Primark UK stores closing 'until further notice' - BBC News

Primark's 189 UK stores have closed "until further notice", as demand drops due to social-distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.

It has already shut stores elsewhere and said it wanted to protect the health of employees and customers.

The fashion chain's CEO Paul Marchant said it faces "unprecedented, and frankly unimaginable times".

Other High Street retailers, such as John Lewis and Timpson, have already announced closures amid the pandemic.

A Primark spokesperson said that any staff affected by store closures would receive full pay for their contracted hours for 14 days.

Meanwhile the John Lewis department store chain will close all of its 50 shops temporarily from Monday for the first time in its 155-year history.

The online site will still be available, while the group's 338 Waitrose stores will stay open to deal with a spike in demand for groceries. More than 2,000 John Lewis workers are already working across Waitrose.

Other retailers have said that they would shut their shops temporarily although government has not yet ordered them to close, unlike restaurants, bars and pubs.

The chief executive of the Timpson Group posted on social media that the shoe repair firm's 2,150 stores would shut from Monday.

Skip Twitter post by @JamesTCobbler

We are temporarily closing all our 2150 shops by Monday March 23rd at 5pm, and going in to hibernation...we hope it won’t be for too long. All our wonderful colleagues will remain on full pay, and will look forward to seeing you when we re open. Thank you.

— James Timpson (@JamesTCobbler) March 22, 2020

End of Twitter post by @JamesTCobbler

Others include:

• HMV: The British music retailer will close stores temporarily from Sunday
• Arcadia Group: The group, which includes Topshop and Miss Selfridge, closed all of its stores on Friday until further notice
• New Look: The clothing store shut its 500 UK stores on Saturday
• Kurt Geiger: Its 55 shoe shops across the UK and Ireland stopped trading on Saturday
• River Island: All of its clothing stores across the UK and Ireland are closed until further notice

Branches of WH Smith, Next and B&Q are among retailers to remain open.

James Daunt, the boss of Waterstones, said his bookshops provided an "important social resource" and would stay open until forced to close.

As many UK firms warn of the impact of the pandemic, the city watchdog has asked them not to publish preliminary financial statements that were due in the next few days.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) asked all listed companies to delay plans to publish by at least two weeks.

Primark stores across the US, France, Spain and Italy have already shut their doors to try to contain the spread of the virus.

In response to falling demand, the firm has now stopped placing any orders for clothes to be made in the future.

It also has a large amount of stock in stores, warehouses and in transit that has already been paid for.

'No option' left

Mr Marchant said that Primark had been left with "no option but to take this action".

He added: "This is profoundly upsetting for me personally and for all of the team... We recognise and are deeply saddened that this will have an effect throughout our entire supply chain."

Primark does not have an online sales operation, so it orders and sells vast quantities of clothing through its network of brick-and-mortar shops.

Mr Marchant called for other countries to support businesses "in the same way that the UK and many European governments are doing."

The UK government said this week it will pay the wages of employees unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic, in a move aimed at protecting people's jobs.

It will pay 80% of salary for staff who are kept on by their employer, covering wages of up to £2,500 a month.

Many retail and hospitality firms have warned the pandemic could see them collapse, wiping out thousands of jobs, as life in the UK is put on hold.

Tom Ironside, director of business and regulation at the British Retail Consortium, said that shops continue to follow government advice.

"Stores are reviewing Public Health England advice daily to decide what is best to do for their customers, staff and local communities."

He said that although "retailers in non-food areas have seen an unparalleled drop in footfall", others such as supermarkets have seen continued strong demand.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiKmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy9idXNpbmVzcy01MTk5NTE4OdIBLmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy9hbXAvYnVzaW5lc3MtNTE5OTUxODk?oc=5

2020-03-22 15:22:30Z
52780679435512

Coronavirus is revealing how badly the UK has failed its most vulnerable - CNN

The past few weeks have shown that even the world's wealthiest and most powerful are as likely to contract the virus as anyone else. However, less attention is being paid to the most vulnerable members of society -- those in poverty, people living on the breadline and the homeless.

The problem reached a crunch point in the UK, which has dramatically increased its response to the virus outbreak this week. Food banks that provide a lifeline for some of the estimated 14 million in poverty are running low on volunteers, many of whom have been forced to self-isolate, as well as food itself, which is in short supply following panic-buying.

The situation is equally bleak for the UK's homeless population, estimated to be around 320,000. Unable to follow government advice to self-isolate, they face a double blow as life-saving services close just as they become most needed.

People working on the frontline in homeless shelters told CNN their worst nightmares were already coming true, with at least one facility forced to close after one of its users died from COVID-19. Most of the people in that shelter are now sleeping rough and may have come into contact with virus carriers.

Shelter, a non-profit that provides support for the UK's homeless population, estimates that the number of people sleeping on the streets has risen 165% since 2010.

That date is important. It's the year the UK went from having a center-left Labour government to a center-right Conservative-led administration. And in the wake of the 2007-2008 global financial crisis, it embarked on policies that radically cut state spending. "The message was clear... we need to cut back to balance the books," says Garry Lemon, director of policy at the Trussell Trust, a non-profit that supports food banks in the UK.

