Corona Virus - News & Info

[Mike]

 

Latest Sky News Eye Witness report from Italy 

The most current one is just as sobering as the last one I posted

Coronavirus: 'Everyone dies alone': Heartbreak at Italian hospital on brink of collapse

Warning: It contains scenes of critically ill people.

https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-everyone-dies-alone-heartbreak-at-italian-hospital-on-brink-of-collapse-11961130

 

 

 

[Len]

The economy side of this is too huge for me and many others to fully understand.  I know the government's 80% pay out of wages is being done to keep money moving, rents paid etc, and that doesn't need to be paid back by the individuals who receive it.

I was wondering if they could just press 'pause' on the economy, as in, 'this is the year that didn't happen' (Which would include those taking exams) No one gets paid / no one has to pay for anything / Food fairly rationed. Then when it passes, just press 'play' again.

Too complicated for me I have to say.

Len 

[Timillustrator]

5 hours ago, Len said:

The economy side of this is too huge for me and many others to fully understand.  I know the government's 80% pay out of wages is being done to keep money moving, rents paid etc, and that doesn't need to be paid back by the individuals who receive it.

I was wondering if they could just press 'pause' on the economy, as in, 'this is the year that didn't happen' (Which would include those taking exams) No one gets paid / no one has to pay for anything / Food fairly rationed. Then when it passes, just press 'play' again.

Too complicated for me I have to say.

Len 

Can't see how on earth that 80% payout will work, sorry but I am totally cynical about it. How do you stop massive and widespread fraud? where is the army of civil servants needed to process it? and how long will it take?

I am paying staff at the moment, had 4 jobs cancelled last week, got about 5 weeks worth of money in the bank. If, say, 2 more jobs cancel that's it. I'll have to make everyone redundant, it could happen Monday, Tuesday or never but in the meantime I have to keep paying out based on total uncertainty. 

 

[Len]

31 minutes ago, Timillustrator said:

Can't see how on earth that 80% payout will work, sorry but I am totally cynical about it. How do you stop massive and widespread fraud? where is the army of civil servants needed to process it? and how long will it take?

I am paying staff at the moment, had 4 jobs cancelled last week, got about 5 weeks worth of money in the bank. If, say, 2 more jobs cancel that's it. I'll have to make everyone redundant, it could happen Monday, Tuesday or never but in the meantime I have to keep paying out based on total uncertainty. 

 

Same here - Apart from the massive job to instigate this, as you say, the job of policing it will be huge.

Well done for still paying your staff - Loads are not, mainly because they are unable to.  I'm in the same boat as you, I can ride this for a little while, hoping at least some orders trickle in so I can 'eek' things out for even longer, and I'm grateful that I only have two staff to pay.  I'm also making stock items of jobs that sometimes repeat, in the hope that I will get orders for them at a later date.  Again like you, paying out, and the making of stock items is completely based on uncertainty (I run a small Sheet Metal business)

Although what has happened is colossal, what has struck me, is this has shown how fragile business is.  Yes we had the recession back in 2008, which took aprox 8 years to somewhat recover from, and to be fair lots of us are still paying off that debt.  But I hope that some businesses have managed to accumulate some funds to ride this, paying their staff for a while - Good staff are worth hanging on to for as long as possible.

The vat being differed another 3 months will help cash flow, but that still has to be paid at some point, as does personal tax which they have also differed.  I've been advised to hang on to any money until it has to be paid, but I fear if my orders completely dry up, I will then spend that money on trying to keep open, then when it's time to pay that will be the end of the road - So I'm thinking it sensible to pay my taxes whilst I can (If that makes sense)

Best of luck to you, your staff, and your business.

Len 

[Len]

19 hours ago, Kenb said:

Here's more of the best - my town

https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2020-03-20/children-sing-to-bring-joy-to-elderly-people-stuck-in-virus-isolation/

 

I've just watched this again, this time with the wife (Nina) Very moving.  Not least as it looks just like our daughter Tabitha's School (All Saints Primary) It reminded us of when it was our Son Bailey's last day there when they all had a good sing song. Sadly it seems that last day for Tabitha won't happen being as she's going to secondary school next year.

