Pricey broadband ‘locks poorest out’ of key services
Getty Images One in six households is struggling to afford broadband during the current UK lockdowns, according to a survey by Citizens Advice. The charity warned that the poorest people were effectively being “locked out” of access to key services. Only three of the 13 largest broadband providers offer affordable tariffs for those on low-income […]
Key workers explain their pandemic working year
BBC Key workers consider the impact the pandemic has had on their lives “Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives” was Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s message during the national broadcast announcing the country’s first coronavirus lockdown a year ago. His speech from behind a desk in Downing Street on 23 March 2020 meant […]
India’s booming population needs more women at work
Getty Images The number of working women in India has fallen to record lows in the past two decades Last month, India surpassed China as the world’s most populous country, prompting analysts to point out the potential benefits of its significant young demographic. However, a major obstacle to realising this potential is the insufficient representation […]
‘I was forced into prostitution by Universal Credit’
Jess Quayle & Dan Box BBC News BBC Women are being forced into sex work, often in exposed red light areas, charities say The Universal Credit benefits system is forcing some women to turn to sex work, charities say. The BBC has spoken to five charities and organisations in England who say there are increasing […]
Brexit and Covid cause big jump in pay for lorry drivers
Dave Harvey Business Correspondent, BBC West BBC This Somerset haulage firm has seen many of its European drivers leave the UK since Brexit Freight companies are reporting a “massive” shortage of lorry drivers, which is pushing up wages, and will increase prices of goods in the shops. It is partly because of the pandemic, which […]
Wetherspoons calls for pubs to reopen ‘to save jobs’
Getty Images The chairman of JD Wetherspoon is calling for pubs to reopen at the same time as non-essential shops. Tim Martin warned that the pub industry was “on its knees” and needed to reopen to save jobs. He said pubs made a massive contribution to the economy, with the Wetherspoons chain paying about £10 […]
Meat factories warn Covid absences could hit supplies
Tom Espiner Business reporter, BBC News Getty Images Some supermarkets faced issues over the festive period due to ports disruption The UK meat industry has called for the early vaccination of workers to keep food supplies running smoothly during the coronavirus crisis. It warned that absences during the pandemic, coupled with disruption at ports, could […]
Work to start on miners’ £100k arboretum memorial
BBC Michael Mellor said a dedication ceremony was planned in June, but may now be in September A national memorial paying tribute to miners will be built after fundraisers say they have almost reached their £100,000 target. Chase Arts for Public Spaces (Chaps) has been raising money for the monument at the National Memorial Arboretum. […]
Price inflation: Lumpy and sticky
Douglas Fraser Business and economy editor, Scotland BBC Higher interest rates fall unevenly, tending to hit many of those with the tightest finances. That may go for parts of the UK as well as younger people. One solution could be tackling inflation with higher tax, aimed at those best able to pay it. Scottish firms […]
BMW invests in Oxford plant as it plans more electric Minis
Theo Leggett Business correspondent, BBC News Getty Images King Charles drove an electric Mini off the production line during a visit to Plant Oxford in June 2021 Carmaker BMW is preparing to invest up to £600m in its Mini plant at Cowley, near Oxford, the BBC understands. The money is expected to be used to […]