New research sheds light on why we believe in superstitions despite knowing they are irrational November 10, 2015 See a penny on the floor during a particularly busy rush hour at Bank station and still feel compelled to pick it up? A new research by University of Chicago Booth School of Business has discovered the reason why normally rational people sometimes do illogical things in the name of superstition. In her paper, Professor [...]
Volkswagen downgraded to BBB+ by Fitch Ratings over emissions test scandal November 9, 2015 Troubled car manufacturer Volkswagen’s credit rating has been downgraded by Fitch Ratings to BBB+, from A. Fitch has also given the car maker a negative outlook. The ratings agency highlighted the recent emissions test scandal, which is now thought to have affected up to 11m of diesel vehicles, as the main driver behind the downgrade. In particular, VW’s corporate [...]
Finance sector hiring: Demand for compliance workers in the City jumps in October November 9, 2015 It may not have a reputation as the most exciting sector but compliance specialists are increasingly in demand. In figures shown exclusively to City A.M., recruitment consultancy Robert Walters revealed compliance vacancies in the City of London in October rose 13 per cent compared to September. This figure also represents a 17 per cent increase compared [...]
Business secretary Sajid Javid reveals latest plans to boost UK’s science and innovation capabilities November 9, 2015 We’ll soon have a clearer idea of what scientific know-how we have, as business secretary Sajid Javid today unveiled plans for a new national panel of innovation expertise alongside a regional review of the UK’s science capabilities. Speaking at Innovate UK’s annual conference, the business secretary explained that the national panel would help to direct funding [...]
Nameless CVs: Barristers chambers 4-5 Gray’s Inn announces it will adopt name-blind recruitment later this week November 9, 2015 Barrister's chambers 4-5 Gray’s Inn today became the latest to announce it will engage in so-called "blind recruitment" methods. Later this week, the chambers will launch an online application form on its website, where the only personal identifier used will be the candidate’s mobile telephone number. All other personal information, such as name, gender and marital [...]
Shipping and oil giant Maersk’s chief executive speaks out about rocky economic outlook November 9, 2015 There are choppy waters ahead for the economy, said Nils Smedegaard Andersen, chief executive at A.P. Moeller-Maersk, who voiced his concerns about the financial outlook this morning. Bloomberg reported that Andersen said Maersk is less than optimistic about global growth. “We conduct a string of our own macro-economic forecasts and we see less growth – particularly in developing nations, [...]
More than half of business leaders reach for their smartphone first thing in the morning – while 91 per cent read news on mobile devices November 9, 2015 If the first thing you grab in the morning is your mobile, you’re not alone. New research by CNBC International has found six out of 10 business leaders reach for their smartphone as soon as they wake up. You’re also not unusual if you’re scrolling through this story on something other than a computer, as the [...]
It’s Equal Pay Day – but women still expect to earn 20 per cent less than men November 9, 2015 Happy Equal Pay Day – or not, as, thanks to the pay gap between male and female workers, women are now effectively working for free from today until the end of the year. A new survey by jobs website reed.co.uk has discover that women now expect to earn 20 per cent less than men, and [...]
UK companies raised over £20bn in a year through share and debt issues, reveals accountancy firm Moore Stephens November 9, 2015 UK companies fetched a net total of £20.3bn though share and debt issues in the year ended 30 September 2015, according to figures released today by accountancy firm Moore Stephens. The £20.3bn figure, which refers to the total amount levied through new share and debt issues less the amount repaid on share buybacks and debt, [...]
