Business and Economics

Conservative’s flawed economic plan exposed once more as average pay drops even including bonuses GMB says the UK desperately needs a pay rise as average real terms wages drop once again. Even taking into account bonuses real average weekly earning, taking account of inflation, decreased by 0.4% according to today’s figures – and by 0.6% excluding bonuses. Today’s figures are the first time average earnings, including bonuses, have gone into decline since 2014. Just yesterday ONS figures showed inflation has...

Uncertainty was the theme in the latest Global Economy Watch from accountants PWC. Almost a third of business leaders say they expect at least one crisis within the next three years, and uncertain economic growth is perceived to be the biggest threat to business. Uncertainty over Brexit could dampen business investment and push up household savings rates, further dampening consumer spending growth. A hung parliament following the UK election could also add to business uncertainty. Barret Kupelian, senior economist at...

The news of the deployment of a THAAD missile defence system in South Korea is creating tension and conflict in the region. Despite ongoing concerns, the United States works with the country to get the system operational as a security measure against unpredictable North Korea, China is lashing out in protest over the issue. To voice its disagreement, China is taking aim at South Korea’s economy at several different ways that could have disastrous consequences for the country. As South...

While the so-called 'Bank of Mum and Dad' is well-known concept, it is one that has become increasingly relevant since the great recession. Incredibly, parents are now thought to fund more than a quarter of house purchases in the UK market, as rising inflation and real wage growth continues to hinder first-time buyers. In financial terms, the Bank of Mum and Dad has become the equivalent of the ninth-largest mortgage lender in Britain, ahead of even prominent establishments like the...

Advertising your business is important to expand and increase popularity. However it can be costly and time consuming. We look at how to advertise correctly and address who the audience is to reach out to. Advertisements are all around us, from websites to television to even on cars. It’s essential to publish your brand and not be afraid to start displaying them. However, with that being said there is one major thing before you start, and that is; it can...

The UK has haemorrhaged more than 600,000 manufacturing jobs in the past decade, a new study by GMB has shown. The figures, which are being discussed at GMB’s annual Congress in Plymouth today, show that 619,000 jobs in the sector disappeared from 2006 to 2016, a massive fall of 17 per cent. Between them the lost jobs have meant that £11.3 billion less has been paid in manufacturing wages in real-terms. In 2006 the UK supported 3.5 million permanent and temporary...

Whatever sort of business you run it is important that you present yourself appropriately to the public. Getting the uniform your staff wear right is a crucial part of this, especially in a public facing industry like the hospitality sector. Simon Jersey explain the important elements to keep in mind when bringing together the perfect uniform for hospitality staff and what they can accomplish for your business. Present the right image Getting your uniform right starts with understanding the sort...

At its core, business continuity is all about ensuring that your business is able to keep functioning at as close to full capacity as possible in the event of a major disaster. In order to make sure you’re sufficiently prepared for such an occurrence, you need to have a comprehensive plan in place. FSB take you through some business continuity essentials for your business. Preparation is key Let’s say, for example, that a fire has happened at your business. It...

A shocking new poll has revealed up to a third of the British workforce are in precarious employment. GMB, the union for gig economy workers, has revealed shocking statistics at that shows up to ten million people are currently in insecure work. The research, unveiled at the union’s 100th annual congress in Plymouth today, shows up to one in three of the workforce are now in precarious employment – defined as those in the gig economy, on zero or short...