We need a London housing strategy that doesn’t ignore the squeezed middle August 10, 2020 The UK — and London in particular — faces a housing crisis. This is not news, and nor has the need for more affordable housing been ignored by politicians. Last week, the government announced an overhaul of planning rules to make it easier to build, while earlier this month, a House of Commons committee published [...]
The City View: Nigel Wilson on why it’s essential to get people back into offices August 10, 2020 Subscribe to The City View Podcast: Apple / Google / Spotify / RSS In this episode Christian is joined by Nigel Wilson, chief executive of Legal and General, a City institution with more than £1 trillion of assets under management. Nigel talks about L&G’s long-term view and how its investments could shape our recovery and future economic growth, but he also reflects [...]
London calling: Why it’s time to bring life back to our city’s streets August 10, 2020 Despite a tentative easing of the national lockdown, the lingering economic and social consequences of this policy are frighteningly obvious to anyone venturing into central London. While social life and economic activity has, to a large extent, returned to the outer zones and suburbs, the offices and shops of London’s professional districts remain eerily and [...]
Pret A Manger to cut staff hours in coronavirus restructuring August 9, 2020 Pret A Manger has asked thousands of its staff to work fewer hours, as the lunch chain restructures its business after the coronavirus pandemic. Staff will work 20 per cent fewer hours on average, as footfall remains low. It follows an announcement by Pret last month that it would be closing 30 outlets and cutting [...]
Daily UK coronavirus cases jump to highest since June August 9, 2020 The number of coronavirus cases reported in the UK today rose to its highest since June, surpassing 1,000 daily cases for the first time in almost two months. The UK recorded 1,062 new positive tests for coronavirus, the highest daily case rise since late June, as local lockdowns in some areas rise. The rate was [...]
BBC boss apologises over broadcast of racial slur August 9, 2020 BBC director general Lord Tony Hall has apologised and said the broadcaster made a mistake, after a news report containing a racial slur was shown last month. The N-word was used in full in a report by social affairs correspondent Fiona Lamdin about a racially aggravated attack in Bristol, aired by Points West and the [...]
Trump signs coronavirus relief orders after Congress talks break down August 9, 2020 US President Donald Trump signed executive orders over the weekend that partially restored increased unemployment benefits for those who lost their jobs during the pandemic. The US has now surpassed more than 5m cases and 160,000 deaths from Covid-19. Unemployment figures improved slightly in July, but failed to match the growth rates of May and [...]
Major shareholder lambasts AA takeover approach August 9, 2020 The AA’s largest shareholder has criticised the firm’s approach as it enters into takeover talks, saying it had “jeopardised” its own leverage position by being downcast about its situation. The roadside assistance firm said last week it has opened talks with two parties about a potential deal: Centerbridge Partners and TowerBrook Capital on one side, [...]
Natwest set to scrap top bankers in management cull August 9, 2020 Natwest is said to be preparing to oust three of its senior management team, as it trims down on costs during the pandemic. Three executives at the helm of its Natwest Markets division — which has 5,000 staff in total — are to stand down this week, the Sunday Times reported. It comes as chief [...]
PM Boris Johnson says schools must open in September August 9, 2020 Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said reopening schools in September is imperative, insisting they will be able to teach children safely despite the coronavirus pandemic. Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Johnson said restarting schools was a “national priority” for the government. The move follows a study earlier this month which warned that the UK [...]
