The essential, important and forgotten - reopening winners and losers
The excitement surrounding the reopening of certain parts of the economy tells us a lot about the state of the UK: it needs a haircut and a pint. But how is this affecting the plethora of industries forced to close during lock-down?
In 100 years' time, Jeremy Paxman’s great grandson will ask, “what links the following: hospitals, supermarkets and petrol stations”, to which a Cambridge history scholar (high on knowledge and the thrill of a day not spent in the library) will answer with confidence: “essential businesses in the corona pandemic”. “Correct,” Mr Paxman will say, “Now for your bonus questions on the order in which businesses were allowed to reopen.” Undoubtedly these will baffle the beige shirted geniuses as much as they do businesses today. It is a random assortment that are benefiting from the ease in restrictions, making it difficult…