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Britain may face a second-summer write-off due to lockdown.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9239941/UK-faces-second-summer-write-Travel-wedding-pubs-events-warn-lockdowns-killing-recovery.html
Britain faces a second summer write off: Travel firms, wedding venues,
pubs, and event organisers warn uncertainty over when Covid rules will
end - if EVER - means hundreds of thousands of jobs and businesses will go
Travel expert Paul Charles said he expects some countries will still
block Britons
It comes as millions of Britons have already booked holidays ahead of
reopening
But government figures hint coronavirus measures could last well into summer
Jonathan Van Tam said 'elaborate plans for summer' more likely to be
cancelled
By JAMES GANT FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 09:57 EST, 9 February 2021 | UPDATED: 04:52 EST, 10 February 2021
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Travel and hospitality bosses today warn the UK faces a second summer
write off as uncertainty over when restrictions will end squashes demand
for holidays and social venues.
Millions of Britons have already booked trips ahead of the Prime
Minister's announcement of the country's plan for easing restrictions on
February 22 and Matt Hancock has previously predicted a 'Great British
Summer'.
But several government figures are hinting coronavirus restrictions
could last well into summer - despite fears it will spell the death
knell for businesses across the UK when the furlough scheme ends on
April 30.
Read More
Mr Hancock indicated today tough border measures - Including ten-day
isolation at home for all travellers and hotel quarantine for 33 'red
list' countries - will need to be in place until vaccines have been
tweaked to deal with variant strains in the Autumn.
It came after Jonathan Van Tam said yesterday the 'more elaborate your
plans are for summer holidays, in terms of crossing borders, in terms of
household mixing' the greater the risk they will be cancelled.
Meanwhile SAGE expert Professor Sir Ian Boyd predicted social distancing
measures will be needed for a 'long time to come — perhaps several years.'
Matt Hancock (pictured) indicated today that tough border measures
including quarantine hotels will need to be in place until vaccines have
been tweaked to deal with variant strains in the Autumn +13
It came after Jonathan Van Tam (pictured) said yesterday the 'more
elaborate your plans are for summer holidays, in terms of crossing
borders, in terms of household mixing' the greater the risk they will be
cancelled +13
Matt Hancock (left) indicated today that tough border measures including
quarantine hotels will need to be in place until vaccines have been
tweaked to deal with variant strains in the Autumn. It came after
Jonathan Van Tam (right) said yesterday the 'more elaborate your plans
are for summer holidays, in terms of crossing borders, in terms of
household mixing' the greater the risk they will be cancelled
GDP tumbled by 2.6 per cent in November as the second coronavirus
lockdown hammered the economy, official figures showed today. In this
chart, 100 represents the size of the economy in 2018 +13
GDP tumbled by 2.6 per cent in November as the second coronavirus
lockdown hammered the economy, official figures showed today. In this
chart, 100 represents the size of the economy in 2018
Paul Charles, CEO of travel consultancy firm the PC Agency, said the
government needs to signal restrictions will be diluted from the start
of April so travel can recover.
He said 'The government needs to signal that these tougher restrictions
will be diluted from the start of April, enabling travel to recover again.
'Otherwise, the huge drop in travellers and number of flights will push
the sector over a cliff-edge, with the resulting hundreds of thousands
of job losses and business failures.'
When could each sector expected to open up?
Travel:
Tough new quarantine rules announced today including arrivals having to
take three Covid tests are set to last until Autumn.
But travel experts still hope the vaccine effect on hospitalisations
will mean the rules can be eased and short-haul will be possible again
from May 1.
Weddings:
The Prime Minister is set to announce a lockdown exit plan on February 22.
Weddings with small numbers will be first.
But experts such as wedding planner Holly Poulter have suggested that
2022 may be a better bet for people to get the dates they want and be
able to invite more guests.
Pubs:
UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said the industry hopes to
reopen from the start of April.
But government sources have already suggested it could be May before
pubs re-open under the exit plan.
Social events:
Some events such as Wimbledon are hoping to go ahead in some capacity
this summer. But others, like Glastonbury, have already cancelled.
He added: 'The outlook may seem cloudy right now, as government tightens
restrictions for those entering the UK.
'But, when infection and mortality rates are much lower and the NHS is
not under pressure due to vaccines taking effect, then there is no
reason for such measures to be in place.'
The beleaguered hospitality industry also has pressing questions about
when trade can resume, calling on the government to give a 'strong
signal' Britain will be open in the summer.
UK hospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: 'We hope that the
government will give a strong signal that Britain will be open this
summer, so that businesses can begin to make preparations.
We can't downplay how serious this has been for our sector. Businesses
are telling us that only one in five have enough cash flow to last past
the end of this month.
'We have suffered over 600,000 job losses and we still have more than
one million staff on furlough. Lots of businesses have gone under, but
many have persevered doggedly throughout the crisis.
Meanwhile wedding experts are advising people to postpone their nuptials
until next year so they can have the ceremony they want - free of tight
restrictions.
And the festival industry - which saw most events called off or moved
online last year - is trying to find ways to hold shows this year but
has called for clarity from the government.
Fresh figures also show consumer confidence is plummeting, with retail
sales in January falling at their fastest pace since May and only 40 per
cent of Britons saying they are confident in their job security.
Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said: 'Business understands
the priority is to protect the health of the population, and supports
measures to reduce infections and hasten the return to a normal way of life.
'Yet these new quarantine rules and testing requirements are a further
reminder of just how challenging the situation is for the international
travel sector right now.
