MPs have warned keeping the pensions triple lock means no one will retire until they’re 70 February 28, 2017 The state pension age may need to rise beyond the life expectancy of some of the UK's poorest places in order to be compatible with retaining the “triple lock” on payments, MPs have today warned. In a report published this morning, parliament's Work and Pensions Committee warned keeping the policy will push the pension age to [...]
Uber takes on TfL in High Court over English language requirements February 26, 2017 The car-booking firm Uber joins forces with three of its drivers this week to launch a High Court challenge to English language tests for minicab drivers. Under the proposals, put forward by Transport for London (TfL), private-hire drivers without UK qualifications will have to take a two-hour test to demonstrate their English language skills. Yet [...]
Airbnb isn’t only revolutionising the holiday market; it’s also changing the way offices are designed February 23, 2017 When Airbnb sent round a survey to its employees in Paris asking what they’d like in their new office, the request was for a petanque field. For the uninitiated, petanque is a form of boules played with a wooden ball. “We were like, ‘weeeelllll, that may not happen, it could be a little dirty and [...]
Why everything you think you know about the gig economy might be wrong February 20, 2017 The rise of the so-called gig economy characterised by new technology platforms such as Uber and Deliveroo has sent the number of self-employed workers soaring in recent years… or so says conventional thinking. But, a new report suggests it is, in fact, higher earners in high-skilled jobs who are driving the growth of the self-employed to top [...]
Uber’s facing some serious allegations of sexism, harassment and a toxic work culture February 20, 2017 Uber is facing serious allegations of sexism in the workplace after explosive revelations from a former engineer at the billion-dollar startup. Chief executive Travis Kalanick labelled the behaviour "abhorrent" and "against everything we believe in", promising an investigation, after former engineer Susan Fowler published details of her experience at the company. In the blog post, she describes being [...]
The Department for Transport (DfT) wants Google, Uber and co. on board to help run HS2 February 19, 2017 The government is considering plans for tech giants to be involved in running the new HS2 service and is encouraging the likes of Uber and Google to buy minority stakes in the franchise that will serve the train line. The plans, considering a range of innovative firms as possible investors, have been floated by the transport department in [...]
Deliveroo claims to have created over 6,000 gig economy jobs in first four years of operation February 18, 2017 Deliveroo has created over 6,000 jobs in the UK, according to a new study commissioned by the food delivery company as it reaches its fourth year since making its first delivery. The company saw UK orders increase by 650 per cent in 2016 as it undertakes a rapid pace of expansion. The company has created [...]
Uber goes on a charm offensive by offering drivers free English courses and tips on how to make more money February 16, 2017 Uber is making efforts to improve its app for UK drivers, as part of a new charm offensive, including offering free English courses. Transport for London (TfL) delayed its new English tests until September, but Uber has said it will offer free courses for its drivers ahead of then. The ride-hailing app will also now allow [...]
Addison Lee’s tech push pays off as car firm says revenues are on track to rise 40 per cent February 16, 2017 Addison Lee expects revenues to rise 40 per cent this year, following the firm’s £100m investment in technology, including developing an app. The tech push has been part of the private car hire firm's efforts to bolster its position against the rise of the likes of Uber. Addison Lee said its executive car bookings are [...]
For successful businesses, failure is not an option – it’s a requirement February 14, 2017 Urgent memo to executives everywhere: please stop saying things like “failure is not an option”. You’re engaging stakeholders – not saving Private Ryan. And if you are fostering a fear of failure among your people, you probably aren’t winning either. Let’s look at winning in today’s world, where it is increasingly crucial to spark emotional [...]