A pioneering programme aims to close the soft skills gap for Gen Z professionals.Development Beyond Learning (DBL) has launched ‘elevate,’ targeting early-career skill development.The ‘elevate’ series bridges workplace generational gaps through interactive learning.The initiative empowers Gen Z with necessary career skills to meet modern workplace standards.The programme also calls for collaboration between businesses and educational institutions.Development Beyond Learning (DBL) has unveiled a new programme called ‘elevate’ aimed at addressing the critical soft skills gap among Gen Z professionals. Recognising the increasing demand for non-technical skills, DBL’s ‘elevate’ programme focuses on building essential capabilities in young employees to enhance their career…
Author: Dave Antrobus
New warnings have been issued about the unsustainable trajectory of UK public finances, with debt potentially reaching critical levels.The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has projected that public debt could surge to 300% of GDP within 50 years.Current government borrowing strategies are considered unsustainable with urgent policy changes needed according to OBR’s latest report.Decline in fuel duty revenues and sluggish productivity are significant contributors to the troubling fiscal outlook.Migration may offer a temporary fiscal boost but presents long-term demographic challenges.The Office for Budget Responsibility has issued a stark warning regarding the future of UK public finances. According to their recent…
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) warns that the UK’s debt could drastically rise due to various economic challenges.Public spending is projected to rise significantly, outpacing revenue in the coming decades.If unaddressed, public debt could reach unprecedented levels not seen outside wartime.The shift to a green economy and demographic changes add to the fiscal pressures.Urgent policy action is necessary to maintain economic stability and sustainability.In a stark warning from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the UK’s public finances are depicted as being on an unsustainable trajectory. Current policy decisions combined with looming expenditure pressures could push public debt to…
The Entertainer took to social media to jokingly challenge John Lewis’s pricing strategy.The toy retailer highlighted discrepancies in John Lewis’s ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ promise.John Lewis’s revamped pricing pledge aims to match competitive toy prices.The Entertainer’s playful remark involved a Disney product priced lower than John Lewis’s offering.John Lewis’s new pricing strategy has increased website traffic significantly.The Entertainer, a prominent toy retailer, recently used social media to draw attention to its competitive pricing through a light-hearted post aimed at John Lewis. The post, shared on the platform X, previously known as Twitter, featured a witty comment on John Lewis’s ability to…
The Labour government is set to enforce a ban on junk food advertisements before the 9pm watershed by October 2025, confirming a step forward in addressing UK obesity levels.The decision aligns with previously introduced regulations on high fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) foods in retail environments from 2022.The ban aims to shield children from exposure to unhealthy food ads, influencing their dietary habits from a young age.This measure overcomes delays placed by the prior Conservative government due to industry preparation concerns amidst economic challenges.Food industry figures, such as Nomad Foods’ CEO, have expressed support, citing reformulation towards healthier products as…
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has raised concerns about the proposed Vodafone-Three merger, suggesting it may harm competition.The merger may result in higher prices or reduced service quality for many mobile customers, particularly impacting those financially vulnerable.Potential benefits of improved network quality and 5G connectivity need to be weighed against the merger’s cost implications for consumers.Vodafone and Three have expressed disagreement with the CMA’s findings, claiming the merger would address market inefficiencies.Final decision on the merger is expected in December, with Vodafone pledging substantial future network investments.The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has flagged significant issues regarding the…
A new EU fingerprint scheme might disrupt food deliveries during Christmas, causing concern among experts.The introduction of fingerprint and facial recognition for non-EU travellers at Dover may lead to logistical delays.Logistics UK warns of potential 14-hour delays costing £1,100 per truck, impacting consumers.The Entry/Exit System (EES) could increase car processing times significantly at borders.Logistics UK calls for government action to manage public expectations and mitigate disruptions.The implementation of a new EU fingerprint and facial recognition scheme for non-EU travellers at Dover has raised significant concerns regarding potential disruptions to food deliveries during the Christmas period. This development is primarily aimed…
New EU border controls requiring biometric checks threaten major delays at Dover, potentially impacting Christmas food deliveries.Logistics UK warns that the new Entry/Exit System (EES) could cause significant disruptions during the peak import season.Research suggests processing time could increase from under a minute to seven minutes per vehicle.Delays could extend queues by up to ten miles, with worst-case scenarios predicting 14-hour wait times.The potential costs of these delays could reach £400 million annually, burdening consumers and the UK economy.The introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) on 10 November will mandate fingerprint and facial recognition checks for non-EU passengers at…
In a contentious arbitration case, former law lord Lord Hoffman addressed the constraints faced by arbitrators in a major fraud case involving Nigeria.The arbitration panel, led by Lord Hoffman, came under scrutiny after an $11bn award against Nigeria was found to have been fraudulently obtained. Lord Hoffman stated that no different actions could have been undertaken by the panel to uncover the fraud during the arbitration process.During the report stage of the Arbitration Bill, Lord Hoffman participated in discussions concerning an amendment proposed by Labour peer Lord Hacking. The amendment aimed to impose a duty on tribunals to shield proceedings…
John Lewis Partnership is poised for a financial uplift, reporting promising indicators of success.Sales have risen, narrowing pre-tax losses significantly as the retail giant enters a growth phase.The revival of John Lewis’s price promise has sparked exceptional sales and customer interest.Waitrose has experienced growth in sales and market share, boosted by strategic investments.Innovation and enhanced availability are key drivers in John Lewis and Waitrose’s recent success.The John Lewis Partnership, which includes the popular supermarket chain Waitrose, is optimistic about achieving higher profits this year. The company has reduced its pre-tax losses from £59 million to £30 million, thanks to a…