'Further, immediate support is now essential to protect companies and
jobs in the aviation sector and its supply chains in the difficult
months ahead.
'The government should also be clear on a roadmap to relaxing
restrictions when health data permits.'
It comes as figures show Britain has turned the tide on the latest peak
of the coronavirus as cases and deaths plummet.
+13
+13
+13
+13
The Department of Health announced 12,364 more coronavirus cases and
1,052 deaths in the past 24 hours as the winter wave continues to shrink
because of lockdown.
Both figures have dropped by more than a quarter compared to last week,
with today's infections down 26.6 per cent on last week's figure and
deaths by 27.4 per cent.
The number of Covid patients in hospital has also fallen by a fifth in a
week, with nearly 27,000 beds now taken up by Covid sufferers.
The DoH also revealed another 356,291 coronavirus jabs were administered
yesterday, with 12.6million Brits having now received their first dose.
With six days still to go, No10 is within touching distance of
delivering on its target of injecting the 15million most vulnerable by
February 15.
But hopes the world-beating vaccine roll-out will mean lockdown curbs
can be significantly eased any time soon were shot down today by Mr
Hancock, who unveiled the latest suite of border curbs and warned they
could last until the Autumn when booster vaccines will be available.
Conservative former minister Mark Harper - part of the lockdown sceptic
CRG group of MPs - questioned when the policy against the virus was
going to end, noting if the virus keeps mutating there would have to be
lockdowns forever.
Huw Merriman, chairman of the Transport Select Committee, also called
for a schedule, pointing to the impact on the summer travel industry.
And Tory MP William Wragg asked whether the conditions for ending
lockdown have changed.
He added: 'The original purpose of lockdown was to keep hospitals from
falling over and to reduce hospitalisations.'
Travel
Mr Charles, CEO of travel consultancy firm the PC Agency, said he
expects even when travel is allowed countries will still block Britons
without a negative Covid test.
He told MailOnline: 'The outlook may seem cloudy right now, as
government tightens restrictions for those entering the UK.
'But, when infection and mortality rates are much lower and the NHS is
not under pressure due to vaccines taking effect, then there is no
reason for such measures to be in place.
'So, I would still expect travel to short-haul Europe to be likely from
1st May onwards and that's when consumers should be booking for.'
But doubts are growing after Mr Hancock today hinted new quarantine
restrictions will stay in place under vaccines can deal with new variants.
Mr Charles continued: 'Some countries will still no doubt insist on
negative test proof but travel should very much open up further.
'This will enable people to visit family again and travel on business,
as well as for holidays.'
He added: 'The government needs to signal that these tougher
restrictions will be diluted from the start of April, enabling travel to
recover again.
'Otherwise, the huge drop in travellers and number of flights will push
the sector over a cliff-edge, with the resulting hundreds of thousands
of job losses and business failures.'
Millions of Britons have already booked holidays (pictured, Barcelona
last year) ahead of the Prime Minister's announcement of the country's
plan for easing restrictions on February 22 and Matt Hancock has
previously predicted a 'Great British Summer' +13
Millions of Britons have already booked holidays (pictured, Barcelona
last year) ahead of the Prime Minister's announcement of the country's
plan for easing restrictions on February 22 and Matt Hancock has
previously predicted a 'Great British Summer'
Nicky Kelvin, from Points Guy UK travel experts, said people may want to
try their luck and book a holiday now due to reduced prices.
He said: 'You might want to save the stress of worrying whether you will
be able to take your trip or not, but that doesn't mean it's a blanket
no on making future bookings.
'One huge reason to book now is to take advantage of some of the
incredible deals available. We may never see such great offers again.
'However there are a number of important things to consider. Aim to book
much later in the year (a spring trip or even early summer trip might be
unlikely to happen).
Which events are going ahead and which are cancelled this year?
Planning to go ahead:
Wimbledon
Wimbledon has said it will still hold the championships but is expecting
it to have to be with a reduced-capacity crowd.
A statement said: 'Our aspiration is to stage the best Championships
possible - a trusted, best practice, safe event - with the health and
safety of all guests, staff and competitors remaining our highest priority.
'With five months remaining until the Championships, we are continuing
to develop our detailed scenario planning and work closely with the
relevant government and public health authorities to keep abreast of the
latest developments in the fight against coronavirus.
'The majority of our planning focus is currently centred on the option
of a reduced-capacity Championships and how that would affect each
stakeholder group, but we are not yet in a position to rule out any of
the other scenarios.'
Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival, which attracts throngs of people to the upmarket
west London street, said there will be efforts to try to run Europe's
biggest street party 'in some way' this year.
Matthew Phillip, chief executive of Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, said
social distancing would be 'devastating' for the event.
Mr Phillip told MPs on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee,
which is looking at the cultural and economic impact on the UK's music
festivals: 'For Carnival weekend specifically, it would pose a very big
problem.
'It would be very difficult to hold Carnival in its traditional format
on the streets with social distancing in place. It would be devastating
for a second year in a row.'
Asked if it would mean cancellation of the August event in west London,
Mr Phillip said 'yes' - but added efforts would be made to try and run
it in some way.
He added: 'It would not take place in its traditional format. We would
always hope to do something.
'Carnival means too much to too many people for us to simply ignore it
so we would always try to find a way of celebrating Carnival for its
artistry and what it means to the community.'
Chelsea Flower Show
Another event under threat is the Chelsea Flower Show, with its normally
colourful delights of late spring, set to turn brown as it moves to the
autumn months.
