The Prime Minister is expected to outline his plans to Parliament for the reopening of pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers next month.
Boris Johnson will discuss England’s approach to the changes with the COVID-19 Strategy Committee today.
The PM will give an update on the next stage of easing lockdown guidelines in Parliament on Tuesday and is also widely expected to reveal the outcome of a review to the two-metre social distancing rule.
In line with the government’s roadmap for lifting the lockdown, 4th July marks the start of “phase three”.
This phase is expected to give some businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors the green light to reopen to the public and Health Secretary Matt Hancock has previously stated that England is “clearly on track” to further ease these lockdown restrictions.
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A spokesperson for No. 10 also said: “The reason we are able to move forward this week is because the vast majority of people have taken steps to contain the virus.”
“The more we open up, the more important it is that everyone follows the social distancing rules.”
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“We will not hesitate to put the handbrake on to stop the virus running out of control.”
Wikimedia Commons
Speaking to Sophy Ridge On Sunday, Matt Hancock stated that the next phase could include pubs and restaurants reopening, as well as people being able to get haircuts again.
He said: “We’re clearly on track for that plan because of the number of cases coming down and the plan does refer to hospitality and some of the other things that are closed that so many people want to see open”.
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Government ministers are now believed to be looking at a number of measures to ensure reopening is “safe”.
When it comes to the two-metre social distancing rule, Security Minister, James Brokenshire indicated that a reduction in the two-metre social distancing rule could also be combined with other measures being introduced for some settings, such as face coverings or separating barriers.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Brokenshire said: “I understand that real urgency, that desire, whether it’s for haircuts, whether it’s to go out and get a meal to be able to socialise”.
“It’s just that clarity on doing that in a way that does not impact or risk further issues around public health and, obviously, the second spike that we are determined to avoid, so there is a lot that will be brought together in terms of all of those different elements.”
He also indicated that the government would informed in making this decision by by scientific evidence and also “experience [from] around the world”.
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For further guidance, support and information amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus here.
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According to the latest figures released by the Department of Health and Social Care, a total of 42,632 people have sadly died after testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
As of 9am 21 June, there have been 7,890,145 tests, with 175,018 tests on 20 June.
304,331 people have tested positive.
As of 5pm on 20 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 42,632 have sadly died.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) June 21, 2020
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Manchester’s newest hotel launches massive recruitment drive with 100+ jobs available
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s newest hotels has launched a massive recruitment drive with more than 100 jobs available to locals.
The Medlock, Manchester’s bold new 401-bedroom hotel – which is born from a partnership between Manchester City Football Club and Radisson Hotel Group, and is set to open later this year in the autumn – is looking for new team members across a wide range of areas, including front of house, housekeeping, engineering, and reservations.
To welcome these new team members onboard, the hotel has now launched a massive recruitment drive with dozens of roles available to local people.
Individuals who bring ‘authenticity, pride, and personality’ to everything they do are encouraged to apply for the roles – which go live early next week (Monday 27 April).
Aimed at boosting employment within the local community, vacancies span front-of-house, housekeeping, engineering and reservations.
The recruitment drive – delivered in partnership with Total People – is being lead by Valor Hospitality, the hotel’s operator chosen for its global expertise and people-first approach to hospitality, and will be offering tailored training programmes that are designed to make careers in hospitality accessible to Manchester residents.
Vocational qualifications across a range of skills will help individuals build confidence and step into rewarding roles in the industry, and it also means prior experience is not entirely necessary.
More than 100 roles will be available to local people / Credit: Supplied
General Manager Richard Pearson says the recruitment drive is a ‘unique opportunity to be part of an exciting partnership’.
“This is a milestone we’ve been eagerly anticipating, building the team that will bring The Medlock to life,” he added. “We’re looking for people who carry the spirit of Manchester with them, people who are proud of where they’re from and passionate about creating something special together.”
As mentioned, all job adverts will go live next Monday (27 April) so hopefuls can get their applications submitted here.
This’ll then be followed by invite-only open days for shortlisted candidates in mid May.
Featured Image – Supplied
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UK passes bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking in ‘historic’ moment
Emily Sergeant
In what is described as being a ‘historic moment’, the UK has now passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from ever buying tobacco products.
It’s been a long time coming, but the final draft of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed its journey through the Houses of Commons and Lords yesterday (21 April 2026), and is now on its way to receiving royal assent to officially become the law.
For those unfamiliar, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will stop people who were born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever taking up smoking.
It will also give Government ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products – including their flavours and packaging, which make them more appealing to younger generations.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has hailed the bill’s passing as a ‘historic moment for the nation’s health’ on the road to creating a smoke-free generation.
The UK has passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking / Credit: Lil Artsy (via Pexels)
“Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” Mr Streeting said after the bill was passed this week.
“Prevention is better than cure. This reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.”
The ban on purchasing tobacco products for those born after 2008 was first mooted by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Government a number of years back, but was eventually shelved ahead of the 2024 General Election, and then revived again by Labour when they took power.
The bill’s passing parliament has been welcomed by charities and campaign groups – most notably Cancer Research UK.
“This is a historic achievement that will shield our children from the devastating grip of tobacco addiction and help to put an end to cancers caused by smoking,” concluded Michelle Mitchell, who is the Chief Executive Officer at Cancer Research.
The Manc -
22nd June 2020 
