Dividends scrapped

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Companies scrap dividends

45% of UK companies have decided not to pay dividends to their shareholders, scrapping £28.2 billion in payouts. Why? Companies cancel dividends in order to hold onto cash, as a protective move in case their profits fall.

New funds for the vulnerable

The government will provide £750 million extra funding for charities who are helping vulnerable people through the coronavirus epidemic. Charities have suffered a sharp drop in donations from the public in recent weeks. Around half of the cash will go to frontline charities providing key services, such as hospices, St John’s Ambulance, and children’s charities.

Trade to fall

Global trade volumes of goods could fall by up to a third this year (paywall) according to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). With countries across the world on lockdown, we’re on course to see the lowest trading levels for decades. However, WTO boss Roberto Azevêdo said we can look forward to a “rapid, vigorous rebound” if we keep markets open and work together.

Down on the farm

Record numbers of people have applied for work on the UK’s fruit and veg farms. Job site Totaljobs said it’s seen an 83% increase in applications for agricultural roles in the past month. The influx will help to make up the shortfall for farms which usually rely on overseas workers who now can’t travel.