DEBATE: Are workplace non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) being attacked unfairly? May 20, 2019 Are workplace non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) being attacked unfairly? Trevor Bettany, partner at Charles Russell Speechlys, says YES. Workplace NDAs have long been used to enable employers and employees to protect their reputations and move on following the breakdown of a working relationship, by providing assurances that neither party can discuss details of the often-disputed complaints. [...]
The secret to the productivity puzzle? Work fewer hours May 20, 2019 The UK faces a tough productivity problem. According to the Office for National Statistics, British productivity has improved by just 0.5 per cent per year since 2008, and lags 15 per cent behind other G7 countries. Productivity is measured as value added per hour worked. Obviously it rises if we produce more value – which [...]
Opinion: Don’t be so quick to abolish no-fault evictions – it is easy to be beguiled by the myth of the underdog May 17, 2019 Everyone loves an underdog. The David and Goliath narrative was prominent in the reporting of the Government’s proposal to abolish Section 21 Notices, which residential landlords can use to end assured shorthold tenancies (“ASTs”) without the tenant being at fault. I would like to sound a dissenting note. Since 1997, the law has gradually moved [...]
Tried-and-failed plan to nationalise energy in the UK is a step backwards May 17, 2019 Last week, I ventured to Athens for this year’s Atlas European Liberty Forum conference, which brings together free market groups, not just from Europe, but from all over the world. It’s always a remarkable experience, which puts into perspective the battles for freedom we face here in the UK. You meet people – particularly young [...]
Debate: As National Vegetarian Week ends, will this group outnumber meat eaters in the next decade? May 17, 2019 As National Vegetarian Week ends, will this group outnumber meat eaters in the next decade? YES – Sophie Lewis is chief strategy officer at marketing agency VMLY&R. If you’d asked me two years ago, my answer would have been in the negative, but we’ve reached a cultural tipping point when it comes to both vegetarians [...]
Britain is ready for change, but politics hasn’t quite caught up May 17, 2019 Walk past the Palace of Westminster, and the crowds of protesters blocking the pavement send a clear message: the British are finally becoming politicised. At the same time, the esteem of the UK public for our major political parties is at an all-time low. This is not a peculiarly British phenomenon. In Europe, previously dominant [...]
Ollie Phillips: Premiership play-off place in Harlequins’ grasp ahead of trip to under-performing Wasps May 16, 2019 The final weekend of the Premiership season is upon us and there’s plenty to play for, with the last play-off spot still up for grabs. As it stands Northampton Saints are in pole position, occupying fourth, one point ahead of fifth-placed Harlequins. But despite their points advantage I’d rather be in Quins’ position – and [...]
Horse racing betting tips: Glitters can Beat The Bank and Le Brivido in Lockinge May 16, 2019 WHEN it comes to selecting the most likely winner of tomorrow’s Group One Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (3.40pm) at Newbury, the obvious pick is Aidan O’Brien’s LE BRIVIDO. Formerly trained by Andre Fabre, this lightly raced son of Siyouni went into every notebook around when flashing home to finish third over seven furlongs on his [...]
Horse racing betting tips: Red-hot Roger can keep the winners flowing at HQ May 16, 2019 STABLE form has a big part to play when picking horses at this time of year. Some yards are yet to get going, with horses needing a run or two before showing their best, while others have fired out of the blocks. One such trainer is Roger Varian. The Newmarket handler is in red-hot form [...]
Horse racing betting tips: Stone looks the Solid option in London Gold Cup May 16, 2019 STRADIVARIUS was one of the leading lights of last year’s Flat season thanks to his success in the inaugural Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers’ Million. John Gosden’s star stayer won the Yorkshire Cup, Ascot Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup and Lonsdale Cup to scoop the six-figure bonus, and he kicks off his quest for another million this afternoon [...]