For the first time in its 109-year history, the event will take place
later in the year – meaning the vibrant displays of mid-May will be
replaced by the more mellow tones of the fall.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) announced last month the show, in
the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, has been moved from May 18-23
to September 21-26.
Last year the event had to be scrapped completely because of
coronavirus, with a virtual show staged online.
RHS director general Sue Biggs said: 'In these challenging times, we
have always followed Government advice and made difficult, responsible
decisions with the health and safety of people our key concern.
'Whilst we are sad to have had to delay RHS Chelsea, and are sorry for
the disruption this will cause, we are excited that we are still
planning to bring the world's best-loved gardening event to the nation.'
Henley Royal Regatta
The organiser of the Henley Royal Regatta and Henley Festival in
Oxfordshire said she is planning for the popular five-day boat racing
event at the end of June to be 'near normal' this year.
Jo Bausor said they are due to revise their decision on the event at the
end of February or start of March depending on government guidance.
She told the Henley Standard: 'We definitely will have an event this
year, no matter what. At the moment we're still planning for a near
normal event, as much as we can.
'This does depend on the regatta and what they decide to do. We're
working very closely with them and have a very good and productive
relationship.'
The event usually attracts about 6,000 people but may have to reduce
capacity due to social distancing.
She added: 'It wouldn't be the full festival but it would have all the
artists and all the bits everybody knows and loves.'
Pride in London
Alison Camps, Co-Chair of Pride in London, said: 'We're aware there's
still a lot of uncertainty around how far current restrictions will have
been relaxed by the summer, which is why we'll be asking our communities
for their thoughts about plans they want to see from us in 2021. The
most important thing for us is that all attendees feel safe and reassured.
'Whatever Pride looks like this year, we're determined to continue
bringing our communities together and providing a platform for all LGBT+
voices. We'll be sharing more information about our plans for 2021 in
due course.'
Cancelled:
Glastonbury
Glastonbury Festival will not take place for a second year in a row
because of the coronavirus pandemic, the organisers announced last month.
The music festival's co-organiser, Michael Eavis - who curates the
lineup with his daughter Emily, said he was 'so sorry' to have to cancel
the event for the second year in a row.
Most live music events, including Glastonbury, were wiped out last
summer by the pandemic and a recent study warned that without state
support, Britain's £1.3billion live music industry is heading for
another summer washout.
Emily had previously teased there would be 'a hell of a lot of
surprises' for the festival in 2021, telling reporters last year: 'We're
rolling two festivals together for 2021.
RideLondon
RideLondon event director Hugh Brasher said: 'We know it is very
disappointing news that the events planned for May cannot take place,
especially for charities.
'However, I am sure everyone understands why this decision has been made
and we look forward to welcoming participants and the professional
peloton to ride the streets of London in 2022.
'We are currently working with the Mayor's office to deliver a virtual
event in the summer designed to inspire as many people as possible to
cycle more often, and also to engage some of the hundreds of thousands
of new or lapsed cyclists to raise money for the many charities whose
income has been so affected by Covid-19.'
'Be sure to ensure all bookings are fully refundable or flexible and
that you have adequate insurance.
'Finally, book with ATOL or ABTA protected companies (for packages)
where relevant and make bookings on a credit card to ensure you a fully
protected in case the company you have booked with goes bust.'
Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said: 'Business understands
the priority is to protect the health of the population, and supports
measures to reduce infections and hasten the return to a normal way of life.
'Yet these new quarantine rules and testing requirements are a further
reminder of just how challenging the situation is for the international
travel sector right now.
'Further, immediate support is now essential to protect companies and
jobs in the aviation sector and its supply chains in the difficult
months ahead.
'The government should also be clear on a roadmap to relaxing
restrictions when health data permits.
'The UK's world-class aviation sector – which underpins so much of our
economic activity – must be supported so that it can play its full part
in the country's recovery.'
Meanwhile Mark Jit, a professor of vaccine epidemiology at the London
School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, told Wired: 'I don't anticipate
getting on a plane or even a long distance train.'
And Clare Wenham, assistant professor of global health policy at London
School of Economics, added: 'I think we will probably be considering UK
holidays this summer again.'
She added: 'I imagine it will be more similar to last summer rather than
a normal summer.'
Despite lockdown, 2.8million bookings have already been made with TUI
for later in the year and the travel agent confirmed plans to operate at
80 per cent capacity.
Average daily bookings in January are up 70 per cent compared with
December, although Tui said it expects a peak booking period is still on
its way.
Holidaymakers are expected to wait to see if Covid-19 vaccination
programmes are successful, leading to bookings for the summer -
including amendments and voucher re-bookings, down 44 per cent compared
with summer 2019.
The company added there will be 'significant upside anticipated' should
restrictions lift in time for Easter.
A spokesman said: 'Our focus on the end-to-end delivery of safe holidays
already resulted in the successful partial recommencement of operations
during Summer 2020.
'Destinations have recognised this strength of Tui's, as the governments
of Greece and the Balearics selected Tui to implement pilot programmes
in summer 2020 aimed at restarting tourism in their regions.
'Our strong customer base and scale gives us an advantage in terms of
brand awareness and distribution, securing attractive terms from
suppliers, and in gaining greater insight into customer behaviour.
'In addition, selling into a range of source markets helps to diversify
our customer base, meaning we are not reliant on a single market.'
But England's deputy chief medical officer put a spanner in the works
yesterday by warning prospective holidaymakers not to book elaborate
vacations.
