Two of the government’s scientific advisers have warned that pubs and other leisure facilities may have to close again – when schools reopen in England in September – to prevent a sharp rise in coronavirus cases..
The experts say a trade-off may be needed so that children can return to their classrooms. It comes as fears grow that a second wave of the disease is underway in the UK and Europe. Parts of the North of England are experiencing tougher lockdown measures after a rise in the number of infections.
Companies across the UK must now contribute to the job retention scheme which was introduced at the start of the pandemic. Until now, some workers have received up to 80% of their pay from the government under the furlough scheme. However some businesses are warning that they won’t be able to pay their workers.
Kate Silverton presents BBC News reporting by science correspondent Victoria Gill, Vivienne Nunis and Gavin Lee.