A lovely thought getting the kids to do that for the older folk.

Thanks for posting.

Len 

[Blackpoolsoul]

And just let's hope we can get to this stage soon

 

[Timillustrator]

4 hours ago, Len said:

Same here - Apart from the massive job to instigate this, as you say, the job of policing it will be huge.

Well done for still paying your staff - Loads are not, mainly because they are unable to.  I'm in the same boat as you, I can ride this for a little while, hoping at least some orders trickle in so I can 'eek' things out for even longer, and I'm grateful that I only have two staff to pay.  I'm also making stock items of jobs that sometimes repeat, in the hope that I will get orders for them at a later date.  Again like you, paying out, and the making of stock items is completely based on uncertainty (I run a small Sheet Metal business)

Although what has happened is colossal, what has struck me, is this has shown how fragile business is.  Yes we had the recession back in 2008, which took aprox 8 years to somewhat recover from, and to be fair lots of us are still paying off that debt.  But I hope that some businesses have managed to accumulate some funds to ride this, paying their staff for a while - Good staff are worth hanging on to for as long as possible.

The vat being differed another 3 months will help cash flow, but that still has to be paid at some point, as does personal tax which they have also differed.  I've been advised to hang on to any money until it has to be paid, but I fear if my orders completely dry up, I will then spend that money on trying to keep open, then when it's time to pay that will be the end of the road - So I'm thinking it sensible to pay my taxes whilst I can (If that makes sense)

Best of luck to you, your staff, and your business.

Len 

And to you!, I've got 2 staff as well but, as you, any more jobs cancelled it comes down to do I pay them, my mortgage or the taxman? And what do they do if there's no work? You can't pay people to sit around in the hope that things will change soon. Would be fine if I have millions, or even thousands in the bank but who in the real world does.

 

[Modularman]

9 hours ago, Timillustrator said:

Can't see how on earth that 80% payout will work, sorry but I am totally cynical about it. How do you stop massive and widespread fraud? where is the army of civil servants needed to process it? and how long will it take?

I am paying staff at the moment, had 4 jobs cancelled last week, got about 5 weeks worth of money in the bank. If, say, 2 more jobs cancel that's it. I'll have to make everyone redundant, it could happen Monday, Tuesday or never but in the meantime I have to keep paying out based on total uncertainty. 

 

I'm guessing they'll try to avoid fraud by processing everything through PAYE? I'm no tax expert at all
Kudos to you Sir for actually caring about your staff, uplifting to hear in such times!
Like you I've got about 1-2 months cash left. I have no staff but had 3 jobs cancelled before 10am on Tuesday and 1 yesterday. Built the business up after being made redundant 7 years ago. I'm a self employed sole trader so entitled to sweet FA as far as I can tell. Maybe £377 per month of Universal Credit the government has so flipping generously offered the 5 million self employed in the country.
I may not even be entitled to that as my wife earns the princely annual wage of £9k for a 36 hour week (dont get me started about her employers who are publicly gloating about how much money they have been making due to the current panic buying and dont appear to give a stuff about employer safety).
My mortgage company already offers 3 month payment breaks that the govt. appear to be claiming is their own wonderful idea. It will add about another year onto my mortgage if I dont lose the house in the meantime.

I feel completely thrown under the bus.

If only the so-called patriotic tories had invested in the country they are so apparently proud of before this happened. Austerity eh? National debt tripled and now this a totally self obsessed, unprepared bunch of narcissists. They'll come out if this smelling of bloody Roses no doubt
Whatever happens we'll all crack on!
Stay safe Soul Brothers & Sisters and look out for each other, the people of this country make it what it is!

[Len]

6 hours ago, Timillustrator said:

And to you!, I've got 2 staff as well but, as you, any more jobs cancelled it comes down to do I pay them, my mortgage or the taxman? And what do they do if there's no work? You can't pay people to sit around in the hope that things will change soon. Would be fine if I have millions, or even thousands in the bank but who in the real world does.

