No full-time return to the office for over a million British workers May 6, 2021 Almost all of 50 of the UK’s biggest employers have said they do not plan to bring staff back to the office full-time. Some 43 of the firms told the BBC that they would embrace a mix of home and office working, with staff encouraged to come into work for two to three days a [...]
Tesco, M&S and John Lewis among UK retail giants to threaten Brazil boycott over Amazon deforestation May 5, 2021 UK retail giants including Tesco, Marks & Spencer and John Lewis have threatened to boycott Brazillian agricultural commodities over the deforestation of the Amazon. In an open letter published today the retailers said they will take action if Brazil’s government passes a law expanding property rights for squatters on public land. Campaigners have warned that [...]
Asda beats competitors to become fastest growing Big Four supermarket for first time in more than two years April 27, 2021 Asda beat its competitors to become the fastest growing of the biggest UK supermarkets for the first time in more than two years as consumers ventured further for their food shopping. The latest data showed Asda, which was recently sold by US retail giant Walmart to the Issa brothers and TDR Capital, increased its market [...]
Hostelworld investors revolt over CEO pay and political donations April 26, 2021 More than a quarter of Hostelworld investors have rebelled against the pay deal for bosses at the pandemic-hit firm. The global hostel operator said that 29 per cent of shareholder votes were cast against an amendment to its remuneration policy after generous incentive schemes were criticised. Shareholder advisory group ISS had recommended that investors vote [...]
United Oil and Gas hails ‘landmark year’ despite Covid crisis April 26, 2021 United Oil and Gas this morning hailed a “landmark year” for the AIM-listed firm despite the carnage caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The company, one of the few smaller oil and gas firms to operate both exploratory and production assets, posted its first ever profit in 2020. United also said that it had seen its [...]
Former Post Office boss quits Morrisons and Dunelm boards April 26, 2021 Former Post Office boss Paula Vennells has this morning stepped down from her roles on the boards of Morrisons and Dunelm after one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in recent history. In statements issued by the two firms, they confirmed she would step down with immediate effect. Andrew Higginson, Morrisons chairman, said: “Paula has [...]
Australia opens travel bubble with New Zealand April 19, 2021 Thousands of passengers have descended on Australian airports today as the country reopened quarantine-free travel with New Zealand for the first time in more than a year. The new travel bubble means travellers no longer need to self-isolate for two weeks when moving between the countries. While most Australian states had allowed quarantine-free visits from [...]
Tesco profits tumble despite surge in pandemic sales April 14, 2021 Tesco’s pre-tax profit fell by 20 per cent to £825m in 2020 despite a pandemic-driven jump in group sales. The UK’s biggest grocer said it incurred £892m of Covid-related costs during the year and repaid £535m of business rates relief. The retailer reported a 6.3 per cent rise in group like-for-like sales, including a 7.7 [...]
France, Germany and Australia turn to alternative Covid vaccines amid Astrazeneca blood clot concerns April 9, 2021 A growing number of countries have begun to turn their backs on Astrazeneca’s Covid vaccine amid fears over a potential link to blood clots, despite health agencies around the world insisting it remains safe and effective. France this morning said it was preparing to recommend that under-55s seek an alternative vaccine even if they have [...]
Supermarket clothing sales double as shoppers seek retail therapy April 7, 2021 Supermarket clothing sales boomed last month as consumers sought in-person shopping experiences while non-essential retailers were closed, in a positive indicator of pent up demand ahead of high streets reopening next week. Sales of clothing at supermarkets doubled to £313m in the four weeks ended 27 March. Home and garden sales also collectively jumped to [...]