Central government tax receipts in September 2020 were £6.0bn lower than in September 2019, reflecting lower income from VAT, corporation tax and business rates. Meanwhile, expenditure is rising as the government attempts to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus emergency. ONS states that the impact of coronavirus on public finances is “unprecedented in peacetime”. The gap between ...

“Really engaging and practical ways of thinking about your personal brand” Listeners’ feedback on the webinar What do you want to be known for at work? Learning how to unlock the different aspects of your personal brand can help you maximise your reputation and build your influence. In this webinar recording you will: Explore your natural reputation at work; how others ...

Your overview of political and economic news with a focus on the food and consumer goods industry, featuring the latest guidance on COVID-19 and planning for the end of the transition period with the EU. Wales fire break restrictions The First Minister in Wales has announced a “fire-break” lockdown in Wales to start from 6pm on Friday 23 October until Monday 9 November. Under the...

Latest data from ONS surveys show in stark terms the impact of coronavirus on the finances of many UK households. Over 07-11 October, 21% of respondents said that their household finances had been affected by coronavirus and, within this group, 14% said that they had less money to spend on food. Twenty percent of respondents reported that it was “difficult or very difficult” to pay ...

Research from PWC and the Local Data Company shows that the number of retail outlets in the UK fell sharply in H1 2020. Over that period 5,119 retail outlets opened, but 11,120 closed meaning a net decline of 5,001 (closures do not include shops closed temporarily due to coronavirus). The number of retail outlets in the UK was already in long-term decline, but it appears that corona...

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged businesses to prepare for the end of the EU Exit transition period, working on the assumption that there will be no trade deal. This represents a significant shift in positioning – previously, government policy assumed that some sort of deal would be achieved, if only a basic “Canada-style” agreement. Other bodies that make forecasts or give a...

The First Minister in Wales has announced a “fire-break” lockdown in Wales to start from 6p.m on Friday 23 October until Monday 9 November. The measures include: People must stay at home, except for limited purposes, such as for exercise People must work from home wherever possible All non-food retail, hospitality businesses, including cafes, restaurants and pubs (unless th...

The European Council met over 15 and 16 October to discuss future relations with the UK, coronavirus, climate change and relations with Africa. In a conclusions document issued during the summit, EU leaders stated that progress so far is not sufficient to conclude a trade deal – they instructed the EU negotiating team to continue talks. However, the EU also called on the UK to “ ...

Your overview of political and economic news with a focus on the food and consumer goods industry, featuring the latest guidance on COVID-19 and planning for the end of the transition period with the EU. Outbreaks in food production facilities A set of principles developed by the cross-government task force to support the management of outbreaks has now been published. The document in...

In IGD’s series of Monthly Economics Webcasts, we cover the key issues affecting the food and consumer goods industry. This month: COVID-19 Naomi Kissman, our Strategy & Corporate Affairs Director, outlines the latest updates from government and industry on COVID-19 4-minute watch EU-Exit As we head towards the end of the EU Exit transition period, our Chief Eco...