Labour squeeze and soaring costs compound to hit UK businesses December 23, 2021 The ongoing labour squeeze, soaring costs and uncertainty over the economic landscape since the emergence of Omicron are compounding to hit British businesses, reveals a new survey published today. Growth among UK private sector firms slowed to 21 per cent in the three months to December, down sharply from 32 per cent in the last [...]
London markets shake off Omicron fears as investors brace for Christmas break December 22, 2021 London markets have shaken off fears over the Omicron variant’s impact on the UK’s economic recovery from the pandemic as investors brace for the Christmas break. The capital’s premier FTSE 100 index closed 0.61 per cent higher at 7,341.66 points, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 index, which is more aligned to the health of the [...]
UK services trade surplus widens on strong City exports December 22, 2021 UK net exports of services jumped over the last three months driven by City firms selling their expertise abroad in their droves, according to official figures published today. The UK’s services trade surplus climbed £4bn over the last three months, rising to £35.2bn in the third quarter, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). [...]
Omicron, inflation and shortages compound to spike UK businesses December 22, 2021 A cocktail of Omicron, soaring inflation and ongoing worker shortages are spiking UK businesses, reveals a fresh study released today. Business confidence in the UK economy dipped nine percentage points over the last three months to minus six, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). The emergence of the Omicron variant of coronavirus has [...]
London markets whipsaw on Omicron curbs uncertainty December 21, 2021 A whipsawing in the likelihood of fresh restrictions to curb the spread of Omicron being imposed in England is generating wild swings on London markets. The capital’s premier FTSE 100 index closed 1.38 per cent higher today to reach 7,297.41 points, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 index, which is more aligned to the health of [...]
Former BT chief Du Plessis selected to take over as audit watchdog chair December 21, 2021 Jan du Plessis, the former Chairman of BT as well as a host of FTSE 100 companies, has been selected as chair of the UK's audit watchdog.
Omicron delivers ‘chilling’ blow to UK retail sales December 21, 2021 UK retail sales have slowed to a crawl driven by the emergence of Omicron chilling consumer confidence, according to new research published today. Retail sales growth slowed over the last year, rising eight per cent annually in December, down sharply from 39 per cent in November, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Brits [...]
Sunak to let small and medium sized firms claim back Covid sick pay December 21, 2021 Small and medium-sized businesses will be allowed to claim back money from the government to cover Covid related statutory sick pay.
China eyes victory in takeover bid for London listed Banacora December 21, 2021 China's takeover of a British lithium miner is reportedly on the brink of success after a key shareholder indicated support for the deal.
UK government launches £1bn Omicron rescue package for pubs, bars and restaurants December 21, 2021 Chancellor Rishi Sunak has launched a fresh £1bn rescue package to help sectors worst hit by the Omicron-induced economic storm survive. Pubs, bars and restaurants across England can now receive a one-off no strings attached payment of £6,000 per venue, the UK government announced today. Sunak said: “We recognise that the spread of the Omicron [...]
