Cheaper lateral flow tests to be introduced for fully vaccinated travellers
From 24 October fully vaccinated passengers and most under 18s arriving in England from countries not on the red list can take a cheaper lateral flow test, instead of a PCR test, on or before day 2 of their arrival into the UK. The lateral flow tests can be booked from 22 October, from private […]
NHS delivers 3 million COVID vaccine boosters in first month
In just 4 weeks, the NHS has managed to administered 3 million booster vaccines to healthcare professionals, the over 50s and the most vulnerable. People are encouraged to take up their boosters when invited by text, email and letter and book through the online portal through the national booking service, or by phoning 119. Boosters […]
US to lift travel ban on 8 November
The US will open its borders to those fully vaccinated with FDA approved vaccines from 33 countries. The travel ban will be lifted from 9 November. The new rules will apply to Schengen countries – a group of 26 European nations including Germany, France and Greece – as well as the UK, Brazil, China, India, […]
London Trading Standards Week 2021
18 October – 22 October 2021 Protecting people and businesses in the capital – the focus of London Trading Standards Week 2021 A week of events, talks, training and support is being launched by London Trading Standards this October. Each day there will be themed messages promoting the efforts of LTS officers, including rogue traders […]
Contactless cards limit to increase to £100
The limit for contactless card payments has increased from £45 to £100. The usage of contactless has increased significantly since the start of the pandemic, as a cleaner and more convenient way to pay for items, leading to the increase by the Treasury and The City Regulator. Not all shops will go up to the […]
The Night Tube is returning
The Night Tube will return on the Central and Victoria lines on 27 November. For now only the two lines will run trains throughout the night on Fridays and Saturdays until 5.30am, when normal services resume. This comes after calls from the public and a large petition being shared and signed by more than 140,000 […]
#VATsEnough – calls for chancellor to keep lower VAT rate for hospitality
The campaign VATsEnough is calling on the chancellor to make the 12.5% VAT rate permanent for hospitality and tourism, to avoid price increases, help businesses and the economy to recover. UKHospitality is urging those in the hospitality industry and its customers, to back the cause and speak to their MPs. An increase in VAT could […]
Bespoke testing for jobs and industries with travel exemptions
Everyone coming to England from abroad must take one or more tests for coronavirus (COVID-19). Some will also have to quarantine. If you have a job with travel exemptions you must follow a bespoke testing programme. This is mandatory. The bespoke testing programme you follow depends on the sector you work in.Read the official guidance […]
Resources for good mental wellbeing in the workplace
A nationwide campaign has been launched, to help the nation with their mental wellbeing. Half of adults in England have said the pandemic negatively affected their mental health. The campaign will aim to tackle health inequalities and empower people to look after their mental health with free practical advice easy to access after completing 5 […]
Chancellor extends Kickstart Scheme apprentice incentives
An extra £500m is going towards the chancellor Rishi Sunak’s job support scheme to encourage employers to hire the long-term unemployed as apprentices and receive £3000 per apprentice, and young people on universal credit. The kickstart scheme subsidises new job placements for 16-24 year olds on universal credit. Under the scheme the government pays 100% […]