 

I think pay the tax man (you have to regardless) Then your mortgage, then your staff as long as you possibly can - Not particularly a charity gesture, although I like to think some people do care, but to keep those staff of whom you value.  There's always something to do - We will sort out our steel rack, then our bolt stores for a start (We have nuts as well!) 

Making 'Stock' is a worthy gamble if that is something you can do - What is your business btw?

Jeeeze, it's gone 3.00am - I'm not sad, I'm up tuning in to 'The Bury Virtual All-nighter' 

Len 

 

[Drewtg]

11 hours ago, Blackpoolsoul said:

And just let's hope we can get to this stage soon

 

Yes, it's nice at the moment, everyone is out and about. Where I live there is no compulsory masking in the street, but a lot still do. On the financial side here, the government said employers must pay the first month's pay in full and then 70% after then, and a free month of rent or mortgage. The lock-down has lasted less than two months, but it has worked. We can't understand why the UK won't lock down and monitor people entering the country. It's madness, and very suspicious.

[Imperial C]

"We can't understand why the UK won't lock down and monitor people entering the country. It's madness, and very suspicious."

Not sure who the we is, but very interested in your use of the word suspicious, what do you mean? What is suspicious?

You've made a few posts on here on this very topic of lockdown, and said there are too many F ing experts on here, but you seem to be portraying yourself as a bit of an expert yourself. 

, 

[Drewtg]

40 minutes ago, Imperial C said:

"We can't understand why the UK won't lock down and monitor people entering the country. It's madness, and very suspicious."

Not sure who the we is, but very interested in your use of the word suspicious, what do you mean? What is suspicious?

You've made a few posts on here on this very topic of lockdown, and said there are too many F ing experts on here, but you seem to be portraying yourself as a bit of an expert yourself. 

, 

Apologies for the confusion. "We" refers to the British expat community in China.

Suspicious is an adjective

Def: having or showing a cautious distrust of someone or something.

'he was suspicious of their motives'

synonyms: doubtful, unsure, dubious, wary, chary, sceptical, distrustful, mistrustful, disbelieving, having reservations, apprehensive, cynical, jaundiced, iffy.

I advised someone to avoid social media "initially", during  self confinement. I never mentioned this site, though on reflection, maybe I should have.

I have never claimed expertise, only experience of the matter at hand, of which, you seem to take exception to any criticism of the government's handling of the matter.

Btw, my prediction of 500 dead by Monday is looking about right.

This time next week there will be over 3000 dead. Let's hope the government has acted by then.

 

[Hooker1951]

We all want to thank God or the Universe that Corbyn and that bunch of clowns didn’t get in power because trust me the UK would have been in complete chaos with this going on, we would have been bankrupt, fighting on the streets and anarchy would be taking place right now and nobody can tell me any different, Just follow the advice keep calm, be patient and stay disciplined, pull for one another if it’s needed stay positive and tell it like it is.

KR

ML

[Mickey Finn]

25 minutes ago, Hooker1951 said:

We all want to thank God or the Universe that Corbyn and that bunch of clowns didn’t get in power because trust me the UK would have been in complete chaos with this going on, we would have been bankrupt, fighting on the streets and anarchy would be taking place right now and nobody can tell me any different, Just follow the advice keep calm, be patient and stay disciplined, pull for one another if it’s needed stay positive and tell it like it is.

KR

ML

Yes, so much more comforting when we're already on our second Chancellor and there's an unelected dalek in charge of policy who has already managed to alienate the very people whose cooperation and expertise will now be required more than ever to keep things working, i.e., the civil service. In addition, there seems to be a very unpleasant ideology at the heart of this government which certainly echoes World War 2, but not in the way Johnson would like:

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/mar/22/no-10-denies-claim-dominic-cummings-argued-to-let-old-people-die

 

[Hooker1951]

14 minutes ago, Mickey Finn said:

Yes, so much more comforting when we're already on our second Chancellor and there's an unelected dalek in charge of policy who has already managed to alienate the very people whose cooperation and expertise will now be required more than ever to keep things working, i.e., the civil service. In addition, there seems to be a very unpleasant ideology at the heart of this government which certainly echoes World War 2, but not in the way Johnson would like:

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/mar/22/no-10-denies-claim-dominic-cummings-argued-to-let-old-people-die

 

Still 100 times better than that set of illiterate buffoons what are masquerading as a Labour Party they are a disgrace to the nation nothing to say except trying to score political points when the Uk is in a Crisis , The only positive thing about them is they will never ever get in power again.

