The number of workers on UK payrolls has fallen by nearly 730,000 since the start of the pandemic and the jobless rate has surged to its highest level since 2016.
The number of people dying weekly in England and Wales has dropped by almost 2,000, provisional figures from the Office for National Statistics show. Sky News
Anneliese Dodds has called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to "act now" and learn from his past mistakes after the Office for National Statistics reported the UK's economy shrunk faster than at any point in 100 years in 2020. The Shadow Chancellor criticised Mr Sunak for taking "far too long" over extending the furlough scheme. "Leaving his policy around furlough until five hours before that scheme was due to end" she said; "We can't have that again". Ms Dodds said the Chancellor needs to extend the business rates holiday and VAT reduction. "He also needs to commit to a smarter furlough scheme" she added; "one that will be in place while we have those restrictions on economic activity". The Shadow Chancellor also said Mr Sunak "has to do far more to create new jobs".
Report by Thomasl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The UK's economy shrunk faster than at any point in 100 years in 2020, as gross domestic product (GDP) dropped by 9.9%, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics. "Today's figures show last year our economy experienced a significant shock" said Chancellor Rishi Sunak. He added that despite "some signs of resilience over winter, what's clear is right now many families and businesses are experiencing hardship". The Chancellor said he will set out the "next stage" of his "economic response" at the budget in early March. Report by Thomasl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Alex Salmond has said there is a failure of leadership in Scotland as he attacked First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
In his opening statement to a Holyrood inquiry into the Scottish Government's unlawful investigation of sexual harassment claims made against him, Scotland's former first minister accused his successor Ms Sturgeon of using a Covid press conference to "effectively question the result of a jury".
Mr Salmond is testifying on the botched government investigation which was found to be "tainted by apparent bias" by the court.
He was acquitted of 13 charges of sexual assault in a criminal trial, and he successfully challenged the lawfulness of the government investigation.
The current Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has insisted there was no conspiracy against Mr Salmond, and she is due to appear before the committee to give evidence next week. Report by Avagninag. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The Election Commission announces poll dates for five states/UT. The Ministry of Home Affairs extends COVID-19 guidelines till March 31. Prime Minister Modi says the centre will continue with its reform process during his virtual address on aspects relating to financial services in this year’s budget. GDP grows 0.4% after two quarterly declines. But the experts say that the recent resurgence in Covid19 cases raises concern. The Petroleum Minister says the fuel price will decrease by the end of winter. All this and more news at 9 pm.
#FuelPriceHike #StateElections #Covid19
Employment Minister Mims Davies has said new unemployment figures show "some glimmers of hope". Britain's unemployment rate has risen to its highest level since early 2016, but there are signs the job..
Some employers looking to fill open positions believe the extended benefits for unemployment have put her in competition with what the government is paying people while remaining out of work.
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