Labour secure 32-point lead against Johnson’s Conservatives in London 'partygate' The Labour party has secured a 32-point lead ahead of the Conservative party in London, as the ‘partygate’ scandal takes hold in the capital. If the voting intention, revealed by YouGov, is upheld at a general election – it could see Boris Johnson’s party lose eight seats in the city, leaving them with just 13 [...]
Hong Kong’s ‘draconian’ travel restrictions push out corporate expats, says report 'zero covid-19' stance Hong Kong may see even more residents pack their bags, with 44 per cent of Hong Kong expats saying they may leave over the city’s travel restrictions, a new report has revealed. Some 26 per cent of businesses in the global financial hub are also thinking of relocating, the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong [...]
Chip industry revenue tops $500bn for the first time amid roaring demand semiconductor shortage Revenue in the global chip industry soared 25 per cent last year, exceeding an eyewatering $500bn for the first time on record, according to new data. A combination of strong demand amid a short supply and the inflation of raw material costs has pushed up the average selling price for semiconductors, Stamford-based research services company [...]
Covid-19: UK in ‘very strong position’ while cases climb across Europe January 19, 2022 The Omicron wave appears to be subsiding in the UK, though other parts of the world continue to record increasing cases. It comes as the government mulls the reeling back of restrictions, which would see the end of so-called Plan B measures. However, former SAGE adviser and director of healthcare charity Wellcome Trust, Sir Jeremy [...]
UK’s second lockdown was based on ‘wildly incorrect’ Covid-19 modelling, MPs told January 19, 2022 The prime minister imposed the UK’s second lockdown based on “wildly incorrect” Covid-19 modelling which was leaked to the press, MPs have heard. The model, from Cambridge University and Public Health England (PHE) warned of 4,000 deaths a day by the end of December. Deputy chairman of the Covid-19 recovery group, Steve Baker advised Boris [...]
City Moves: Who’s switching jobs in the Square Mile this week? January 19, 2022 City A.M.’s Millie Turner provides a roundup of the most important hires and job moves across the City, every morning. Email citymoves@cityam.com to be featured. Standard Chartered Standard Chartered has appointed a new group general counsel who will be based in London. Dr Sandie Okoro, who has been senior vice president and World Bank group general counsel for the past five years, [...]
Sound Energy eyes Angus Energy for possible takeover January 18, 2022 Angus Energy confirmed that it has received a possible offer for takeover today by Sound Energy today, following six advances. CEO George Lucan said in a statement: “We will proceed with our formal sales process, without preference to any party and with confidentiality afforded to those parties who wish to enjoy it, as previously advised [...]
Gattaca shares plunge by a third as recruiter demand falters January 18, 2022 Engineering and technology recruitment firm Gattaca had its share price plunge more than a third today, after warning investors of its “significantly” lower profits. The company said it will “breakeven” in terms of its underlying profit before tax for the year to July 31. Gattaca put the lower-than-expected profits down to faltering demand from its [...]
Just Group pulls in £2.7bn after retirement income boost January 18, 2022 Just Group has enjoyed a boost in its retirement income over the past 12 months, which pulled £2.7bn into the retirement group. Sales jumped 25 per cent in the year to December 31, the company said in its trading update today, as Just Group boss David Richardson hails its “comfortable” capital position. Shares closed 8.2 [...]
Patel’s Policing Bill rejected by peers, in ‘disappointing’ move for No 10 January 18, 2022 Priti Patel’s controversial Policing Bill has been rejected by peers, in what No 10 has called a “disappointing” move. The prime minister’s spokesperson said that Downing Street will reflect on the decision. “It is disappointing the Lords did not back the public order measures that will ensure the everyday lives of the overwhelming majority are [...]
