Author: Sam Allcock

Eton College plans to increase tuition fees by 20% starting January 2025, attributing the hike to newly introduced VAT on private education.The decision will see the annual cost rising from £52,749 to over £63,000, impacting many families financially.Independent schools, including Alleyn’s and Stowe, follow suit with similar fee increases due to the VAT policy.The policy aims to generate approximately £1.5 billion for state schools but faces criticism for its impact on private education affordability.Parents are pressed for time to decide on private schooling due to the urgent financial implications and schools’ withdrawal policies.Eton College has announced a significant 20% fee…

A recent global study reveals significant gender disparities in financial anxiety levels between young women and men.Globally, 50% of women experience financial anxiety compared to 41% of men, revealing pressing gender-based financial challenges.In the US, women aged 25-34 report higher anxiety (45%) about finances than men, who are more optimistic.The UK shows a similar trend, with 67% of women feeling anxious about their financial situation, contrasted with 43% of men.Short-term financial planning is more prevalent among women (54%), while men (52%) tend to plan long-term.A comprehensive global study has highlighted the pressing issue of financial anxiety, particularly among young women,…

Workers at eight Tesco warehouse sites across the UK have rejected the company’s pay increase offer, raising concerns over potential disruptions during peak trading periods.The pay proposal, which ranged from 2% increases to a 4.4% raise with an additional £500 bonus, was overwhelmingly dismissed by the employees.The retail distribution trade union Usdaw has initiated a consultative ballot to gauge workers’ willingness to proceed with industrial action.If approved, the strike could coincide with the critical pre-Christmas trading period, potentially impacting Tesco’s distribution capabilities.Despite previous pay and benefit investments by Tesco, the union and the company remain in negotiations to resolve the…

The standardisation of witness statements for CCTV evidence in retail crimes marks a significant step in tackling shoplifting. Collaborations between the National Business Crime Centre, the Crown Prosecution Service, and police forces aim to streamline evidence submission. This initiative has been praised by various stakeholders in the retail sector. Recent data highlights an alarming rise in shoplifting incidents. Retailers express hope for more police attention and effective prosecution.The recent collaboration between the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC), the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and police forces has introduced a standardised witness statement process. This development aims to facilitate the submission of…

Effective workforce management is crucial across industries.Poor communication can hinder productivity and team cohesion.Lack of organisational structure poses significant challenges.Inflexible schedules can lead to employee burnout.Robust safety measures are essential in trade sectors.Effective workforce management is crucial across industries, but it can be hampered by common pitfalls if processes and structures are not in place. This challenge is not exclusive to start-ups; even well-established companies can falter due to these issues. The evolution of workplace management software offers businesses a comprehensive view of their operations, enabling the identification and resolution of problems regardless of their size.Poor communication is a fundamental…

Discover how the principles of Feng Shui can transform your home office into a space of enhanced productivity and focus.Research highlights that keeping a tidy workspace can significantly enhance concentration.Positioning your desk to face natural light has been linked to reduced headaches and increased creativity.Choosing neutral wall colours can create a calming environment, promoting efficiency.Investing in appropriate furniture and thoughtful decor choices can prevent distractions and boost productivity.Incorporating the principles of Feng Shui into your home office can foster a more productive environment. According to recent studies, a tidy workspace is crucial for enhancing focus. Keeping personal items like family…

The RAC has criticised the 5p fuel duty cut, arguing it fails to benefit drivers.Introduced to mitigate the cost of living crisis, the duty cut costs the Treasury £2 billion annually.Fuel retailers are accused of absorbing the savings, resulting in unprecedented profit margins.The RAC states that motorists pay significantly more due to high retail margins, despite reduced wholesale prices.Controversy persists as the government faces pressure to reassess the fuel duty measure.In 2022, in a bid to ease the cost of living crisis, the UK government implemented a 5p reduction in fuel duty. However, according to recent statements from the RAC,…

An employment tribunal has ruled that a London law firm acted reasonably in suggesting that a disabled secretary, Yolanda Pemberton, work from the office part-time, despite her concerns about COVID-19 risks and her immuno-suppressed condition.The tribunal determined that the firm, RBG Legal Services, part of Memery Crystal and Rosenblatt, was justified in proposing that Ms Pemberton work two days a week in the office. Her objections to office work were not directly related to her disability, which is seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.Over a three-year period, the firm made multiple accommodations for Ms Pemberton, including medical consultations and adjustments to her workspace,…

The law firm owned by listed company Anexo Group is experiencing notable growth, particularly in its housing disrepair and group litigation practices, despite facing significant financial challenges.Bond Turner, the law firm under Anexo Group, reported a 10% increase in staff from the previous year, with senior fee-earners rising by 18% to 287, according to their recent half-year results. This growth comes despite a sharp decline in legal services revenue by 32% to £34 million, attributed to costs associated with the confidential settlement of the diesel emissions group claim with Volkswagen.In contrast, the firm’s housing disrepair sector has seen a 14%…

Rocco Forte Hotels is set to expand with five new luxury properties, following significant investment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.The hotel group experienced a 6.3% revenue growth, achieving £311.9 million, with increasing UK and international contributions.New developments are planned across key European locations, reinforcing the group’s market presence and leveraging family ties to Italy.Despite robust growth, Rocco Forte’s profitability was challenged, specifically in its Russian properties with slight revenue decline.The Forte family continues to hold the majority stake, maintaining leadership within the company, while welcoming new equity.Rocco Forte Hotels is embarking on an ambitious expansion plan with the introduction…