Take it easy

ML

[Mickey Finn]

This letter appeared in the FT a few days ago. Given the discussion above it might be of interest here:

Cash flow — or lack of it — will be the mantra of thousands of UK small businesses in the next few weeks. Without it they will be sacking their employees and closing the doors. Very fast. A similar crisis faced the Callaghan government when I was director of information of the Department of Employment in 1976 and the civil servants — too much maligned these days — worked up what became the temporary employment subsidy. The idea for the TES came from the TUC and my minister, Albert Booth, took it to cabinet and it swiftly went through parliament. Hundreds of companies were saved from hitting the wall. I met a friend for a drink who was in deep gloom. He told me he was going to his family business and sacking 35 skilled lithographic workers on which his firm depended for high quality gravure work. His bank had not told him of the quick cash loan he could get from government, but I sent the London director of the department to follow up quickly. Two weeks later my friend invited me to lunch and said a £35,000 cheque from the government delivered within days had saved the business. It is still going, I believe. The TES did not survive. Brussels told us it had to stop — even though most other European countries had adopted a similar subsidised approach. By then the corner had been turned, however. We shall see in the next few weeks if this government can move as fast and bail out small firms, saving thousands of jobs. If not, Boris Johnson can kiss goodbye to his new-found friends in the north.

https://www.ft.com/content/aaf24e86-6794-11ea-a3c9-1fe6fedcca75 

[Source Team]

Can we drop the uk political chat and keep roughly to the below

Corona Virus - Promoters, Events, Real World  a serious topic for discussion and information regarding events, promoters, and real world official UK Govt Virus news/advice discussion

 

we do have a 'current affairs ' forum if you wish to talk about more general political issues

[Kenb]

i often cook Sunday lunch...Morther's Day too when we are not out at a pub/restaurant.

So this year, in these times, i cooked again, and myself and my wife swapped lunch for presents at the doorstep.

My son (in his 40's) left his Mum's presents on the doorstep & we wrapped his M/Day lunch to take away. Only sad thing... our daughter & children are too far for such possibilities .

[Imperial C]

Gonna go and plant some Lavender instead

Edited March 22, 2020 by Imperial C

[Pablorally]

37 minutes ago, Source Team said:

Can we drop the uk political chat and keep roughly to the below

Corona Virus - Promoters, Events, Real World  a serious topic for discussion and information regarding events, promoters, and real world official UK Govt Virus news/advice discussion

 

we do have a 'current affairs ' forum if you wish to talk about more general political issues

Well said.... Getting ridiculous now.... 

[Len]

I also nipped over to my mum's and left her card and pressy outside.  So sad to see her from a distance, especially being on her own now Dad has passed away. My wife and kids waved to her from the car.  

This has only just started, and will need some strength to keep all our spirits up - But we will!  I can't imagine how it was to struggle during war time when they had the additional burden of food rationing.  We seem to be eating more than usual in this house due to people panic buying (Not a food shortage) I think they call it 'squirreling' 

I swapped 12 cans of Pepsi for 6 rolls of Toilet roll with my sister.  I was the one handing over the toilet rolls, so she now owes me big time! Cigarettes I can understand if you're shall we say 'on lock down', but who'd have thought toilet rolls would ever be a currency! 

Len 

[Mickey Finn]

[Steve G]

Interesting graph there MF. Thanks for sharing. 

[Paul-s]

6 hours ago, Hooker1951 said:

We all want to thank God or the Universe that Corbyn and that bunch of clowns didn’t get in power because trust me the UK would have been in complete chaos with this going on, we would have been bankrupt, fighting on the streets and anarchy would be taking place right now and nobody can tell me any different, Just follow the advice keep calm, be patient and stay disciplined, pull for one another if it’s needed stay positive and tell it like it is.

