Pub plans go ahead

The 1-minute to read to get expert adviser views on all the money news.

On track for 12th April

The next step out of England’s lockdown will go ahead as planned on 12th April. Yesterday, Boris Johnson confirmed pubs and restaurants will start serving outside and gyms and hairdressers will open their doors. He also said vaccine passports could be a feature of our social lives in the future - but not yet. The government is looking into it and they will be trialled at events like the FA cup semi final.

“Don’t book a holiday”

Brits shouldn’t book a summer holiday abroad yet, according to Boris Johnson’s latest update. With cases rising in many countries, the ban on international travel might not be lifted on 17th May after all. We’ll get full details of the government’s review by the end of the week.

Sick pay rise

Statutory sick pay rises today - but only by 50p. It’s now £96.35 a week. Unions say it’s too little to live on, and that low sick pay has meant people can’t afford to self-isolate if they develop coronavirus symptoms. They want sick pay to rise in line with the national living wage, which is now £8.91 for people over 23.

Start the tax year right

Unity Mutual’s 12-month fixed rate Lifetime ISA launches today, offering 1.5% interest on the entire balance for the whole year - guaranteed. It’s the first day of the new tax year, meaning ISA allowances have been renewed. You can save up to £4,000 a year into a Lifetime ISA and get up to £1,000 government bonus. Plus, if you open the Unity Mutual account through Multiply, you’ll get a £20 welcome bonus.