‘Losing faith’: Just one in four bosses has confidence in government December 2, 2024 Just one in four bosses has confidence in the government to deliver economic growth, in a sign firms are “losing faith” in ministers’ strategy. A London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) snap poll found 81 per cent of business leaders said they were not confident the government will address firms’ concerns. While 77 per [...]
The surveillance economy: Employee-tracking software is a symptom of failed management December 2, 2024 Using surveillance software may deliver short-term gains, but it will cost employers in the end, writes Paul Armstrong.
Sea of tax changes? Why getting your ducks in a row on pensions is vital December 2, 2024 Inheritance tax changes may feel a long way away, but sooner is better when it comes to structuring your assets to pass on as much wealth as possible to your loved ones, says Duncan Bailey The Budget has given businesses and individuals much to consider with announcements made around spending, national insurance contributions for employers [...]
Labour urged to scrap ‘vindictive’ farm tax as Tories set to force vote December 1, 2024 Labour MPs are being urged to back scrapping the “vindictive” changes to inheritance tax (IHT) on farms, as the Conservative Party prepares to bring a vote on the issue. Tory MPs are set to use their opposition day debate on Wednesday, December 4, to insist Parliament hold a vote on Labour’s controversial move for farmers [...]
Starmer to unveil ‘mission’ milestones and compares Whitehall to ‘oil tanker’ December 1, 2024 The Prime Minister will set out a “plan for change” with milestones set in key policy areas, or ‘missions’ to achieve the targets laid out in Labour’s manifesto, Downing Street has said. Sir Keir Starmer will this week kick off what he called the “next phase” of his government, and announce the markers for achieving [...]
Budget: Parents facing 20 per cent childcare fee hike after NIC raid November 30, 2024 Experts are suggesting parents will face up to a 20 per cent increase in fees to cover rising costs at British nurseries. The sector warned on Friday there will be a “disproportionately adverse” impact on women who want to work and children’ s health. This comes after the government’s Autumn Budget included an increase in [...]
Lacoste: Flagship London store fails to boost sales as label falls to loss November 29, 2024 The opening of a flagship store in London’s Regent Street failed to stop the UK arm of sports fashion label Lacoste entering the red, it has been revealed. The business has reported a pre-tax loss of £3.2m for 2023, according to delayed accounts filed with Companies House. The results for the brand also show its [...]
Bank of England warns on threat of global trade barriers November 29, 2024 Rising global trade barriers threaten to drag on global economic growth and unsettle the stability of the UK’s financial system, the Bank of England has warned today. In its half-yearly financial stability report, the central bank said the financial system could be hit by disruption to cross-border capital flows and a reduced ability to diversify [...]
Apprenticeships are the answer to getting young people in work November 29, 2024 Once, the UK looked enviously at the German and Swiss “skills miracles,” renowned for their robust apprenticeship systems and highly skilled workforces. Today, the tables have turned. Many countries now look to Britain as a beacon of innovation in skills development and apprenticeships, says Robert Halfon The government has just released a White Paper on [...]
Employer national insurance raid could lead to 130,000 jobs being slashed November 28, 2024 Analysis from Bloomberg Economics suggests that up to 130,000 jobs could be lost if firms responded to the tax hike primarily by cutting employment.