2016 technology just saved a woman’s tortoise from certain death August 9, 2016 Today's most heartwarming London news story is a good reminder that while we might take for granted the technology available at our fingertips in this day and age, one woman and her tortoise definitely don't. Westminster refuse staff leapt into action after a London resident, Sarah Joiner, called to say her 90-year-old tortoise Zuma had [...]
Southern discomfort: Train operator only delivered 70 per cent of services on time August 9, 2016 The train operator at the centre of what is set to be the longest strike on the railways since the 1960s has seen the punctuality of its services plunge to just 70 per cent, new figures show. During July, Southern's operator Govia Thameslink only delivered 70 per cent of services on time across its franchises according [...]
Firefighters tackle blaze at Studio 338 nightclub in Greenwich August 8, 2016 Around 100 firefighters are tackling a huge blaze in south east London this afternoon, and the fire service has warned that the area should be avoided if possible. The London Fire Brigade said the fire is on Tunnel Avenue in Greenwich, near the O2 arena, and added that one man has been rescued. "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus [...]
How can employers deal with workplace disruption during the Southern Rail strike? August 8, 2016 The five-day strike by Southern Rail workers which started today could lead to significant workplace disruption for some employers. Thousands of employees working in the City and elsewhere may be unable to get to work and forecasts of a heat wave due to start later this week could lead to a spike in unauthorised absenteeism. [...]
Southern Rail strike travel disruption: Everything you need to know August 8, 2016 Commuters across the south east who usually travel into the capital are preparing for a week of misery as Southern Rail staff begin a five day strike starting today. The week-long industrial action has come after weeks of disruption as a result of a revised timetable which cut more than 340 trains and with the further threat of strike action [...]
Broadband is the lifeblood of business: It must be prioritised like any key utility August 8, 2016 It's a story that some firms in London find all too familiar. They decide on their office location, speak to property agents, negotiate the lease and move in. Everything is ready for them including desks, power and water. There is, however, one major issue: their broadband connection isn’t in place. It’s not even the case that [...]
It took Britain 12 years to join the EU – don’t expect the break-up to go much faster August 8, 2016 Theresa May was only a little girl when Neil Sedaka’s plangent song “Breaking up is hard to do / Now I know / I know that it’s true” was a Number One hit. Britain has announced it wants to break up with Europe, but it is turning out to be a harder to do than [...]
MPs to leave Parliament for six years while it gets a face-lift August 6, 2016 MPs are set to clear out of Parliament while it gets refurbished over a six-year period. According the The Times, politicians will be leaving their historic headquarters and moving into the Department of Health at Richmond House, where MPs will not be able to buy booze. The building is owned by financiers from the Middle East [...]
Black Lives Matter protesters block traffic heading towards Heathrow Airport August 5, 2016 Protesters from the Black Lives Matter movement have blocked road access to Heathrow Airport this morning. Acitivists reportedly chained themselves to the roundabout leading into Heathrow, blocking the M4 and stopping vehicles from driving into the airport grounds. Twitter user Hannah said the M4 has been "shut down" due to the protest. https://twitter.com/hannahnuura/status/761478219384102912 Sky News [...]
Bank rate cut: Property investment crowned winner while savers lose out August 5, 2016 The Bank of England launched a massive stimulus package yesterday in a bid to save Britain from recession. The Bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted unanimously to slash interest rates to an all-time low of 0.25 per cent. Take a look at the winners and losers of the rate cut: WINNER: Property investment The cut to interest rates is [...]