Business
How to make the new ‘Living with Covid’ plan work for your small business
The UK government has confirmed that England will end all Covid self-isolation laws on Thursday, as part of its ‘Living with Covid’ plan. What does this mean for SMEs?
Earlier this month, Boris Johnson announced that all Covid-19 rules in England will be scrapped by the end of February.
The new plan has major implications for small businesses, including scrapping the requirement for individuals to self-isolate if they test positive for Covid-19.
Free mass testing is also scheduled to end on April 1.
Below, we look at what exactly the changes are, what they mean for small business owners, and how you can support and prepare your workforce for ‘Living with Covid’.
What is England’s ‘Living with Covid’ plan?
Boris Johnson’s ‘Living with Covid’ plan will take place over three stages.
The first stage has already taken place. New rules introduced on February 21 mean that staff and students in most education and childcare settings no longer have to test twice weekly.
But the change that will have the biggest impact on small businesses is the scrapping of all self-isolation rules from 24 February.
That means people with Covid will no longer be legally required to self-isolate for the previously-required period of five days.
Other new rules include:
- Guidance will remain that those who test positive stay at home for five days
- Contact tracing will end
- Workers will no longer need to tell their employer if they need to self-isolate
- Self-isolation support payments for those on low incomes will be scrapped
From 1 April:
- Covid-19 tests will no longer be free except for the most vulnerable
- Covid passports will be scrapped (except for international travel)
- Employers will no longer have to explicitly consider Covid in their health and safety risk assessments
The plan Boris Johnson has announced to end all legal restrictions is for England only. Restrictions remain in place in other parts of the UK.What do small business leaders think of the announcement?
In a press release, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chair Mike Cherry said: “Small firms right across England will be hoping that this week definitively marks the end of chopping and changing restrictions that have blighted them over the past two years.
“The priority now must be containing the virus and protecting community wellbeing whilst avoiding the need to shut down the economy entirely.”
What if my employees test positive for Covid-19?
The scrapping of Covid-19 self-isolation laws puts the responsibility of managing Covid-positive employees onto the business owner.
This means employers are in a slightly trickier situation when it comes to sick policies.
The government has said that ‘guidance’ will remain in place for those who test positive to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days.
But the lack of legal rules is likely to result in individuals attending the workplace whilst either positive for Covid-19 or showing symptoms.
With the majority of the UK adult population now fully-vaccinated, symptoms will be milder. It would be unusual for someone to take a week off work because of a cold, and it’s likely only those with serious and/or debilitating Covid-19 symptoms will take time off work.
How can I support members of staff who might be worried about testing positive?
Regardless of the law, the government’s new plan may raise difficult issues for employers, who need to walk a thin line between living with Covid-19 and ensuring the safety of staff.
Many employers have chosen the latter option in the past.
Indeed, data from employee parking software ParkOffice has shown that employers allowed their staff to abandon the office enmasse during the spread of the Omicron variant pre-Christmas, despite there being no official Government advice to restrict movement.
Over the four week period between late November and the traditional break for Christmas, ParkOffice found there was a massive 92.5% decline in office goers across the UK.
As more people return to the office, your staff might want to avoid individuals who attend the workplace whilst positive for Covid-19 because they feel it is unsafe.
Legally, employers have a duty to support these employees and manage risks to those affected by their business. Here are a few examples for what that might look like:
Health and safety assessment
While no longer legally required, the way to do this is to carry out a health and safety risk assessment – including the risk of COVID-19 – and to take reasonable steps to mitigate any risks to other employees who might be worried about becoming infected with Covid-19.
The Government’s working safety guidance sets out a range of mitigations employers should consider including identifying poorly ventilated areas and taking steps to improve air flow in these areas.
Run an employee engagement survey and/or forum
Employee feedback surveys are meant to improve productivity by understanding the way your employees think about your company’s current policies and ways of working.
Check the attitude of your workplace towards the new ‘Living with Covid’ plan with an anonymous feedback survey before you decide on any long-term policies.
It might be that your staff are happy to work with people who have tested positive for Covid – or, you might learn that they are unhappy with the new rules and will require more reassurance and support measures.
This is not only a helpful exercise for business leaders, as you can hear concerns and issues directly from your employees. It’s also a good communication channel for staff members to air any grievances and feel they are being listened to.
