A major breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19 has been achieved with the approval for use in the UK of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. This welcome news comes on the same day as the UK’s national lockdown is lifted, giving many businesses the green light after a month of closure, and making way for the three tier-based system.

Insurance has not provided the support organisations need for their business interruption throughout the coronavirus pandemic, something the EU should help address to avert future crises, according to the Federation of European Risk Management Associations.

Pandemic-related disruption has damaged manufacturers’ Brexit plans, according to research conducted by Lockton. The insurance broker’s study of 500 UK manufacturers suggests that about half of UK manufacturers have seen plans derailed by pandemic-related disruption, and that, with just weeks until the end of the transition period, a quarter of the manufacturers surveyed don’t believe they will be ready.

The Health and Safety Executive has updated its guidance for employers on ventilation and air conditioning during the coronavirus pandemic.

With just one month to go until the end of the transition period, the Financial Conduct Authority has warned firms that it expects them to ensure the right outcomes for their customers, and provide timely communications to enable them to make appropriate decisions.

Sungard Availability Services has launched a new dedicated workplace recovery service.