London Underground: Tube strikes loom as workers to vote on walk-outs October 8, 2024 London Underground workers are being balloted on Tube strikes over pay and conditions amid a dispute with Transport for London (TfL). Members of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) in jobs including customer service and advising passengers in stations are being asked if they want to strike. The ballot closes on 18 October and also [...]
A wake up call: Why a talented public sector is key to protecting democracies October 8, 2024 Democracies rely on governments running a public sector that can attract the country's top talent, writes Shmuel Chafets
Gilt yields rise ahead of Budget as Chancellor Reeves set to increase borrowing October 8, 2024 Analysts suggested that the increase was largely a result of concerns that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will ramp up borrowing in the budget to fund a major investment programme.
PRS REIT reveals ‘excellent’ results as strategic review looms October 8, 2024 PRS REIT has revealed a set of strong results as the trust gears up for a strategic review following a shareholder row. The real estate investment trust reported an 11 per cent uplift in the value of its underlying assets, as rental income on its private housing portfolio surged 12 per cent on a like-for-like [...]
The ‘battle for value is on’ at UK grocers as supermarkets push discounts October 8, 2024 Higher spending at supermarkets over the last month has been driven by sales of discounted goods as grocers compete to bring financially-stretched customers through their doors, according to fresh data. Grocery price inflation increased slightly to two per cent during the four weeks to 29 September, up from 1.7 per cent last month, according to [...]
Bank of England should not adopt ‘aggressive’ rate cuts October 8, 2024 In an interview with the Guardian, Governor Andrew Bailey said there was a chance that the Bank could become a "bit more activist" on rate cuts in the months ahead.
Businesses ‘clearly anxious’ as budget approaches, survey shows October 8, 2024 The BCC's quarterly economic survey showed that 48 per cent of firms cited taxation as a worry, up from 36 per cent the quarter before.
Oasis tickets and discounts ensure September spending doesn’t slide away October 8, 2024 Retail sales in the UK have held up despite a dip in confidence, driven by widespread discounts and a spike in entertainment spending after Oasis‘ tickets went on sale. Consumer card spending increased 1.2 per cent year on year in September, after returning to growth in August, according to data from Barclays. Discounting pushed spending [...]
The Notebook: New draft of renters’ rights bill risks inflating prices (even more) October 8, 2024 Two key changes in Labour's bill could impact the rental market
Turnover rise for Kenco maker despite coffee lovers buying less after price rises October 7, 2024 Sales at Jacobs Douse Egberts, whose brands include the likes of Kenco and L’or, increased despite fewer people buying coffee after the group upped its prices. The Maidenhead-headquartered UK division of the Netherlands giant said consumers bought less coffee during its latest financial year because it rose its prices because of “exceptional levels of input [...]