Business

Image copyright Swim Quest Image caption Alice Todd, co-founder of open water swimming holiday firm Swim Quest British firms say time is running out to keep their businesses afloat as coronavirus batters the economy – and that they are uncertain about how to access the financial support promised by the government on Tuesday. “There’s been […]

Image copyright AFP The trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is set to shut in the latest coronavirus-related closure. The Intercontinental Exchange, which operates the NYSE, said all buying and selling of shares will happen electronically from 23 March. Much of the trading is already electronic. It comes after some staff had

Image copyright PA Media Vodafone has said it is experiencing a 30% rise in internet traffic across its UK fixed-line and mobile networks. More people are working from home as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, putting more demand on all networks. TalkTalk, another internet provider, said that its daytime network traffic was 20% higher

The leading labor union for hospitality workers said Wednesday that it expects 80% to 90% of its 300,000 members to be out of work due to the coronavirus outbreak. The estimates from Unite Here illustrate the staggering economic damage inflicted on the service sector by the pandemic. The union’s members, a majority of whom are

Image copyright Getty Images A top benefit advice charity has called for action to protect people who rent their homes. Turn2Us said universal credit should be increased to help renters who are affected by the coronavirus. The charity also wants tenants to be shielded from having to return advance benefit payments. It said while homeowners

Image copyright Getty Images Reductions to rail timetables could take effect in the coming days, as train firms deal with staff shortages caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Services across Britain are now largely empty as most people work from home and avoid non-essential travel. Contingency plans are being made by government, Network Rail and operators

Image copyright Getty Images Car giants BMW and Toyota are to suspend car-making at their UK plants as part of a temporary shutdown of European production. The manufacturers join Nissan and Vauxhall in closing down factories due to falling sales and a lack of parts caused by the coronavirus epidemic. The shutdowns mean Jaguar Land

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Andrew Bailey took over as Bank of England governor this week Firms thinking of firing staff due to the coronavirus crisis should consider the support available to them first, the new Bank of England boss has said. Andrew Bailey urged UK firms to “stop, look at what’s available, come

Image copyright Getty Images Amazon is temporarily refusing to stock certain items in its warehouses, to cope with overwhelming demand for household essentials due to the coronavirus pandemic. It means third-party sellers of non-essential items could find it difficult to ship orders to customers. The move will last until 5 April and cover warehouses in

Image copyright Getty Images Sainsbury’s has announced measures to help older and vulnerable shoppers during the coronavirus pandemic. Shoppers in some supermarket stores have stripped shelves, leaving it difficult for elderly people to get hold of a number of items. Sainsbury’s measures include giving vulnerable and elderly people priority for online deliveries. The chain will