Professor Van-Tam said he could not give a proper answer on holidays
away from the UK as the data was not available.
Speaking at the No 10 news briefing, he said: 'The more elaborate your
plans are for summer holidays, in terms of crossing borders, in terms of
household mixing, given where we are now, I think we just have to say
the more you are stepping into making guesses about the unknown.
'I can't give people a proper answer at this point because we don't yet
have the data. It's just too early.'
Currently Britons are not allowed to leave the country unless they have
a legally permitted reason.
Work trips are allowed, so you will have to show some proof that your
flight or sea crossing is vital for your employment.
But there are a range of other reasons for 'essential travel', such as
medical care, to escape harm, compassionate visits - for example a
funeral - and weddings.
Meanwhile airlines fear any lack of rooms under the quarantine hotels
scheme could force them to leave travellers stuck abroad.
It is understood ministers are considering adding a section to passenger
locator forms, which all must fill out before departure.
It could ask them if they have booked into a quarantine hotel in the UK.
But it is unclear if carriers will have to bar travellers who answer no,
leaving them stranded.
Mr Hancock announced today arriving travellers put in quarantine hotels
in England will be charged £1,750 for their stay.
Passengers face fines of up to £10,000 for failing to quarantine and
those who lie on their passenger locator forms face up to 10 years in jail.
The Cabinet minister said the measures announced will need to be
replaced to enable 'safe and free international travel' in the future.
He told the Commons that 16 hotels have been contracted to provide 4,600
rooms for the hotel quarantine programme which begins on Monday.
UK nationals or residents returning to England from 33 'red list'
countries will be required to spend 10 days in a Government-designated
hotel.
Anyone who attempts to conceal that they have been in one of those
destinations in the 10 days before arrival faces a prison sentence of up
to 10 years, Mr Hancock said.
He also confirmed the new 'enhanced testing' regime for all
international travellers, with two tests required during the quarantine
process from Monday.
Mr Hancock told the Commons: 'People who flout these rules are putting
us all at risk.
'Passenger carriers will have a duty in law to make sure that passengers
have signed up for these new arrangements before they travel, and will
be fined if they don't, and we will be putting in place tough fines for
people who don't comply.
'This includes a £1,000 penalty for any international arrival who fails
to take a mandatory test, a £2,000 penalty for any international arrival
who fails to take the second mandatory test, as well as automatically
extending their quarantine period to 14 days, and a £5,000 fixed penalty
notice - rising to £10,000 - for arrivals who fail to quarantine in a
designated hotel.'
He added: 'I make no apologies for the strength of these measures,
because we're dealing with one of the strongest threats to our public
health that we've faced as a nation.'
Asked when the new rules will be relaxed, Mr Hancock replied: 'We want
to exit from this into a system of safe international travel as soon as
practicable and as soon as is safe.'
He said work is ongoing to assess the current vaccines against variants
of the virus, adding: 'If that isn't forthcoming then we will need to
vaccinate with a further booster jab in the autumn, which we're working
with the vaccine industry.
'These are the uncertainties within which we are operating and hence,
for now, my judgment is the package we've announced today is the right one.'
It comes after it was confirmed last week that UK nationals returning
from 33 'red list' countries would be required to quarantine in closely
monitored Government-designated hotels, where they would have to take
two tests - although no contracts have yet been signed with
accommodation providers.
Tory former minister Mr Harper told the Commons today: 'When is this
policy going to end, if ever? Because if the virus continues to mutate,
surely the risk is going to be there forever and so when can it be removed?'
Mr Hancock responded: 'The risk of mutations absolutely can and will be
managed through the evolution of vaccines in the way that the annual flu
jab changes each year and allows us to protect ourselves.
'Of course these measures, whilst necessary now, are not measures that
can be in place permanently. We need to replace them over time with a
system of safe and free international travel. That's where we need to
get to.
'The first task is to vaccinate the population. If we get good news on
the vaccination impact on hospitalisations and deaths from people who
have new mutations, then we will be in a better place. If we do not get
such good news, then we will need to use the updated vaccines to protect
against the variants of concerns.
'The scientists inform and advise me that there are repeatedly
independently around the world mutations of the same type in the E484K
area of the virus, as mentioned by (Jonathan Ashworth). Now that gives
the scientists a good start in where to target the new updated vaccine.'
The Financial Times reported ministers were said to be close to signing
up a series of hotels near Heathrow, and were optimistic of agreeing
deals with others around Manchester, Gatwick, Birmingham and London City
airports.
The extra testing burden - with the cost expected to fall on travellers
- has added to concerns in the travel industry.
Derek Jones, chief executive of luxury travel company Kuoni, welcomed
the plan to test arriving travellers but called for it to coincide with
an easing of mandatory self-isolation requirements.
He said: 'A robust testing regime is the way to open up travel again but
it has to replace or at least shorten quarantine. That's the way to get
travel moving again.'
But SAGE expert Professor Sir Ian has predicted social distancing
measures will be needed for a 'long time to come — perhaps several years.'
The infectious disease expert at the St Andrews University, said the
emergence of potentially jab-resistant strains means the UK could be
stuck in a pattern of 'control and release for a long time to come'.
Evidence suggests the Oxford University vaccine – the main weapon in
Britain's arsenal to combat the virus – does not stop people falling
ill with the South African variant, which is feared to be spreading in
the community already. But No10's top scientific advisers believe it
still protects against severe illness and death.
