Live: York goes back into lockdown

Sunak extends jobs furlough scheme to the end of March

The jobs furlough scheme set up in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak is to be extended until the end of March, Rishi Sunak has told the Commons, writes PA.

In a major U-turn by the Government, the Chancellor said the move is needed because of the economic situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Sunak said the Government’s highest priority remains “to protect jobs and livelihoods”.

He had previously extended the furlough throughout November due to the second national lockdown in England.

The Chancellor told the Commons: “We can announce today that the furlough scheme will not be extended for one month, it will be extended until the end of March.

“The Government will continue to help pay people’s wages up to 80% of the normal amount.

“All employers will have to pay for hours not worked is the cost of employer NICs and pension contributions.

“We will review the policy in January to decide whether economic circumstances are improving enough to ask employers to contribute more.”

York publican says: ‘We will be back. Stay safe’

A leading York publican has issued a thank you to his customers as his pubs entered another lockdown.

Paul Crossman, licensee of The Swan, The Slip Inn and Volunteer Arms in York, wrote on Facebook: “I just really want to say a heartfelt thank you to our absolutely wonderful staff and customers who have collectively helped us through the two months since we reopened.

“We waited, we left it later than most, and everyone then responded with an absolutely amazing level of support.

“We then had the curfew, and we then entered Tier 2. Both had an effect of course but thanks to the collective efforts of our devoted pub community neither turned out to be the catastrophe that we feared (and that they were for many other pubs in different circumstances).

“Everyone put up with increasing levels of inconvenience, and simply kept coming, and for that we are sincerely grateful.

“We will be back. Until then, stay safe and keep the faith.”

Paul is also chair of the national Campaign For Pubs, which you can support here.

York Minster provides digital services during lockdown

York Minster will close for services and sightseeing from this evening until Wednesday 2nd December, in line with the Government’s new lockdown.

The Minster will continue to offer Christian worship, fellowship, music and reflection through its digital channels.

The cathedral itself will only be open for private prayer. A member of the Minster’s clergy team will say a prayer every half hour. 

Dean’s Park will stay open and people using the park will be required to adhere to Government guidance on social distancing.

From Thursday 5th November until Tuesday 1st December, York Minster will be open as follows:

For private prayer only (except Tuesdays when the Minster is closed all day)

• 10am until 12 noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
• 1pm until 3pm on Sunday

Dean’s Park

• Open from 10am until 4pm (closing at dusk).

Essential construction activity at York Minster such as work on the South Quire Aisle and the final phases of the restoration of the Grand Organ, will continue in line with Government guidance.  The majority of the Minster’s staff will be put on furlough with the remainder working from home.