Anxiety about soaring living costs weighs down UK consumer confidence September 24, 2021 Intense anxiety about sharp rises in the cost of living is weighing down Brits’ confidence levels, according to fresh data published today. Consumer confidence in the UK slid five points to minus 13 in September, driven by Brits sharpening their focus on the spectre of inflation and tax hikes looming over their living standards. Empty [...]
Spectre of ‘stagflation’ looms over UK economy September 23, 2021 The UK economy is in real danger of undergoing a period of “stagflation” as prices soar and growth slows to a snail’s pace, according to a closely watched survey released today. The latest IHS Markit / CIPS UK composite output index dropped to 54.1 in September, down from August’s reading of 54.8. Chris Williamson, chief [...]
Britain needs to sober up from our addiction to gas September 21, 2021 This will be a winter where energy prices seldom stay out of the news. With the combination of cracks appearing in our creaking electricity system, record global gas prices, and the largest overnight benefits cut in history risk colliding in a way that piles yet more pressure on families already struggling. In the short term, [...]
Perfect energy storm: Do the gas price hikes mean your bills will rise? September 20, 2021 Government ministers and energy companies are in crisis talks today, as the price of gas has soared in recent weeks, putting several energy suppliers out of business and forcing some factories to stop production altogether. The price of wholesale gas has surged by 250 per cent since the beginning of the year and added 70 [...]
How worker shortages are cleared will determine UK economy’s trajectory September 4, 2021 You would be forgiven for forgetting we are currently amid one of the best runs of economic growth in living memory with all the negative news about supply chain snarl ups, worker shortages and soaring inflation flying around. A slew of data published this week, alongside a raft of announcements from supermarket, retail and food [...]
E-naira: Digitising Nigeria, improving lives, and advancing national infrastructure August 25, 2021 Nigeria is more amazing than the world realises, and the nation deserves far more attention, says Alex Lightman.
Indy Hothi CA: “You cannot witness the devastation around you and not feel compelled to do something.” August 19, 2021 This article first appeared in ICAS’ CA magazine. ICAS Deputy President Indy Hothi CA says his work at Khalsa Aid International is just one example of how accountants can use their skills to support their chosen causes. Back in 2014, parts of Bosnia and Serbia suffered their worst floods since records began some 120 years ago. [...]
Net zero must be at the heart of Britain’s taxation system if we want to meet our carbon commitments August 17, 2021 If there was any doubt about the urgency of the climate crisis, this summer of extreme weather events – from “heat domes” in the US, to devastating forest fires across Europe and flash flooding closer to home – has surely put paid to it. The latest stark assessment from the IPCC leaves no room for [...]
Can you really afford a puppy? Britain is facing a petcare crisis after a lockdown boom in demand for dogs July 24, 2021 Even the Chancellor of the Exchequer has succumbed to the lockdown-induced rush for puppies. It’s easy to do when one of those furry little faces is staring up at you, especially after the dreary year we’ve had shut up in our homes. While Rishi Sunak can probably afford to look after his new pup, there [...]
Universal Credit uplift end may hit 660,000 low-paid key workers July 24, 2021 More than 660,000 low-paid key workers, including nurses, supermarket staff and social carers, will be among the millions of people affected when the Universal Credit uplift ends in the autumn, new figures suggest. The Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) said its research shows that London, the South East and the North West [...]