"It took a lot of forms, but billions of pounds were taken out of our social security system -- and it was done with widespread public support."

Critics believe that government policies over the past decade have left the social security system severely compromised. "Our research shows that combined impact of those policies amount to average £3,000 a year ($3,560) for the poorest," says Clare McNeil from the left-of-center IPPR think tank.

Lemon adds that his organization's research has shown a link between these policies and a rise in "homelessness and food bank usage."

The subject of food banks is a good place to return to coronavirus, and especially how it affects the vulnerable. "The majority of our volunteers are retired. Some are not in good health because it's hard to be when you're over 70," says Allison, one of seven volunteers at an independent food bank in the UK. (She preferred to withhold her last name in order to be able to speak more freely.)

"We've given them the option of dropping out and obeying the government guidelines. But it does leave a hole. Now, if a family member coughs, people are gone at the drop of a hat."

Lemon points out that this is far from the only problem faced by food banks. "With businesses closing down and the social security state as it is, we face a possible increase in demand. We also face a responsibility of maintaining our supply of food."

Panic buying has left shelves empty across the UK, forcing supermarkets to ration the amount individuals can buy. For small food banks like Allison's, it's a real concern. "Panic buying has meant supermarkets are limiting so people cannot buy excess items for donating. People who use the food bank, it's quite a hand-to-mouth existence. And now that food just isn't there."

A ready supply of volunteers and food is one issue. Arguably, a more serious issue is the physical condition of the people who depend on them. "People with mental health problems, single mothers, disabled people ... these people are all overrepresented in food banks," says Lemon.

Dr. Onkar Sahota, a member of the London Assembly and a family doctor in Britain's National Health Service, says that "those in poverty are exposed because, in many cases, their underlying health will not be as good as wealthier members of the population." In the context of coronavirus, he says "their immune systems might be lower because they have less access to foods and find it harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

Sahota goes on to explain that in some cases, the most vulnerable "will find it harder to self-isolate -- especially in the case of homeless people."

Matt Downie, director of policy for Crisis, a charity on the frontline of homelessness in Britain, explains: "If you are in a night shelter, you are in a shared space, possibly sleeping next to other people on the floor, where you have to share washing facilities. The advice the government is giving to self-isolate and keep yourself clean is useless for people in that situation.

"You are three times more likely to have severe respiratory problems if you are homeless and the average age of death if you are homeless is 44," he adds.

McNeil believes the UK's homelessness crisis has been exacerbated by austerity measures. "Homeless people have been affected because of the reduction in funding for local authorities, so local support had to close down," she says.

Anecdotally, this seems to be the case, according to Downie. "In some areas, people have been told by their local councils that there is no help available." In the context of coronavirus, the combination of an increased demand for services and, as with food banks, a hit on the volunteer network has created a nightmare scenario.

And in a stark reminder of how serious this situation is, Downie adds: "If there is a report of an outbreak in a shelter then obviously it will have to shut, meaning we will see more people sleeping rough."

The challenges facing these vulnerable members of society are nothing new. Campaigners hope that this crisis will at least shine a light on the plight of those in poverty and without homes. "This coronavirus exposes the cracks in society -- those who have mortgages and regular income could suddenly find themselves facing the same problems as people who are on benefits," says Sahota.

McNeil points out that people who are used to enjoying a secure income might find themselves relying on the state. And she thinks that the government might have to make these benefits more generous, given the sudden influx of people who are used to a certain way of living.

"People on average incomes, who suddenly find themselves in a position of needing social security, couldn't conceive on living on under £100 a week," she says. Which would, of course, put enormous pressure on the government to boost spending on the welfare state, 10 years after government policy was to cut back.

All of which brings us back to the politics of this. At some point, this crisis will abate. And when that happens, we will be living in a new normal. The current Conservative government will have had to subsidize businesses and individuals. Sahota believes it will have proved that "austerity was a political decision, rather than that we had no choice."

It might be that when all is said and done, previously comfortable people, suddenly forced to stare into the eyes of destitution, will agree with Sahota and be unable to accept that economic prudence is more important than looking after the livelihoods of fellow citizens.

This outbreak will change many things, and it's not clear how many of those will be undone when it's all over. Just how the world moves on from this is still anyone's guess. But, if current projections are right, we in the West are still only in the early stages of this thing.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiSmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNubi5jb20vMjAyMC8wMy8yMi91ay9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1ob21lbGVzcy1pbnRsLWdici9pbmRleC5odG1s0gFOaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuY25uLmNvbS9jbm4vMjAyMC8wMy8yMi91ay9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1ob21lbGVzcy1pbnRsLWdici9pbmRleC5odG1s?oc=5

2020-03-22 14:33:00Z
CAIiEHoxWuQzt_tRq4K9jUoL0wMqGQgEKhAIACoHCAowocv1CjCSptoCMPrTpgU

Coronavirus is revealing how badly the UK has failed its most vulnerable - CNN

The past few weeks have shown that even the world's wealthiest and most powerful are as likely to contract the virus as anyone else. However, less attention is being paid to the most vulnerable members of society -- those in poverty, people living on the breadline and the homeless.

