UK automotive output down by 100,000 cars as supply chain issues continue to bite April 28, 2022 The UK automotive production was down by 100,000 cars in the first quarter of 2022 as a combination of pandemic-induced supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine continued to bite. According to data by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), output declined by 32.4 per cent on 2021 levels, going from 306,558 [...]
Railway cleaners begin 11-day strike over salaries April 27, 2022 Railway cleaners began today an 11-day strike to increase their salary to £15 per hour. The union RMT said its members working for contractor Churchill aboard the GTR, Southeastern and HS1 networks will go on strike until 7 May. As part of the campaign, RMT is calling for cleaning staff to be treated like other [...]
MOT could be relaxed under new government plans April 27, 2022 The annual MOT checks could be relaxed under government plans to help Brits navigate the cost of living crisis. Transport secretary Grant Shapps today told the Commons’ Transport Select Committee he didn’t exclude out relaxing the rules, but any changes would need to meet a “very rigorous safety standard.” “If you look at things like [...]
Addison Lee returns to profitability for first time since 2020 takeover April 27, 2022 Addison Lee announced today it has returned to profitability for the first time since its March 2020 takeover. In the financial year ending 31 August, the London-based private taxi provider achieved an adjusted EBITDA of £7.9m on a £164m turnover. Following the end of travel restrictions in the UK, the firm reported a 47 per [...]
Boom in demand boosts Mercedes allowing to offset costs April 27, 2022 A boom in demand has boosted Mercedes-Benz’s financial performance allowing it to offset rising material and transport costs, the car giant announced today. “In terms of the desire of wealthy people to spend the money for exceptional products, I would say there is no barrier, there is no limit,” said chief financial officer Harald Wilhelm. In [...]
Government requires UK ports to check seafarers’ salary after P&O scandal April 27, 2022 UK ports will be required to check whether seafarers are paid minimum wage, the government announced today. Transport secretary Grant Shapps told the Commons’ Transport Select Committee the new legislation will not required ports to “physically enforce” new minimum wage requirements when they are introduced. “What we will require them to do is ask for [...]
McLaren choses former Ferrari executive Michael Leiters to head automotive business April 27, 2022 McLaren Automotive has appointed former Ferrari chief technology officer Michael Leiters as chief executive, the UK car maker announced today. “I could not be more excited to be joining McLaren Automotive as CEO at this important moment in its journey,” said Leiters today. “I look forward to growing that reputation for our loyal customers, employees, fans [...]
Sigh of relief in the City as govt calls idea of windfall tax on oil and gas profits ‘disastrous’ April 27, 2022 The Justice Secretary this morning dismissed Labour’s plan for a windfall tax on oil and gas companies to ease the cost-of-living crisis, calling the idea “disastrous”. Dominic Raab told Sky News: “If you look at Labour’s policy, you asked about it – of a windfall tax – that would damage investment in energy supplies we [...]
P&O restarts Channel sailings as calls for boss resignation pile up April 27, 2022 P&O restarted today its Channel routes amid safety concerns and government calls for boss Peter Hebblethwaite to resign. The Spirit of Britain vessel departed late last night carrying freight customers, as passenger services are expected to resume early next week. Initially detained by the coastguard on 13 April, the Spirit of Britain was cleared for [...]
£220m of oil money flows from UK to Russia since Putin sent troops and tanks into Ukraine April 27, 2022 Since the Kremlin sent troops and tanks across the border into Ukraine in February, the UK has imported around £220m worth of Russian oil, it has emerged. Figures released on Wednesday show 1.9 million barrels of oil, or 257,000 tonnes, have been imported since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the latest stage of his eight-year [...]