - I cook, I have friends over, or I go over to a couple of friends’ places to meet them.

Yeah, the only difference is this time, what I’m going to do is I’m going to do a lot of cooking for Eid and I will pack all that food and I will send it to my friends. But I will literally just be home. And usually I’ve just been home, I mean, I am home on Eid [laughter]. So, for me it will not be that much different but yes it will be different in some ways.

But it will be nice, InshAllah.

Ayesha: In the entertainment industry you can’t really work from home or maintain social distancing.

What do you think the new ‘normal’ for the industry is going to be when you do get back on set?

Bilal: Look, there are a lot of people who are thinking of going back on set and I think, in Pakistan, there are a couple of productions which have started already. I do think that going back is not going to be that simple, it is not going to be easy. I think that cinema in Pakistan for now has taken a hit, which is really unfortunate.

Right now, everyone is thinking, the vaccine needs to come and then after the vaccine is here, the paranoia needs to go away. And that is going to take time. It will take a while for people to feel confident.

As for the cinema owners, the

unfortunate thing is that even if they are running their cinemas at 25-30% capacity, they are still paying 100% electricity, 100% bills, 100% salaries, right? So, it’s not going to be that easy.

As far as shooting is concerned, honestly, it is going be risky, because we can’t wear masks when we’re acting, and there is only so much you can do. So, I think at the end of the day, we are down to an individual’s own mental ability to want to do that or not or just to kind of lay low till all of this settles. I was called to do a shoot, which I said no to, because I was just not comfortable, but then having said that, I’m pretty sure 2-3 months down the line, I might go and do something eventually.

And it is a risk. And the only thing I can then do is, for example, if I do step out, and when I come back, I isolate myself, I stay away from my parents, and I take all the strict protocols of cleaning my shoes, sanitising etc.

Ayesha: What is the first place you’re going to visit when this lockdown ends and we can all travel again?

Bilal: I think I’m going to go to London [laughing]. I was actually just there in March and was supposed to be back there again in April for some work. And just generally, because I love London.

Ayesha: Great! What would be your message for our readers who have been observing Ramadan at home, and who will not be able to spend Eid with friends and family this year?

Bilal: I would like to say, just stay healthy and stay safe because if you are healthy, you can travel again. Once all of this is over, whatever your businesses are, whatever your losses are, you can earn the money back. You can even mend relationships, if any relationships have kind of broken down during this time. You can do all that only if you’re healthy. If you’re alive, if you’re not, you can’t do anything, right? So, stay safe, and stay positive.

Ayesha: You also stay safe. And Eid Mubarak in advance. Thank you for your time, Bilal.

Bilal: Likewise, Eid Mubarak to your readers. Thank you so much for the interview. It was fun.

GAS GROUP SERVE UP A SAVING FOR DABBAWAL RESTAURANT A new partnership between two members of the Asian Business Connexions (ABC) family has produced a five-figure energy saving.

Great Annual Savings (GAS), headline sponsor of the 2019 ABC Awards and specialists in the business energy field, worked alongside Dabbawal Restaurant to procure the most competitive energy prices available, a move which is set to see the food chain save over £10,000.

Jaf Ali, Owner of Dabbawal restaurant, has spearheaded the rapid growth of the business and spoke about the important role the cost-saving consultancy played in boosting their bottom line.

“With the recent expansion of our business, and multiple sites to manage, time has become an extremely valuable commodity to us. Negotiating with numerous energy suppliers at once was proving problematic.

“Working with GAS has completely removed the burden of dealing with our utilities inhouse. With their expert consultants, and close ties with many of the UK’s leading

www.greatannualsavings.com

energy suppliers, they’ve managed to negotiate new deals at rates far more competitive than our renewal offers.”

associated contracts, letting ABC business owners get back to doing what they do best: running their business.”

Formed in 2012, GAS has a proven track record of working alongside businesses to minimise their overall running costs.

Boasting a diverse portfolio of over 7,500 clients throughout the UK and Ireland, and in addition to their energy offering, the North East-based firm provide more costsaving services than any other business in the market, including Waste, Water, Insurance and Card Payment Services.