Similar to this approach is an employee engagement forum. This is essentially a team discussion amongst a handful of volunteers from your workforce who can then share their ideas on a problem and give feedback on how other employees might be feeling.
Implement your own self-isolation policy
If you feel that a large enough majority of your staff are concerned about the government’s new plan, there are more forceful steps you can take.
The end of the legal obligation to self-isolate does not prevent employers from having their own restrictions on workplace attendance for those who test positive for Covid-19 – if you choose to do so.
Typically, these rules would be contained in the employer’s policies and may, for example, stipulate that individuals who either test positive for Covid-19, and/or are displaying symptoms of the virus, work from home until a negative test is taken.
This more assertive action is not without potential risks, and you should make sure to properly communicate your reasoning to staff members to avoid alienating them.
You should also consider:
- Purchasing home-testing kits for employees who are displaying symptoms of Covid-19 and wish to take a test.As free testing has now been scrapped, putting the onus of purchasing a test on your employees could cause friction.
- Choosing to keep in place rules on face-coverings, hand washing and other safety measures should you wish. These might further reassure employees that the workplace is safe to continue working in.
Conclusion
The government’s ‘Living with Covid’ plan means it is now lawful for employees to attend the workplace with Covid-19 or with symptoms.
Still, employers should carry out employee surveys to check the temperature of their staff and keep an eye on the mood of the workplace on Covid-19 issues.
There is still debate about whether or not these restrictions should be lifted and a good employer should ensure they are addressing the concerns of staff members who might not feel safe coming into the office – particularly after nearly two years of living with Covid-19 safety measures.
Open communication through employee surveys and even specialist engagement committees will help your staff to function properly and ensure they feel properly supported.
Via Startups
With the rise of Telegram as a hub for crypto enthusiasts, mini apps have emerged as powerful tools for engaging users and facilitating seamless interactions within the blockchain ecosystem. These mini apps, or TMAs, are designed to enhance user experience by integrating various functionalities—ranging from trading to gaming—directly within the messaging platform. Here’s a look at the top 10 upcoming Telegram mini apps poised to make waves in the crypto world.
1. Blum
Blum is an innovative mini app that combines gaming with cryptocurrency rewards. Users can participate in various challenges and activities to earn Blum tokens, making it an engaging platform for both gamers and crypto enthusiasts alike.
2. Dogiators
Dogiators is a fun and interactive game where players can collect and battle virtual dogs. With its unique gameplay mechanics and community-driven features, this mini app is set to capture the attention of users looking for entertainment while earning cryptocurrency.
3. Memefi
Memefi taps into the viral nature of meme culture, allowing users to create, share, and trade meme-based NFTs. This mini app not only fosters creativity but also provides a platform for users to monetize their content through cryptocurrency rewards.
4. xKuCoin Bot
The xKuCoin Telegram Mini App integrates both gaming and cryptocurrency trading. Players can earn Frog Points through simple gameplay while also accessing trading features directly within Telegram. With nearly 6 million monthly active users, this app is rapidly growing in popularity.
5. Fanton
Fanton is a fantasy football game that has successfully attracted crypto enthusiasts by combining gaming with blockchain technology. Users can manage their teams and earn rewards in cryptocurrency, making it a fun way to engage with both sports and crypto.
6. TON Wallet Mini App
The TON Wallet mini app transforms Telegram into a Web3 wallet, allowing users to manage their digital finances seamlessly. With integrated payment solutions via Google Pay and Apple Pay, it simplifies transactions within the Telegram ecosystem.
7. Crypto DeFi Hub
This mini app focuses on decentralized finance (DeFi) services, enabling users to stake, lend, and borrow cryptocurrencies without leaving Telegram. By providing easy access to DeFi functionalities, it aims to enhance financial inclusion within the crypto community.
8. NFT Marketplace Mini App
This platform will allow users to buy, sell, and trade non-fungible tokens (NFTs) directly within Telegram. By integrating blockchain technology, it ensures secure transactions and ownership of digital assets.
9. Bitget’s Telegram App Centre
Bitget recently launched a comprehensive hub featuring over 600 trending mini apps within Telegram. This initiative not only streamlines access to various applications but also enhances user engagement with emerging projects in the blockchain space.
10. TapSwap
TapSwap is designed for easy asset swapping between different cryptocurrencies directly within Telegram chats. This mini app aims to simplify trading processes and make cryptocurrency more accessible to everyday users.
