17 March, 2020
Show won't go on
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.
Theatres close
The government issued new advice yesterday, urging everyone to avoid non-essential social contact in a new effort to suppress the spread of the virus. It stopped short of telling pubs, restaurants, and theatres to close, but theatres in London’s West End have taken their own decision to shut. The update sparked anger among businesses, who say they’ll lose money but won’t be able to claim on insurance unless they’re forced to close.
Financial help coming?
The government will announce a fresh set of measures today to help protect the economy from the impacts of the outbreak. It comes less than a week after the Budget, when chancellor Rishi Sunak pledged £12 billion for coronavirus-related action. The new plans are expected to support businesses which are being hit, such as airlines.
Carphone hangs up
Dixons Carphone has said it’s shutting all standalone Carphone Warehouse shops, and will now operate out of its shops in Currys PC World. The high street mobile phone retailer has said they’ll find new roles for as many staff as possible, but around 2,900 people will lose their jobs.
Too much TV
Even before being confined to the sofa indefinitely, it seems we were getting overwhelmed by our streaming services. One third of Brits complain they can’t find their favourite programmes (paywall) and lose track of which platform they’re on. Netflix? Amazon Prime? Disney Plus? Now TV? If you have no idea, you’re not alone.