A comprehensive set of proposals aims to reform outdated burial and cremation laws in England and Wales.The Law Commission suggests reopening ancient churchyards for burials to address space shortages.New criminal offences are proposed for failing to disclose grave locations when selling private land.Proposals include addressing the issue of unclaimed ashes held by funeral directors.The government supports the reform, with a consultation open until January 2025.In response to a pressing shortage of burial space, the Law Commission has put forward a series of proposals aimed at updating the laws governing burial and cremation in England and Wales. The current legal framework,…
Author: Dave Antrobus
The Bank of England may lower interest rates more aggressively in response to falling inflation, Governor Andrew Bailey suggests.Governor Bailey warns of a potential spike in oil prices due to Middle East tensions, complicating monetary policy.The pound fell by 1.05% to $1.31, with inflationary pressures easing and geopolitical tensions rising.The UK’s inflation has decreased from a peak of 11.1% in October 2022 to 2.2%, amidst fluctuating oil prices.The Monetary Policy Committee remains cautious, holding the base rate at 5% but considering future rate cuts.The Bank of England may adopt a more aggressive approach to interest rate reductions if inflation continues…
A considerable number of homes currently for sale in the UK are chain-free, providing potential buyers with quicker and less complex purchasing options.Zoopla reports a 25% increase in house sales compared to last year, driven by an influx of new listings and lower mortgage rates.Many new listings come from landlords and second-homeowners aiming to sell before potential tax hikes.Movement in the housing market is largely influenced by the prospect of increased capital gains tax and doubled council taxes on second homes.The market sees significant regional disparities in house price changes, with some areas experiencing declines and others seeing growth.According to…
The rapid evolution of HR is driven by technological advancement, yet many systems remain outdated.Frontline workers face significant challenges due to inefficient and antiquated HR systems.Real-time communication and flexible scheduling are crucial for frontline employees’ effectiveness.AI is being recognised as a transformative tool for modernising workforce management.Companies adopting AI can enhance employee engagement and create a more inclusive workplace.The human resources sector has witnessed significant evolution over recent years, largely propelled by advances in technology. However, despite the shifting landscape towards remote work and diversified workforces, the systems supporting HR have often remained static, unable to keep pace. Many organisations…
As the UK awaits the upcoming Budget, consumer caution is on the rise amid speculations of higher taxes.Businesses and households alike are holding back on spending due to unclear tax policies.Sainsbury’s boss Simon Roberts highlights a dip in consumer confidence linked to fiscal ambiguity.The GfK index recently reported a significant drop in consumer sentiment.Political and economic uncertainty is affecting both consumer expenditure and business investments.With the anticipation of the new Budget by the UK’s shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves, there is growing uncertainty among households. The potential for hikes in inheritance tax, capital gains tax, and reductions in pension tax relief…
Quiet hiring is an emerging trend that allows employees to gain new roles within their current organisation.Employers save time and money by promoting from within rather than recruiting new talent.Employees can enhance their career prospects by upskilling and volunteering for additional responsibilities.Networking within the business can open up unexpected career opportunities.Being open to feedback can improve performance and increase the likelihood of promotion.The concept of quiet hiring has emerged alongside trends like quiet quitting and quiet firing. It represents an opportunity for employees to advance within their existing workplace, bypassing traditional recruitment hurdles. By leveraging existing talent, employers not only…
Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket, is cutting prices as inflation eases, while profits rise and market share grows.The retailer has reduced prices on thousands of products, continuing to work closely with suppliers for cost efficiency.Tesco’s competitive pricing strategy has maintained its position as the most affordable traditional supermarket for nearly two years.The company’s market share has increased to 27.8%, showing growing dominance in the UK grocery market.Tesco anticipates a robust festive season backed by a strong profit forecast and customer loyalty initiatives.As inflationary pressures ease, Tesco has announced a strategic move to reduce the pricing on thousands of its products.…
British Land has finalised a significant acquisition, purchasing seven retail parks across the UK for £441m from Canadian firm Brookfield Asset Management.This strategic move is aimed at strengthening British Land’s position in the retail park segment amidst fluctuating commercial property markets.The acquisition will be partially funded through an equity placing expected to raise approximately £300m.Chief Executive Simon Carter highlights the benefits of retail parks due to their affordability, adaptability, and accessibility.These newly acquired parks boast a 99% occupancy rate, reflecting their robust trading performance.British Land, a notable entity in the FTSE 100 index, has successfully acquired a portfolio of seven…
In light of the current economic challenges, Sainsbury’s CEO has emphasised the need for strategic budget reforms. Despite positive economic indicators, consumer spending remains cautious due to economic uncertainties. Reforms in business rates are deemed critical for stabilising corporate financial health. The upcoming UK Budget could significantly influence consumer confidence. Sainsbury’s remains optimistic about the festive season despite prevailing challenges.Sainsbury’s CEO, Simon Roberts, has highlighted the challenging economic environment faced by UK consumers, largely attributed to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. He noted that despite improvements such as decreasing inflation rates, rising wages, and robust employment figures, there remains a notable…
Tesco’s first-half profit climbed 10%, prompting a raised profit forecast.Retail adjusted operating profit projected to hit £2.9bn, surpassing prior estimates.Sales climbed to £31.5bn with significant growth in fresh food volumes.Clubcard use and price matching strategies bolster market position.Plans for expansion and new chilled distribution centre announced.Tesco recorded a notable 10% uptick in its first-half profit, which led to an improved profit guidance for the year. The supermarket giant now anticipates a retail adjusted operating profit of approximately £2.9bn, elevating its earlier prediction of “at least £2.8bn”. Over the half-year to August 24, Tesco’s retail adjusted operating profit reached £1.56bn, marking…