BBC News Economy

A schedule of closures is announced for stores in Ballymena, Belfast, Newry and Craigavon.

Data firm Nielsen says people are more confident about shopping in supermarkets as restrictions ease.

Northern Ireland follows England, Scotland and Wales in allowing venues to reopen outdoors.

Stamp duty holidays and low mortgage rates push borrowing to the highest levels since records began.

The deals will create new jobs in the health and tech sectors, Boris Johnson says.

Some hospitality owners said it was not feasible to open their outdoor areas due to adverse weather.

What are the long-term plans of political parties in Wales in the Senedd election?

The building society's buy-to-let arm says housing preferences shifted during the pandemic.

Retail bosses say Scotland's reopening week outperformed England and Wales when their restrictions were lifted in April.

Reopening the waterway between Monaghan and Fermanagh will also encourage tourism, campaigners say.

Jobs, independence and debt feature in the parties' campaigns ahead of Thursday's election.

Cafes and gyms also got back to business on Friday as lockdown restrictions were lifted.

Property values in less densely-populated areas have risen faster than elsewhere, the Resolution Foundation says.

What is the stamp duty holiday and when will it finish?

The trust that runs the castle says fences need reinstating due to "ongoing issues of breaking and entering".

Activity in the bloc has been hit by a renewed surge in infections this year and Covid-related restrictions.