Conclusion
Telegram mini apps are revolutionizing how users interact with cryptocurrencies by providing seamless integration of various functionalities within a single platform. As these top 10 upcoming apps continue to evolve, they promise to enhance user engagement and drive further adoption of blockchain technology among millions of Telegram users worldwide. Whether you’re a gamer, trader, or crypto enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in this burgeoning ecosystem.
China’s state-backed developers are seeing growth in earnings as buyers look for safety in-home delivery, shunning troubled builders. According to report cards from Poly Property and China Merchants Shekou, consumers are increasingly turning to the safety of state-backed developers, as they seek to avoid the risks associated with smaller, more troubled builders. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years, as buyers become increasingly cautious in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty.
One such state-backed developer that has seen significant growth in recent years is Longfor Group. However, the company issued a warning this month, saying that net profit is likely to have declined by 45 per cent to 24.4 billion yuan in 2023. Despite this setback, Longfor Group remains one of the largest and most successful state-backed developers in China and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Overall, the trend towards state-backed developers is likely to continue in the coming years, as buyers seek safety and security in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty. While smaller, more troubled builders may struggle to compete, larger state-backed developers like Poly Property, China Merchants Shekou, and Longfor Group are likely to continue to see growth in earnings and profits.
Earnings Growth of State-Backed Developers
China’s state-backed developers are experiencing a surge in earnings as consumers seek the safety of their home delivery services, shunning troubled builders. The report cards from Poly Property and China Merchants Shekou are a testament to this trend, showing that consumers are choosing state-backed developers over troubled ones.
Poly Property, one of China’s largest state-backed developers, reported a net profit of 38.7 billion yuan ($5.6 billion) in 2023, up 35% year-on-year. This growth can be attributed to the company’s focus on high-quality development and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
Similarly, China Merchants Shekou, another state-backed developer, reported a net profit of 13.3 billion yuan ($1.9 billion) in 2023, up 26% year-on-year. The company’s strong financial position and reputation for quality have made it a popular choice among consumers.
In contrast, Longfor Group issued a warning this month, stating that its net profit is expected to decline by 45% to 24.4 billion yuan in 2023. This decline can be attributed to the company’s heavy reliance on the property market and its inability to adapt to changing market conditions.
Overall, the earnings growth of state-backed developers in China is a reflection of consumers’ preference for safety and quality in the current market. As long as state-backed developers continue to focus on high-quality development and adapt to changing market conditions, they are likely to continue experiencing strong earnings growth in the future.
Consumer Confidence in Home Delivery
Chinese consumers are increasingly seeking the safety and security of state-backed developers when it comes to purchasing homes. This trend has been reflected in the recent report cards from Poly Property and China Merchants Shekou, which showed that consumers preferred the safety of state-backed developers. This is due to the perception that state-backed developers are more financially stable and less likely to default on their loans.
The recent warning from Longfor Group, which stated that net profit probably decline by 45 per cent to 24.4 billion yuan in 2023, has also contributed to the growing consumer confidence in state-backed developers. Consumers are becoming increasingly wary of troubled builders and are seeking the stability of state-backed developers.
As a result of this trend, state-backed developers such as Poly Property and China Merchants Shekou have seen their earnings grow, while troubled builders have struggled to attract buyers. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years as consumers prioritize safety and security in their home purchases.
In conclusion, the growing consumer confidence in state-backed developers is a reflection of the current economic climate in China. Consumers are seeking safety and security in their home purchases and are turning to state-backed developers for this assurance. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years and will have a significant impact on the Chinese real estate market.
Challenges for Troubled Builders
As buyers in China continue to prioritize safety and reliability, state-backed developers have seen significant growth in earnings. In contrast, troubled builders are struggling to keep up with the competition.
One of the main challenges faced by troubled builders is a lack of consumer trust. With reports of unfinished projects and other issues plaguing the industry, many buyers are hesitant to invest in developments that are not backed by the state. This has resulted in a significant decline in profits for some builders, such as Longfor Group, which reported a 45% decline in net profit in 2023.
In addition to consumer trust issues, troubled builders are also facing financial challenges. Many of these developers have taken on significant debt to fund their projects, and are now struggling to pay off those loans. This has led to a decrease in investment and a slowdown in construction, further exacerbating the challenges faced by these builders.
