Three quarters of adult smokers bought tax-free tobacco at least once last year as higher taxes bite August 28, 2018 Three quarters of adult smokers bought tobacco that has not been taxed in the UK at least once in the last year, a survey by the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association (TMA) found. Around 76 per cent of smokers buy untaxed tobacco at least once a year – this can be from legal sources such as duty free but also [...]
RMT union to claim higher pay for Network Rail workers following row with Chris Grayling August 28, 2018 The RMT union has said it will lodge a claim to increase the pay of its members working at Network Rail, raising the possibility of a tense standoff that could result in further disruption for British passengers. Relations between the union and the Department for Transport (DfT), which controls Network Rail, are at an all-time low [...]
Heathrow launches new direct flight to Chinese megacity Chongqing August 28, 2018 Heathrow has launched its first direct flight to Chongqing, in what marks the hub airport's 10th direct flight to China. Tianjin Airlines will operate the route to the Chinese 'megacity' three times a week, carrying up to 81,000 passengers a year, as well as nearly 4,000 tonnes worth of exports. Heathrow has been growing its list of [...]
London Euston reopens after bank holiday disruption – but will close again this weekend August 28, 2018 London Euston station will close again this weekend after its closure over the bank holiday weekend caused disruption for passengers up and down the country. The station will remain closed until this Sunday. It has been closed on certain weekends in August while rail workers carry out repairs on the North Wembley junction, one of the [...]
Business losses from employee corporate fraud double on last year to nearly £90m August 28, 2018 Businesses lost nearly £90m from fraud carried out by their own employees this financial year, double the figure for the year before, new data reveals. The Home Office defines corporate employee fraud as when an employee is able to obtain property or greater remuneration through the act of fraud, as well as the misuse of corporate cards and expenses. [...]
City law firm criticises HMRC’s use of informants to claw back receipts from tax evaders August 28, 2018 A city law firm has criticised HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for paying informants to provide details on possible tax evasion, saying there were "ethical risks" tied to the practice. RPC said the practice of paying informants opened up the risk of increased data theft as disgruntled employees with an axe to grind could be persuaded into [...]
Deliveroo launches online training scheme and scholarship for drivers August 28, 2018 Deliveroo drivers are to be given access to hundreds of online courses free of charge and the chance to obtain a new university degree as the company unveils its new diversity scheme. Deliveroo has partnered with vocational training provider Open Classrooms to provide its workers with the courses, which it says suits the flexible hours its [...]
TfL welcomes Uber’s embrace of bikes over cars for future strategy August 27, 2018 Transport for London (TfL) has welcomed Uber's announcement that it will shift its focus from cars to electric bikes and scooters, saying it wants to encourage growth in a vital market for the capital. Electric bikes and scooters have become a boom market in London, with the city seeing a number of companies including Ofo and [...]
Tesla shares drop after Elon Musk changes tack over plans to go private August 27, 2018 Tesla shares have dropped nearly three per cent as investors get to grips with Musk's U-turn over plans to take the company private. Tesla's shares were valued at $314.77 (£244) each, while in Germany they saw a more dramatic five per cent drop. Earlier this month Tesla's chief executive Elon Musk spooked investors when he [...]
Activists at odds over RBS claims: The strange tale of two groups taking on the big bank August 24, 2018 Investors in RBS have become alarmed by payments made between two separate action groups claiming to represent shareholders and customers wronged by the bailed-out banking giant. The RBoS Shareholders Action Group company (AGC) was set up during the financial crisis to bring together RBS shareholders who claimed the bank hid the true state of its [...]