Wage growth hits five-year high but unemployment rises July 15, 2015 While UK wage growth soared to a five-year high in the three months to May, unemployment unexpectedly rose for the first time in more than two years. Average weekly earnings, including bonuses, rose 3.2 per cent during this period, slightly below economists' expectations for a 3.3 per cent rise according to figures released today by the Office [...]
British Gas to cut household prices by five per cent July 15, 2015 British Gas has promised to cut household gas bills by five per cent – the second such reduction in six months. The price cut will come into effect for British Gas' 6.9 million customers from 27 August. The utilities giant said this latest drop would save the average home £35. In total this year's [...]
Britain’s night-time economy is valuable and needs protecting July 15, 2015 Summer in the UK is renowned for its festival calendar with Glastonbury, Wireless, Reading, V Festival and Bestival attracting revelers – young and old – from across the UK, Europe and further afield. But beyond the headline live music festivals, pop-ups such as Notting Hill Carnival, Lovebox, the Somerset House Summer Series and Opera in [...]
International Monetary Fund slams Greece deal, encouraging lenders to write down debt July 15, 2015 The International Monetary Fund (IMF), one of Greece's three key lenders, has heavily criticised a deal it reached with its creditors at a summit over the weekend, saying the country's debts have become "highly unsustainable". On Monday the Fund had said it "stands ready to work with the Greek authorities and the European partners" on [...]
Britain will not foot the bill for Greek loan, says George Osborne: We’re “not in the euro” July 14, 2015 Chancellor George Osborne laid down the gauntlet to his Eurozone peers yesterday and said that the UK would refuse to put £1bn towards a short-term loan to Greece. If Brussels insists the UK foots part of the bill, it would threaten relations between British and EU leaders as Osborne gears up to renegotiate the country’s [...]
Gender pay rule gets lukewarm City reception: Focus should be on getting “more women into senior executive positions” July 14, 2015 The government's plan for companies to reveal pay differences between men and women received cautious backing from the business world yesterday, yet critics insist it will not improve equality in the workplace. Feelings from major City firms were mixed after David Cameron announced that large companies will be required to hand over data on [...]
Iran deal shakes up oil market as sector prepares for end of sanctions and new supply July 14, 2015 Iran has finally reached an agreement with Western negotiators over its nuclear programme, following years of discussions. The deal will see Iran limit its capacity to build a nuclear bomb, in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions on the country, including restrictions on its oil and gas industry. The price of oil dipped again [...]
London rents climb higher as affordability falls across the UK July 14, 2015 London rents increased in the three months ending June, new figures show, as housing affordability continues to decline. Average London rents were 4.5 per cent higher over the period compared with the same period last year, according to figures released today from Rightmove. UK rents excluding London climbed 4.2 per cent. Rightmove’s head of lettings [...]
Gender pay gap: Why Cameron’s announcement is good news for the economy July 14, 2015 Like David Cameron, I want to look back at the gender pay gap in the same way we look back at women not voting and working – as something archaic, delusional and fundamentally wrong. Cameron’s announcement that large firms will have to disclose the average salary for both male and female employees will highlight the [...]
Gatwick Airport criticises Airport Commission’s backing for Heathrow expansion as unfair and “flawed” July 14, 2015 Gatwick has hit back at the Airports Commission, calling its report recommending a Heathrow expansion “flawed” and unfair. The airport criticised the report for falling short of requirements of balance and fairness. After three years’ deliberation led by Sir Howard Davies, the Airports Commission released its long-awaited report two weeks ago, backing a third runway [...]