The problem reached a crunch point in the UK, which has dramatically increased its response to the virus outbreak this week. Food banks that provide a lifeline for some of the estimated 14 million in poverty are running low on volunteers, many of whom have been forced to self-isolate, as well as food itself, which is in short supply following panic-buying.

The situation is equally bleak for the UK's homeless population, estimated to be around 320,000. Unable to follow government advice to self-isolate, they face a double blow as life-saving services close just as they become most needed.

People working on the frontline in homeless shelters told CNN their worst nightmares were already coming true, with at least one facility forced to close after one of its users died from COVID-19. Most of the people in that shelter are now sleeping rough and may have come into contact with virus carriers.

Shelter, a non-profit that provides support for the UK's homeless population, estimates that the number of people sleeping on the streets has risen 165% since 2010.

That date is important. It's the year the UK went from having a center-left Labour government to a center-right Conservative-led administration. And in the wake of the 2007-2008 global financial crisis, it embarked on policies that radically cut state spending. "The message was clear... we need to cut back to balance the books," says Garry Lemon, director of policy at the Trussell Trust, a non-profit that supports food banks in the UK.

"It took a lot of forms, but billions of pounds were taken out of our social security system -- and it was done with widespread public support."

Critics believe that government policies over the past decade have left the social security system severely compromised. "Our research shows that combined impact of those policies amount to average £3,000 a year ($3,560) for the poorest," says Clare McNeil from the left-of-center IPPR think tank.

Lemon adds that his organization's research has shown a link between these policies and a rise in "homelessness and food bank usage."

The subject of food banks is a good place to return to coronavirus, and especially how it affects the vulnerable. "The majority of our volunteers are retired. Some are not in good health because it's hard to be when you're over 70," says Allison, one of seven volunteers at an independent food bank in the UK. (She preferred to withhold her last name in order to be able to speak more freely.)

"We've given them the option of dropping out and obeying the government guidelines. But it does leave a hole. Now, if a family member coughs, people are gone at the drop of a hat."

Lemon points out that this is far from the only problem faced by food banks. "With businesses closing down and the social security state as it is, we face a possible increase in demand. We also face a responsibility of maintaining our supply of food."

Panic buying has left shelves empty across the UK, forcing supermarkets to ration the amount individuals can buy. For small food banks like Allison's, it's a real concern. "Panic buying has meant supermarkets are limiting so people cannot buy excess items for donating. People who use the food bank, it's quite a hand-to-mouth existence. And now that food just isn't there."

A ready supply of volunteers and food is one issue. Arguably, a more serious issue is the physical condition of the people who depend on them. "People with mental health problems, single mothers, disabled people ... these people are all overrepresented in food banks," says Lemon.

Dr. Onkar Sahota, a member of the London Assembly and a family doctor in Britain's National Health Service, says that "those in poverty are exposed because, in many cases, their underlying health will not be as good as wealthier members of the population." In the context of coronavirus, he says "their immune systems might be lower because they have less access to foods and find it harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

Sahota goes on to explain that in some cases, the most vulnerable "will find it harder to self-isolate -- especially in the case of homeless people."

Matt Downie, director of policy for Crisis, a charity on the frontline of homelessness in Britain, explains: "If you are in a night shelter, you are in a shared space, possibly sleeping next to other people on the floor, where you have to share washing facilities. The advice the government is giving to self-isolate and keep yourself clean is useless for people in that situation.

"You are three times more likely to have severe respiratory problems if you are homeless and the average age of death if you are homeless is 44," he adds.

McNeil believes the UK's homelessness crisis has been exacerbated by austerity measures. "Homeless people have been affected because of the reduction in funding for local authorities, so local support had to close down," she says.

Anecdotally, this seems to be the case, according to Downie. "In some areas, people have been told by their local councils that there is no help available." In the context of coronavirus, the combination of an increased demand for services and, as with food banks, a hit on the volunteer network has created a nightmare scenario.

And in a stark reminder of how serious this situation is, Downie adds: "If there is a report of an outbreak in a shelter then obviously it will have to shut, meaning we will see more people sleeping rough."

The challenges facing these vulnerable members of society are nothing new. Campaigners hope that this crisis will at least shine a light on the plight of those in poverty and without homes. "This coronavirus exposes the cracks in society -- those who have mortgages and regular income could suddenly find themselves facing the same problems as people who are on benefits," says Sahota.

McNeil points out that people who are used to enjoying a secure income might find themselves relying on the state. And she thinks that the government might have to make these benefits more generous, given the sudden influx of people who are used to a certain way of living.

"People on average incomes, who suddenly find themselves in a position of needing social security, couldn't conceive on living on under £100 a week," she says. Which would, of course, put enormous pressure on the government to boost spending on the welfare state, 10 years after government policy was to cut back.

All of which brings us back to the politics of this. At some point, this crisis will abate. And when that happens, we will be living in a new normal. The current Conservative government will have had to subsidize businesses and individuals. Sahota believes it will have proved that "austerity was a political decision, rather than that we had no choice."

It might be that when all is said and done, previously comfortable people, suddenly forced to stare into the eyes of destitution, will agree with Sahota and be unable to accept that economic prudence is more important than looking after the livelihoods of fellow citizens.

