Monday, September 30, 2019

Brexit: Government to reveal detailed plan for EU negotiations

It includes the legal text of an updated Brexit deal, including suggested "customs clearance zones" in Northern Ireland.

Japan delivers long-delayed consumption tax hike

The rise comes despite jitters the move will slow spending in the world's third largest economy.

EU brings in 'right to repair' rules for appliances

The rules will make household appliances longer-lasting and easier to fix.

Brexit: UK 'proposes customs centres on both sides of border'

The ideas, seen by Irish broadcaster RTÉ, would mean clearance centres on both sides of the border.

How China became the world's 'economic miracle'

Historic reforms propelled China from poor and isolated, to one of the world's economic superpowers.

Brexit roadshow: 'My head's about to explode'

Government officials are meeting UK businesses at road shows to tackle their questions on Brexit.

A former diet cola addict built a $100m firm

Kara Goldin, the founder of US flavoured water company Hint, used to drink 10 cans of cola a day.

Albemarle and Bond: Defunct pawnbroker sells its loans to rival

The deal means worried Albemarle & Bond customers can collect their pawned goods at branches of H&T.

Tory conference: National Living Wage to rise to £10.50, says chancellor

The chancellor says it will be £10.50 an hour by 2024, with a lower age threshold - down from 25 to 21.

WeWork officially pulls plan for stock market listing

The troubled office rental firm drops its stock market listing less than a week after its boss resigned.

'My Thomas Cook job made me envy of everybody'

Marina Bridges worked for the travel firm for 38 years and retired several years ago.

Pru staff offered spa prizes in pension sale incentives

Insurance giant fined £24m after incentives risked leading staff to give customers incomplete details.

Wonga's legacy of nearly 400,000 mis-sold loans

Former customers of the collapsed payday lender have until midnight to make compensation claims.

Volkswagen: Germany's first mass lawsuit begins

Germany's first mass legal action begins as 450,000 owners of diesel cars take on the company.

Everton FC sponsor SportPesa suspends gambling operations in Kenya

The football club's sponsor, SportPesa, halts operations in the east Africa nation after new gaming taxes.

Asics apologises for porn playing for hours above Auckland store

The firm blames hackers for hours of pornography showing on the flagship's outdoor screen.

Thomas Cook refunds to take up to two months

Direct debit customers will be refunded within 14 days but others will have to wait up to 60 days.

Tory conference: Government confirms £25bn for road upgrades

Infrastructure plans to be set out at the Tory conference as opposition MPs meet to discuss Brexit moves.

Saudi crown prince warns of 'Iran threat' to global oil

The Saudi prince says oil prices could be "unimaginably high" unless the world acts to deter Iran.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Forever 21 files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

The troubled US fashion retailer said will exit most international operations in Asia and Europe.

Spending on nights out in UK 'hits three-year high'

The average Briton is spending £70.69 on a night out, up 25% since last year, a survey finds.

Zantac: CVS latest to suspend heartburn drug over cancer fears

CVS pharmacies become the latest to withdraw Zantac, a drug being investigated for cancer links.

Boris Johnson denies wrongdoing over Arcuri link

The PM says there was "no interest to declare" regarding links with US businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri.

Thomas Cook boss 'sorry' over collapse but defends pay and bonus

Peter Fankhauser denies 'fat cat' label and says banks played a role in the travel firm's downfall.

Travel agent Hayley King accused of holiday booking scam

Dozens of customers say they paid Hayley King for holidays that never materialised.

Tycoon Jim McColl ready to resume Ferguson shipyard involvement

Jim McColl is ready to retain involvement in the Port Glasgow yard weeks after handing it to administrators.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Bank of England: Who will be the next governor?

The runners and riders tipped to replace Mark Carney as governor of the UK's central bank?

We are Stoke-on-Trent: 'Debt was a circle I could not get out of'

Stoke-on-Trent has the highest rate of insolvency in England and Wales - how can this be tackled?

