Boozy Britain? When it comes to tax, drinkers are not only paying their way, they are subsidising teetotallers too September 3, 2015 There is a persistent belief that drinkers are a burden on the British taxpayer. In the narrative of ‘Booze Britain’, Accident & Emergency departments do little else but patch up the victims of drunks and it is often claimed that taxpayers foot a bill of around £20bn a year to deal with the effects of [...]
Why zero hours contracts are good news for both workers and businesses September 2, 2015 One in 40 British workers is now employed on a zero hours contract. Depending on your point of view, this is either a blight on the state of modern Britain, a sign of capitalism in dysfunction, or it is the jewel in Britain’s flexible labour market crown and proof that one in 40 people who [...]
Labour must be a credible government-in-waiting to win over City A.M. readers September 2, 2015 The first speech I gave in the Labour leadership contest was on the economy and business. I acknowledged that, despite many pro-growth policies, too many businesses, their owners and employees looked at the Labour Party in recent years and did not see a party that understood their challenges or was on their side. This [...]
National living wage: All businesses will end up paying it – but time is running out to reap the rewards of good publicity September 2, 2015 Another big name has increased pay and got the press coverage that it deserves. Oliver Bonas is the first high street retailer to commit paying its employees and third-party contractors the Living Wage. This is an optional rate (£9.15 an hour in London and £7.85 an hour elsewhere) set by the Living Wage Foundation. [...]
2016 London mayoral election: Bypassing bureaucrats is the key to fixing London’s housing crisis September 2, 2015 How would you feel if a property developer wanted to knock down the 1960s council estate next door and replace it with a shiny, new and modern estate with more homes? On the one hand, you will eventually wake up each morning to a rather nicer view (although any chance of seeing the Shard [...]
London mayoral elections: Tower blocks are no place to bring up families – it’s time for Londoners to reclaim their horizon September 2, 2015 "We believe most of the wave of proposed towers now hitting the city will do permanent damage to its public spaces and views, without answering London’s real housing and employment needs. There is a lack of evidence for the benefits of these buildings, of planning that can direct them well, and of genuine public consultation." [...]
With China in turmoil, now is the time to celebrate our relationship with India September 2, 2015 As all eyes are fixed on China’s market turmoil, India is bullish about it’s own prospects. India’s economy is set to grow the fastest this year, at a projected rate of 7.5 per cent, according to the IMF. India’s consistently high economic growth rate and its lead position in the latest Baseline Profitability Index provide [...]
Why did David de Gea’s Manchester United to Real Madrid move collapse? Sports lawyers explain September 1, 2015 Manchester United and Real Madrid are arguing over the formalities of the failed transfer of goalkeeper David de Gea. Surely formalities are just that? The transfer window has been a reality here since Fifa's insistence on limiting the timing of transfers back in the 2002-03 season. Under Article 6 of FIFA’s Regulations on the [...]
As the satnav led to Uber’s success, how long before portals Rightmove and Zoopla create global estate agents? September 1, 2015 The rapid rise of Uber among its consumer base is often commented on by those looking for an example of a game changing force within an industry. But it isn’t just the taxi app's innovative use of tech or lower price, it’s much more than that. It has literally transformed the landscape of the taxi [...]
Is your company about to merge? Let this 8-point plan for employees guide you on what to do next August 27, 2015 As Betfair and Paddy Power announce plans to merge, in a deal that would create one of the world's biggest online betting and gaming companies, what should you do if you’re in the employee waiting room – ready to be called in and delivered your fate? 1) Don’t panic – mergers happen all the time [...]