Hot Off The Wires - 30 March 2020

News

• Unemployment in Britain is set to more than double in coming months, despite government efforts to incentivise employers to keep staff.

• Britain must remain in full lockdown until June if it is to avoid the worst effects of the coronavirus, the government’s leading epidemiology adviser warned last night.

• Airports will collapse within weeks without emergency funding for the firms that supply baggage handlers and refuel planes, the Government has been warned.

• Marmite and Dove soap maker Unilever is facing allegations that it underpaid hundreds of millions of pounds in tax.

• Virgin Money, the challenger bank founded Sir Richard Branson, is reviewing plans to close branches as lenders focus on coronavirus turmoil.

Results

• EasyJet (EZJ) - Fleet Grounding

• AstraZeneca (AZN) -  Imfinzi approved in US

• Farxiga CKD Trial Early Stop For Positive Efficacy

• Anglo American PLC (AAL) - Update on De Beers third rough diamond sales cycle

• Pennon Group PLC (PNN) - Full Year 2019/20 Trading Statement

• Johnson Matthey PLC (JMAT) - Johnson Matthey pre-close trading statement

• Oxford Instruments (OXIG) - Suspension of Interim Dividend

• Quilter PLC (QLT) - Share buyback programme

• Go-Ahead Group PLC (GOG) - Southeastern Direct Award Contract

• Signature Aviation (SIG) - COVID-19: Trading Statement

• FirstGroup PLC (FGP) - Further direct award for GWR

• Ted Baker PLC (TED) - Directorate Change

• Immupharma PLC (IMM) - £1.5m Subscription to fund R&D pipeline-replacement

• Morses Club PLC (MCL) - Update re COVID-19

• Franchise Brands PLC (FRAN) - Trading and dividend update, notice of AGM

Trivia

From what does Elephant and Castle derive its name?

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