Inflation surges to two-year high as economists warn of huge price hikes October 18, 2016 Prices are rising at their fastest pace in nearly two years as sterling's dramatic post-referendum demise looks set to bite consumers over the coming months. Inflation came in at one per cent in September on the consumer prices index (CPI), the Office for National Statistics (ONS) declared this morning – a big leap from the 0.6 per [...]
Former leadership hopeful Steven Woolfe quits ‘ungovernable’ Ukip October 17, 2016 Ukip's Steven Woolfe has announced he is quitting the party, deeming it "ungovernable". Woolfe said the party "lacks direction, it lacks a purpose and it lacks any semblance of professional organisation". He said he will now sit as an independent MEP in the European Parliament. [infographic id="922"] Earlier today, party chairman Paul Oakden said Ukip may [...]
Construction industry still struggling for momentum October 14, 2016 British builders downed tools over the summer, as construction output missed economists' expectations in the wake of the EU referendum. Activity in the sector, which accounts for around six per cent of the UK economy, dropped by 1.5 per cent between July and August, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed this morning. The fall [...]
Editor’s diary: Adam Smith gets a rebrand for 21st century politics October 14, 2016 We hear a lot about neoliberalism these days. More often than not it’s a phrase thrown around by pro-Corbyn activists as a form of insult that ranks alongside “Blairite”. Indeed, you’ll often hear the two phrases together. Owen Smith, who challenged Corbyn for the leadership on a policy platform of higher taxes, nationalisations and state expenditure [...]
Wells Fargo boss stands down and is replaced by chief operating officer October 12, 2016 The embattled boss of Wells Fargo, John Stumpf has quit his post, effective immediately. The reins at the US' third largest bank have been handed onto Tim Sloan, the company’s president and chief operating officer. Sloan will hold onto his role as president. Stumpf had been under increasing pressure to resign in the wake of an investigation into claims that its employees [...]
Travelodge to create 1,000 permanent jobs in Christmas recruitment drive October 12, 2016 British hotel chain Travelodge is planning to check in 1,000 new members of staff as it launches a Christmas recruitment drive to fill positions at dozens of locations across the country. The budget hotelier is recruiting 160 staff for seven new hotel openings in Finchley, Stockport, East Grinstead, Kings Lynn, Andover and Peterhead. The group [...]
MPs have debated plans for a new Royal Yacht today, exploring how to fund a replacement vessel October 11, 2016 MPs debated options for the funding of a new Royal yacht yesterday – with one suggestion to divert cash from the UK's aid budget. In a Westminster debate led by Lancashire MP Jake Berry, MPs called for the government to re-establish the use of a royal yacht for trade talks. Former defence minister Sir Gerald Howarth [...]
Asia minister announces “technopreneur” tie-up between Britain and Indonesia October 11, 2016 The Foreign Office has announced a new trade partnership with Indonesia to create a generation of “technopreneurs”, providing a signal of how post-Brexit Britain intends to look beyond the EU in developing economic ties. Britain's Asia Minister Alok Sharma MP, will unveil the plans during his trip this week to Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. The project will fund training for young scientists [...]
Business rates that hit London need reform October 11, 2016 Business rates are a blunt instrument, one which is set to deliver a heavy blow to London’s retailers, offices and hotels. Rates are due to rise from next April after a revaluation of rateable values for England’s 1.85m commercial properties by the Valuation Office Agency. It is the first such revaluation since 2010. Analysis by [...]
Ire over immigration: Careless policy debates risk damaging Britain October 10, 2016 Sometimes great damage can be caused by a government policy idea that doesn't end up seeing the light of day. Think back to 2013, when the Tory-LibDem coalition announced plans to introduce a visa bond. The idea would have seen arrivals from countries such as India or Nigeria paying a £3,000 bond as part of the [...]