This outbreak will change many things, and it's not clear how many of those will be undone when it's all over. Just how the world moves on from this is still anyone's guess. But, if current projections are right, we in the West are still only in the early stages of this thing.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiSmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNubi5jb20vMjAyMC8wMy8yMi91ay9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1ob21lbGVzcy1pbnRsLWdici9pbmRleC5odG1s0gFOaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuY25uLmNvbS9jbm4vMjAyMC8wMy8yMi91ay9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1ob21lbGVzcy1pbnRsLWdici9pbmRleC5odG1s?oc=5

2020-03-22 14:19:12Z
CAIiEHoxWuQzt_tRq4K9jUoL0wMqGQgEKhAIACoHCAowocv1CjCSptoCMPrTpgU

Coronavirus is revealing how badly the UK has failed its most vulnerable - CNN

The past few weeks have shown that even the world's wealthiest and most powerful are as likely to contract the virus as anyone else. However, less attention is being paid to the most vulnerable members of society -- those in poverty, people living on the breadline and the homeless.

The problem reached a crunch point in the UK, which has dramatically increased its response to the virus outbreak this week. Food banks that provide a lifeline for some of the estimated 14 million in poverty are running low on volunteers, many of whom have been forced to self-isolate, as well as food itself, which is in short supply following panic-buying.

The situation is equally bleak for the UK's homeless population, estimated to be around 320,000. Unable to follow government advice to self-isolate, they face a double blow as life-saving services close just as they become most needed.

People working on the frontline in homeless shelters told CNN their worst nightmares were already coming true, with at least one facility forced to close after one of its users died from COVID-19. Most of the people in that shelter are now sleeping rough and may have come into contact with virus carriers.

Shelter, a non-profit that provides support for the UK's homeless population, estimates that the number of people sleeping on the streets has risen 165% since 2010.

That date is important. It's the year the UK went from having a center-left Labour government to a center-right Conservative-led administration. And in the wake of the 2007-2008 global financial crisis, it embarked on policies that radically cut state spending. "The message was clear... we need to cut back to balance the books," says Garry Lemon, director of policy at the Trussell Trust, a non-profit that supports food banks in the UK.

"It took a lot of forms, but billions of pounds were taken out of our social security system -- and it was done with widespread public support."

Critics believe that government policies over the past decade have left the social security system severely compromised. "Our research shows that combined impact of those policies amount to average £3,000 a year ($3,560) for the poorest," says Clare McNeil from the left-of-center IPPR think tank.

Lemon adds that his organization's research has shown a link between these policies and a rise in "homelessness and food bank usage."

The subject of food banks is a good place to return to coronavirus, and especially how it affects the vulnerable. "The majority of our volunteers are retired. Some are not in good health because it's hard to be when you're over 70," says Allison, one of seven volunteers at an independent food bank in the UK. (She preferred to withhold her last name in order to be able to speak more freely.)

"We've given them the option of dropping out and obeying the government guidelines. But it does leave a hole. Now, if a family member coughs, people are gone at the drop of a hat."

Lemon points out that this is far from the only problem faced by food banks. "With businesses closing down and the social security state as it is, we face a possible increase in demand. We also face a responsibility of maintaining our supply of food."

Panic buying has left shelves empty across the UK, forcing supermarkets to ration the amount individuals can buy. For small food banks like Allison's, it's a real concern. "Panic buying has meant supermarkets are limiting so people cannot buy excess items for donating. People who use the food bank, it's quite a hand-to-mouth existence. And now that food just isn't there."

A ready supply of volunteers and food is one issue. Arguably, a more serious issue is the physical condition of the people who depend on them. "People with mental health problems, single mothers, disabled people ... these people are all overrepresented in food banks," says Lemon.

Dr. Onkar Sahota, a member of the London Assembly and a family doctor in Britain's National Health Service, says that "those in poverty are exposed because, in many cases, their underlying health will not be as good as wealthier members of the population." In the context of coronavirus, he says "their immune systems might be lower because they have less access to foods and find it harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

Sahota goes on to explain that in some cases, the most vulnerable "will find it harder to self-isolate -- especially in the case of homeless people."

Matt Downie, director of policy for Crisis, a charity on the frontline of homelessness in Britain, explains: "If you are in a night shelter, you are in a shared space, possibly sleeping next to other people on the floor, where you have to share washing facilities. The advice the government is giving to self-isolate and keep yourself clean is useless for people in that situation.

"You are three times more likely to have severe respiratory problems if you are homeless and the average age of death if you are homeless is 44," he adds.

McNeil believes the UK's homelessness crisis has been exacerbated by austerity measures. "Homeless people have been affected because of the reduction in funding for local authorities, so local support had to close down," she says.

Anecdotally, this seems to be the case, according to Downie. "In some areas, people have been told by their local councils that there is no help available." In the context of coronavirus, the combination of an increased demand for services and, as with food banks, a hit on the volunteer network has created a nightmare scenario.

And in a stark reminder of how serious this situation is, Downie adds: "If there is a report of an outbreak in a shelter then obviously it will have to shut, meaning we will see more people sleeping rough."

