Reflections on my year as lord mayor – and why London will remain the world’s greatest city October 31, 2016 As I enter my final fortnight as lord mayor, I have spent some time reflecting on my year in office. I have been privileged to witness and support many areas of commercial progress during my international visits, domestic travels, and here in the City of London. I am also greatly looking forward to a number [...]
It’s cheaper to buy than rent in nearly two thirds of British cities (not London though) October 30, 2016 It's now more cost-effective to buy a home than rent in nearly two-thirds of British cities, according to new research from Zoopla. Spoiler alert: London's in the other third. The property website analysed the cost of renting a two-bedroom home compared to servicing a mortgage in Britain's 50 biggest cities. The proportion of cities offering better [...]
First legal challenges to Heathrow expansion take off as residents’ group claims bias October 29, 2016 We all knew they were coming; it was a matter of when rather than if. And not a week since the government announced that Heathrow expansion was getting the green light, the first legal challenge has been set in motion against the third runway. Residents' organisation Teddington Action Group (TAG) is alleging "apparent bias" against Sir [...]
Giving Uber drivers “worker” status is bad news for passengers, the gig economy and the drivers themselves October 28, 2016 Friday's decision to grant two Uber drivers worker status is bad news not just for Uber, but for its drivers, its customers, and the future of the “gig economy” as a whole. It is primarily bad for Uber drivers. We know for a fact that, by vast margins (five to one), they don’t want to [...]
Uber drivers are NOT self-employed but entitled to workers’ rights, says employment tribunal October 28, 2016 Uber drivers are entitled to basic workers' rights, an employment tribunal announced today, in a landmark legal case. The hearing at a London employment tribunal is the first case of its kind in the UK. The action was brought by the GMB union which represents drivers, and law firm Leigh Day. Nigel Mackay, employment lawyer [...]
Zac Goldsmith’s on track to win the Richmond by-election, says first poll of the campaign October 28, 2016 The Richmond by-election looks like it's swinging in Zac Goldsmith's favour at the moment. According to a new BMG poll for the Evening Standard, support for the former Richmond Park MP is holding strong after Goldsmith resigned over the government's decision to give Heathrow expansion the go-ahead. He currently has 56 per cent of the vote, [...]
London security: Six things Sadiq Khan is considering to tackle terrorism in the capital October 28, 2016 London mayor Sadiq Khan is considering a range of new ways in which to tackle potential terror attacks in the capital, after the publication of a new report on the city's preparedness to deal with threats. The report comes a week after a potential attack was thwarted when a suspicious package was found on a Tube train [...]
All of London’s black cabs will take contactless payments from Halloween October 28, 2016 Are we about to witness the death of cash? That may be slightly premature, but London's black cabs have announced a big step forward and it means passengers won't be hindered by only having cards on them. Passengers will be able to pay for any journey using solely credit and debit cards, including contactless payments [...]
Unicorn-drawn cabs are taking commuters to work from Canary Wharf DLR today October 28, 2016 It's a pretty miserable day today, but Canary Wharf commuters are about to get a blast of magic, thanks to a carriage which will take them to work – and is drawn by a pair of bonafide (kind of) unicorns. The "Unicab" is available to workers around Canary Wharf DLR station this morning, and will fit you and three [...]
The Square Mile will lose business and jobs because of Brexit, according to City of London chief Mark Boleat October 27, 2016 City of London policy chief Mark Boleat has warned it is “inevitable” that the Square Mile will lose business as a result of Brexit. Speaking at the City of London dinner tonight (27 October), Boleat warned that New York will likely be the biggest beneficiary of any jobs losses resulting from the UK's departure from [...]