The Newsroom

The latest news from across the world, and what it means for agencies.

» The current lockdown and UK vaccine rollout is having a substantial positive impact on coronavirus pandemic in Britain

The combined effect of the prolonged lockdown that has begun 2021 and the excellent work of the NHS in the coronavirus vaccine rollout operation across the country has seen dramtic improvements in the number of cases, the number of people in hospital, and the number of deaths.

People vaccinated up to and including 25 February 2021
First dose: 19,177,555
Second dose: 736,037
Source: GOV.UK
COVID-19 infection rates drop again across the UK, according to ONS data
Sky News is an unrivalled, world class breaking news service with a spirit of innovation and a fresh approach to news broadcasting. As the UK’s first dedicated 24-hour news channel, Sky News has built a deserved reputation for being the first to break major news as well as offering insight and analy…
SkyRachael Kennedy, news reporter

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UK coronavirus R rate could now be as low as 0.6 as infections plummet
The number of new coronavirus infections in the UK is shrinking by up to six per cent every day as tough lockdown measures remain in place across the country
mirrorChris Kitching

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Despite this good news, it is not adequate reason to ease back quickly, to stop being vigilant or to lose focus on our national pandemic response measures. The rates need to come right down and stay down, or we are at peril of further health protection measures.

As the UK's businesses and workforce look forward to returning to offices and workplaces across the country there are a number of practical and moral issues we will have to face.

No jab, no job – the moral minefield confronting the UK government | Gaby Hinsliff
As the UK government reviews the feasibility of Covid vaccine passports, what limits could society fairly put on refusers, asks Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff
The GuardianGaby Hinsliff

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‘No jab, no job’ recruitment is legal says justice secretary - Personnel Today
Justice secretary Robert Buckland has said only enlisting new staff once they had been inoculated was possible if it was written into their contracts.
Personnel TodaydvvDVV

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The UK is now entering Phase 2 of the vaccination programme, and business leaders should make themselves aware of the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation (JCVI).

Priority groups for phase 2 of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme: advice from the JCVI
Interim statement from the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation (JCVI) on the groups that should be prioritised for vaccination in phase 2 of the programme.
GOV.UKDepartment of Health and Social Care

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Age not job prioritised in second phase of Covid jab roll-out
Over-40s will be first in line from mid-April after the top nine priority groups receive one dose.
BBC NewsBBC News

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UK plans Covid vaccines for people in their forties from mid-April | Financial Times
Public will continue to be prioritised based on age rather than occupation or race, government says
Financial TimesClive Cookson

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