The challenges facing these vulnerable members of society are nothing new. Campaigners hope that this crisis will at least shine a light on the plight of those in poverty and without homes. "This coronavirus exposes the cracks in society -- those who have mortgages and regular income could suddenly find themselves facing the same problems as people who are on benefits," says Sahota.

McNeil points out that people who are used to enjoying a secure income might find themselves relying on the state. And she thinks that the government might have to make these benefits more generous, given the sudden influx of people who are used to a certain way of living.

"People on average incomes, who suddenly find themselves in a position of needing social security, couldn't conceive on living on under £100 a week," she says. Which would, of course, put enormous pressure on the government to boost spending on the welfare state, 10 years after government policy was to cut back.

All of which brings us back to the politics of this. At some point, this crisis will abate. And when that happens, we will be living in a new normal. The current Conservative government will have had to subsidize businesses and individuals. Sahota believes it will have proved that "austerity was a political decision, rather than that we had no choice."

It might be that when all is said and done, previously comfortable people, suddenly forced to stare into the eyes of destitution, will agree with Sahota and be unable to accept that economic prudence is more important than looking after the livelihoods of fellow citizens.

This outbreak will change many things, and it's not clear how many of those will be undone when it's all over. Just how the world moves on from this is still anyone's guess. But, if current projections are right, we in the West are still only in the early stages of this thing.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiSmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNubi5jb20vMjAyMC8wMy8yMi91ay9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1ob21lbGVzcy1pbnRsLWdici9pbmRleC5odG1s0gFOaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuY25uLmNvbS9jbm4vMjAyMC8wMy8yMi91ay9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1ob21lbGVzcy1pbnRsLWdici9pbmRleC5odG1s?oc=5

2020-03-22 13:42:51Z
CAIiEHoxWuQzt_tRq4K9jUoL0wMqGQgEKhAIACoHCAowocv1CjCSptoCMPrTpgU

Coronavirus is revealing how badly the UK has failed its most vulnerable - CNN

The past few weeks have shown that even the world's wealthiest and most powerful are as likely to contract the virus as anyone else. However, less attention is being paid to the most vulnerable members of society -- those in poverty, people living on the breadline and the homeless.

The problem reached a crunch point in the UK, which has dramatically increased its response to the virus outbreak this week. Food banks that provide a lifeline for some of the estimated 14 million in poverty are running low on volunteers, many of whom have been forced to self-isolate, as well as food itself, which is in short supply following panic-buying.

The situation is equally bleak for the UK's homeless population, estimated to be around 320,000. Unable to follow government advice to self-isolate, they face a double blow as life-saving services close just as they become most needed.

People working on the frontline in homeless shelters told CNN their worst nightmares were already coming true, with at least one facility forced to close after one of its users died from COVID-19. Most of the people in that shelter are now sleeping rough and may have come into contact with virus carriers.

Shelter, a non-profit that provides support for the UK's homeless population, estimates that the number of people sleeping on the streets has risen 165% since 2010.

That date is important. It's the year the UK went from having a center-left Labour government to a center-right Conservative-led administration. And in the wake of the 2007-2008 global financial crisis, it embarked on policies that radically cut state spending. "The message was clear... we need to cut back to balance the books," says Garry Lemon, director of policy at the Trussell Trust, a non-profit that supports food banks in the UK.

"It took a lot of forms, but billions of pounds were taken out of our social security system -- and it was done with widespread public support."

Critics believe that government policies over the past decade have left the social security system severely compromised. "Our research shows that combined impact of those policies amount to average £3,000 a year ($3,560) for the poorest," says Clare McNeil from the left-of-center IPPR think tank.

Lemon adds that his organization's research has shown a link between these policies and a rise in "homelessness and food bank usage."

The subject of food banks is a good place to return to coronavirus, and especially how it affects the vulnerable. "The majority of our volunteers are retired. Some are not in good health because it's hard to be when you're over 70," says Allison, one of seven volunteers at an independent food bank in the UK. (She preferred to withhold her last name in order to be able to speak more freely.)

"We've given them the option of dropping out and obeying the government guidelines. But it does leave a hole. Now, if a family member coughs, people are gone at the drop of a hat."

Lemon points out that this is far from the only problem faced by food banks. "With businesses closing down and the social security state as it is, we face a possible increase in demand. We also face a responsibility of maintaining our supply of food."

Panic buying has left shelves empty across the UK, forcing supermarkets to ration the amount individuals can buy. For small food banks like Allison's, it's a real concern. "Panic buying has meant supermarkets are limiting so people cannot buy excess items for donating. People who use the food bank, it's quite a hand-to-mouth existence. And now that food just isn't there."

A ready supply of volunteers and food is one issue. Arguably, a more serious issue is the physical condition of the people who depend on them. "People with mental health problems, single mothers, disabled people ... these people are all overrepresented in food banks," says Lemon.

Dr. Onkar Sahota, a member of the London Assembly and a family doctor in Britain's National Health Service, says that "those in poverty are exposed because, in many cases, their underlying health will not be as good as wealthier members of the population." In the context of coronavirus, he says "their immune systems might be lower because they have less access to foods and find it harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

Sahota goes on to explain that in some cases, the most vulnerable "will find it harder to self-isolate -- especially in the case of homeless people."