Professor Sir Ian and several other prominent SAGE members warned
reopening the shutdown too early could risk allowing new, equally
concerning variants to spawn.
Mutations randomly happen as viruses spread but most changes never
change the way it looks or behaves.
Very high transmission gives the virus more opportunity to mutate and,
therefore, drives up the risk that one of the alterations could change
the course of the disease.
Professor Sir Ian told The Times: 'It stands to reason that the more
people there are in the population with infections — the prevalence —
the more virus that is replicating and the more chance there is of even
highly improbable mutations happening.'
He warned even if Britain gets on top of the South African strain, there
will be more concerning ones down the line.
He added: 'My suspicion is that we will experience a damped oscillation
of control-release for a long time to come — perhaps several years.'
Pubs
The threat of continued lockdown has also spurred fears pubs may not be
open until late in the year.
UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said the industry hopes to
reopen from the start of April but notes there are caveats with this.
She said: 'The rapid roll-out of the vaccine gives us good reason to be
positive that we are on the road back to normality.
'We are hopeful that we can begin to see a gradual reopening of
hospitality from the start of April.
'Obviously, this is likely to be heavily dependent on health metrics,
such as the number of vaccinations and new cases, continuing their
positive trends.'
She added: 'We will know more about what is going to be achievable on 22
February, but we are confident that people can begin to look at events
and holidays this summer.
'We hope that the government will give a strong signal that Britain will
be open this summer, so that businesses can begin to make preparations.
We must remember that reopening after a shut-down like this takes a lot
of time, effort and money.'
It is not yet clear when they will reopen, but the Prime Minister is due
to unveil his long-awaited road map 'to unlock' Britain on February 22.
UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said the industry hopes to
reopen from the start of April but notes there are caveats with this.
Pictured: Borough Market in September +13
UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said the industry hopes to
reopen from the start of April but notes there are caveats with this.
Pictured: Borough Market in September
Ministers are expected to adopt a 'tentative' approach - with some
sources claiming a 'booze ban' on pubs between April and May was being
considered to stop social distancing slipping.
But a senior Government source told MailOnline an alcohol ban in pubs
was not on the cards.
They said: 'We are not going to open pubs that can't sell booze. What
would be the point of that?'
Labour's shadow minister for business and consumers, Lucy Powell,
described the suggestion as 'ridiculous'.
She told BBC Breakfast: 'They (businesses) need to know the economic
support that will sit alongside the public health measures. At the
moment they diverge quite considerably.
'And we need to make sure for businesses that that route map to
reopening allows businesses to open in a viable way.
'So we can't have ridiculous things that we've seen speculated about
with pubs saying they can reopen but without serving alcohol, for example.'
Other measures being floated include axing the 10pm curfew - which has
been given the go-ahead according to some reports, along with an end to
the requirement for drinkers to order a 'substantial meal' with alcohol.
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England could also emulate Scotland's indoor alcohol ban - where pubs
are able to serve booze but only in outdoor areas - that was in effect
during its November lockdown, and allow unlicensed cafes to reopen while
keeping pubs closed.
One idea is for pubs to be permitted to sell takeaway pints from April
before fully reopening in May, the Sun reported.
The PM also tasked officials with 'simplifying' the rules for pubs,
paving the way for the 10pm curfew to be ditched along with the
requirement to order a 'substantial meal' with food.
A Government source said: 'As the pandemic has changed in the past year
we have always tried to adapt the rules to make them more effective and
easier to understand. As we look to cautiously unlock, we will seek to
do the same again.'
Another source added: 'There is a hope to not get bogged down in 'scotch
egg-gate' again, by effectively simplifying the rules to avoid confusion.'
Limiting indoor mixing is expected to be central to the Government's
strategy and venues will be encouraged to promote al fresco dining.
Landlords are desperate to welcome back customers after months shuttered
during the crisis.
Pubs have had to throw away up to 87million pints of beer since the
start of the pandemic, an industry body claimed.
The British Beer and Pub Association said the waste was equal to
£331million in sales, and warned of job losses without more Government
support.
Weddings
Meanwhile experts have reviewed advice for weddings for the summer, with
some suggesting postponing them.
The Guides for Brides website suggests postponing your wedding this
year, especially if you do not want to get married under tight restrictions.
It warns those looking to get hitched in the first few months of 2021
'are likely facing the reality that it will not be the day you have
dreamed of'.
But the website said people should check all their options before they
decide to cancel the event.
It adds: 'Many are also choosing to move their larger celebrations until
they are safe to go ahead.
'This way they can properly celebrate their marriage with their wider
friends and family. This approach is known as a sequel wedding.'
The UK Weddings Taskforce, which is negotiating with the government over
ceremonies this year, called for clarity from ministers on when they can
resume.
A newsletter from the body said a clear roadmap for the resumption of
weddings was needed from Downing Street.
It is also lobbying the government to provide a financial support
package for wedding businesses to help the industry survive the pandemic.
Wedding planner Holly Poulter also supported the idea of moving a 2021
wedding to 2022.
She told Hello: 'It's a really personal decision since, for many,
waiting another two years to tie the knot is just too far off. But for
those in no rush, it's worth considering.
'Pushing it all back to 2022 will open up more availability for your
suppliers, your guests, and you get to spend all of 2021 chilling,
because you'll be the most prepared couple ever.'
Many venues are asking their customers to pay more to move date,
sometimes due to the new date being more popular - for example, summer
and weekend dates.
