Exempt from isolation

Food workers exempt

Supermarket depot workers and other supply chain workers will now be exempt from self-isolation. They’ll do daily tests instead if they’re pinged by the NHS Covid app. The government’s trying to keep food supply chains up and running, after supermarkets struggled to keep shelves full due to staff shortages.

Bank accounts blocked

Customers who’ve had their bank accounts frozen are calling on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to take action. Around 10,000 people claim they were blocked from accessing their money for no reason, with NatWest and Monzo being accused of being among the worst offenders. The issue? Seems to be to do with automated money laundering checks.

Thirsty fans boost retail

Retail sales surged to 10% above pre-pandemic levels in June, with food sales spurred on by football fans buying beers and snacks for watching the Euros. The proportion of shopping done online has dropped, suggesting people are returning to pre-lockdown habits.

EV charging points

The competition watchdog has launched a probe into electric vehicle charging points to make sure there are enough points across the country. It’s concerned that a “postcode lottery” means some areas might not have enough. There are currently 25,000 charging points - and the CMA reckons we’ll need 10 times that by 2030.