If my offspring did not have gadgets I would have had no contact with them for over 6 weeks, that is a big deal for me. If you can’t get in the real world it may be better not to post as people in similar position to me are getting a bit tetchy

I don't disagree that social media has been a godsend these past weeks in so many ways.

My comment though was not about us or anyone in the developed world. It was in the context of the suggestion that 50% of the world's work force could be out of work. I was reflecting that many of the poorest people might not work but they still can eat, and that's what's really important. Not all, of course, but some people get by on very little indeed and seem to be able to stay happy too.

Even for us the latest gadget isn't really necessary. Some want to update as soon as the latest model is released but that might well change in an economic downturn.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

Heard a debate this morning about how countries have been counting the number of deaths from Covid19. Apparently Germany do not count anyone who also had other underlying health issues and Italy do not count deaths in care homes. Just goes to show how figured can be skewed

Trying to work out why the government have announced extension of furlough to October after announcing the advice/instructions Sunday and Monday. I can think of a few.

Here’s what you and employers can plan before taking the easy option.

You’re lucky that we’ve extended it. Be thankful.

Any reasons that the critics can find in the government reacting or even backtracking due to criticism.

There’s still the issue of some businesses feeling the strain so the extended holiday won’t be for all.

I said this furlough scheme surely can’t go on until Christmas and now it looks like it could go on until October, although I doubt it protects business and industry enough so we’ll see.

Edit:

‘But he said the government will ask companies to "start sharing" the cost of the scheme from August.

Mr Sunak rejected suggestions some people might get "addicted" to furlough if it was extended.

Some 7.5 million workers are now covered by the scheme, up from 6.3 million last week, he said.
The chancellor told the Commons that from August, the scheme would continue for all sectors and regions of the country but with greater flexibility to support the transition back to work, he said.

Employers currently using the scheme would be able to bring furloughed employees back part-time.’

Interested to see how asking companies to share the cost of the scheme from August is going to work.

Edited by Rudi Hedman (12 May 2020 1.36pm)

COYP

And only reception, years one and six at that.

Good luck trying to get four and five year olds to understand social distancing

"It feels much better than it ever did, much more sensitive." John Wayne Bobbit

No more than paye I would think. Everyone being paid on their earnings or profits declared is quite fair I would have thought. They have looked at three years and averaged on that for self employed.
Not sure what more they can do.