News

News 13^th July
Last week Government said it was OK to travel to 70 countries and no need to have 14-day quarantine when you come back.  Looks like that was because no one was checking if people actually did go into quarantine.  Also many of the countries which Government said were OK, have a different view – they will put the Brits into quarantine when they arrive there.  For example, arrive in Australia and you are put in a hotel for 14 days and the police patrol outside to stop you getting out.  As far as we know, each traveller has to pay $3 thousand for staying in the hotel .
There was a big panic over PPE – protective equipment – so the Government gave out contracts for over £5 billion to 200 companies.  Looks like there was no competition – just give out the money.  There were not enough checks.  Companies that got contracts included a pest control firm, an office furniture company, a Bristol footwear company, an employment agency, a sunglasses company.  The biggest contract £252 million was given to a company which does currency trading (money exchange) and is based offshore to reduce tax.  There will be a big investigation in future about all of this.
Now Further Education colleges are struggling.  They have to change the way the teach courses to make them online and to set up distancing and have protection policies.  Because of job losses outside, students are not taking courses in catering, tourism and construction.  Numbers are less that means less fees.  Government giving money to schools so that students catch up but no money to Further Education.  There could be job losses and some colleges (30 to 40) will run out money.