Letter from Countrywide claims employee's role has been confirmed as on Government's 'key workers list'.

Connells has begun buying up the shares from key Countrywide investors including the 5.85% share held by Schroders.

Shareholders representing 51% of its share capital have voted in favour of the Connells deal - but 75% are needed for a green light.

Estate agency Portico says both its new Airbnb business and online lettings agency helped it limit the impact of fees ban and Covid.

Connells says there may be some head office and central admin job losses, but that these will be kept to a minimum

Deal is due to officially complete by March and will see all of Countrywide's debts cleared and new investment in branches, people and tech.

Senior industry figure Mike Day marks 45 years in the industry with a wide-ranging and frank interview with The Negotiator.

Palmer Snell has closed five branches recently including one which is about to be converted into a one-bedroom flat.