Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Rishi Sunak eases residence test rules for highly skilled foreign workers engaged in Covid-19 battle

Eastern Eye Staff
By Eastern Eye StaffApr 10, 2020
Eastern Eye Staff
See Full Bio

Rishi Sunak has temporarily eased the tax criteria for highly skilled foreign workers, including those from India, engaged in the coronavirus fightback.

The chancellor wrote to the House of Commons Treasury Committee on Thursday (9) to announce that the so-called Statutory Residence Test (SRT) will be waived between March 1 and June 1, which means there would be no change in the tax status of international workers joining the British government's efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

"We welcome the expertise and resource from those who wish to come to the UK to combat COVID-19 from anaesthetists through to engineers working on ventilator design and production," noted the letter.

"Under normal circumstances, the actions and presence of these individuals in the UK could affect their own tax residence status, potentially bringing their global earnings within the purview of the UK taxation.

"We will amend the Statutory Residence Test (SRT) to ensure that any period(s) between March 1 and June 1, 2020 spent in the UK by individuals working on COVID-19 related activities will not count towards the residence tests. It is right that these changes are time limited and only support those people whose skill sets are currently required," it adds.

The minister said that the measure will provide flexibility and support to those coming to work in the UK to serve the coronavirus fightback, and was required in these "extraordinary circumstances".

Sunak, however, added that "the qualifying criteria will therefore be designed so that the relaxation of the rules is tightly targeted, minimising the risk of abuse".

"We will also keep the duration of this measure under review as the situation develops, in line with the other support already provided," he added.

Sunak, 39, has been leading the UK government's charge on the economic response to the COVID-19 outbreak and mass social distancing measures, which have put the future of many businesses in disarray.

Related News

7 biggest moments at Glastonbury 2025 from Pulp reunion buzz to Kneecap controversy
Entertainment

7 biggest moments at Glastonbury 2025 from Pulp reunion buzz to Kneecap controversy

modi-trump-getty
Business

Key issues in India, US trade talks

Harris Dickinson Bond rumors
Entertainment

Tom Holland, Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi among top picks for 'James Bond' as Amazon begins new 007 era

More For You

Prada 2026 sandals

Prada acknowledges Indian influence behind its Spring Summer 2026 men’s footwear

Instagram/prada/iStock

Prada finally acknowledges Kolhapuri chappals inspired 2026 sandals after Indian backlash over Milan show

Quick highlights:

• Prada confirms Indian roots behind 2026 ‘leather sandals’ after controversy
• Indian artisans and officials accused the brand of cultural appropriation
• The footwear resembles traditional Kolhapuri chappals with GI status
• Prada says designs are still in development and open to dialogue with India

Keep ReadingShow less
Anna Wintour

Wintour’s style of leadership earned her the nickname “Nuclear Wintour”

Getty Images

Anna Wintour steps down as editor of US Vogue after 37 years

Key points

  • Anna Wintour steps down as editor of US Vogue after 37 years
  • She will remain Vogue’s global editorial director and hold senior roles at Condé Nast
  • Wintour transformed US Vogue into a global fashion authority
  • The 75-year-old has received numerous honours, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom

End of an era at US Vogue

Anna Wintour has stepped down as the editor of US Vogue, bringing to a close a 37-year tenure that redefined the publication and saw her become one of the most influential figures in global fashion.

The announcement was made on Thursday (26 June) during a staff meeting in New York. Wintour, 75, will no longer oversee the day-to-day editorial operations of Vogue’s US edition. However, she will continue to serve as Vogue’s global editorial director and Condé Nast’s chief content officer, maintaining senior leadership roles across the company.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nadiya Hussain

She also reassured her followers that “exciting” new projects are on the way

Getty Images

“I won’t always be grateful” says Nadiya Hussain after BBC axes her cookery show

Key points

  • Nadiya Hussain confirms BBC will not renew her cookery series
  • Bake Off winner challenges expectations to remain “grateful”
  • She says hard work and talent, not luck, brought her success
  • Celebrities, including Annie Lennox and Fearne Cotton, show support

BBC ends decade-long collaboration with Bake Off star

Nadiya Hussain has spoken out after the BBC decided not to commission another cookery programme with her. The popular TV chef, who won The Great British Bake Off in 2015, shared her views on social media, stating that she “won’t always be grateful” and should not be expected to remain silent about career setbacks.

The decision ends a nearly 10-year working relationship between the broadcaster and Hussain, who has hosted several well-received cookery shows under the BBC banner. In her latest Instagram video, she addressed the public’s reaction and emphasised her right to expect more from her career.

Keep ReadingShow less
weight loss injections UK

The importance of vigilance as demand for these weight loss and diabetes drugs continues to grow

iStock

Hundreds report pancreas issues linked to weight loss injections as UK launches safety study

Key points

  • Almost 400 reports of acute pancreatitis linked to weight loss and diabetes jabs have been filed in the UK
  • Most cases involve popular GLP-1 drugs including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro
  • Health officials are investigating possible genetic causes behind the side-effects
  • Patients hospitalised with pancreatitis encouraged to report symptoms via MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme
  • Adverse drug reactions cost the NHS an estimated £2.2bn annually

Health watchdog investigates spike in serious side-effects from GLP-1 drugs

UK health authorities have launched a study into the side effects of popular weight loss and diabetes drugs following a spike in reported cases of acute pancreatitis. Nearly 400 reports have been received via the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) Yellow Card scheme, which monitors side effects and adverse reactions related to medicines and medical devices.

The medicines involved are GLP-1 receptor agonists – including semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy), liraglutide, and tirzepatide (branded as Mounjaro). The Yellow Card data shows that 181 of the cases involved tirzepatide alone.

Keep ReadingShow less
M&S launches strawberries

M&S’s latest offering taps into both tradition and innovation

The Wire

M&S launches strawberries and cream sandwich ahead of Wimbledon

Summary

  • M&S unveils limited edition strawberries and cream sandwich for £2.80
  • Inspired by Japanese 'sweet sandos', it features Red Diamond strawberries and whipped cream cheese
  • Available in stores now, found in the savoury sandwich aisle
  • Launch coincides with Wimbledon and British strawberry season
  • Wimbledon increases strawberries and cream price for first time in 15 years

New summer sandwich from M&S

Marks & Spencer has launched a limited edition M&S strawberry sandwich, combining classic British summer flavours with a Japanese twist. Priced at £2.80, the strawberries and cream sandwich is available in M&S stores now.

The dessert-style sandwich features M&S’s exclusive Red Diamond strawberries, whipped cream cheese, and sweetened bread. Despite its sweet contents, the product is found in the savoury sandwich section of M&S Food halls.

Keep ReadingShow less
© Copyright 2025 Garavi Gujarat Publications Ltd & Asian Media Group USA Inc