Friday, September 27, 2019

Thomas Cook: How the collapse affected me

A week after the collapse of Thomas Cook, the BBC looks at the stories of those involved

US 'considers de-listing' Chinese companies

US stocks fell after reports that the White House is looking at new ways to limit US investment in China.

Biffa fined £350k for contaminated China paper shipment

Paper bales for recycling being shipped abroad contained nappies and condoms, inspectors found.

Thomas Cook: 'I put my uniform on and started to cry'

Former Thomas Cook workers share their worries following the firm's collapse at a meeting in Manchester.

Thomas Cook staff begin legal action over job losses

More than 100 ex-staff say the collapsed firm did not follow proper redundancy procedures, the BBC learns.

Brexit uncertainty 'could lead to interest rate cut'

A Bank of England policymaker says interest rates may need to be cut even if a no-deal Brexit is avoided.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Thomas Cook: 40% of holidaymakers back in UK

The Civil Aviation Authority says it has now flown a total of 61,000 Thomas Cook customers back to the UK.

Saudi Arabia to open up to foreign tourists with new visas

The push to attract foreign visitors is part of the kingdom's efforts to cut its reliance on oil.

How podcasts went from unlistenable to unmissable

Podcasting has come of age, with today's increasingly slick productions attracting big advertising money.

'I built my software empire from a Stoke council house'

Entrepreneur Stephen Parker describes his quest to build a software empire from Stoke.

Boeing 'misjudged 737 Max pilot reactions'

Crews in two fatal crashes did not react as Boeing assumed they would, say US transport chiefs.

Japan Airlines seat map helps avoid screaming babies

Japan Airlines' new online booking feature shows where very young children will be sitting.

NatWest's online glitch reveals wrong accounts

Customers of the online business banking service have seen other firms' balances and transactions.

Plans for 550 Trump golf homes at Menie approved

The proposals for Donald Trump's resort in Aberdeenshire also include shops and food outlets.

'You feel shame' - the reality of romance scams

Romance scams rose by 64% in the first half of the year, figures show, as fraudsters target victims directly.

Thomas Cook: Shapps not aware he recycled Grayling speech

Grant Shapps' Thomas Cook speech resembles predecessor's statement after Monarch Airlines' collapse.

Imperial Brands' shares dive amid US vaping crackdown

Britain's Imperial Brands says the recent US crackdown on flavoured e-cigarettes will hurt sales.

British Airways owner IAG says strikes cost £121m

IAG says the action in a dispute over pay and conditions has cost it at least €137m.

Thomas Cook executive apologises over bailout video

A Thomas Cook boss has apologised after a video emerged of staff cheering him and other executives

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

US and Japan agree initial trade deal focusing on agriculture

Over 90% of US food and agricultural products sold to Japan will benefit from the new trade deal.

Peloton: 'It's borderline addiction'

The company's believers say its tech-enhanced stationary bike has matched exercise to the age of social media.

Less debt, better prospects: Why students work

Getting work experience can be one of the most valuable aspects of being at college.

Amazon Alexa gets Samuel L Jackson and other celebrity voices

The firm has also addressed privacy concerns about its smart assistant technology.

China's economic slowdown: How bad is it?

The world's second-largest economy is growing at its slowest pace since the early 1990s.

IMF names Kristalina Georgieva as new head

Ms Georgieva, a former top World Bank official, becomes the first IMF boss from an emerging economy.

Juul boss Kevin Burns steps down amid vaping concerns

The e-cigarette firm will pull all US advertising as chief executive Kevin Burns steps down.

Thomas Cook collapse: German company files for bankruptcy

After the UK parent company's collapse, the German subsidiary tries to save its national brands.

Danske Bank: Ex-chief caught up in fraud probe found dead

Aivar Rehe ran Danske Bank's Estonia arm, at the centre of a €200bn money laundering investigation.

Milton Keynes shopping centre celebrates 40 years

It was opened by Margaret Thatcher, used in a pop video and has featured many long-gone names.

Hinkley Point C nuclear plant to run £2.9bn over budget

Power company EDF says "challenging conditions" mean the final bill could now be up to £22.5bn.

