Wetherspoon shares fall as it warns that staff wage increase will hurt profits November 7, 2018 J D Wetherspoon shares fell 13 per cent to 1,138p today after it announced a rise in sales, but warned its decision to hand staff a wage increase without increasing prices will impact full-year profits. The pub chain, which has almost 1,000 branches in the UK, said like-for-like sales increased 5.5 per cent and total sales by [...]
Adecco revenue growth halves as slowing economies impact hiring November 6, 2018 Adecco today said its revenue growth slowed to two per cent in the third quarter as economic uncertainty took its toll on hiring. The Swiss recruitment firm’s growth was down from four per cent in the three months to the end of June and slowed further to one per cent in September and October combined. [...]
Michelin’s Dundee factory to close, putting 845 jobs at risk November 6, 2018 Michelin has confirmed plans to close its Dundee tyre factory by mid-2020, saying the site is no longer financially viable. The factory, which opened in 1971 and exclusively manufactures 16-inch and smaller tyres for cars, currently employs 845 people. Michelin blamed the closure on a decline in demand for premium tyres of 16 inches and [...]
Ofgem’s energy price cap to come into effect from new year, but critics say switching is still more effective November 6, 2018 Ofgem's energy price cap is set to come into force from 1 January, the regulator said today. But consumer groups have warned it is a “temporary fix” that could put customers off switching between providers to find the cheapest deals. Ofgem said the cap, announced in September, will reduce £1bn in overcharging on gas and electricity [...]
Greene King boss to step down after 14 years in charge of brewer November 6, 2018 The chief executive of Greene King, Rooney Anand, is set to leave his role at the end of the financial year after 14 years in the job, the company announced today. Anand, who has led the pub chain and brewer since 2005, will step down in April 2019. Greene King said it has already begun the [...]
Icelandair stocks skyrocket as it announces Wow Air purchase November 5, 2018 Icelandair closed up more than 39 per cent today after the airline announced plans to buy fellow Icelandic carrier Wow Air. The deal, which is subject to approval by Icelandair’s shareholders and the country’s competition authorities, will see Wow Air shareholders receive 5.4 per cent of Icelandair’s shares. Icelandair said the companies will continue to operate as [...]
You can live opposite Queen Elizabeth II for £47,000 per week November 5, 2018 A palatial mansion opposite Buckingham Palace is available to rent for £2.4m for a year, provided the resident purchases the property if they like it. The "try before you buy" £47,000 per week rental arrangement gives potential buyers a test run before committing to the £76.5m price tag. In addition to the Grade II-listed mansion, residents [...]
Business confidence hits lowest level since the financial crisis November 5, 2018 Confidence among UK businesses has fallen to its lowest level since 2008 amid a lack of progress in Brexit negotiations, according to new figures published today. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales' (ICAEW's) Business Confidence Monitor index showed a sharp fall in confidence since last quarter from -0.2 to -12.3, lower than after both the [...]
UK car sales slump again in October despite growth in hybrid car sales November 5, 2018 New car sales fell by 2.9 per cent in October as the industry continues to grapple with strict new emissions standards and confusion over diesel policy. Figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show new vehicle registrations fell to 153,599 in October. Overall, the new car sector remains down by [...]
Employers prepare to hand 180,000 workers a pay rise as real living wage increases November 5, 2018 Over a third of FTSE 100 companies are set to hand workers a pay rise this week as the real living wage rises to £9 an hour, an increase of 25p on the hourly rate. At least 180,000 staff and sub-contractors will receive the salary boost, which in London will rise by 35p to £10.55 an hour. The [...]