English

Economics at chroniclelive.co.uk

Tuesday, Jan 14

23

Market confidence in UK is 'fragile' and could be blown away by any government

Lord Morse, who was head of the National Audit Office for a decade, told peers that "market confidence in the UK can be fairly described as fragile at the moment"

Parliament considers new guidelines for MPs' second jobs amid concerns over conflicts of interest

The main concern of paid work outside Parliament is the reputational risk to the House of people having conflicts of interest or being seen to be "gaming the system for their own personal gain"

19

Google under investigation by UK competition watchdog in major new probe

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said its investigation would look to establish whether Google's search and search advertising services should be designated with strategic market status (SMS).

18

Starbucks tell customers 'buy something, or get out' as it introduces new seating rules

Starbucks has announced a major U-turn on its seating policy, almost seven years after introducing an open-door policy that allowed people to sit in its cafes without buying something

Brits urged to check change for 2p coin worth £1,000 but only if it has this specific date

The error coin was only in circulation for a very short time and the Royal Mint is "unable to comment on the value of any individual coin" but they are "likely" to have a value much higher than face value

17

Nationwide customers can be rewarded with £205 in boost to household finances

Nationwide is one of the most well-known banks in the UK and it has confirmed that it will reward customers with extra cash towards the end of the year - here's what you need to know

Amazon offers £15 electric hand warmers that 'last for hours' and are 'worth every penny'

One Amazon customer said the DAXING electric hand warmers were 'just the thing if you suffer from the cold'

Sainsbury's and Asda urgently recall dinner item and issue do not eat warning

The recall was issued for a batch of McGhee's Scottish Brown Rolls over an undeclared allergen. The batch in question being recalled is number LS5007, with the best before date January 12, 2025

16

Sainsbury's makes major change in stores in bid to cut plastic waste

The supermarket chain has introduced new plastic-free packaging for its own-brand Ripe and Ready Avocados twin pack in a bid to reduce plastic waste.

Prisons left 'at mercy' of drone drug drops as security chiefs warn of 'national threat'

Drones dropping drugs and weapons to dangerous prisoners in high-security jails are a threat to national security, a watchdog has warned

Majority of UK homes saw prices rises last year, new study suggests

Around half of UK homes increased in value by 1% or more in 2024, according to Zoopla estimated. This equated to around 15 million properties with prices increasing, up from just over 10 million in 2023

Social care providers 'facing impossible choices' in run-up to Budget

A new report has warned that the social care sector is "facing impossible choices" as a result of the ongoing strain faced by providers in the run-up to the October Budget

Newcastle M&S store set to be downsized to foodhall in shopping centre shake-up

The popular Marks and Spencer store was expanded to offer the full range 13 years ago - but is now set to become much smaller

14

O2 customers warned of major service change that will see phones lose key feature

The mobile phone provider will be shutting down its 3G mobile data service later this year following Vodafone, Three, and EE's changes last year.

13

HMRC tax warning for anyone who sells on eBay and Vinted could cost you hundreds

Under HMRC rules, online platforms like eBay and Vinted must report certain details to the tax department

Train ticket prices slashed in Northern, LNER and TransPennine Express rail sale with up to 50% off

TransPennine Express, LNER and Northern are offering thousands of tickets at discounted prices - here are full details of what you can get

12

Spain confirms new law which could mean big tax bill for tourists

It is being reported that in 2023 alone, non-residents from outside the European Union bought 27,000 houses and flats in Spain

10

'Do not eat' warning issued for Farmfoods product as it's recalled over allergy fears

Shoppers are being urged to return the affected packs to a store for a full refund - here are full details of the item affected

North East business activity surges in December, survey suggests

The headline North East Growth Tracker Business Activity Index rose from 53.9 in November to 55.1 in December, with scores above 50 pointing to growth in the regional economy.

Monday, Jan 13

23

Gateshead technology business TSG on the acquisition trail

Gateshead-based firm Technology Services Group has outlined its plans for the future after posting its latest financial results

Former Gosforth bank site to become base for national law firm

The long-time bank has been empty for more than two years after Barclays closed down

Parents should have right to access children's social media accounts after their death, MPs told

The parents of a 14-year-old boy who took his own life in April 2022 are calling for a change in the law to allow them to access his social media accounts

21

Driving examiners can't solve test backlog by working from offices, says transport minister

Driving examiners cannot work in an office, a transport minister has told peers in the House of Lords, as the Government looks to tackle waiting times for tests

17

Poundland making major change to UK stores in bid to tackle shoplifting

The discount retailer is investing "significantly" in security enhancement for its 800 UK store estate as it launches its "Against Retail Crime" initiative today

Average house seller in 2024 made profit of nearly £92,000, analysis shows

The average house seller in England and Wales last year sold their property for £91,820 more than they had originally paid for it, according to analysis from Hamptons

16

Asda axing jobs in cost cutting measures after worst Christmas in seven years

The supermarket chain's chairman, Allan Leighton, announced last week that 13 regional manager roles would be cut under plans to reduce headcount and improve performance, The Telegraph reported.

UK car parks set for huge change over controversial five minute parking rule

The five-minute rule has proved controversial, with some motorists claiming they have been unfairly fined after being unable to pay in time - but the rule is now being updated

15

Exact date UK households could stop paying for BBC TV Licence in £174 cash boost

The BBC TV licence fee could be scrapped by the end of 2027 in a huge relief for millions of UK households facing a price hike next year

14

Supermarket schemes compared including Clubcard and Nectar as shoppers given warning

Schemes from Tesco Clubcard to Sainsbury's Nectar have been ranked by experts at Which? - but the cheapest supermarket in December 2024 has no loyalty scheme

13

Calls for DWP to scrap State Pension and hand nine million people extra £636 a year instead

From April, pensioners are set to receive a 4.1% rise in payments - here are more details about the State Pension and how much money claimants can get