National living wage to rise almost five per cent next year October 29, 2018 The national living wage is set to rise nearly five per cent from £7.83 to £8.21 per hour, chancellor Philip Hammond revealed in today's Budget. To be implemented in April next year, the government estimated that this will increase the annual pay of a person in full-time employment by £690 per year. Additionally, Hammond said the [...]
Legoland owner Merlin Entertainments’ share price falls as trading shows early signs of recovery October 16, 2018 Shares in Merlin Entertainments were down more than seven per cent this morning despite the Legoland owner reporting that 2018 forecasts were in line with market expectations. The group's Midway brands, which are driven by the London market and include Madame Tussauds, the London Eye, the Sea Life Centre and London Dungeons, have started to see early signs of [...]
‘Waitrose of the north’ posts £2.2m sales loss amid trading pressures October 15, 2018 Booths, the Lancashire-based supermarket chain dubbed “the Waitrose of the north” for its focus on high-quality food, posted a £2.2m loss on sales but cut its overall losses in half, its latest results revealed. The family-owned-and-operated supermarket, which has 28 stores across Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cumbria, Cheshire and Greater Manchester, saw its losses before taxation fall [...]
Toy maker Hamleys blames Brexit, terrorism and rising retail costs for £9m loss October 12, 2018 The UK's oldest toy store Hamleys revealed a record loss today with profits dropping a staggering 500 per cent over the past 12 months. The iconic toy-maker blamed Brexit, macroeconomic factors and the threat of terrorism for the downturn in its fortunes. The retailer announced a £9.2m loss for the year to 31 December 2017, having made a £1.7m profit [...]
When it comes to our social care crisis, prevention is the only cure October 8, 2018 Matt Hancock has survived his first party conference as the new health secretary, wearing his NHS pin proudly on his lapel. And top of the list of his departmental priorities is social care. It got a £240m spending boost last week, but that’s not the only approach on the table. One of Hancock’s recent suggestions [...]
Tesla to defend lawsuit alleging foreign workers were threatened with deportation October 3, 2018 A case filed against Tesla in California which alleges the firm knew foreign employees were threatened with deportation has been given the green light to go to trial. US federal judge Lucy Koh ruled Tesla must defend itself against two of seven claims, in which the plaintiffs argue foreign workers at its Fremont, California plant [...]
Uber drivers would rather keep self-employed worker status than sign a fixed contract, report claims September 28, 2018 Uber drivers would prefer to remain as independent contractors on flexible hour deals than work fixed hours as part of the company, according to responses from Uber drivers in a new study. In a report undertaken by Oxford University's Oxford Martin School entitled “Uber Happy? Work and Well-being in the 'Gig Economy'”, a resounding majority [...]
Forget economics, immigration policy is more about our values September 25, 2018 You're probably tired of me saying it, dear reader. But a big problem with supposed “evidence-based policy” is that the conclusions we derive from evidence often take our underlying aims for granted. If we’re considering a tax cut, no evidence-base showing that it could create a positive GDP effect will convince you if your [...]
Strictly Come Dancing professionals make a PR misstep in potential pay row dispute September 24, 2018 Glitter balls, sequins, the foxtrot, and the rest… Daaarling! It is that time of the year again as Strictly Come Dancing waltzed back on to our screens on Saturday night. New celebs, new dancers, new routine – same old format. There will be Craig Revel Horwood looking unimpressed, break-ups, make-ups, tears, injuries, tantrums, and [...]
Uber Eats strike: Drivers protest over pay, blocking east London roads and leaving customers hungry September 20, 2018 Uber Eats drivers have abandoned their deliveries in the capital in a protest over pay. Couriers have gridlocked the roads around Aldgate East Station as they demand better pay from the food delivery service arm of Uber. Read more: Ranked: The UK's most valuable brands, according to WPP Uber Eats admitted it’s changing how drivers [...]