Matt Downie, director of policy for Crisis, a charity on the frontline of homelessness in Britain, explains: "If you are in a night shelter, you are in a shared space, possibly sleeping next to other people on the floor, where you have to share washing facilities. The advice the government is giving to self-isolate and keep yourself clean is useless for people in that situation.

"You are three times more likely to have severe respiratory problems if you are homeless and the average age of death if you are homeless is 44," he adds.

McNeil believes the UK's homelessness crisis has been exacerbated by austerity measures. "Homeless people have been affected because of the reduction in funding for local authorities, so local support had to close down," she says.

Anecdotally, this seems to be the case, according to Downie. "In some areas, people have been told by their local councils that there is no help available." In the context of coronavirus, the combination of an increased demand for services and, as with food banks, a hit on the volunteer network has created a nightmare scenario.

And in a stark reminder of how serious this situation is, Downie adds: "If there is a report of an outbreak in a shelter then obviously it will have to shut, meaning we will see more people sleeping rough."

The challenges facing these vulnerable members of society are nothing new. Campaigners hope that this crisis will at least shine a light on the plight of those in poverty and without homes. "This coronavirus exposes the cracks in society -- those who have mortgages and regular income could suddenly find themselves facing the same problems as people who are on benefits," says Sahota.

McNeil points out that people who are used to enjoying a secure income might find themselves relying on the state. And she thinks that the government might have to make these benefits more generous, given the sudden influx of people who are used to a certain way of living.

"People on average incomes, who suddenly find themselves in a position of needing social security, couldn't conceive on living on under £100 a week," she says. Which would, of course, put enormous pressure on the government to boost spending on the welfare state, 10 years after government policy was to cut back.

All of which brings us back to the politics of this. At some point, this crisis will abate. And when that happens, we will be living in a new normal. The current Conservative government will have had to subsidize businesses and individuals. Sahota believes it will have proved that "austerity was a political decision, rather than that we had no choice."

It might be that when all is said and done, previously comfortable people, suddenly forced to stare into the eyes of destitution, will agree with Sahota and be unable to accept that economic prudence is more important than looking after the livelihoods of fellow citizens.

This outbreak will change many things, and it's not clear how many of those will be undone when it's all over. Just how the world moves on from this is still anyone's guess. But, if current projections are right, we in the West are still only in the early stages of this thing.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiSmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNubi5jb20vMjAyMC8wMy8yMi91ay9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1ob21lbGVzcy1pbnRsLWdici9pbmRleC5odG1s0gFOaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuY25uLmNvbS9jbm4vMjAyMC8wMy8yMi91ay9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1ob21lbGVzcy1pbnRsLWdici9pbmRleC5odG1s?oc=5

2020-03-22 10:26:00Z
CAIiEHoxWuQzt_tRq4K9jUoL0wMqGQgEKhAIACoHCAowocv1CjCSptoCMPrTpgU

Coronavirus is revealing how badly the UK has failed its most vulnerable - CNN

The past few weeks have shown that even the world's wealthiest and most powerful are as likely to contract the virus as anyone else. However, less attention is being paid to the most vulnerable members of society -- those in poverty, people living on the breadline and the homeless.

The problem reached a crunch point in the UK, which has dramatically increased its response to the virus outbreak this week. Food banks that provide a lifeline for some of the estimated 14 million in poverty are running low on volunteers, many of whom have been forced to self-isolate, as well as food itself, which is in short supply following panic-buying.

The situation is equally bleak for the UK's homeless population, estimated to be around 320,000. Unable to follow government advice to self-isolate, they face a double blow as life-saving services close just as they become most needed.

People working on the frontline in homeless shelters told CNN their worst nightmares were already coming true, with at least one facility forced to close after one of its users died from COVID-19. Most of the people in that shelter are now sleeping rough and may have come into contact with virus carriers.

Shelter, a non-profit that provides support for the UK's homeless population, estimates that the number of people sleeping on the streets has risen 165% since 2010.

That date is important. It's the year the UK went from having a center-left Labour government to a center-right Conservative-led administration. And in the wake of the 2007-2008 global financial crisis, it embarked on policies that radically cut state spending. "The message was clear... we need to cut back to balance the books," says Garry Lemon, director of policy at the Trussell Trust, a non-profit that supports food banks in the UK.

"It took a lot of forms, but billions of pounds were taken out of our social security system -- and it was done with widespread public support."

Critics believe that government policies over the past decade have left the social security system severely compromised. "Our research shows that combined impact of those policies amount to average £3,000 a year ($3,560) for the poorest," says Clare McNeil from the left-of-center IPPR think tank.

Lemon adds that his organization's research has shown a link between these policies and a rise in "homelessness and food bank usage."

The subject of food banks is a good place to return to coronavirus, and especially how it affects the vulnerable. "The majority of our volunteers are retired. Some are not in good health because it's hard to be when you're over 70," says Allison, one of seven volunteers at an independent food bank in the UK. (She preferred to withhold her last name in order to be able to speak more freely.)

