People are rushing to install solar panels before Trump becomes President
Jeff Brady The solar power industry is growing fast, accounting for more than half of all new electricity on the grid last year. But soon President-elect Trump and fellow Republicans in Congress may try to reduce or eliminate government incentives that have driven much of that growth. Solar installers face even more uncertainty with threats…
Reeves’ drive for growth seeks China lifeline after UK market turmoil
Chancellor’s mission to Beijing weighted with greater expectations Rachel Reeves hailed a new era of “respectful and consistent future relations with China” as pressure grew on the embattled chancellor to deliver on her government’s central promise to fire up UK economic growth. After meeting China’s vice-premier, He Lifeng, in Beijing, Reeves said Britain’s relationship with…
Rail passengers face disruption from Avanti strikes every Sunday until June
Train managers on west coast mainline to take action from 12 January to 25 May in dispute over rest-day working Passengers on Great Britain’s west coast mainline have been warned of disruption to Avanti services on every Sunday from this weekend to the end of May. Train managers represented by the the National Union of…
Labour MPs urge Rachel Reeves to demand Jimmy Lai’s release
UK chancellor will be first to make an official visit to China in a decade Labour MPs have urged Rachel Reeves to demand Jimmy Lai’s release when she becomes the first UK chancellor to make an official visit to China in nearly a decade. Nine Labour MPs have joined a cross-party call for Reeves to…
There is one major gift Trump is inheriting from Biden: A good job market
Scott Horsley There is major thing that president-elect Donald Trump will be getting as President Biden prepares to hand over the reins: a strong labor market. U.S. employers added more than a quarter-million jobs in December — well above expectations — while the unemployment rate dipped to 4.1%, according to a report from the Labor…
Fears over UK borrowing costs as US jobs figures prompt stock market volatility
Pound falls against the dollar and bond yields rise amid concerns over high UK inflation and interest rates Concerns over the UK government’s borrowing costs were revived on Friday after stronger-than expected US jobs figures triggered volatile conditions in global financial markets. In an accelerating global bond market sell-off, investors warned that the UK was…
Budget tax changes will push up price of fresh food, says Sainsbury’s boss
NICs increase will add £140m to wage bill of supermarket, which has announced 5% pay rise for staff Changes to employers’ national insurance contributions announced in the government’s October budget will drive inflation, particularly on fresh food, according to the boss of Sainsbury’s as he announced a 5% pay rise for workers. “It is coming…
UK music industry hails proposals to crack down on ticket touting
Resale prices could be capped at 30% over face value, while resale websites face greater legal obligations The price at which tickets for live events can be resold is to be capped under “gamechanging” proposals put forward by the government to crack down on touting in the sector. In a move hailed by music industry…
Cuts, tax rises and doing nothing: Rachel Reeves’ options to tackle economic woe
Labour’s fiscal rules may limit the chancellor’s ability to act, but waiting it out may be the best option The UK government has come under pressure from a bond market sell-off and the tumbling pound, heaping pressure on the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to reassure investors about Britain’s economic and financial position. After a challenging first…