GAS has built a strong portfolio of businesses from all industries and sectors in the country, including sports clubs, hotels, leisure, manufacturing, automotive, business services, agriculture, retail, community, charity and more. GAS’ successful work and growing brand make it one of the fastest-growing businesses in the North of England.

Phil Andrew, Customer Experience Director at GAS, believes their relationship with Dabbawal restaurant is a shining example of the close ties the firm has established within ABC.

To find out more about how GAS can save you more, on more, or to look at some of our customers and case studies, visit www.greatannualsavings.com.

“I’m proud of what we’ve done to help ABC members reduce their outgoing costs and hope we can partner with more in the future to enhance some of the thriving businesses involved with ABC. “Our account managers carry out all of the leg work that comes with negotiating any

Ammar Mirza (left) and Phil Andrew (right) - In June, GAS were announced as headline sponsors of the 2019 Asian Business Awards.

0800 130 3514

WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

ASIAN STANDARD / NORTH EAST

23

HOUSE OF COMMONS OPENS APPLICATIONS TO FIND NEXT GENERATION OF BAME LEADERS Following a successful pilot of the Pathway to Success leadership and development programme last year, the House of Commons alongside Operation Black Vote and in collaboration with Oxford University’s Magdalen College, Blavatnik School of Government and Lloyds Banking Group has opened up applications for this year’s programme.

The House of Commons is committed to increasing the representation of BAME (Black, Asian and Ethnic-Minority) people within its workforce and in Parliament more widely and aims to tackle under-representation at senior levels in the House of Commons by 2020 through the delivery of its comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

As part of the strategy, it committed to launch the Pathway to Success Leadership and Development programme, a groundbreaking new initiative now in its second year working to equip BAME individuals with the tools and knowledge required to stand for political office and leadership roles.

Participants are selected based on their proven leadership skills and will undertake a week of intensive coaching and master classes to build their confidence, know-how and

familiarity with senior leadership settings around politics, governance, community, business and civic environments.

Alicia Flemming, a participant of the pilot programme in 2019 said:

The programme aims to send out the message that diverse leadership is essential in politics, civil society, universities, business and wider society. The programme offers participants first-hand experience of Parliament and an enhanced understanding of the political landscape, as well as the skills to continue their careers in frontline politics and leadership roles.

“The day in Parliament was fantastic, it was both informative and valuable. I would recommend this course to everyone interested in politics.”

In light of the current Coronavirus crisis, partners are committed to ensure that the programme goes ahead when it is safe to do so.

Clerk of the House of Commons, John Benger said: “At the House of Commons, we believe that Parliament should reflect the democracy it serves. That is why we are proud to launch the 2nd year of the “Pathway to Success” leadership and development programme. Addressing underrepresentation in senior roles within the House of Commons is one of the priority actions of our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 20192022 and I look forward to welcoming the next generation of BAME leaders to Parliament”.

Participants will stay in Magdalen College, Oxford for a week and will take a trip to London to visit the Houses of Parliament.

The Blavatnik School of Government and Operation Black Vote have developed a comprehensive programme to build an indepth understanding of major political, civic and business ideas through discussion, group activities and input sessions.

Members of Parliament across all parties will be involved to act as panel members, alongside contributors from the Civil Service, politics and the business world, who can share their experiences, journeys and insights.

For more information about the Pathway to Success Leadership Development Programme and how to apply, visit the OBV website here: https://www.obv.org.uk/news-blogs/ recruiting-now-pathway-success-2020-programme.

WE ARE ABC

Our mission is to connect, support, and promote the Asian and wider business communities. Looking to start a business, have an existing business or just want to talk business, we can help. We have access to a range of funding opportunities even in these austere times, and can help you potentially secure grants, loans, or even investment. Plus, as an inclusive action-orientated organisation, membership is open to everyone - you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be Asian!

Connecting

Supporting

Promoting

ABC is the first point of call for all Asian businesses and others wanting to engage with them, locally, nationally and internationally.

With our help you could find funding that is available to a whole host of businesses.

Business running efficiently?

We offer a range of services - PR and Marketing, including website and advert design, Accountancy, Legal all in association with the SME Centre of Excellence.

Receive regular invites to the in hugely popular, sell-out AB-Curry Club events, business seminars and much more.

Exclusive discounts from other member businesses.

Access to discounted business services worth thousands.

