Train driver shortage concern fuels calls for ‘massive recruitment campaign’ September 23, 2024 Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said a fifth of his union members are set to retire within the next five years.
REA raises Rightmove bid to £6.1bn as it slams ‘lack of engagement’ September 23, 2024 Australian property group REA has upped its takeover bid for Rightmove to £6.1bn, saying it is “genuinely disappointed” with the lack of engagement from the company so far. Earlier this month, Rightmove snubbed a £5.6bn offer from Rupert Murdoch-owned REA, saying it was “wholly opportunistic” and undervalued the British property portal. On Friday, the Rupert [...]
Labour’s public investment quandary September 23, 2024 Many economists think low levels of investment have contributed to the UK's sluggish productivity growth, particularly since the financial crisis.
AI companies are racing to rescue the NHS September 23, 2024 An official review by Lord Darzi revealed recently that the NHS is in “critical condition” following years of underfunding. The review found that the NHS is battling soaring demand, poor productivity, financial pressures and low staff morale. “It’s not just the state of our National Health Service in crisis – it’s also the state of [...]
Meet the fund managers: Biotech investing under the microscope September 23, 2024 In this weekly series, investment reporter Elliot Gulliver-Needham sits down with a fund manager for a Q&A. This week, we’re hearing from Ailsa Craig, co-portfolio manager of International Biotechnology Trust. How does your fund stand out from others in the same market? While many companies in the biotechnology sector are proven, cash-generating businesses, those at [...]
Interest rates heading lower after historic week for central banks September 23, 2024 For many central bankers, concerns about sluggish growth and the health of the labour market are now as prominent - if not more so - than fears about inflation, paving the way for an extended period of rate cuts.
Tall tails: The story of a city couple, a Siberian cat and a litter box September 23, 2024 When entrepreneur Aneisha Soobroyen adopted her Siberian cat Boo, the last thing she expected was never-ending stomach issues stinking up the litter box.
Optimism among UK SMEs rises for third straight year September 23, 2024 Optimism among the UK’s small and medium-sized businesses has grown for a third consecutive year in a positive sign for the domestic economy, according to fresh data. Around seven in ten SMEs said they felt confident about the future of their company, rising from 67 per cent in 2023 and 65 per cent in 2022, [...]
Pubs face ‘double whammy’ of tax hikes as hundreds call last orders for good September 23, 2024 Around 50 pubs per month ‘vanished’ from England and Wales in the first half of the year as hospitality struggled with costs and tax rates. The overall number of pubs in England and Wales, including those vacant and being offered to let, fell to 39,096 at the end of the first half of 2024, down [...]
Politicians should remember: the road to economic growth passes through the City September 23, 2024 Politicians need to prioritise and capitalise on the power of financial and professional services, writes Chris Hayward