Henrietta Dunkley, associate solicitor at Ellis Jones Solicitors, said:
'The venue may well be taking this approach because at the moment it is
hoped that weddings will be able to take place in September 2021.
'This is based on the Prime Minister's recent comments to the wedding
industry that couples should ''plan with confidence'' because we should
be in ''different world'' by summer 2021.
'The coronavirus pandemic has not yet affected weddings in September
2021 and so the venue are entitled to treat your contract with them as such.
'It is generally normal for wedding venues to increase their prices
slightly each year, but they cannot just hike up prices unreasonably.'
Experts have reviewed advice for weddings for the summer, with some
suggesting postponing them. Pictured: A wedding in Northumberland last
year +13
Experts have reviewed advice for weddings for the summer, with some
suggesting postponing them. Pictured: A wedding in Northumberland last year
She added it is worth checking the contract in place with the venue to
determine whether there is a contractual entitlement to increase the
price of a wedding in certain circumstances.
Whether the new price is unreasonable will likely depend on the terms of
the contract and how much the original price has increased by.
Adam French, consumer expert at Which?, added: 'You shouldn't have to
pay more if the rescheduled wedding is a comparable date and service.
'If you can't agree on a new date, they are entitled to a refund
providing the wedding can't go ahead as initially planned, according to
the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance.'
The CMA has set up a taskforce to investigate harmful pricing practices
during the pandemic and has created a form that consumers can complete
if they feel a business has treated them unfairly.
It comes as consumer spending in the retail sector slid in January as
the latest national lockdown hammered shops across the UK, according to
new figures.
The BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor for the month showed a slump in total
sales, while a separate report from Barclaycard has revealed the
sharpest fall in consumer spending since May.
Prices soar in wealthy staycation hotspots
Prices are soaring for staycation locations as rich Britons look to cash
in on the best trip at home money can buy.
One that might just catch their eye is a two-week break for a family of
four – at a mere £600,000.
Among the enviable holidays on offer is a tour of Scotland on board the
privately chartered luxury train the Belmond Royal Scotsman, which
comprises nine en suite carriages and a spa.
The tour, offered by travel firm Abercrombie & Kent, includes excursions
such as seats in the royal box at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in
August (if it goes ahead); the chance to 'brush shoulders with the
Queen' at the Braemar Gathering (again, if it is held) and VIP access to
golf courses graced by celebrities, including Carnoustie and St Andrews'
Old Course.
The tour is followed by seven days on the Glamis Castle estate, home of
the late Queen Mother and the setting for Macbeth.
The stay comes with a programme of country pursuits, a tennis session
with Sir Andy Murray and mini-versions of West End shows, performed by
original cast members. The cost is 'from £600,000' for a family of four.
Meanwhile, the Oetker Collection markets a range of 'the most fabulous
private homes and castles', with hosts such as James Middleton, brother
of the Duchess of Cambridge, who works at the Glen Affric estate in
Inverness-shire. Oetker can put you and your party of up to 20 in
all-inclusive luxury at Glen Affric for £35,000 a week. Activities
include kayaking, shooting and a ceilidh.
Mr Middleton, 33, is billed as 'a charming host who will delight in
helping you make the most of these magical destinations'.
But people with significant sums to spend on such vacations will have to
book soon to avoid disappointment – some firms are warning that
availability for some bespoke luxury holidays is 'very tight'.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) revealed that total retail sales
fell by 1.3 per cent in January as rapid online growth failed to
entirely offset the plunge in store sales.
Over the three months to January, sales of non-food items in stores
dived by 36.5 per cent as retailers were heavily impacted by the January
lockdown.
Total non-food sales were 5.6 per cent lower for the period as online
clothing and homeware sales only partially offset closures.
Meanwhile, food sales jumped by 7.9 per cent for the three-month period
as grocery stores remained open to shoppers.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: 'January saw retail
sales growth decline to its lowest level since May of last year.
'The current lockdown has hit non-essential retailers harder than in
November, with the new variant hampering consumer confidence and leading
customers to hold back on spending - especially on clothing and footwear.
'Meanwhile, retailers have worked incredibly hard to expand their online
delivery and click and collect offerings to ensure everyone can get the
products they need during lockdown.
'This has led to record growth for online non-food sales and is a
testament to the resilience and innovation of retail, which in the face
of the pandemic, has rapidly adapted and invested in online platforms
and delivery logistics.'
Paul Martin, UK head of retail at KPMG, said: 'Computing was the hot
category and saw triple figure growth online as schools closed and
parents rushed to purchase laptops and printers.
'Meanwhile, clothing retailers continued to struggle with physical sales
down across all categories.'
A separate report by Barclaycard revealed that consumer spending slumped
by 16.3 per cent in January, representing the sharpest decline since May
in the face of the latest lockdown.
The analysis of credit and debit card spending showed that shoppers
spent almost-a-quarter less on non-essential items against the same
period last year amid store closures.
Not-essential spending in January fell by 24.2 per cent, with department
store retailers witnessing a 36.8 per cent sales slump while clothing
sales were 25 per cent lower.
Meanwhile, the report said that sales of essential items grew 3.9 per
cent as high demand for home deliveries sparked a 126.8 per cent surge
in online grocery spending.
Shoppers spent significantly less booking holidays in January, with a
87.2 per cent fall in travel agent sales with airlines reporting an 81.6
per cent fall amid travel restrictions.
Raheel Ahmed, head of consumer products at Barclaycard, said: 'As the
impact of the latest lockdown start to take its toll, we've seen
particular sectors struggle, as physical premises across the UK were
forced to close.