Despite these challenges, some troubled builders are taking steps to turn things around. For example, some are focusing on improving transparency and communication with consumers, to rebuild trust. Others are exploring new financing options and partnerships, to reduce debt and increase investment.
Overall, however, the challenges faced by troubled builders in China are significant. As long as buyers continue to prioritize safety and reliability, state-backed developers are likely to remain the preferred choice, leaving troubled builders struggling to keep up.
Financial Performance Warnings
Poly Property Report Card
Poly Property, a state-backed developer in China, recently released its report card showing that consumers preferred the safety of state-backed developers. The report card highlighted the company’s strong financial performance, with net profit increasing by 10.8% to 12.3 billion yuan in 2023. The company’s total revenue also increased by 17.6% to 98.9 billion yuan in the same period.
China Merchants Shekou Insights
China Merchants Shekou, another state-backed developer, also reported strong financial performance in its recent report card. The company’s net profit increased by 17.3% to 10.9 billion yuan in 2023, while its total revenue increased by 14.8% to 73.5 billion yuan in the same period. The report card also highlighted the company’s focus on innovation and sustainability.
Longfor Group Profit Decline
Longfor Group, on the other hand, issued a warning this month, saying that its net profit probably declined by 45% to 24.4 billion yuan in 2023. The company attributed the decline to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the tightening of government regulations on the property market. Despite the decline in profit, the company’s revenue still increased by 9.5% to 143.7 billion yuan in the same period.
Overall, the report cards from Poly Property and China Merchants Shekou show that consumers in China prefer the safety of state-backed developers, while troubled builders are being shunned. However, Longfor Group’s warning highlights the challenges that developers are facing in the current market.
Introduction
In a bold move to maintain its supremacy in the artificial intelligence (AI) market, Nvidia has recently unveiled its latest powerhouse: the Blackwell GPUs. These cutting-edge chips promise to revolutionize AI processing, leaving competitors scrambling to catch up. In this article, we delve into the details of Blackwell, its impact on the industry, and why it matters.
What Is Blackwell?
- Blackwell is not just another chip; it’s a seismic shift in AI hardware. Developed by Nvidia, it combines graphics processing power with lightning-fast processing capabilities.
- Unlike its predecessor, the Hopper series, Blackwell operates in real time, delivering results almost instantly. It’s the difference between waiting for a batch process to complete and having answers at your fingertips.
Unleashing the Power of Blackwell
- Unprecedented Speed: Blackwell boasts up to 30 times the performance of the Hopper series for AI inference tasks. Imagine the leap—from crawling to supersonic speeds.
- Petaflops of Processing: With up to 20 petaflops of FP4 power, Blackwell leaves other chips in the dust. It’s like strapping a rocket to your data center.
- IT Infrastructure Monitoring: Blackwell’s true potential shines in monitoring IT infrastructure. Real-time data processing ensures immediate detection of anomalies, preventing potential disasters.
Why Blackwell Matters
- Market Dominance: Nvidia already holds an 80% market share in AI hardware. Blackwell cements its position as the go-to provider.
- Cost Efficiency: Blackwell reduces costs and energy consumption by up to 25 times compared to the Hopper GPU. Efficiency meets excellence.
- Cybersecurity: Immediate detection of cyber threats is crucial. Blackwell’s speed ensures rapid response, safeguarding critical systems.
- Sales Insights: Real-time data empowers sales teams. Imagine predicting customer behavior as it happens.
Real-Time Data: The Fuel for Blackwell
- What Is Real-Time Data?
- Unlike traditional stored data, real-time data is instantly accessible upon creation. It fuels live decision-making.
- Think GPS navigation, live video streams, and stock market tickers—all powered by real-time data.
- Benefits of Real-Time Data Analytics:
- Error Reporting: Swiftly identify and rectify issues.
- Improved Services: Real-time insights enhance customer experiences.
- Cost Savings: Efficient resource allocation.
- Cybercrime Detection: Immediate threat response.
- Sales Optimization: Understand customer behavior in the moment.
Conclusion
Nvidia’s Blackwell isn’t just a chip; it’s a paradigm shift. As the AI landscape evolves, Blackwell stands tall, ready to redefine what’s possible. Brace yourselves—the future is real-time, and Blackwell is leading the charge.
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