Union chiefs are now warning teachers it will ‘not be safe’ to mark pupils’ books when schools reopen, while casting yet more doubt on the government’s plans to bring children back to primary schools next month. Staff who are members of the UK biggest teaching union will be told to go through a 20-page checklist with … Read more
Pick of the bunch: Garden centres reopen again but plan your trip carefully to avoid disappointment Garden centres have reopened but they are likely to be frantically busy Seeds, compost and bedding plants are still available online or by mail order Large feature plants will be expensive, but terrific value and make focal points By … Read more
You know you are living in strange times when buying a bag of compost feels like a treat. Gareth Bressington could hardly contain himself as he loaded a sack on to his trolley at the Studley Green Garden Centre. ‘It’s for my partner’s mother,’ he explained. ‘She’s self-isolating.’ The simple gesture gratified him. A trip … Read more
Wales pre-empts PM with ‘modest’ loosening of lockdown measures These are the three ‘small’ changes announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford today: Outdoor exercise permitted more than once a day but must be ‘local’. Garden centres can reopen if they observe ‘social distancing’ rules. Councils can start planning to reopen libraries and rubbish tips. Wales … Read more
With all driving tests suspended for three months due to coronavirus, there’ll be a backlog of learners desperate to take their practical test from 20 June. If the lockdown has lifted by then, test bookings are expected to be choc-a-bloc for weeks. But should learners be going to their nearest test centre or hand-picking a location … Read more
UK’s testing farce: Drive-thru centres are only swabbing ‘four people a day’ as ministers bring in the Army and Amazon to ramp up capacity – but are still only a FIFTH of the way to meeting 100,000 a day target with just six days to go By Stephen Matthews Health Editor For Mailonline Published: 12:22 … Read more
Garden centres and DIY stores should the first businesses to reopen fully as the lockdown is relaxed, according to a panel of distinguished experts. Home improvement, decorating and gardening could help revive the economy and give families a much-needed boost as they emerge from the restrictions which have had a devastating financial impact, the Mail … Read more
Like the majority of the population, I have been hunkered down at home for the past month, determined to do my bit to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Aside from the odd walk for exercise, I have been nowhere, but seldom have I felt more in tune with nature and ‘real life’ thanks to my … Read more
Britain’s garden centres could reopen almost immediately – with strict social distancing rules – under proposals being considered by Ministers. Businesses have warned that £200 million-worth of seasonal plants will be destroyed if centres are forced to stay closed until June. That would mean an overall loss of £1.6 billion due to the lockdown, so … Read more
Nearly 3,000 gyms and leisure centres face the threat of closure after landlords threatened them with eviction for unpaid rent during the coronavirus lockdown. Up to 100,000 jobs could now be at risk with trade body UKActive calling for urgent action to protect places of exercise which remain shut as the pandemic continues. Fresh legislation … Read more