Santander has tightened its hybrid working policy, instructing its UK office-based staff to work the equivalent of three days a week at its offices. In a recent update to 10,000 employees, the Spanish-owned bank announced that its current policy of allowing staff to work two days a week at one of its sites would be […]
Martin Blackham, a UK-based broadcast journalist currently reporting on the Gaza conflict in Israel, has filed a formal complaint against Barclaycard, alleging anti-Semitic behaviour by the company’s staff. Blackham’s complaint, addressed to Barclays Bank CEO C.S. Venkatakrishnan and seen by Business Matters, centres around the bank’s refusal to maintain his credit card limit, which he […]
Google has been accused by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) of abusing its dominance in the online advertising market, allegedly overcharging publishers and stifling competition. The CMA issued a statement of objections to the tech giant on Friday, following an investigation that suggested Google’s actions may be illegal. The case adds to a […]
The Body Shop has been saved from administration in a rescue deal led by cosmetics tycoon Mike Jatania, securing 113 stores and safeguarding more than 1,000 jobs. The former Molton Brown chief, Charles Denton, will take the helm as chief executive under the new ownership. The deal, facilitated by administrators at FRP, involves the sale […]
Labour’s proposal to impose VAT on private school fees from January is facing a High Court legal challenge on grounds that it breaches human rights law. Lawyers have argued that the policy discriminates against children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and have threatened legal action if the policy is not withdrawn. The legal […]
Banks in the UK will soon be granted new powers to freeze large payments for up to four days as part of updated fraud prevention measures set to take effect this autumn. The changes are being introduced ahead of a new fraud regime starting on 7 October, which will require banks to reimburse nearly all […]
OnlyFans, the subscription-based website best known for its adult content, has paid out £1 billion to its Ukrainian-born owner, Leonid Radvinsky, since he acquired the company six years ago. The British platform’s parent company, Fenix International, reported a record $472 million (£358 million) dividend last year, contributing to the substantial payouts. Radvinsky, a 42-year-old Ukrainian-American […]
Millions of pensioners living alone could be hit with higher council tax bills if Housing Secretary Angela Rayner scraps the 25% single occupier discount, potentially compounding financial pressures as they also face losing winter fuel payments. Analysis reveals that around half of the 8.4 million people affected by the potential abolition of the single-person council […]
Charlie Mullins, Britain’s wealthiest plumber and founder of Pimlico Plumbers, is selling his £12 million London penthouse as he prepares to leave the UK, citing concerns over potential tax hikes under Labour. Mullins, who sold his business for £145 million in 2021, plans to divest all his UK assets, redirecting his investments to Spain and […]
Martin Seidenberg, CEO of International Distribution Services (IDS), the parent company of Royal Mail, has issued a stern warning to the government, stressing that ministers will be held accountable if they do not support changes to the postal operator’s universal service obligation (USO). This requirement mandates uniform pricing for deliveries across the UK, regardless of […]