One fifth off sick?

Get straight to the good stuff every day with the Multiply Minute; a lightning-quick round-up of the money news and how it affects you.

Coronavirus plans

The Government has published plans to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. It says that if we end up with an epidemic, up to one fifth of the UK workforce could be off sick at once during the peak. However, we’re still in the first phase of its response, which is to contain the spread - there are currently just 51 confirmed cases in this country.

Mortgage success

Almost 71,000 mortgages applications were approved in January, the highest in almost four years. The figures suggest that eager buyers are returning to the property market after years of uncertainty.

Eco-friendly petrol

When you go to fill up next year, the petrol at the pump could contain less carbon. The government is considering making E10 the new standard, a move which could cut emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year (that’s equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off the road). How? E10 contains 10% bioethanol, and is currently used in France and Germany.

Greggs going global

The baker has said it’s considering international expansion, after a record-breaking year that saw its dough rising thanks to the success of its vegan sausage roll. It’s also announced a partnership with food delivery company Just Eat and said it’s refining its coffee in a bid to compete with baristas at cafe chains.