Travel industry approaches a critical point

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Travel industry approaches a critical point

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) warned that more job losses were on the way as the government's furlough scheme is phased out, unless new support measures are introduced. They have put forward a package including measures such as a temporary suspension of Air Passenger Duty for next summer. So far this year, about 65% of travel firms have had to make redundancies or start a consultation process. STA Travel, an agency aimed primarily at young people and students stopped trading on Friday.

Eviction ban gets extended

Following the fears that hundreds of thousands could lose their homes, the eviction ban in England and Wales has been extended until 20 September. A survey by homelessness charity Shelter suggested that more than 170,000 private tenants have been threatened with eviction by their landlord or letting agent, and 230,000 in England have fallen into arrears since the pandemic started.

Adviser Comment: This is good news for people who have lost notable levels of income, but it is still important that you keep in contact with your landlord and have an open conversation. Many landlords understand that this is a difficult time and are willing to work with you, but unexpected arrears and silence can also be worrying for them.'

John Lewis to rework its pledge

The partnership is planning to replace its famous "never knowingly undersold" promise to match rivals' prices as its new boss plans radical changes to the business. Since 1925, John Lewis has promised to refund the difference in price, to any shopper who could find an item cheaper elsewhere within 28 days. The promise has become harder to defend as competition from online retailers has become ever tougher.