Staff shortages could force business closures in the New Year January 3, 2022 Businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors are being hit hard by staff absences as Omicron surges according to industry chiefs.
London SMEs ‘choked off’ from government contracts, says Labour November 9, 2022 The government is “choking off” opportunities for London SMEs by missing targets in awarding government contracts, Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner has said. Rayner today told City A.M. that the public procurement process was a “Tory racket”, with new figures showing just a quarter of London SMEs have been successful in their bid to win [...]
Firms could be forced to get rid of staff without clarity on further financial support December 14, 2021 Retailers and hospitality bosses have reiterated calls for fresh financial support measures as trade is hit by Omicron restrictions ahead of Christmas. Businesses said consumer confidence has been hit by the latest headlines, with shops reporting reduced footfall and pubs seeing cancellations of bookings. Londoners are bunkering down in a bid to ensure they can [...]
Shooting at LGBTQ+ nightclub in Oslo being treated as an act of terrorism June 25, 2022 Norwegian authorities have arrested and charged a 42-year old man following a shooting at an LGBTQ+ venue in Oslo, which killed two people.
Devolved nations add to mounting calls for fresh business support from Westminster amid Omicron surge December 14, 2021 Scotland’s first minister has added to calls mounting on Westminster for a fresh tranche of financial support for businesses. Nicola Sturgeon said a lack of new support from the UK government meant “there is no money to compensate” businesses in the wake of further Covid restrictions. This was “not acceptable,” Sturgeon said, echoing calls from [...]
PM to make lockdown decision by Christmas Eve December 21, 2021 Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to make an announcement in the next 48 hours on whether to impose "circuit-breaker" restrictions in England to stem the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.
Rail strikes: Lynch says government hasn’t spoken to RMT since January July 16, 2023 Rail strike misery looks set to continue for commuters after Mick Lynch, the RMT’s general secretary, said the government had not spoken to him about finding a resolution since the start of the year. Speaking on Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday Programme, Lynch said that there has been “no contact. They seem to pick [...]
Jacob Rees-Mogg: Civil servants must ‘rapidly return’ to offices April 19, 2022 Ministers are reportedly being told to send a “clear message” to civil servants for a “rapid return” to offices. Up to three quarters of staff are still working from home, according to The Telegraph, as Whitehall sources accuse a “silent majority” of officials of not “pulling their weight. Jacob Rees-Mogg, the minister for government efficiency, [...]
JD Wetherspoon boss: Country headed for ‘lockdown by stealth’ with Omicron measures December 13, 2021 JD Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin has said the country seems to be heading towards a “lockdown by stealth” and warned of a potential hit to profits. The pub company warned its first half results may be impacted by an uncertain market, with consumers put off from pub trips after headlines about the Omicron Covid variants [...]
The Notebook: Giles Kenningham on improving Rugby’s fortunes, banning the bots and the renewable investment boom February 28, 2023 The Notebook is a place for interesting people to say interesting things. Today, it’s Giles Kenningham, founder of Trafalgar Strategy.