Why a compulsory living wage is not the best way to help society’s poorest June 8, 2015 The Living Wage Foundation – which lobbies employers to pay £9.15 an hour in London and £7.85 elsewhere – has never called for statutory implementation of its cause. It considers itself to be a pragmatic civil society movement, encouraging firms to pay their low-paid workers enough to live comfortably. But the campaign has been hijacked [...]
Germany keeps jobless numbers down in May June 2, 2015 GERMANY’S unemployment rate stayed at a record low last month, indicating that private consumption will propel growth in the country’s economy this year. Data from the German labour office showed the number of people out of work decreased by 6,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis to 2.786m. Meanwhile, the Eurozone returned to inflation in May [...]
The tech changes every office needs: Get rid of fixed desks and invest in meeting room management June 1, 2015 Insisting on traditional desks and not quantifying use of space will hit your business financially. Companies are facing a real headache trying to make the most of their space and turn it into a modern, workable office. With the cost of space continuing to rise, it is vital that they can make every inch [...]
EU referendum: London banks may flock to Dublin but Brexit wouldn’t be all positive for Ireland May 26, 2015 If the UK leaves the EU, the impact will be felt far beyond its borders. Indeed, one country that will be particularly affected is Ireland. In the short term, there will be a painful economic dislocation, as the two close trading partners adjust to the UK’s new status. But it could be far more positive [...]
National Grid profit pulled down as price controls helps energy consumers save May 21, 2015 The figures National Grid suffered a four per cent drop in pre-tax profits to £2.6bn, during a year in which it benefited from a new operating model and new business activities. The firm's share price remained relatively flat this morning, after energy regulator Ofgem announced it was launching an investigation to see if generators provided it [...]
Why now is the time for energy policy to champion consumers May 18, 2015 The election of a Conservative government has led to a big change in personnel at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) – one of the few Liberal Democrat run departments in the previous Parliament. Now, this fresh team has an opportunity to get a grip on the many challenges facing the UK’s energy [...]
Wax models and 3i help FTSE beat commodity pain – London Report May 14, 2015 THE FTSE 100 index ended higher yesterday with encouraging updates from companies such as 3i Group supporting the broader stock market. Private-equity group 3i rose three per cent, the biggest gain in the FTSE 100, after it reached the end of a three-year restructuring with strong earnings growth at its portfolio companies. “The group remains cautious [...]
Bank of England inflation report: UK growth expectations cut May 13, 2015 The Bank of England today slashed forecasts for how much its expects the economy will grow this year to 2.5 per cent, down from 2.9 per cent. Threadneedle Street also said it expects interest rates to remain close to historical lows for the foreseeable future, before rising some time in the second quarter of 2016. [...]
Europe and China worries push US lower – New York Report May 11, 2015 Wall closed down yesterday, as investors fretted about Greece’s precarious financial condition and slowing growth in China, while energy stocks fell on weaker oil prices. US stocks, which rallied Friday on a strong jobs report, have been trading at historically expensive valuations, fuelled by ultra-low borrowing costs. Investors took a pessimistic view of Europe, as [...]
Labour must ditch tribalism to reclaim London’s suburbs May 11, 2015 There is no getting away from it: last Thursday’s result was a crushing defeat for the Labour Party. This new era requires a new generation of leaders, who must have a vision that appeals across political and geographical divides, and the ability to reach beyond Labour’s core base. Those who turned away from Labour need [...]