UK production industry falls into recession as manufacturing continues to disappoint May 11, 2016 The UK production industry flat-lined in March 2016, pushing the industry into recession as it continues to act as a drag on Britain's economic performance. Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) this morning showed that industrial production decreased by 0.4 per cent during the first three months of the year. Manufacturing – the largest component of [...]
Apple’s just patented a second screen for your iPad with smart cover display May 11, 2016 As if we aren't already assaulted by screen after screen on a daily basis – such is modern life – Apple wants to give you another one. The iPad helped create the concept of "second screening", but Apple thinks you need a second screen for your second screen, raising the prospect of third screening as an actual thing [...]
Highbury and Islington station evacuated after suspect package found on nearby bus May 11, 2016 Highbury & Islington station was shut during rush hour this morning after reports surfaced of a suspicious package on a nearby bus. An item of unattended luggage was found on the route 271 bus and police called to Holloway Road, north London at 8:39am, with specialist officers in attendance. Cordons were put in place as a [...]
MPs paid family members £5,600 more than other members of staff May 11, 2016 Members of Parliament paid connected parties more than £5,000 more than other members of staff in 2014-2015, according to the parliamentary watchdog. According to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa), MPs paid connected parties (mainly family members) an average additional full-time equivalent salary of £5,600 over other staff in 2014-2015. The average full-time equivalent salary was £31,350 [...]
WhatsApp’s new desktop app is about to ruin workplace productivity May 11, 2016 As if an Internet full of listicles, cat videos, Twitter storms (and perhaps the odd bit of news) weren't enough of a distraction while you're trying to get some work done, there's a new diversion from the daily grind coming to your desktop. Messaging app WhatsApp is escaping the confines of your smartphone and has now arrived on Windows PCs and Apple Macs [...]
US Presidential Election 2016: Bernie Sanders snatches West Virginia from Hillary Clinton as Donald Trump cruises towards official nomination May 11, 2016 Senator Bernie Sanders is refusing to go quietly, snatching the West Virginia primary from Hillary Clinton on Tuesday night and forcing her to fight on. Clinton still has a commanding lead in the national race, but with Sanders still taking the odd state here and there, the former secretary of state won't be able to [...]
Tui makes plans to bring brands under umbrella as it puts specialist group up for sale May 11, 2016 Tour operator Tui could re-brand some of its businesses under the Tui name. The company is considering changing the names of well-known holiday brands Thomson and First Choice. Yesterday the company announced it would hold onto Crystal Ski and Thomson Lakes & Mountains while offloading over 50 other brands within its Specialist Group business. The [...]
The best – and worst – countries to do business in May 11, 2016 While there may be warning lights flashing over the health of the UK economy, it is nothing compared to some of the turmoil being faced in countries further afield. Political uncertainty, an economic slowdown, oil price volatility and violent swings on the financial markets have dominated the start of 2016. Business and consumer confidence surveys are [...]
Former pensions minister Steve Webb warns of “pensions time bomb” May 11, 2016 The former pensions minister warned workers who make the minimum contribution into their retirement funds are sitting on a "ticking time bomb". He said that the minimum contribution isn't enough to give retirees a decent pension, and savers must cream off more of their pay check to afford comfortable retirement. Steve Webb, now policy director at [...]
Queen calls Chinese officials “rude” a day after David Cameron heard describing Afghanistan and Nigeria “fantastically corrupt” May 11, 2016 You wait months for a diplomatic incident and then two come along at once. Hot on the heels of embarrassing footage being released of David Cameron calling the leaders of Afghanistan and Nigeria "fantastically corrupt", the Queen has been caught on camera calling Chinese officials "very rude". The monarch, who was celebrating her 90th birthday at a [...]