Sirius News Bulletin - 22nd March 2021
This bulletin provides a summary of topical news, announcements and policy developments affecting business across the UK.
Food
Just Eat revenue soars during Covid-19 pandemic
In 2020 Just Eat Takeaway revenue increased by 54% due to locked-down consumers across Europe ordering more takeaways. In the UK, Just Eat processed 179 million orders in 2020, a rise of 35% on 2019. Delivery orders also increased by 260% in the second half of 2020.
Read more about the increase at: www.thegrocer.eo.uk/results/city-snapshot-exceptional-year-for-just-eat-as-revenues-soar-during-covid pandemic/654006.article
Seafood fraud is happening on a global scale
Seafood fraud is a growing problem with 40% of 9,000 seafood products analysed from restaurants, markets and fishmongers being mislabelled. Fish is often labelled as a different species in the same family or substituted for cheaper alternatives.
Read more about seafood fraud at: www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/15/revealed-seafood-happening-on-a-vast-global-scale
Retail
Shortage of pet supplies
The rising ownership of cats and dogs during lockdown has led to warnings of a nationwide shortage of pet supplies that is likely to last all year. Supermarkets have warned customers about a shortage of dog and cat food pouches and have suggested they buy cans or trays of food instead.
Read more about the shortage at: www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/pets/a35791826/pet-food-shortage-uk-supermarkets/
Consultation on product safety
The Government has published a consultation examining product safety and whether the current regulations are fit for purpose. The consultation will explore how online shopping and new technologies such as internet-connected devices like smart watches are making the responsibility for product safety more complex.
Read more about the consultation at: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/uk-product-safety-review-call-for-evidence
Vaccinations
P&O Cruises to restart cruises for vaccinated passengers
P&O Cruises is offering a series of round-Britain cruises starting from June 2021 for UK-based passengers who have been vaccinated. The cruises will be at reduced capacity and follow new health protocols. Viking Cruises and Fred Olsen have also confirmed they will restart round-Britain cruises but will not require passengers to be vaccinated.
Read more about vaccinations and cruises at: www.cruisecritic.co.uk/news/5957/
Government asks for views on Covid-19 certification
The Government has launched a consultation on the role of Covid-19 status certification as part of the UK’s recovery from the pandemic. Covid-19 status certification uses testing or vaccination data to confirm that people have a lower risk of transmitting Covid-19 to others.
Read more about the consultation at: www.gov.uk/government/news/government-asks-for-views-on-covid-19-certification
Exports to EU fall by 40%
The Office for National Statistics has revealed that UK exports of goods to the EU fell by 40% in January 2021, the worst monthly performance since records began in 1997. Imports from the EU also fell by 28%.
Read more about the statistics at: www.ons.gov.uk/economy/nationalaccounts/balanceofpayments/bulletins/uktrade/january2021
New timetable for border control processes
The Government has published a new timetable for introducing import border control processes. Full border control processes will now come into force on 1 January 2022, six months later than originally planned. The delay will provide businesses with more time to prepare for the changes and minimise disruption as the economy reopens.
Read more about the timetable at: www.gov.uk/government/news/government-focuses-on-recovery-from-covid-with-new-timeline-for-border control-processes-on-import-of-goods
Employment
Uber agrees to give drivers employment rights
Uber has agreed to give its UK drivers a guaranteed minimum wage and holiday pay, following a Supreme Court ruling that its drivers are workers. Drivers will also be enrolled into a pension scheme and be able to choose if, when, and where they drive.
Read more about the ruling at: www.personneltoday.com/hr/uber-agrees-to-give-drivers-minimum-wage-and-employment-rights/
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