Make use of our free business health check!

ABC-Expo where businesses can showcase their services and products. advice on Expert support and ad developing your business to its full potential.

Be one of the first to hear about funding, tendering and training opportunities.

Receive PR, Advertising, Marketing and Business services worth ÂŁ500 Free when you join!

Discounted rates and exclusive opportunities for promoting your business in print, online and on air

ABC will celebrate the work ethics, achievements and cultural diversity of the Asian and wider business community. By establishing a network built upon trust and social inclusion, ABC will ensure that the representation of the Asian and wider business community is fair and equitable.

AS EASY AS ABC Membership starts at only £10 per month and includes £100’s worth of benefits - Various funding available to help your business. If you are looking to start a business or grow and existing one, we can help.

- Discounted rates on meeting rooms, conferencing and events at The SME Centre of Excellence.

- Showcase your business on radio and TV. We have hugely discounted marketing packages with Spice FM and NTV Europe that can reach millions of diverse viewers and listeners across the world.

- Meet Ministers, MP’s, Councillors and High Commissioners from across the world. Learn how Minis to do business with the Indian sub-continent first hand.

- Free initial consultation with a whole host of credible professionals including solicitors, accountants, business development coaches, tendering experts and many more.

- Feature on the hugely popular Show Business Radio show on Spice FM. - Monthly ABC Curry Clubs that are always sold-out and feature prominent and influential individuals from the business and political world.

- Free training for your workforce. Working with training providers to up-skill existing employees and delivering accredited qualifications in all sectors.

SEE WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU!

Our website features on the first page of Google when you search for “Asian Business”. Our members and partners can feature in all of our marketing

EMAIL: info@abconnexions.org | WEB: www.abconnexions.org The Beacon, Westgate Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 9PN TEL: 01661 823234 | TWITTER: abconnexions Tune into ABC Show Business each Friday Morning between 9-11 AM - spicefm.co.uk

FURLOUGH SCHEME - SO FAR SO GOOD, BUT BEWARE Barry Smith ACCOUNTANT (FCCA)

Since the coronavirus pandemic caused thousands of businesses across the UK to close overnight in March, millions of people have been left perplexed and concerned about where their next pay cheque will come from. The word “furlough” – which until now has never been used in English employment law – is the go-to term for employers in crisis who want the government to foot their staff salaries during the crisis.

Over the next 4 weeks there were regular updates giving additional details as to who the employer could claim for, how the claims should be calculated and there was some tweaking to the scheme itself.

Requests for state aid to temporarily pay staff wages during the coronavirus crisis have flooded the government’s furlough scheme, which opened officially on April 20. The scheme has since been extended till October, where the government will continue to pay 80 per cent of people’s wages until the end of July, but from August the scheme will continue for all sectors and regions of the country but with greater flexibility to support the transition back to work

Staff up and down the land were furloughed and

But the speed at which the package was announced, and the complexity of it, has left many confused, so we caught up with Barry Smith of Yorkshire based Accountancy firm, Adam & Co Financial Management, who have been servicing businesses for more than four decades to provide our readers a first hand account of the accessibility and impact of the Furlough scheme. Over to you Barry.

I cannot image that before 20 March 2020 many conversations will have focussed on the furloughing of employees. In fact, not many people will have used the word furlough.

All that changed on 20 March 2020 when the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced a package of funding initiatives to support businesses during the Covid-19 crisis.

Initially it was a temporary scheme for a three-month period from 1 March 2020 to support employers who could

not maintain their workforce because operations had been severely affected by the coronavirus.

Employees could be furloughed for a minimum of three weeks and provided all conditions were met, employers could obtain a grant that would cover 80% of the employee’s usual wage, up toa maximum of £2,500 per month, plus associated Employer National Insurance contributions and the minimum automatic enrolment employer pension contributions on that wage.

THE BEST VIDEO CALLING APPS

STAY CONNECTED DURING LOCKDOWN With the country in lockdown, more and more of us are relying on technology to keep us connected with the outside world.

So, we’ve taken a look at the top four video calling apps, to help you discover which app is the best for you.

I had visions of the system crashing and claims been delayed.