"We've given them the option of dropping out and obeying the government guidelines. But it does leave a hole. Now, if a family member coughs, people are gone at the drop of a hat."

Lemon points out that this is far from the only problem faced by food banks. "With businesses closing down and the social security state as it is, we face a possible increase in demand. We also face a responsibility of maintaining our supply of food."

Panic buying has left shelves empty across the UK, forcing supermarkets to ration the amount individuals can buy. For small food banks like Allison's, it's a real concern. "Panic buying has meant supermarkets are limiting so people cannot buy excess items for donating. People who use the food bank, it's quite a hand-to-mouth existence. And now that food just isn't there."

A ready supply of volunteers and food is one issue. Arguably, a more serious issue is the physical condition of the people who depend on them. "People with mental health problems, single mothers, disabled people ... these people are all overrepresented in food banks," says Lemon.

Dr. Onkar Sahota, a member of the London Assembly and a family doctor in Britain's National Health Service, says that "those in poverty are exposed because, in many cases, their underlying health will not be as good as wealthier members of the population." In the context of coronavirus, he says "their immune systems might be lower because they have less access to foods and find it harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

Sahota goes on to explain that in some cases, the most vulnerable "will find it harder to self-isolate -- especially in the case of homeless people."

Matt Downie, director of policy for Crisis, a charity on the frontline of homelessness in Britain, explains: "If you are in a night shelter, you are in a shared space, possibly sleeping next to other people on the floor, where you have to share washing facilities. The advice the government is giving to self-isolate and keep yourself clean is useless for people in that situation.

"You are three times more likely to have severe respiratory problems if you are homeless and the average age of death if you are homeless is 44," he adds.

McNeil believes the UK's homelessness crisis has been exacerbated by austerity measures. "Homeless people have been affected because of the reduction in funding for local authorities, so local support had to close down," she says.

Anecdotally, this seems to be the case, according to Downie. "In some areas, people have been told by their local councils that there is no help available." In the context of coronavirus, the combination of an increased demand for services and, as with food banks, a hit on the volunteer network has created a nightmare scenario.

And in a stark reminder of how serious this situation is, Downie adds: "If there is a report of an outbreak in a shelter then obviously it will have to shut, meaning we will see more people sleeping rough."

The challenges facing these vulnerable members of society are nothing new. Campaigners hope that this crisis will at least shine a light on the plight of those in poverty and without homes. "This coronavirus exposes the cracks in society -- those who have mortgages and regular income could suddenly find themselves facing the same problems as people who are on benefits," says Sahota.

McNeil points out that people who are used to enjoying a secure income might find themselves relying on the state. And she thinks that the government might have to make these benefits more generous, given the sudden influx of people who are used to a certain way of living.

"People on average incomes, who suddenly find themselves in a position of needing social security, couldn't conceive on living on under £100 a week," she says. Which would, of course, put enormous pressure on the government to boost spending on the welfare state, 10 years after government policy was to cut back.

All of which brings us back to the politics of this. At some point, this crisis will abate. And when that happens, we will be living in a new normal. The current Conservative government will have had to subsidize businesses and individuals. Sahota believes it will have proved that "austerity was a political decision, rather than that we had no choice."

It might be that when all is said and done, previously comfortable people, suddenly forced to stare into the eyes of destitution, will agree with Sahota and be unable to accept that economic prudence is more important than looking after the livelihoods of fellow citizens.

This outbreak will change many things, and it's not clear how many of those will be undone when it's all over. Just how the world moves on from this is still anyone's guess. But, if current projections are right, we in the West are still only in the early stages of this thing.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiSmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNubi5jb20vMjAyMC8wMy8yMi91ay9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1ob21lbGVzcy1pbnRsLWdici9pbmRleC5odG1s0gFOaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuY25uLmNvbS9jbm4vMjAyMC8wMy8yMi91ay9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1ob21lbGVzcy1pbnRsLWdici9pbmRleC5odG1s?oc=5

2020-03-22 09:34:01Z
CAIiEHoxWuQzt_tRq4K9jUoL0wMqGQgEKhAIACoHCAowocv1CjCSptoCMPrTpgU

Coronavirus is revealing how badly the UK has failed its most vulnerable - CNN

The past few weeks have shown that even the world's wealthiest and most powerful are as likely to contract the virus as anyone else. However, less attention is being paid to the most vulnerable members of society -- those in poverty, people living on the breadline and the homeless.

The problem reached a crunch point in the UK, which has dramatically increased its response to the virus outbreak this week. Food banks that provide a lifeline for some of the estimated 14 million in poverty are running low on volunteers, many of whom have been forced to self-isolate, as well as food itself, which is in short supply following panic-buying.

The situation is equally bleak for the UK's homeless population, estimated to be around 320,000. Unable to follow government advice to self-isolate, they face a double blow as life-saving services close just as they become most needed.

People working on the frontline in homeless shelters told CNN their worst nightmares were already coming true, with at least one facility forced to close after one of its users died from COVID-19. Most of the people in that shelter are now sleeping rough and may have come into contact with virus carriers.

Shelter, a non-profit that provides support for the UK's homeless population, estimates that the number of people sleeping on the streets has risen 165% since 2010.

