Clothes prices rise

Price inflation

The annual UK inflation rate more than doubled to 1.5% in April, driven by higher clothing and energy prices. The Bank of England aims to keep it at 2%. Prices are now rising at their fastest rate since March 2020, and petrol prices are at their highest since January last year. Inflation has been low throughout the pandemic, but is rising now as people start to spend more.

Don’t go to amber countries

Boris Johnson has warned against going on holiday to countries in the government’s amber list. It comes after reports that some holiday companies are refusing to give refunds for cancelled trips to amber-rated destinations. There are lots of tourist hotspots on that list, including Greece, France, Spain, and Italy.

Worst face masks revealed

Some reusable face masks have “alarming flaws” according to Which?. The consumer watchdog tested a range of masks and found the worst one: an Adidas mask that filters out only a third of particles. The best? The Airpop Pocket, which managed to block 99% of particles, making it as effective as a disposable mask.