EU Youth Guarantee still in early stages as unemployment problems rumble on October 17, 2013 Today and tomorrow, the European Commission is holding a seminar to help member states with their Youth Guarantee Implementation Plans – part of the Commission's answer to youth unemployment problems in the EU. (Release) Back in April of this year, the Commission adopted the Youth Guarantee, designed to ensure every young person under 25 receives [...]
Government urges low pay commission to consider youth unemployment in minimum wage decision October 17, 2013 The government has urged the Low Pay Commission to consider the impact of the national minimum wage (NMW) on youth unemployment, in its interim evidence for the Low Pay Commission's 2014 report published earlier today. The report cites the broader macro-economic climate, as reason to carefully examine NMW effects on employment: Pre-recession trend growth is [...]
“Ask British Gas” descends into chaos October 17, 2013 After announcing a price hike this morning, British Gas have opted to host a Twitter Q&A session about the 9.2 per cent bill rise. It's shaping up to be one of the social media mistakes of the year. We're here with Customer Services Director, Bert Pijls, who will be answering your questions until 2pm. Tweet [...]
EE’s brand mastermind announces departure October 17, 2013 Steven Day, chief of brand and communications at network operator EE, has announced that he'll be leaving by the end of the year. Day won't be replaced, having been the architect of the EE brand. He was responsible for its creation, articulation and delivery. Prior to that role he was chief of staff, brand and [...]
As public sector pay falls, should the coalition do more to close the gap with private wages? October 17, 2013 YESWe should not be too concerned about short-term changes in the raw difference between public and private sector pay. A typical public sector worker still enjoys an hourly pay premium of 6.1 per cent when adjusted for age, gender, full-time and part-time work, region, qualifications and length of employment: around £1,400 a year – and [...]
EU’s Barnier defends cap on bankers bonuses October 17, 2013 EU financial services commissioner, Michel Barnier, has told the British Bankers Association that a cap on bonuses will help ensure stability in the financial sector and that the proposal is legally sound. Barnier told the industry group I remain confident that the measures are balanced and reasonable, in the interests of financial stability. And that [...]
Crime against households at lowest point since records began October 17, 2013 The latest crime figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show crime against households and resident adults is at the lowest point in the history of the survey. The figures which were for England and Wales, showed a seven per cent fall, and is at its lowest point since 1981 and is less than [...]
British Gas announce 9.2 per cent price rise October 17, 2013 Centrica owned British Gas has announced a 9.2 per cent price rise fro this November. That follows a recent increase by competitor SSE, of 8.2 per cent (release). British Gas electricity prices will rise by 10.4 per cent, and gas prices by 8.4 per cent from 23 November. Today’s announcement, which will add about £2 [...]
Boost for Tango maker Britvic as warm weather heats sales October 17, 2013 Robinsons and J2O maker Britvic has seen bumper sales in its fourth quarter, with sales up 12.8 per cent at £366.4m and gains in all markets for the full year to 29 September. Revenue growth was 4.4 per cent to £1,321.9m. (Release) Good weather in July and the availability, compared to last year, of its [...]
Public expect rate hike within two years as Bank’s Dale says one may come in 2014 October 17, 2013 The proportion of the public expecting a rise in interest rates has increased significantly according to a new poll by Markit. The poll conducted by Ipsos-MORI between 11-14 October found that 69 per cent of people asked expected rates to rise within two years, a 14 percentage point rise from the previous poll in August. [...]