KR

ML

WTF?! Its not the Blitz.....sounds like regurgitating the Daily Mail or Star.....

[Mike]

a post has been removed as per site guidelines

moderation post and replies moved to a new topic in the support forum here  https://www.soul-source.co.uk/forums/forum/41-site-stuff/

to avoid damaging this topic further

 

[Blackpoolsoul]

Boris asked takeaways to stay open. didn't he ?

MacDonalds and Nando's are closing in the UK .......completely

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/costa-nandos-latest-close-after-3973554

 

Edited March 23, 2020 by Blackpoolsoul

[Len]

Hi guys,

As Mike says, let's keep this respectful and sensitive - Goes without saying, that all our hearts not only go out to each other, but also to those suffering in other countries.

Also no more about UK politics talk (Unless want to open another thread)

Although not as important as the actual virus and the suffering that it is bringing, another part of this subject is those who had holidays booked and paid for, even through package holiday companies.  I am one of those people (Meant to be going to America next week) I could do with my holiday fully refunded as I may well need that money to help keep my small business open a while longer.  But I said to the wife (Nina) last night, if we all insist on our money back, it would be similar to a run on the banks - These companies simply can't afford it.

I read in The Independent that the government may well override this, so we are only entitled to holiday vouchers to be used up within two years.  If not used, then we can insist on a full refund - This will be backed by a government guarantee.

I understand this thinking, and although not ideal, I can live with it - But I expect some won't be happy at all.

Anyone else think this is sensible to help save those package holiday companies, or do you think people should have their money back full stop?

Len 

[Len]

5 minutes ago, Blackpoolsoul said:

Boris asked takeaways to stay open. didn't he ?

MacDonalds and Nando's are closing in the UK .......completely

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/costa-nandos-latest-close-after-3973554

 

I believe takeaways, as in no one sitting in the actual restaurant is ok - Let's hope for their sake that this stays the case.  It's good to hear that lots of pubs are managing to adjust things by now doing take out meals.  In fact, people I know are making an extra effort to use their local pub's new service to support them.

Len  

[Blackpoolsoul]

12 minutes ago, Len said:

I believe takeaways, as in no one sitting in the actual restaurant is ok - Let's hope for their sake that this stays the case.  It's good to hear that lots of pubs are managing to adjust things by now doing take out meals.  In fact, people I know are making an extra effort to use their local pub's new service to support them.

Len  

That was yesterday, I am sorry but they are completely closing, This may force Boris and the gig working situation ?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-51999604

Edited March 23, 2020 by Blackpoolsoul

[Len]

Just now, Blackpoolsoul said:

That was yesterday

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-51999604

Yes I saw that, but people sit in and eat at McDonalds and Nandos, whereas there is no contact with takeaway places making deliveries - Not sure if these two companies will be paying anyone on zero hours contracts though.

It's such a shame for those people.  I spoke to our young hair dresser yesterday, and her shop has just been closed - She's worried sick bless her. I told her that there are loads of people in the same boat, and to speak to her accountant as there has to be ways of getting through this, including her rent etc.

Len 

[Mike]

NHS advice

Stay at home' - Doctors and nurses appeal to UK

Doctors and nurses on the front line in the coronavirus crisis have made a direct appeal to the UK public.

"If you choose to stay at home, you will save lives," say healthcare professionals from the Belfast Trust respiratory team in a video that has been widely shared on social media.

It comes as the number of UK deaths reached 281, including a person aged 18 with an underlying health condition.

[Colnago]

A local restaurant was doing take away all weekend, it’s a 30 seat restaurant, he had 20 people stood inside and a crowd of 20 outside. Boris bring lockdown ASAP as clearly our education system ha also failed .

[Len]

One of our local places is taking take away orders, but you have to stay in your cars outside, and they bring you your meal.

Nina suggested we go to the peak district for a picnic at the weekend, we didn't bother in the end, and after watching the news of other people doing this type of thing - Thank god we didn't!

I like to think all those crowds of people going to various places was just a case of everyone having the same 'good' idea - Just unfortunate.  