Running a small practice that deals with sole traders and companies that have few employees, I have often felt frustrated with the way HMRC has dealt with this type of

I am so pleased, and very pleased for those who have made the claims, that the scheme has worked and claims have been paid out within the time scale stated. For some businesses the grant has been the difference between survival or folding. The grant has been received within the 6 working days and I have no evidence of claims been rejected.

I am so pleased, and very pleased for those who have made the claims, that the scheme has worked and claims have been paid out within the time scale stated. For some businesses the grant has been the difference between survival or folding. The grant has been received within the 6 working days and I have no evidence of claims been rejected.

employers waited for the date when claims could be submitted. HMRC were having to design a portal that could deal with the claims and were having to do this at a time when their own staff numbers would be reduced due to selfisolation and staff having to work from home.

After what seemed an eternity, and in a period when businesses were been seriously affected by the

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Video calling apps such as Whatsapp, Zoom and Houseparty have seen an increase in demand for their services.

However, for those of you who aren’t tech savvy the choice of services on offer can be overwhelming.

lockdowns, HMRC announced the portal would be launched on 20 April 2020.

MESSENGER ROOMS

client. There has been a lack of consistency in the way HMRC has dealt with queries, correspondence and general matters which led to this frustration and gave me doubts as to how the new portal would work.

Would the portal be able to handle the volume of applications?

Would the claims be paid out in the 6-working day turnround promised by HMRC?

HMRC are to be complimented on their approach to paying out the grant.

The furlough scheme has now been extended to the end of October and this will be a lifeline to so many businesses and will mean employees keeping their jobs.

Over 7.5 million workers and 1 million businesses have so far benefitted from the scheme.

A word of caution So far, making a claim has been relatively straight forward.

However once the scheme is finished, HMRC will have a five-year period to audit claims.

You will need to make certain that your claims have been made in accordance with the

latest regulations provided by HMRC, bearing in mind some of the earlier details were a guidance on how claims should be made rather than the actual legislation.

You will need to keep records showing how you have calculated the claims and these records should be kept for fiveyear period.

One common mistake has seen employers claiming employer national insurance when the company has no employer national insurance liability as a result of the annual employment allowance.

Advice would be, recheck your claims to make certain that the claims are in accordance with the latest legislation.

Any mistakes, either speak to HMRC or adjust the over claim on a subsequent claim.

In summary, an excellent scheme, a user-friendly portal for claims and a speedy payment of the grant.

But beware, you might have to explain your claims at some time over the next 5 years, so make certain you can justify your calculations.

One of Zoom’s standout features is the geniu s tiled view, so that you can see multiple partic ipants at the same time, as well as its voice activation feature. When using Zoom the “tile” of the person speaking is magnified so you can easily see the speaker in question. This one is loved by workplaces with more than half of Fortune 500 companies reportedly used the programme for their video calls in 2019.

Despite recent criticisms, Houseparty has emerg ed as one of the most popular video messaging apps of 2020.

Owned by reputed online gaming company Epic Games, which also created Fortnite and Assassin’s Creed, downloads of the Houseparty app rose from an average of 130,000 per week in February to two million per week throughout March. This app combines video messaging with interactive gaming so you can use it to play trivia in groups. Friends of friends can join your conve rsation like at a house party, enabling users to meet new people.

This is one to download if you’re feeling social .

Think of Viber as Skype’s younger cooler cousin . The video calls are high quality and the servic e is also accessible across multiple devices, including blackberry, Android, iOS, Windows 8 and MacBooks, makin g it a popular choice if you want to send emojis without fear they won’t display because of incompatible softwa re. It’s free to download, you can also use it to share files and the servic e prides itself on privacy and security of its calls.

You probably already have WhatsApp on your phone, but did you know you can make group calls within the app? As of 2020 the app registered over two billion users worldwide, so the fact that most of your contact book is already linked up to the service sets it apart for its ease of use. Until recently, it was only possible to make group WhatsApp video calls with four people.

But a recent update expanded this limit to eight people at once.

Now Facebook, which owns WhatsApp, is testin g a way to expand this further. If they manage it, then it may become serious competition for the others.

Steadily climbing up the ladder of popularity are Messenger Rooms, which only launched last month and are a clear bid to rival Zoom, Microsoft’s Skype, Apple ’s FaceTime and Google Meet. – all of which have seen a recent popularity surge.

