Huawei loses legal case against HSBC over Meng Wanzhou extradition February 19, 2021 Huawei has lost a legal bid to force HSBC to disclose documents, marking a setback in the tech giant’s efforts to prevent the extradition of its chief financial officer to the US. Meng Wanzhou faces charges of bank fraud over claims she misled HSBC over Huawei’s dealings in Iran, causing the bank to violate US [...]
UK PMIs: UK firms fare less badly than expected February 19, 2021 UK firms had a more positive February than anticipated so far, with firms eyeing growth prospects later in the year as the vaccine roll-out continues. The IHS Markit/CIPS purchasing managers index (PMI) jumped to 49.8 in February from 41.2 in January, a far swifter improvement than what was originally feared. The index indicated some stabilisation [...]
Supreme Court rules Uber drivers entitled to workers rights February 19, 2021 The Supreme Court has this morning rejected Uber’s appeal against a ruling that a group of its drivers should be recognised as “workers”. Judges unanimously dismissed the appeal. After nearly five years in the courts, the decision could have profound implications for the so-called gig economy workers. Uber drivers are currently treated as self-employed, meaning [...]
“Some challengers don’t want to make a profit” says Cashplus boss February 19, 2021 With plans to raise external investment and a new chairman in tow, challenger bank Cashplus is going full steam ahead just weeks after securing its full banking licence. Earlier this month the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) granted Cashplus a full banking license. Like its digital peers, Cashplus offers current accounts for UK SMEs, currently serving [...]
British Gas strikes back on today as ongoing talks falter February 19, 2021 Around 7,000 British Gas engineers will be on strike for four days until 23 February, protesting the company’s “fire and hire” plan as ongoing talks between the GMB union and Centrica’s British gas falter. This is the second out of three lots of planned four day strikes, beginning on 12 February, 19 February and 26 [...]
I Care A Lot review – Rosamund Pike’s cold-blooded masterclass February 19, 2021 In these tough times, many of us have turned to movies that lift us up, and remind us that there is some good in the world. Despite its title, I Care A Lot is not one of those films. Rosamund Pike plays Marla Grayson, who makes a living from becoming the legal guardian of elderly [...]
EP:40 Ascot, Haydock & Hong Kong February 19, 2021 No worries about the weather this weekend for racing fans with action due to take place at Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton on Saturday, plus Newbury hold their rearranged fixture on Sunday. Trainer David Pipe has a good selection of horses running this weekend and we talk to him about their chances. City AM racing editor [...]
Chris Tremlett: India have stolen the momentum but I’m confident that England can win series February 19, 2021 England may have suffered a disappointing 317-run defeat in the second Test in India but they won’t be panicking. Not many people gave the tourists a chance of winning any matches in this four-Test series. Their victory in the first game is as impressive as any England Test result in history and offered so many [...]
Northern Ireland extends lockdown to 1 April February 19, 2021 The Stormont Executive has agreed to extend Northern Ireland’s lockdown to 1 April. Some restrictions will be lifted however, with a phased reopening of schools. Children in primary school will be allowed to go back to school on 8 March. They will then return to remote learning on 22 March to allow the return of [...]
Giving students free breakfast isn’t just right – it’s the smart to do February 19, 2021 The Four Horsemen of the Education Apocalypse are galloping towards our children. Lost learning, a mental health crisis, safeguarding hazards and, now, a potential loss in lifetime earnings of £40,000, according to some studies. The National Foundation for Education Research estimates that Year 2 pupils are already two months behind where they should be in [...]