That date is important. It's the year the UK went from having a center-left Labour government to a center-right Conservative-led administration. And in the wake of the 2007-2008 global financial crisis, it embarked on policies that radically cut state spending. "The message was clear... we need to cut back to balance the books," says Garry Lemon, director of policy at the Trussell Trust, a non-profit that supports food banks in the UK.

"It took a lot of forms, but billions of pounds were taken out of our social security system -- and it was done with widespread public support."

Critics believe that government policies over the past decade have left the social security system severely compromised. "Our research shows that combined impact of those policies amount to average £3,000 a year ($3,560) for the poorest," says Clare McNeil from the left-of-center IPPR think tank.

Lemon adds that his organization's research has shown a link between these policies and a rise in "homelessness and food bank usage."

The subject of food banks is a good place to return to coronavirus, and especially how it affects the vulnerable. "The majority of our volunteers are retired. Some are not in good health because it's hard to be when you're over 70," says Allison, one of seven volunteers at an independent food bank in the UK. (She preferred to withhold her last name in order to be able to speak more freely.)

"We've given them the option of dropping out and obeying the government guidelines. But it does leave a hole. Now, if a family member coughs, people are gone at the drop of a hat."

Lemon points out that this is far from the only problem faced by food banks. "With businesses closing down and the social security state as it is, we face a possible increase in demand. We also face a responsibility of maintaining our supply of food."

Panic buying has left shelves empty across the UK, forcing supermarkets to ration the amount individuals can buy. For small food banks like Allison's, it's a real concern. "Panic buying has meant supermarkets are limiting so people cannot buy excess items for donating. People who use the food bank, it's quite a hand-to-mouth existence. And now that food just isn't there."

A ready supply of volunteers and food is one issue. Arguably, a more serious issue is the physical condition of the people who depend on them. "People with mental health problems, single mothers, disabled people ... these people are all overrepresented in food banks," says Lemon.

Dr. Onkar Sahota, a member of the London Assembly and a family doctor in Britain's National Health Service, says that "those in poverty are exposed because, in many cases, their underlying health will not be as good as wealthier members of the population." In the context of coronavirus, he says "their immune systems might be lower because they have less access to foods and find it harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

Sahota goes on to explain that in some cases, the most vulnerable "will find it harder to self-isolate -- especially in the case of homeless people."

Matt Downie, director of policy for Crisis, a charity on the frontline of homelessness in Britain, explains: "If you are in a night shelter, you are in a shared space, possibly sleeping next to other people on the floor, where you have to share washing facilities. The advice the government is giving to self-isolate and keep yourself clean is useless for people in that situation.

"You are three times more likely to have severe respiratory problems if you are homeless and the average age of death if you are homeless is 44," he adds.

McNeil believes the UK's homelessness crisis has been exacerbated by austerity measures. "Homeless people have been affected because of the reduction in funding for local authorities, so local support had to close down," she says.

Anecdotally, this seems to be the case, according to Downie. "In some areas, people have been told by their local councils that there is no help available." In the context of coronavirus, the combination of an increased demand for services and, as with food banks, a hit on the volunteer network has created a nightmare scenario.

And in a stark reminder of how serious this situation is, Downie adds: "If there is a report of an outbreak in a shelter then obviously it will have to shut, meaning we will see more people sleeping rough."

The challenges facing these vulnerable members of society are nothing new. Campaigners hope that this crisis will at least shine a light on the plight of those in poverty and without homes. "This coronavirus exposes the cracks in society -- those who have mortgages and regular income could suddenly find themselves facing the same problems as people who are on benefits," says Sahota.

McNeil points out that people who are used to enjoying a secure income might find themselves relying on the state. And she thinks that the government might have to make these benefits more generous, given the sudden influx of people who are used to a certain way of living.

"People on average incomes, who suddenly find themselves in a position of needing social security, couldn't conceive on living on under £100 a week," she says. Which would, of course, put enormous pressure on the government to boost spending on the welfare state, 10 years after government policy was to cut back.

All of which brings us back to the politics of this. At some point, this crisis will abate. And when that happens, we will be living in a new normal. The current Conservative government will have had to subsidize businesses and individuals. Sahota believes it will have proved that "austerity was a political decision, rather than that we had no choice."

It might be that when all is said and done, previously comfortable people, suddenly forced to stare into the eyes of destitution, will agree with Sahota and be unable to accept that economic prudence is more important than looking after the livelihoods of fellow citizens.

This outbreak will change many things, and it's not clear how many of those will be undone when it's all over. Just how the world moves on from this is still anyone's guess. But, if current projections are right, we in the West are still only in the early stages of this thing.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiSmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNubi5jb20vMjAyMC8wMy8yMi91ay9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1ob21lbGVzcy1pbnRsLWdici9pbmRleC5odG1s0gFOaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuY25uLmNvbS9jbm4vMjAyMC8wMy8yMi91ay9jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy1ob21lbGVzcy1pbnRsLWdici9pbmRleC5odG1s?oc=5

2020-03-22 07:33:57Z
CAIiEHoxWuQzt_tRq4K9jUoL0wMqGQgEKhAIACoHCAowocv1CjCSptoCMPrTpgU