UK retail sales unexpectedly fall as economy slows November 14, 2019 The amount of goods sold in UK shops unexpectedly fell in October, official figures have shown, in the latest sign that the economy is slowing. The weak performance will be a concern to retailers as the sector heads towards Christmas, especially given that the period covered Halloween, a traditionally busy time for shops. Read more: [...]
UK consumer spending growth slows under Brexit uncertainty November 5, 2019 UK consumer spending slowed in October, a new report has shown, as Brits remained cautious with their money in the run-up to the missed 31 October Brexit deadline. Read more: UK economy to hit decade low even with Brexit deal, report warns Spending at the shops grew by 1.5 per cent in October year on [...]
Asos doubles down on Black Friday after profit dives 68 per cent October 16, 2019 Asos has vowed to boost its Black Friday discounting this year after a “disappointing” attempt in 2018 weakened the fashion retailer’s bid to attract new customers. The online marketplace offered a 20 per cent discount to consumers on the annual shopping event last year, however today the firm admitted its offer had been “uncompetitive” compared [...]
Royal Mail workers vote in favour of largest strike in a decade October 15, 2019 Royal Mail will face its first national postal strike in a decade after workers voted overwhelmingly in favour of a mass walkout. Read more: Parcel pandemonium: Royal Mail braces for Christmas strike chaos The motion was passed by more than 97 per cent of the votes following a ballot of roughly 110,000 Communication Workers Union [...]
Parcel pandemonium: Royal Mail braces for Christmas strike chaos October 13, 2019 Letter and parcel deliveries could be thrown into disarray over Christmas as Royal Mail workers threaten to launch strike action. Read more: Royal Mail launches search for new UK director More than 100,000 members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) have been balloted over strike action, with the results expected on Tuesday. If passed, the [...]
Lawrence Dallaglio: England can benefit from cancelled match and World Rugby not to blame October 10, 2019 As the Rugby World Cup is thrown into turmoil by Typhoon Hagibis, England have fled the eye of the storm. World Rugby’s unprecedented decision to cancel two fixtures in Tokyo and Yokohama that were set to be hit by 100mph winds has ensured England will top their pool ahead of France and likely meet Australia [...]
Donald Tusk slams Johnson over ‘stupid blame game’ October 8, 2019 The European Council president Donald Tusk has hit out at Boris Johnson for trying to win “some stupid blame game” after two antagonistic anonymous briefings up-ended Brexit talks. Last night a senior Downing Street source told The Spectator that any countries blocking the UK’s exit from the EU on 31 October would “go to the [...]
Trading places: A tour around the new £1bn Goldman Sachs London HQ October 7, 2019 For Goldman Sachs bankers used to living life in the fast lane, the slow lifts at their recently-opened London HQ are a new source of frustration. “Don’t get me wrong, the place is great, but it takes two minutes just to go up a few floors,” grumbles one employee. Read more: Why Transferwise denied a [...]
Stage and screen actress Tracy Ann Oberman on her latest role, being trolled on Twitter and why Eastenders is like the golden age of Hollywood October 4, 2019 Stage actress, Eastenders mega-bitch, social media warrior. With her voluminous blonde mane, practiced side-eye and reputation for being fearlessly outspoken, Tracy-Ann Oberman cuts an intimidating figure. We meet at a bijou cafe just off Hampstead Heath, the kind that sells £400 vintage chairs and is filled with brunching mums and toddlers. She breezes in, fashionably [...]
South Africa could spring a surprise in World Cup opener against New Zealand September 17, 2019 The Rugby World Cup may get under way on Friday when hosts Japan face Russia but the tournament will not fully ignite until a day later when the giants of New Zealand and South Africa collide in Yokohama. It is an encounter between two of rugby’s great nations, who have collectively won five of the [...]