Bank of England holds interest rates amid Brexit deadlock despite sunnier economic data March 21, 2019 The Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC) has voted unanimously to hold interest rates at their current level of 0.75 per cent, after weighing up “mixed” economic data, it said today. Read more: Government borrowing falls to fresh 17-year low The central bank said it will not change its primary bank rate from where [...]
Lovely jubbly: Only Fools and Horses tower could be replaced by gold Del Boy statue after demolition March 21, 2019 The planned demolition of a much-loved west London tower block featured in the 1980s sitcom Only Fools and Horses could come with a silver lining for nostalgic fans. Comedy TV channel Gold has launched a campaign to commemorate the block, called Nelson Mandela House in the show, by erecting a gold statue of Only Fools [...]
For all the fire and fury, there’s only one deal in town – and MPs should vote for it March 21, 2019 Yesterday afternoon a rumour spread around Westminster that the Prime Minister was going to make a live statement in Downing Street. The appearance of the Number 10 lectern always excites journalists as the PM tends only to use it when making dramatic announcements. Talk of her resignation or a high-stakes ultimatum continued to occupy Westminster-watchers [...]
Sadiq Khan confirms TfL will remove controversial Michael Jackson bus adverts March 21, 2019 Controversial adverts that express support for Michael Jackson are to be removed from the side of Transport for London's (TfL) buses, Sadiq Khan has confirmed. The adverts, which bear the tagline "Innocent", were pushed by a Jackson fan group in response to a two-part Netflix documentary, Leaving Neverland, in which the late singer is accused of abusing young boys [...]
Three posts revenue and profit rise as data-hungry customers gear up for 5G March 21, 2019 Mobile provider Three UK has posted a modest rise in revenues and profit for the full-year as it gears up for the rollout of 5G. Read more: Trump: UK's 5G plans put national security at risk The figures Total revenue grew one per cent to £2.4bn in the 12 months to the end of December. [...]
UK retail sales grow as consumers shrug off Brexit worries March 21, 2019 British retail sales showed strong growth last month compared to a year before, in a sign that consumers remain unaffected by the Brexit impasse. The quantity of goods UK shoppers bought increased by 0.4 per cent in February compared to January, with strong growth in non-store retailing and fuel, figures released today by the Office [...]
Sports Direct reissues its demand for Mike Ashley to be given a top job at Debenhams March 21, 2019 Sports Direct has today requested a general meeting of Debenhams to eject the board and give Mike Ashley an executive role at the struggling retailer. The requisition replaces an earlier demand which was invalid because Sports Direct was holdings its shares at that period through a third party nominee. Read more: Debenhams pressure mounts amid [...]
Which workplace perks are the most popular among employees? March 21, 2019 As workplace perks and office wellbeing become increasingly important to employees, businesses are starting to take note. But now a study by employee experience platform Perkbox has revealed which benefits are most popular among workers looking for a little bit more from their job. Read more: No more ties in the office? Suit yourself Taking the [...]
German chancellor Angela Merkel says Brexit delay possible if MPs support May’s deal March 21, 2019 German chancellor Angela Merkel said today that the EU could green light a short delay to Brexit, but only if MPs back the Prime Minister’s withdrawal agreement in a vote next week. Read more: Donald Tusk: Brexit delay only if MPs pass May's deal However, a third successive rejection to Theresa May’s Brexit deal might [...]
Government borrowing falls to fresh 17-year low as income tax revenue grows by £3bn March 21, 2019 Government borrowing has fallen to a fresh 17-year low so far this financial year as the UK's strong labour market saw income tax revenue increase by £3bn. Public sector borrowing from April 2018 to February was £23.1bn, the lowest year-to-date borrowing since 2001 and £18bn less than the previous year, according to the Office for National [...]