'Last month's glimmer of hope for the travel sector also seems to have
stalled as tougher border controls saw bookings drop.
'Yet, on a more positive note, we have seen a surge in many online
categories as the demand for home deliveries continues to rise.'
Social events
Another industry to have been battered by the pandemic is that of events
and festivals.
A swathe of popular events have already been cancelled this year - such
as Glastonbury - and others are unsure of how or if they will go ahead.
For live shows such as festivals and sports, crowds play a large part -
contributing to the atmosphere and bringing in cash for companies.
There are plans in motion by many organisations to keep their gatherings
going in some form this year no matter the restrictions on movement.
Wimbledon has said it will still hold the championships but is expecting
it to have to be with a reduced-capacity crowd.
A statement said: 'Our aspiration is to stage the best Championships
possible - a trusted, best practice, safe event - with the health and
safety of all guests, staff and competitors remaining our highest priority.
'With five months remaining until the Championships, we are continuing
to develop our detailed scenario planning and work closely with the
relevant government and public health authorities to keep abreast of the
latest developments in the fight against coronavirus.
'The majority of our planning focus is currently centred on the option
of a reduced-capacity Championships and how that would affect each
stakeholder group, but we are not yet in a position to rule out any of
the other scenarios.'
Another industry to have been battered by the pandemic is that of events
and festivals. Pictured: The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2012 +13
Another industry to have been battered by the pandemic is that of events
and festivals. Pictured: The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2012
Meanwhile Notting Hill Carnival, which attracts throngs of people to the
upmarket west London street, said there will be efforts to try to run
Europe's biggest street party 'in some way' this year.
Matthew Phillip, chief executive of Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, said
social distancing would be 'devastating' for the event.
Mr Phillip told MPs on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee,
which is looking at the cultural and economic impact on the UK's music
festivals: 'For Carnival weekend specifically, it would pose a very big
problem.
'It would be very difficult to hold Carnival in its traditional format
on the streets with social distancing in place. It would be devastating
for a second year in a row.'
Asked if it would mean cancellation of the August event in west London,
Mr Phillip said 'yes' - but added efforts would be made to try and run
it in some way.
He added: 'It would not take place in its traditional format. We would
always hope to do something.
'Carnival means too much to too many people for us to simply ignore it
so we would always try to find a way of celebrating Carnival for its
artistry and what it means to the community.'
Another event under threat is the Chelsea Flower Show, with its normally
colourful delights of late spring, set to turn brown as it moves to the
autumn months.
For the first time in its 109-year history, the event will take place
later in the year – meaning the vibrant displays of mid-May will be
replaced by the more mellow tones of the fall.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) announced last month the show, in
the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, has been moved from May 18-23
to September 21-26.
Last year the event had to be scrapped completely because of
coronavirus, with a virtual show staged online.
RHS director general Sue Biggs said: 'In these challenging times, we
have always followed Government advice and made difficult, responsible
decisions with the health and safety of people our key concern.
'Whilst we are sad to have had to delay RHS Chelsea, and are sorry for
the disruption this will cause, we are excited that we are still
planning to bring the world's best-loved gardening event to the nation.'
And the organiser of the Henley Royal Regatta and Henley Festival in
Oxfordshire said she is planning for the popular five-day boat racing
event at the end of June to be 'near normal' this year.
Jo Bausor said they are due to revise their decision on the event at the
end of February or start of March depending on government guidance.
She told the Henley Standard: 'We definitely will have an event this
year, no matter what. At the moment we're still planning for a near
normal event, as much as we can.
'This does depend on the regatta and what they decide to do. We're
working very closely with them and have a very good and productive
relationship.'
The event usually attracts about 6,000 people but may have to reduce
capacity due to social distancing.
She added: 'It wouldn't be the full festival but it would have all the
artists and all the bits everybody knows and loves.'
Industry insiders say a festival season is 'still possible' this year
despite the cancellation of Glastonbury due to Covid.
The chief executive of the Association of Independent Festivals, Paul
Reed, said the UK's largest festival was a 'different beast' and its
cancellation did not mean other smaller events could not go ahead.
But he said there is only hope for smaller events if the Government
ensures organisers of music events can access insurance to protect
against losses as a result of Covid.
Last month, Glastonbury organisers announced the 2021 festival was
cancelled because of the pandemic.
The music festival's co-organiser, Michael Eavis - who curates the
lineup with his daughter Emily - said he was 'so sorry' to have to
cancel the event for the second year in a row.
Most live music events, including Glastonbury, were wiped out last
summer by the pandemic.
A recent study warned without state support, Britain's £1.3billion live
music industry is heading for another summer washout.
But Mr Reed believed with the right help from ministers, smaller
festivals could still go ahead.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast he said: 'I will say about Glastonbury that it
is a different beast to most festivals and most likely ran out of time
due to the size and complexity of the event.
'For most festivals the cut-off point is more likely the end of March.'
He said we are at a 'serious point in the pandemic and festivals only
want to return when it is safe to do so'.
'This is devastating news about Glastonbury, not least for the amount of
staff and freelancers and companies involved in delivering the event,
but a festival season is still possible for this year if Government act
now on insurance.'
He added festivals are currently struggling to get insurance for
coronavirus-related cancellations.
'We do need Government to intervene in this issue,' he said.
Edinburgh's festivals face a similar threat, according to bosses who
warned it is not a 'foregone conclusion' events will bounce back.
