Watch out Mike Ashley: Unite the union protesters to target Sports Direct AGM dressed as Dickensian workers over “Victorian” zero-hours contracts September 8, 2015 Sports Direct's AGM tomorrow is set to be an even more lively affair than usual. Unite the union has revealed plans for a protest outside the AGM with members dressed as Dickensian workers. They will be demanding "an end to ‘Victorian’ work practices at the retailer’s nearby Shirebrook warehouse and that the company pays [...]
BBC charter review: Why Auntie needs local media September 7, 2015 The upcoming charter review provides the ideal opportunity to extend the BBC’s long-established and highly successful outsourcing model to local news gathering. At a time when more power is being devolved to the regions, it is essential that there is a long-term commitment to media coverage of institutions – courts, health trusts, education authorities, [...]
Sports Direct shareholder Royal London Asset Management to vote against Mike Ashley at AGM September 7, 2015 Mike Ashley is no stranger to investor unease, but he could be heading towards a bigger upset at this week's AGM. Following guidance issued by shareholder group Pirc, now Sports Direct shareholder Royal London Asset Management (RLAM) has said it will vote against Ashley's reinstatement on the board this year. Ashley Hamilton Claxton, [...]
Bank to announce rates decision as China woes weigh – London Report September 6, 2015 THE BANK of England will be centre of attention on Thursday when it provides a simultaneous release of its monetary policy decision and minutes from its monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting. The MPC is almost certain to keep interest rates unchanged at 0.5 per cent, with worries about China and oil price declines meaning other [...]
Bonds that tie Rhino Rugby to the game: Manufacturing firm talks red carpet appearances and re-engaging with Rugby World Cup 2015 September 6, 2015 We’ve all had those spoof office calls and when one of Reg Clark’s Rhino Rugby colleagues announced some years ago that “Warner Brothers, Los Angeles are on the line for you”, he naturally suspected a practical joke was in the offing. As it happened however, the call was real. Director, Clint Eastwood, was beginning [...]
Night Tube series: Top seven places to buy a house in London along the Jubilee Line September 4, 2015 With the Night Tube delayed for the time being, now is the best time to consider buying in an area that’s set to benefit from it. Research shows that when new transport links come in, house prices only rise once the trains start running so it’s worth taking a punt before the asking prices shoot [...]
The number of workers on zero-hours contracts increases 20 per cent in a year September 2, 2015 The number of people on zero-hours contracts as their main job has increased by almost 20 per cent in the past year, from 624,000 to 744,000, official figures published this morning suggested. The figure equates to about 2.4 per cent of all people in employment, up from two per cent this time last year. Women [...]
Investors urged to vote against Mike Ashley and Keith Hellawell at Sports Direct AGM as USC, zero-hour contracts issues rage on September 1, 2015 Sports Direct investors are being advised to vote against both founder Mike Ashley and chairman Keith Hellawell retaining their seats on the board ahead of next week's AGM. Investor group Pirc is recommending six of the 15 resolutions be opposed, and three abstained. Its biggest concern was the large number of staff employed on [...]
Sports Direct chairman Keith Hellawell grilled over “callous” USC administration, zero hour contracts and “back street” tactics September 1, 2015 Sports Direct chairman Keith Hellawell faced a grilling by MPs today over the company's administration of USC – but if Mike Ashley thinks he dodged a bullet in not appearing, he might want to think again. Chairman Ian Davidson MP and the rest of the Scottish Affairs Committee quizzed Hellawell, who appeared as the sole representative [...]
Securing success: How security company G4S plays its part in a thriving Rugby World Cup 2015 August 31, 2015 In less than three weeks the Rugby World Cup 2015 will launch at Twickenham. Fans have been salivating for months at the prospect of the planet’s biggest and best teams convening on English soil, ready to pummel each other into the turf and showcase their skills to the world. There are one or [...]