The tampon tax isn’t the problem — our warped VAT system is December 5, 2019 Last week, Boris Johnson promised to scrap the so-called “tampon tax” — the VAT levied on feminine hygiene products. The current VAT regime, which dates back to the 1970s, cannot be changed while Britain remains in the EU. Feminists and progressives have long argued that such a tax is unfair and sexist, so scrapping it [...]
Growth in business lending set to hit five-year low December 5, 2019 Bank lending to firms is expected to creep up at its weakest rate since 2015 next year, with experts blaming dampened appetite for business investment. Growth in business lending will likely climb by 2.1 per cent in 2020, according to research out this morning by the EY ITEM Club. Read more: Moody’s downgrades outlook for [...]
Construction disputes rise as Carillion fallout continues to hurt industry December 5, 2019 The number of construction disputes in the High Court has increased in the last year, as contractors struggle with tougher trading conditions, according to research. The UK’s specialist Technology & Construction Court (TCC) heard 397 construction related disputes in the year ending 30 June, the third consecutive annual rise. Read more: Reforming public procurement can [...]
Competition watchdog urged to review parcel delivery sector December 5, 2019 The UK competition watchdog has been urged to review the delivery sector after research found consumers have lost £85m due to parcel problems over the last year. According to new research, more than half – 59 per cent – of online shoppers faced issues with parcel deliveries including packages being left in insecure locations, delivery [...]
Elon Musk defamation trial: Tesla founder says ‘pedo guy’ tweet was ‘off the cuff’ December 4, 2019 Elon Musk insisted that his “pedo guy” Twitter comment directed a British diver involved with the rescue of 12 boys from a cave in Thailand was “off the cuff” as he wrapped up two days of testimony at his defamation trial today. The billionaire businessman apologised again to Vernon Unsworth, the diver who is seeking [...]
General Election 2019: Conservatives set out vision for first 100 days of new government December 4, 2019 The Conservatives have pledged to deliver Brexit within the first 100 days of a majority government. Boris Johnson, who this summer committed to leaving the EU by 31 October “come what may”, said if voters return a Tory majority in the election next week he will push the Withdrawal Agreement through parliament to meet the [...]
Iain Duncan Smith: ‘We don’t have champagne socialists here’ December 4, 2019 On the campaign with… Iain Duncan Smith Labour has made no secret of its plan to unseat former Conservative leader and minister Iain Duncan Smith in favour of Corbynite candidate Faiza Shaheen. Hundreds of the hard-left Momentum group’s activists have been diverted into Chingford and Wood Green in the past few weeks in the hope [...]
Slack beats expectations in third quarter results December 4, 2019 Workplace messaging app Slack beat analyst expectations in its third quarter results, following concerns that the tech firm would fall victim to increased competition. The company reported a loss of 2 cents per share compared to a consensus of an 8 cent per share loss. Read more: Investors balk at Slack’s earnings debut on Wall [...]
Expedia bosses quit after clashes over strategy December 4, 2019 Expedia chief executive Mark Okerstrom and finance boss Alan Pickerill have quit following disagreements with the board over the travel group’s strategy. Chairman Barry Diller said he will oversee the company’s executive leadership team with vice chairman Peter Kern. Chief strategy officer Eric Hart will serve as acting chief finance officer. The pair’s exit, which [...]
Eddie Stobart lines up administrators ahead of vital vote December 4, 2019 Troubled trucking company Eddie Stobart has reportedly lined up Deloitte to act as its administrator ahead of a shareholder meeting that will decide on its future on Friday. Shareholders are set to vote on whether to approve a £55m financing package from former owner Dbay Advisors. The Telegraph reported that if shareholders reject the deal, [...]