Usdaw calls on government to consider new deal for retail workers

Retail trade union Usdaw is marking 100 days of lockdown by calling for a new deal for workers, after the coronavirus emergency has shown that “millions of low-paid” and “undervalued workers” have “stepped up in the most difficult of circumstances”. Usdaw said workers in retail, manufacturing, distribution and home delivery…

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Pearl farmers and the climate change fight

As shelter-in-place orders are lifted and clothing, jewellery and other fashion industry companies cautiously head back to work, experts predict the Covid-19 pandemic will convince industry leaders to join the fight on climate change. One CEO hopes a global drop in CO₂ emissions along with the inspiring story of ocean-loving…

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Government confirms changes to ‘flexible’ furlough scheme

The UK government has confirmed the latest set of changes to its “flexible” furlough scheme – dubbed CJRS V2 – ahead of its launch of the 1 July. HM Revenue and Customs has set out the new guidance as the current version of the Coronavirus Job retention Scheme (CJRS) ends…

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Wolf & Gypsy to launch new collection

Ethical jewellery brand, Wolf and Gypsy, is set to unveil its new collection on 4 July, following a period of “rapid growth” over the last few months.  Wolf and Gypsy creates its pieces using recycled sterling silver, gold vermeil, as well as ethically sourced conflict-free gemstones. Every piece is manufactured…

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Hublot and Watches of Switzerland unveil exclusive timepiece

Hublot and Watches of Switzerland have together unveiled an exclusive special edition timepiece.   The Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph ‘Watches of Switzerland Group’ edition was launched at an “immersive” digital event hosted by Brian Duffy, CEO and Craig Bolton, executive director of the Watches of Switzerland Group. Alongside them, Omar Choudhary,…

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EST1987 launches NHS limited edition collection

EST1987 has launched a limited edition rainbow jewellery collection in celebration of the 72nd anniversary of the NHS. The brand confirmed that 100% of profits from the collection will go towards the NHS Charities Together. In a statement, EST1987 said: “During the Covid-19 lockdown, rainbows because a symbol of the…

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Reopening is ‘no magic bullet’ for retail, says BRC

Reopening is “no magic bullet” for retail, the British Retail Consortium has warned despite UK footfall improving since lockdown restrictions were lifted earlier this month. The BRC’s footfall tracker found that UK footfall decreased 53.4% year-on-year during the second week of reopening in England and NI. This is compared to…

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Watches of Switzerland donates £100k to food banks

Watches of Switzerland and Mappin and Webb’s parent group, the Watches of Switzerland group, has donated £100,000 in emergency funds to UK food banks during the Covid-19 crisis.  The group said it recognised an “urgent need” for food bank funding after these facilities faced soaring demands in light of the…

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Swatch Group reshuffles management team

Swatch Group has announced a reshuffle to its management team with appointments to the management of the Longines, Rado, Union, Tissot, Certina, and Hamilton watch brands. The company also announced changes to its executive group management board and its extended group management board. Swatch Group revealed all appointments are internal,…

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Guide for ‘considerate shopping’ launched by Usdaw, SRC and the Scottish government

Shopworkers union Usdaw and the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC), along with the Scottish government have partnered to launch a five-step guide to encourage “considerate shopping”, as retailers are permitted to re-open their stores from today (29 June). The trade unions said the reopening of non-essential shops marks a “crucial time”…

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