The City watchdog is looking for feedback on how best to protect consumers’ cash December 14, 2016 The City watchdog has today launched a consultation into how best to fund the safety net which compensates consumers when financial services firms find themselves in hot water, including measures which could lead those most likely to wobble the market paying more to keep it secure. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) noted the funding rules for the [...]
TfL starts its tougher crackdown on illegal cab activity in the capital with the roll-out of new officers December 14, 2016 The first wave of the mayor's new beefed up compliance team to tackle illegal cab activity in the capital has hit the streets. Sadiq Khan unveiled plans to crack down on illegal taxis and minicabs in August and 50 of the 250 new officers have now joined the existing team of 82, which Khan says is [...]
This is what will happen to house prices in 2017 December 14, 2016 How will the UK's favourite asset fare in 2017? It's safe to say that the Brexit vote has not caused the immediate and catastrophic housing crash that former chancellor George Osborne was predicting before the referendum. But the outlook for property next year is not particularly rosy. Liberum analysts are expecting house prices to fall [...]
Here’s how one MP thinks strikes like the Southern rail ones can be avoided in the future December 14, 2016 Transport secretary Chris Grayling has been mulling over a range of measures to stop the Southern rail crisis being repeated in the future. And Chris Philp, MP for Croydon South, thinks he just might have the answer. Or at least part of it. The MP has laid out proposals for three major changes to legislation he [...]
Surprise rise in wage growth as unemployment falls – but claimant count rises December 14, 2016 UK wage growth rose more strongly than expected between August and October, hitting 2.5 per cent – beating expectations of a fall to 2.3 per cent. The figure was a rise from 2.4 per cent in July to September. Regular pay, which doesn't include bonuses, rose 2.6 per cent, up from 2.4 per cent in July [...]
Southern Rail strikes: Everything you need to know December 14, 2016 A second round of strike action in as many weeks is has entered its second day bringing continued misery to commuters on Southern Rail this week. The industrial action will started on Tuesday, with more planned for Friday and travellers have been warned of disruption throughout the entire week. Here's everything you need to know about travelling [...]
The worst days and routes to travel over Christmas and how to avoid them December 14, 2016 Everyone knows journeys can take a bit longer over the festive period, but there are some times you really don’t want to hit the road. Transportation analytics firm INRIX has found that some trips on major routes will take around four times as long over Christmas compared to other times of the year and the busiest days [...]
Shares slide as Moody’s downgrades its outlook on Italian banks December 14, 2016 An index of Italian banking stocks recovered slightly following a slide in early trading, after one of the world's largest ratings agencies downgraded its outlook on the country's largest lenders. The FTSE Italia All-Share Banks index fell as much as 1.5 per cent in early trading, before just managing to turn positive later in the morning, after [...]
Southern rail strike chaos: Acas talks get underway in bid to bring an end to industrial action December 14, 2016 Commuters are hoping talks today will lead to the cancellation of another train drivers' strike on Southern rail services scheduled for Friday. A 48-hour walkout over driver only operated trains continues to cause havoc as it entered the second day of no services. Talks are being held this morning between the rail company and train drivers' union [...]
Boohoo’s share price surges as it picks up a two-thirds stake in PrettyLittleThing for £3.3m December 14, 2016 No tears over here: Boohoo's just acquired a majority stake in fellow online retailer PrettyLittleThing for £3.3m. Boohoo's chairman Peter Williams said PrettyLittleThing was a "natural fit" and would complement Boohoo's "inclusive and innovative" brand. We are delighted to add this fast growing, international business to the group. We believe this is an excellent opportunity to [...]