Transport secretary: Minimum service level laws not happening anytime soon December 7, 2022 The government’s legislation on guaranteeing minimum service levels during strike days will not be debated anytime soon, according to transport secretary Mark Harper. Introduced in Parliament following this summer’s rail strikes, the bill’s second reading hasn’t happened yet and can’t be expedited due to a perceived lack of cross-party consensus. The secretary also said the [...]
easyJet avoids French Christmas strike with eleventh-hour pay increase December 7, 2022 easyJet has prevented a strike in France over Christmas after offering a pay increase to cabin crew staff at the eleventh hour. The low-cost carrier has put on the table a 7.5 per cent salary increase in addition to a €3,000 bonus (£2,600), which was accepted by the French union SNPNC. “easyJet is pleased to [...]
Tube trips in shopping hotspots hit one million as people fall for Christmas frenzy December 7, 2022 Trips on the tube to key shopping centres have reached pre-pandemic levels, as the Elizabeth Line and Christmas rush boosts retail. More than one million entries and exits were recorded on 3 December at stations such as Oxford Circus, Knightsbridge and High Street Kensington, figures published today by Transport for London (TfL) showed. Tottenham Court [...]
CMA provisionally clears Mitie and PAE over Heathrow and detention centre contracts December 7, 2022 The markets regulator has closed an investigation into alleged anti-competitive behaviour over procurement contracts for Heathrow and an immigration centre. In an update published on Wednesday, the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) said it would close the probe into the conduct of Mitie and PAE launched in March. The two firms were responsible for on-going [...]
Stagecoach revenue grows by £100m in 12 months but fuel costs eat into profits December 7, 2022 Stagecoach’s revenue has jumped by nearly £100m in the past 12-months, but profits have taken a hit as fuel costs spike. The bus operator pocketed nearly £670m in the six months to the end of October, up from around £580m in the same period a year ago. However, operating and pre-tax profits have taken a [...]
Sunak convinces US to double its gas exports to UK to slow sky-high energy bills December 7, 2022 Under fresh plans to clamp down on the rising cost of living across the UK, the government has convinced the Biden administration to double US gas exports to Britain. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged that the new partnership to boost energy security, efficiency and affordability will cut prices for Britons and ensure the UK’s national [...]
Airbus fails to achieve 2022 deliveries as year-end target ‘out of reach’ December 6, 2022 Airbus has failed to achieve its delivery target of ‘around 700’ commercial aircraft by the end of the year. While the initial goal was considered “out of reach”, the plane manufacturer has maintained that the new figure will not be “materially short” of previous forecasts. “Airbus remains committed to delivering its financial guidance as provided [...]
Global travel inflation easing for first time this year December 6, 2022 For the first time this year travel inflation has eased worldwide, including in Europe. According to data from business travel platform TravelPerk, inflation in the fourth quarter of 2022 went down to -8 per cent from 15 and 3 per cent in the second and third quarter respectively. Overall the price of European flights has [...]
Toyota unveils first hydrogen-powered SUV as part of net-zero strategy December 6, 2022 Toyota has unveiled the first prototype for its hydrogen-powered SUV as part of the company’s net-zero strategy. A middle-sized Corolla SUV, the prototype can accommodate up to five passengers and it’s powered by a 1.6-litre engine as well as by hydrogen fuel tanks. Hydrogen combustion engines use already existing internal combustion engines while working on [...]
December strikes: Who’s walking out when and how will it affect you? December 6, 2022 December is set to be a month blighted by industrial strife, with everyone from nurses and posties to train drivers and security staff to walk out. With inflation reaching a 41-year high at an eye-watering 11.1 per cent, thousands of workers have voted to down tools and ask for a real-term increase in pay. As [...]