Len 

[Soulfusion]

38 minutes ago, Colnago said:

A local restaurant was doing take away all weekend, it’s a 30 seat restaurant, he had 20 people stood inside and a crowd of 20 outside. Boris bring lockdown ASAP as clearly our education system ha also failed .

The local pub we use regularly for a Sunday carvery advised us that they would not be open this week following Friday's announcement but that they would offer a take-away carvery for those that wanted one. We were happy to support the Pub's endeavours and were well impressed with the organisation. People were given 10 minute time-slots to ensure social distancing, enter and leave through separate doors, hand sanitizer on entry. Even managed to secure the last 4-pint flagon of real ale.

We will continue to support local independent traders who attempt to maintain a level of service within the constraints of government advice.   

38 minutes ago, Len said:

Nina suggested we go to the peak district for a picnic at the weekend, we didn't bother in the end, and after watching the news of other people doing this type of thing - Thank god we didn't!

I like to think all those crowds of people going to various places was just a case of everyone having the same 'good' idea - Just unfortunate.  

Len 

 I think you're right Len; to be fair it was the first completely dry and sunny weekend since probably September and we have been advised that fresh air and exercise, mindful of social distancing, is good for you.

Our garden is desperate for some TLC after the wet Autumn/Winter. That project got started and believe we will get the time over the next few weekends to continue it ... 

[Mickey Finn]

4 minutes ago, Soulfusion said:

We will continue to support local independent traders who attempt to maintain a level of service within the constraints of government advice.  

Trying to do the same here - and I think this is a model that is going to become more commonly applied, even after all this is over. At least it should.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/20/coronavirus-has-exposed-a-desperate-need-for-localism

[Paddy Ferry]

A local cafe where my niece works shutdown as instructed,  all the food they had, bacon ,sausage etc,plus various cheeses and other perishables such as homemade cakes, and not just a few, rather than let the staff take it home or as one employee offered to box some up and give to the needy,free of charge, the inconsiderate idiots binned the lot. She also finds herself in the position of having to sign on because they won't opt for the government 80% wage offer.

 

[Jim G]

16 minutes ago, Paddy Ferry said:

A local cafe where my niece works shutdown as instructed,  all the food they had, bacon ,sausage etc,plus various cheeses and other perishables such as homemade cakes, and not just a few, rather than let the staff take it home or as one employee offered to box some up and give to the needy,free of charge, the inconsiderate idiots binned the lot. She also finds herself in the position of having to sign on because they won't opt for the government 80% wage offer.

 

Travesty. They won't opt for the government 80% wage offer. That tells you something about the business and how it is run.

One thing no government can protect us against is other people. It is people who make decisions, act, help, support ignore etc. etc.

Despite governmental best intentions, there will always be those who will not use the support. Many small businesses are not the angels we might think they are. They hide money, treat staff like s*** and don't care. Corporations are the same to some extent, but they have too much at stake and layers of management who will tow the line and support employees much better.

There are some great people out there helping staff but there are many who don't.

And lastly in these times, the illegal immigrants on cash only wages have no chance of support and will are likely to be futrher exploited.

These are testing times.....

[Timillustrator]

2 hours ago, Paddy Ferry said:

A local cafe where my niece works shutdown as instructed,  all the food they had, bacon ,sausage etc,plus various cheeses and other perishables such as homemade cakes, and not just a few, rather than let the staff take it home or as one employee offered to box some up and give to the needy,free of charge, the inconsiderate idiots binned the lot. She also finds herself in the position of having to sign on because they won't opt for the government 80% wage offer.

 

That's insane, although there is, as yet, no practical detail of how exactly to claim - I have three people to pay in 8 days time and still don't know how that is going to work? But giving them the benefit of the doubt perhaps they have already run out of money? Some businesses are very hand to mouth, maybe a supplier was demanding their money from them? If the owners are self employed there is still nothing on offer from the Government so maybe the choice was shut up shop and retain what little money they still have to feed themselves or keep going and literally starve. No way of knowing. The Gov't currently seems to assume that all 5,000,000 self employed people don't need their help.

Edited March 23, 2020 by Timillustrator

[Paddy Ferry]

8 hours ago, Jim G said:

Travesty. They won't opt for the government 80% wage offer. That tells you something about the business and how it is run.