A GUIDE TO NAVIGATE PAST THE LOCKDOWN Rehan Ahmed

RESTRUCTING & INSOLVENCY SPECIALIST

Much of the world as we know has come to a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses have been forced to close for more than a month now, however there are talks of lockdown relaxing and for businesses to open up – but what would a post lockdown economy look like? What are the tips for survival?

We asked Rehan Ahmed a restructuring and insolvency Partner at Quantuma, a specialist independent business advisory firm, to offer his expert advice on the changing face of businesses in a post-lockdown world. Here’s what he had to say: As we enter week seven of lockdown, this is definitely a moment in history that will change the way we live our lives going forward. As an advisory firm, we have been working with a number of businesses on their options during this period: advisory and restructuring work through to formal insolvency appointments.

Pivoting a business In the public domain, we have already seen many businesses close their shops due to the enforced lockdown and, unfortunately, the reality is they may never reopen. That said many businesses have done phenomenally well during this pandemic. Some have been able pivot their business to open new routes to their customers, whilst others have seen demand increase due to changes in customer spending habits.

Luke Patel

What we are seeing Apart from ‘you must be really busy right now’, the most common question we have been asked here at Quantuma is ‘what can businesses do to survive and thrive during this period?’

I believe we are now entering what I call phase two of the pandemic. Phase one was the initial shock of the lockdown where we were advising businesses not to panic and explore all their options including government support that has been introduced. Phase two is about planning ahead for the duration of this pandemic and life after the lockdown. Here are some pointers as to what businesses should be doing during this period.

Tips on navigating this pandemic and beyond 1. Cash management:

PARTNER AT BLACKS SOLICITORS LLP

As the classic saying goes cash is King. Given we are now into week seven of the lockdown businesses need to manage cash more effectively and ensure they are not wasting valuable cash reserves. · Review and have sight of costs in all departments. Break down all costs and categorise them to the relevant departments – Sales, Finance, Supplier, HR, Operations etc. · Depending on the size of the business, allocate one department to someone to ensure the costs are being managed and make sure everyone is clear on what they are doing. · Review each expense and the following questions will dictate what needs to be done with that expense – is it needed?

Is it critical? Can the business survive without this? Can the service be reduced and still survive? Can we get a holiday

on this expense during the pandemic? · Keep in constant contact with the team and review your payment plans on a regular basis as some payments may change from critical payments to none critical payments so priority of payments may change.

2. Diversify your offering Entrepreneurs are always creative and innovative – this time is no different. Businesses should be looking at what can they be doing differently in the current climate to generate income within their business.

Pivoting the business could be a lifesaver in this climate especially during the lockdown period. I have heard of some fantastic success stories where a business has changed and remodelled themselves. An example would be that of a high-end restaurant whose takings have doubled to what they normally would have in the shop just through doing it through a delivery service with less staff. Think of ways your business can diversify and if possible do not just look at this as a short-term lockdown solution.

Luke Patel is a Partner at Leeds law firm Blacks Solicitors LLP specialising in commercial dispute resolution and heads up that team.

Gareth Bull won £41m on the Euromillions Lottery in 2012. Mr Bull then bought a villa in Tenerife where he met Donna Desporte who ran a bar on the island. Mr Bull subsequently separated from his wife and began a relationship with Ms Desporte. Following the ending of the relationship, Ms

This period is a great time to assess your business in depth.

There are some essential questions businesses should be asking themselves right now when reviewing the business: 1. Can processes be improved?

2. Are people within the business in the right role?

3. Is the whole business focused on the current strategy and is it working?

4. Can we use technology to improve efficiencies?

These questions would be a starting point for businesses to assess where they are, and each business will develop further questions as a result of this exercise. One of the interesting questions worth asking yourself right now is what would you do if you were to set up your business today? If your answer is different to what you are doing right now, then change it.

4. Do not panic and seek professional advice Do not panic and make rash decisions during this period.

Going down an insolvency route

might well be the best option for a business at some point but make sure you explore all your options before making a decision.

This brings me nicely on to my final point of seeking professional advice. That classic phrase of ‘my mate said…’ has been replaced by ‘I saw a post that said…’ It would be advisable not to be sucked into listening to social media and basing your important business decisions on what you heard on various forums. Speak to specialist advisors in that area.

