"Huge congratulations to HM Coastguard which celebrated its 200th birthday earlier this month. A big thanks for all they do supporting and saving seafarers who sail off our coast.
Due to the success of the booster rollout, the Plan B measures that were brought in to help combat the Omicron variant have now come to an end. Meaning there is now no legal requirement to show your NHS Covid pass at events, no guidance to work from home and staff and pupils are no longer required to wear masks in the classroom. In fact, there is now no requirement to wear face masks in any setting. However, the government recommends that you may still want to wear one either in crowded or indoor spaces or where you come into contact with people you don’t usually meet. I will still be wearing my mask in certain situations, such as on public transport. But it’s good news that scientists now believe the Omicron variant has peaked, which has enabled the government to set out a plan for the future as we learn to live with Covid. As well as already reducing the self-isolation time to five full days with two negative tests, it’s our intention not to renew the current regulations when they expire on the 24th of March. Meaning we don’t place legal obligations on people to isolate, just like what happens with flu. This should enable us to get back to somewhere as close to normal as possible and help protect livelihoods.
As Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, I’m delighted that our Kickstart scheme has been so successful here in Suffolk – with three-quarters of participating employers providing permanent roles for the young people following the government’s wage subsidy. Well done to Suffolk County Council, The Chamber of Commerce, our colleges, skills and training providers who have come together to form the gateway partnership.
Finally, I spoke to Essex and Suffolk Water recently about how they’re helping pensioners with their water bills. If you, or someone you know, receives pension credit then you may be entitled to a 50% reduction if your annual bill is more than 3% of your total income. Find out more and claim via their website or call 0345 782 0111."