One thing no government can protect us against is other people. It is people who make decisions, act, help, support ignore etc. etc.

Despite governmental best intentions, there will always be those who will not use the support. Many small businesses are not the angels we might think they are. They hide money, treat staff like s*** and don't care. Corporations are the same to some extent, but they have too much at stake and layers of management who will tow the line and support employees much better.

There are some great people out there helping staff but there are many who don't.

And lastly in these times, the illegal immigrants on cash only wages have no chance of support and will are likely to be futrher exploited.

These are testing times.....

They both have other jobs, took this on a few months ago with no prior experience in this type of work, debts everywhere , have been struggling to pay wages , rent etc, this crisis is the perfect get out for them , blame it all on corvid-19.

[Mike]

Latest

The prime minister is announcing strict new curbs on life in the UK to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

From this evening people must stay at home except for shopping for basic necessities, daily exercise, any medical need and travelling to and from essential work.

Shops selling non-essential goods will also be shut and gatherings in public of more than two people who do not live together prohibited.

The UK death toll has reached 335.

If people do not follow the rules police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings, Boris Johnson said in a televised statement from Downing Street.

 

[Colnago]

54 minutes ago, Mike said:

Latest

The prime minister is announcing strict new curbs on life in the UK to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

From this evening people must stay at home except for shopping for basic necessities, daily exercise, any medical need and travelling to and from essential work.

Shops selling non-essential goods will also be shut and gatherings in public of more than two people who do not live together prohibited.

The UK death toll has reached 335.

If people do not follow the rules police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings, Boris Johnson said in a televised statement from Downing Street.

 

What’s a bit confusing is the “essential “now I have a scaffold up on a house with a leaking roof , to me it’s essential and my sons can do the work in less than a day , we have another one re-slated and just the ridges to bed on , pretty essential to keep it watertight, it seems a bit vague to me . I don’t want anyone to think I don’t care , quite the opposite and if there was going to be a 6 month drought I wouldn’t go anywhere near .Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Edited March 23, 2020 by Colnago

[Woodbutcher]

17 minutes ago, Colnago said:

What’s a bit confusing is the “essential “now I have a scaffold up on a house with a leaking roof , to me it’s essential and my sons can do the work in less than a day , we have another one re-slated and just the ridges to bed on , pretty essential to keep it watertight, it seems a bit vague to me . I don’t want anyone to think I don’t care , quite the opposite and if there was going to be a 6 month drought I wouldn’t go anywhere near .Any thoughts would be appreciated.

"Work from home .... yeah right"   , in the same situation here , currently framing a large complicated hand-cut roof on an unoccupied property , they seem to think everyone is a shiny-arse using a laptop and can work from anywhere on the planet .... 

That said I shall be calling a halt to proceedings on Wednesday when the presently vulnerable areas are all felted in and calling it a day until such time as I feel it safe to return , just two of us on site at the moment but the electricians and plumbers start on Thursday ... two's company but six is too big a risk in my books.

[Len]

28 minutes ago, Colnago said:

What’s a bit confusing is the “essential “now I have a scaffold up on a house with a leaking roof , to me it’s essential and my sons can do the work in less than a day , we have another one re-slated and just the ridges to bed on , pretty essential to keep it watertight, it seems a bit vague to me . I don’t want anyone to think I don’t care , quite the opposite and if there was going to be a 6 month drought I wouldn’t go anywhere near .Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I'm afraid those were my thoughts exactly - I 'make metal things', that's not 'essential', but if carry on 'making metal things', my staff can pay their mortgage and feed their new born baby.  A bit dramatic maybe, but I do have a member of staff with a new baby, and I feel somewhat responsible.

I've just told our young lad (who lives at home with his parents) that I will probably send him home until further notice after tomorrow, but will pay him as long as I possibly can - My thinking is with him gone, it leaves just two of us which is within the government's advise of no more than two people gatherings. 

To me, the thing to focus on here is to minimize the risk of exposure as much as you possibly can.

