UK employment numbers suffer biggest fall for ten years as COVID continues to hit economy
Coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the UK economy - with national employment falling by 220,000 between April and June; the biggest decrease seen since the financial crisis in 2009.
Coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the UK economy – with national employment falling by 220,000 between April and June; the biggest quarterly decrease seen since the financial crisis of 2009.
According to The Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of employees on payrolls around the country is down by around 730,000 from early Spring.
The ONS also estimated that 7.5 million were temporarily away from work in June, with around three million of those absent for three months or even longer.
Deepening fears is the fact that Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s furlough scheme – which was designed to support workers with 80% pay during the height of the pandemic – is set to end in October.
These latest reports will likely see more calls for the programme to be extended further.
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The number of people currently on the British furlough scheme – 9.6 million according to Statista – may also be masking the true extent of unemployment in the country.
Those who have been most adversely affected by the financial crisis so far are younger and older people – as well as those working in low-paying roles.
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Jonathan Athow, Deputy National Statistician at the ONS, said: “The groups of people most affected are younger workers, 24 and under, or older workers and those in more routine or less skilled jobs.
“This is concerning, as it’s harder for these groups to find a new job or get into a job as easily as other workers.”
A number of high-profile businesses across the UK have been forced to make wide-scale redundancies due to the fallout from the global pandemic.
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The travel industry has been hit particularly hard – with British Airways, Ryanair and EasyJet all axing jobs.
The UK high street has also suffered, with the likes of M&S, NEXT, John Lewis, Topshop & Dorothy Perkins cutting staff numbers.
Restaurant groups have had to let team members go, too, with the likes of Upper Crust and and Pret slashing their payroll by thousands.
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Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
The Manc -
11th August 2020 