Whether you need to speak to an employment solicitor on advice on staffing issues or your accountant on how to deal with HMRC debts or an insolvency practitioner of options to restructure your business, these professionals will give you the right advice tailored to your business. The worst thing you could do is not take the right advice which could end up haunting you later on.

For more business advice and tips you can contact Rehan at Quantuma by email on rehan.ahmed@quantuma.com or visit the website at www.quantuma.com

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION DOES NOT EXTEND TO KISS & TELL BOOK

Luke was the winner of the Best Professional in Business award at the Asian English Business Awards 2013. Described in the Legal 500 as “exceptional” he primarily acts for individuals, owner managed businesses and SME’s in a wide range of sectors.

In the case of Bull v Desporte the High Court granted a lottery winner a permanent injunction preventing his former partner from publishing details about their relationship.

3. Taking the time to improve processes

Desporte wrote and published a book entitled “Google Me No Lies” and it was largely about her relationship with Mr Bull.

Mr Bull issued proceedings against Ms Desporte for misuse of private information and for infringement of copyright.

The misuse of private information claim concerned 36 passages in the book which included four categories of private information: · Details of Mr Bull’s sexual relationship with Ms Desporte;

· Mr Bull’s relationship and divorce from his wife; · Mr Bull’s children; and · Mr Bull’s physical health.

The claim for copyright infringement related to the inclusion in the book of a number of photographs taken by Mr Bull which he had then sent to Ms Desporte privately during their relationship.

Mr Bull applied for a permanent injunction to restrain Ms Desporte from publishing the private information in the

36 passages as well as the photographs and in addition to which he sought damages.

The Court found that Mr Bull had a reasonable expectation of privacy under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in respect of the information regarding his children, his health, his sex life with Ms Desporte and details of his relationship with and divorce from his former wife. Balancing the competing rights to privacy and freedom of expression,

the judge concluded that the balancing exercise came down in favour of Mr Bull. Publication of the information had been, and would continue to be, a violation of his and his family’s Article 8 rights causing serious harm and distress. The nature of the information involved made it particularly worthy of protection, and there was very little, or no, public interest in publishing it.

In respect of the claim for copyright infringement, the judge found that although Mr Bull had given the photographs to Ms Desporte it did not amount to a grant by him of permission for her to publish those to the world

and therefore that claim also succeeded.

Mr Bull was granted a permanent injunction preventing the publication of the four categories of information and he was awarded £12,500 in damages against Ms Desporte.

This case illustrates that the right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the ECHR will not extend to so-called “kiss and tell” stories.

If you are involved in any privacy or intellectual property dispute then Blacks Solicitors can assist.

Please contact Luke Patel on 0113 227 9316 or by email at LPatel@LawBlacks.com.

ASIAN STANDARD / NORTH EAST

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Gried Pan r Parcels Me od

1. . To make the grilling paste, tip your herbs into a food process or blender along with the garlic, ginger, chilli, lemon juice, oil, garam masala and 1 tsp salt. Process until fine and smooth, then stir in the yogurt, carom and double cream. Adjust any of the seasonings to taste as needed.

2. . Cut each block of paneer into 3-4 pieces, then piece with a fine skewer. Coat the cheese in the grilling paste then leave to marinate in the fridge for as long as possible, preferably around 1 hour.

3. Heat the grill or griddle pan and prepare two sheets of foil. Place four pieces of paneer on each, then top with the chopped red onion and a knob of butter. Bring the foil together to create a parcel.

4. Place the parcels straight onto your grill or griddle pan and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the paneer is hot and slightly charred on the bottom. Serve immediately in the hot parcels, with the chaat masala sprinkled on top.

Recipes sponsored by www.desikitchen.co.uk

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Ingredients • 1/2 red onion, chopped finely • 25g butter • 1 tsp chaat masala • 2 x 225g blocks of paneer For the grilling paste: • 25g mint leaves • 85g coriander leaves, with stalks left on • 1 clove of garlic • 3cm piece of ginger, • • • • • • •

peeled 1 small green chilli 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tbsp garam masala 2 tbsp double cream 3 tbsp greek yogurt 1/2 tbsp carom seeds (ajwain)

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