UK ‘critically vulnerable’ to future energy crisis and price rises, experts warn

UK ‘critically vulnerable’ to future energy crisis and price rises, experts warn

The UK is “critically vulnerable” to another energy crisis that would see price spikes, the Energy Crisis Commission has warned. The high-level group of experts, including representatives from Energy UK, Citizens Advice and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said the 2021-2022 crisis exposed various weaknesses in Britain’s energy system across three areas – supply, demand and targeted support for the poorest households. The commission was launched earlier this year […]

October 15, 2024 2

Business

Microsoft chief executive to chair Government’s industrial strategy council

The chief executive of Microsoft UK will chair a new body to advise the Government on its industrial strategy. Clare Barclay will head up the industrial strategy advisory council, which will act as an interim advisory body until legislation is passed to put it on a statutory footing. The first meeting and full membership is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Ms Barclay said: “As chair of the […]

October 13, 2024 3

Business

House price growth turns positive for first time in two years – surveyors

House prices are rising across the UK generally for the first time in two years as the market continues to pick up, surveyors have reported. A balance of 16% of professionals reported prices increasing in September, up from a flat 0% result in August and the first positive reading since October 2022. Demand, sales, and new listings all grew in September, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) said. A […]

October 10, 2024 2

Business

TGI Fridays UK secures rescue deal but 1,000 jobs lost as 35 restaurants shut

TGI Fridays will remain on UK high streets following a rescue deal for the chain, but more than 1,000 staff have lost their jobs with the immediate closure of 35 restaurants. Breal Capital and Calveton UK have acquired 51 restaurants after the group’s previous operator fell into administration. It means that nearly 2,400 jobs have been saved across the US-themed restaurant and cocktail bar. But joint administrators at Teneo said […]

October 8, 2024 3

Business

Sainsbury’s to hire 20,000 staff for Christmas season

Sainsbury’s will be hiring 20,000 more shop workers, warehouse staff and drivers for the Christmas period as the retailer prepares for festive shoppers. Applications have opened for seasonal staff, who will be employed for up to three months during its busiest time of year. The UK-wide roles will include 18,000 at Sainsbury’s and 2,000 at Argos. The positions range from shop workers, including restocking shelves, staff in warehouses to pick […]

October 7, 2024 3

Business

South Africa is best value long-haul holiday destination – report

South Africa has regained its position as the best value long-haul holiday destination for UK travellers, according to a new report. Local price falls and the weakening of the South African rand have brought costs down for UK visitors by 12% since autumn 2023, Post Office Travel Money said. This makes Cape Town the best value out of 32 resorts and cities analysed in the annual study for the first […]

October 6, 2024 30

Business

JD Sports reports record sales as trainers propel growth

JD Sports has said it is doing better than other struggling sportswear labels after reporting rising sales this year, as the group continues to cash in on demand for trainers around the world. The group reported total revenues of £5 billion in the 26 weeks to August, which it said was a record amount. This was 6.8% higher than the same period last year, at constant currency rates. Compared like-for-like, […]

October 3, 2024 3

Business

New law comes into force banning employers from pocketing staff tips

New rules have come into force banning businesses from withholding tips or service charges from their staff. Firms including restaurants, pubs, hairdressers and taxi operators are set to be impacted by the new law requiring 100% of tips to be shared between employees from Tuesday. However, hospitality industry bosses have cautioned that the move could hit under-pressure businesses with an “additional cost”. The law means that tips must be passed […]

October 1, 2024 3

Business

Supermarket own-label baked beans beat well-known brands in taste test

Aldi’s own-label baked beans have beaten well-known brands Heinz and Branston in a blind taste test by consumer group Which? Aldi’s Bramwells Baked Beans In A Rich Tomato Sauce costing 41p for a 410g can achieved a top score of 76% from 66 tasters selected by the watchdog to rate 10 versions from supermarkets such as Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco alongside their branded counterparts. The panel said Aldi’s beans looked […]

September 28, 2024 10

Business