Director of umbrella body Festivals Edinburgh, Julia Amour, said
companies which have done 'well out of the pandemic' should step in to
help Edinburgh retain its leading culture claim.
Edinburgh's festivals have experienced huge growth in modern times,
attracting a record 4.4 million overall attendance in 2019 and
generating more than £300m.
Edinburgh's festivals have experienced huge growth in modern times,
attracting a record 4.4 million overall attendance in 2019 and
generating more than £300million +13
Edinburgh's festivals have experienced huge growth in modern times,
attracting a record 4.4 million overall attendance in 2019 and
generating more than £300million
But heritage groups want a total rethink on how they are staged in the
future to reduce their impact on the fabric of the city and cut their
carbon footprint.
Ms Amour said new funding would need to be found if growing criticism
about their impact on the city was to be tackled.
She said there was an 'economic conundrum' over how to ensure more
people living in Edinburgh were able to attend the festivals as well as
spread events out more around the city and across the calendar.
Speaking at an online conference hosted by the Cockburn Association
heritage group, Ms Amour said: 'We must make sure our festivals continue
to feel authentically of our city.
'But we are also an international city and a capital city. That
dimension of what the festivals bring to our city is something we need
to look carefully at this very perilous moment.
'It is not a foregone conclusion that Edinburgh will be able to hang on
to what we most value about our festivals.
'We're proud as festivals to be deeply international in spirit, but
first and foremost we want to belong to the city.
'We should not lose sight of the fact that two thirds of people in the
city do take part and do see the festivals as belonging to them.
'Yet, at the same time, one third of the population don't access them.
'There is an economic conundrum at the moment and if we are to get what
we want, we will have to solve that conundrum.
'People are taking their own risks and putting their own money up to
come here.
'People ask why they are so concentrated in the city centre and why they
are on at the same time in the year.
'It's because it is a big industry event as well as a big audience
event. People need to be there when programmers from other festivals are
there.
'That's one of the benefits. But at the same time it makes it very
fragile and very difficult.'
A Government spokesman said: 'We are in regular dialogue with public
health experts to agree a realistic return date for festivals and other
large events.
'Once we are confident we have this, we will be working with organisers
to unlock the barriers they face to restarting - including challenges
getting insurance.
'Yesterday's decision by the festival organisers reflects the sad fact
that the public health outlook did not make it likely 200,000 people
could be together without social distancing measures in just a few
months' time.
'We are continuing to help festivals with the £1.5 billion Culture
Recovery Fund, with many already receiving this support.'
Mr Hancock yesterday claimed Britain is 'turning a corner in our battle
against coronavirus' as daily deaths plunged to a six-week low and cases
continued to fall.
+13
Department of Health figures show another 333 Covid victims were
recorded yesterday, the lowest 24-hour toll since December 27 and a drop
of 18 per cent on the 406 last Monday.
Another 14,104 infections were also added to the official tally. The
daily figure has dropped by a quarter week-on-week, with yesterday's
number lower than at any time since December 8.
Analysis shows infection rates are lower than at any time since before
Christmas in all four nations of the UK.
Despite revealing the second wave was shrinking, the Health Secretary
warned the number of infected patients in hospital and daily deaths were
both still 'far too high'.
Almost 30,000 NHS hospital beds are currently taken up by Covid patients
— 50 per cent higher than the worst days of the first wave last spring
but down from 40,000 at the peak of the second wave in January.
Praising the success of lockdown in tonight's Downing Street press
conference, he said: 'We are turning a corner in our battle against
coronavirus, the vaccine rollout is going well, and if you are aged 70
or over and haven't been contacted yet please get in touch now.
'And all the time we must be vigilant and do what it takes to tackle any
new variants that arise. For now, the most important thing that you can
do is get the jab when the time comes, stay at home, protect the NHS and
save lives.'
While the big picture shows infections are falling in most parts of the
country, the decline is slow and positive tests were still rising in 17
areas in the week ending February 3.
One of those areas was Rutland in the Midlands, where new infections
more than doubled from 180 per 100,000 people to 386.
And in another glimmer of hope that Britain could be freed from lockdown
restrictions within weeks, another 278,988 people got their first dose
of a vaccine yesterday.
Despite being one of the slowest days of the rollout so far, it means
12.3million Britons have now been immunised.
It comes after Boris Johnson yesterday refused to rule out longer
restrictions if the mutated strain – which Oxford University said could
worsen how well its vaccine works – can't be kept under control in
Britain. An alarming study found the British-made jab had 'minimal
effect' in preventing mild disease caused by the strain.
Mr Hancock also said yesterday all over-70s in England who haven't yet
had a Covid vaccine should book their own online.
He claimed take-up of the vaccines has so far been 'significantly better
than we hoped for' but said No10 would do everything it could to ensure
everyone gets jabbed.
As England's national lockdown enters its second month and the virus
continues to fade, an analysis by the Press Association shows that
infection rates in all four countries of the UK are now at pre-Christmas
lows.
In England, the average infection rate was at 222 positive tests per
100,000 people for the week ending February 3, which was the lowest
since 221 per 100,000 in the week to December 13.
Wales saw its rate drop to 122, lower than at any time since before
November and a fraction of the 649 per 100,000 it saw at December's peak.
In Scotland the rate dropped to 123 per 100,000, down from 144 a week
earlier and lowest since December 20, when it was 121.
Northern Ireland's infection rate fell to 178 per 100,000 which was its
lowest positive test rate since 177 in the week up to December 15.