Len 

P.s - Steve (WoodButcher) This is a serious business, but 'shiny-arse using a laptop' has just put me right off! 

[Timillustrator]

46 minutes ago, Len said:

I'm afraid those were my thoughts exactly - I 'make metal things', that's not 'essential', but if carry on 'making metal things', my staff can pay their mortgage and feed their new born baby.  A bit dramatic maybe, but I do have a member of staff with a new baby, and I feel somewhat responsible.

I've just told our young lad (who lives at home with his parents) that I will probably send him home until further notice after tomorrow, but will pay him as long as I possibly can - My thinking is with him gone, it leaves just two of us which is within the government's advise of no more than two people gatherings. 

To me, the thing to focus on here is to minimize the risk of exposure as much as you possibly can.

Len 

P.s - Steve (WoodButcher) This is a serious business, but 'shiny-arse using a laptop' has just put me right off! 

Yep same here, I'm a Building Surveyor so probably not essential but if I don't go out and do the survey that's booked for tomorrow I won't get paid for it and won't be able to pay one of my staff for a week less. 

 

[Timillustrator]

Just heard that respected Midlands DJ and promoter Woza Bennett (on here as Woza1) has been hospitalised with coronavirus and pneumonia. Hoping he gets well soon.

 

Edited March 23, 2020 by Timillustrator

[Guest]

All you builder guys:-

From the BBC:-

Builders in the UK can carry on working

After some confusion, the UK's housing minister posted this update. In short, builders can work if necessary - but must practise social distancing.

Social embed from twitter

Robert Jenrick✔@RobertJenrick

Advice for the housing, construction & building maintenance industries:
If you can work from home, do so.
If you are working on site, you can continue to do so. But follow Public Health England guidance on social distancing.
Outside of work, remember to #StayHomeSaveLives

 

Safe safe out there people. 

 

[Woodbutcher]

14 minutes ago, Joey said:

All you builder guys:-

From the BBC:-

Builders in the UK can carry on working

After some confusion, the UK's housing minister posted this update. In short, builders can work if necessary - but must practise social distancing.

Social embed from twitter

Robert Jenrick✔@RobertJenrick

Advice for the housing, construction & building maintenance industries:
If you can work from home, do so.
If you are working on site, you can continue to do so. But follow Public Health England guidance on social distancing.
Outside of work, remember to #StayHomeSaveLives

 

Safe safe out there people. 

 

I'm a one man outfit , part of a two man 'team' of S/E  chippies working on mainly domestic projects , will be easy for some to carry on after seeing that statement giving them all the excuse they need to flout the advice , personally I can see the bigger picture and shall be staying at home.

I have no doubt that those big sites will continue to ignore the advice until the powers that be take a stronger stance with them , this Jenrick tool has obviously never seen a big infrastructure site up close or the swarm of hi-vis congregating to and from work and at breaktimes ... they need shutting immediately in my opinion .

[Colnago]

1 hour ago, Joey said:

All you builder guys:-

From the BBC:-

Builders in the UK can carry on working

After some confusion, the UK's housing minister posted this update. In short, builders can work if necessary - but must practise social distancing.

Social embed from twitter

Robert Jenrick✔@RobertJenrick

Advice for the housing, construction & building maintenance industries:
If you can work from home, do so.
If you are working on site, you can continue to do so. But follow Public Health England guidance on social distancing.
Outside of work, remember to #StayHomeSaveLives

 

Safe safe out there people. 

 

You wouldn’t get me on a site , nigh on impossible to social distance and the site cabins should be locked and the lads should sit in their vans at tea breaks , personally I think sites should be shut as hard as it sounds. 

[Blackpoolsoul]

4 minutes ago, Colnago said:

You wouldn’t get me on a site , nigh on impossible to social distance and the site cabins should be locked and the lads should sit in their vans at tea breaks , personally I think sites should be shut as hard as it sounds. 

I agree and all the news programmes are currently showing builders and construction workers this morning live on TV working in close proximity

Dahhhhhh!!!

[Shinehead]

Boris telling us to have home delivery , just tried Asda and I think I will have lost 3 stone before I can get a slot even for click and collect never mind home delivery.