A new report by the Resolution Foundation has found that lower-income households are twice as likely as richer ones to have increased their debts during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the key findings is that the typical worker able to work from home had £4,700 in net financial wealth in 2016-18 (on a family per-adult basis, in 2019- 20 prices), two and a half times more than the typica...

Following the launch of the NHS test and trace manual process using contact tracers (see LINK ), the government has announced a delay in introducing a test and trace app. The original trials in the Isle of Wight uncovered ‘technical challenges’, with the app including the reliability of detecting contacts using Apple devices. The government now intends to look for a solution that b...

The Government in England has confirmed that it will extend funding for a voucher scheme for children on free school meals during the summer holidays. Children of all ages living in households on income-related benefits may be eligible, from government-maintained nurseries through to sixth forms. In England, about 1.3 million children  claimed for free school meals  in 2019. Familie...

Updated guidance for employers has been issued concerning test and trace. Employers should contact their local health protection team where there is a suspected outbreak, defined as more than one case of COVID-19 at a workplace. LINK LINK

The Chancellor announced at the end of May that changes were being made to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS): In July  – Employees may return to work on a part-time basis (this is currently not permitted) In August  – Government will continue to pay 80% of wages for furloughed employees, but employers must take on payment of other costs. In September  – Government...

Latest data from ONS show that inflation in the UK economy is weakening, Confidence Price Index Housing (CPIH) for  all items falling  from +0.9% in April to +0.7% in May. This is well below the government’s target rate of +2.0%. Inflation for food and drink is rising, however CPIH for these items moving from +1.4% in April to +1.9%.  This shows food has become more expensive w...

Following a previous announcement by the Prime Minister of an easing of lockdown restrictions in England (see LINK ) , a staged relaxation of lockdown conditions is continuing in the devolved administrations. Here is a summary of some of the main changes for each: Scotland From 19 June A household not shielding can meet two other households, outside, up to a suggested maxim...

Price is often cited as one of the top barriers to eating healthily - and has been since long before the COVID-19 pandemic. So, with more shoppers claiming to have spent more on food during lockdown than less 1 , and the UK once again on the brink of a recession, Registered Nutritionist Ruth O’Sullivan shares her top tips for eating well on a budget. Source: 1 IGD research. Base: 2,0...

- New ground-breaking project from IGD follows the lives of 30 households during lockdown and beyond - During lockdown specialist food stores, such as butchers, fishmongers and grocers, have been most popular with younger shoppers (18-24 year-olds), as older age groups (65+) relied more on online services, according to a ground-breaking new community research project from IGD . Referring ...

“Inspire your curiosity and learn how to break out of established ways of thinking with practical, actionable advice. In this webinar recording, we focus on four creative thinking habits that will help you see fresh and diverse perspectives. You will come away with a set of questions to inspire your thinking and an understanding of how to adapt them to your own preferences or workin...