New report highlights key opportunities and challenges for hospitality sector Two thirds of consumers (63%) remain nervous about the idea of eating out, despite restrictions easing, according to the latest shopper insight from IGD . The newest report from the ‘Shoppers of Our Time’ research, a series following 30 households through COVID-19 and beyond, explores the changing attitudes towa...

The government has released further information on how migration into the UK will be managed in the post-EU period. Key points are: Free movement into the UK for EU citizens will end on 31 Dec (except where covered by the CTA *) After 31 Dec, EU citizens will need a visa to enter and remain in the UK, other than for short trips Those arriving before 31 Dec will be entitle...

Operation Brock is the government plan for managing outbound HGV congestion at the UK border in Kent, which may occur as a result of EU Exit. LINK to Proposed legislative amendments on enforcing Operation Brock Early iterations of the plan, developed for previous EU Exit deadlines, have now become outdated due to the changing situation and “ sunset ” clauses in the applicable le...

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. EFRA committee report on COVID-19 The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has published a report following their review of the government and food industry’s response to C...

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme has been launched in the UK. More than 72,000 venues have registered for the scheme which offers diners half-price meals, up to a maximum of £10 per person on food and non-alcoholic drinks, any Monday to Wednesday in August 2020. New Eat Out to Help Out stickers and posters have been produced. See LINK for participating restaurant finder See LINK...

From 1 August, shielding for the clinically extremely vulnerable has been paused. Updated guidance has been issued (see LINK ). Those who are clinically extremely vulnerable can return to work if the workplace is COVID-secure,  but should carry on working from home wherever possible. More economic news and analysis EXPLORE .EconNews { background: #3b1e61; p...

From 1 August, the government has changed its guidance about asking people to work from home where they can. Under the updated guidance, employers now have more discretion over how employees can work safely – whether by continuing to work from home or attending a COVID Secure workplace. See LINK for updated guidance. More economic news and analysis EXPLORE ...

Two new tests will be made available to detect COVID-19 and flu with results available in under 90 minutes. These tests will at first be made available from 10 August to NHS hospitals, care homes and labs. 450,000 90-minute LamPORE swab tests will be available across the adult care setting and laboratories from 10 August. The plan is for millions more tests to be rolled out later in...

A new ‘Better Health’ campaign, part of the government’s new Obesity Strategy, has been launched to encourage people to work towards a healthier weight. The campaign will target groups that are most affected by obesity and excess weight. LINK LINK More economic news and analysis EXPLORE .EconNews { background: #3b1e61; padding: 20px; padding-bott...

Data from ONS shows that the UK’s foodservice and accommodation businesses, mostly closed during “lockdown”, continue to re-open. The majority are now back in operation, in some form. As of 29 June, to 12 July 2020, 78% of these businesses were trading, up from 51% in the previous two-week period.  Encouragingly, roughly 30% of workers in the sector have returned to work from furlou...