The government did not start planning for the closure of schools until the day before the decision was made, the Covid-19 inquiry has heard. Up until 16 March 2020, focus had been on keeping schools open, so there were no contingency plans in place, according to evidence given by the former education secretary Gavin Williamson. … Read more
Michael BuchananSocial affairs correspondent Samaritans Samaritans volunteer James Watkins says concerns over proposed branch closures are “falling on deaf ears” Hundreds of Samaritans volunteers say they will leave the suicide prevention charity if plans to close more than 100 branches are supported at a meeting this weekend. Some opponents of the changes fear an exodus … Read more
Image caption Representatives for the sector say insurance costs are “astronomical” Care home owners whose insurance premiums have soared this year have called for government protection from being sued over coronavirus deaths. Care England warned the situation was an “an absolutely enormous threat” to the future of the sector. Owners said they feared they could … Read more