Thomas Cook holidaymakers and crew 'can leave' Cuba, says CAA

The Civil Aviation Authority says flights have been arranged to get Thomas Cook holidaymakers back.

Wrightbus: Large number of redundancies to be confirmed

The firm, which employs 1,400 people, is expected to confirm major job losses later on Wednesday.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Sainsbury's to close 60 Argos stores as profit set to dip

The High Street closures are part of a plan to open more concessions in Sainsbury's supermarkets.

Thomas Cook holidaymakers and crew 'trapped' in Cuba

Several Thomas Cook holidaymakers say their hotels are not letting them leave until they pay extra money.

Beauty ads banned over 'misleading' Kardashian link

The Instagram ads misled customers and suggested celebrities had used the treatments, the ASA found.

Thomas Cook: Why did prices rise for new flights?

Travellers who want to rebook flights are accusing airlines of exploiting passengers' desperation.

'The devil's excrement': How did oil price become so important?

What would it take to overturn the world's dependency on oil?

The rise and fall of WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann

Mr Neumann built WeWork into a global firm, but investors raised questions about his leadership.

Can a computer fool you into thinking it is human?

Chatbots are increasingly common on and off line, but does it matter if their voices aren't real?

We Are Stoke-on-Trent: How ceramics power your car and phone

Stoke-on-Trent has always been known for its ceramics. But is it still all about the tableware?

Thomas Cook collapse: Your questions answered

We have done our best to answer some of your key questions following the collapse of Thomas Cook.

WeWork's Adam Neumann quits as chief executive

The boss of the trendy office rental firm says stepping aside is "in the best interests of the firm".

Thomas Cook worker: 'I've been thrown under a bus'

Staff say they have been stranded abroad and fear not being paid their wages.

'Everyone has been kicked out of their rooms'

Hotels are asking Thomas Cook customers for extra money to cover the rest of their holidays.

Manchester United annual revenues hit record high of £627m

However, the team expects revenue to fall in 2019-20 after failing to make the Champions League.

Volkswagen top executives charged with market manipulation

Three current and former executives are charged in relation to a diesel emissions scandal from 2015.

Thomas Cook collapse: German airline Condor seeks financial help

Germany's government considers offering Condor financial aid so it can keep running.

Uber gets two-month extension to London licence

The firm's temporary licence to operate was due to expire on Wednesday, but it now has a two-month extension.

Introduce frequent flyer levy to fight emissions, government told

The Committee on Climate Change says the extra tax would help curb the growing demand for air travel.

Google wins landmark right to be forgotten case

A privacy regulator had sought to force firm to delist links across the world and not just Europe.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Thomas Cook customers in shock over flight prices

People trying to find replacement flights told the BBC that in some cases prices have tripled.

Lloyd's reveals depth of sexual harassment culture

Almost 10% of workers at the Lloyd's of London insurance market say they have witnessed sexual harassment.

Uber: Will it get its London licence back?

The firm lost its licence in 2017 over public safety issues and a temporary extension is running out.

The young brothers who signed up Andy Murray

How the UK's leading tennis star is helping Tom and Phil Beahon grow their sportswear brand.

The Kabul market that sells birds from around the world

The Ka Faroshi market sells birds from around the world - but times are hard and prices are falling.

Thomas Cook bosses face scrutiny over collapse

The government says the official probe into Thomas Cook's failure must look at bosses' actions.

Boeing to pay bereaved 737 families $144,500 each

The financial assistance fund Boeing set up after the crashes has started accepting claims.

Thomas Cook: 'A passenger told me we had gone bust'

Thomas Cook employees such as Ella Waine, pictured in her uniform, react to the company's collapse.

Danielle Cohn: Are teen influencers being exploited?

Danielle Cohn posts provocative images and videos. She says she is 15, but her father claims she is younger.

Thomas Cook collapse: Customers 'left in the dark' over bills and flights

Customers tell of fears of being stranded abroad with unpaid hotel bills following the collapse.

Thomas Cook customers to fly home after firm collapses

The tour firm's failure means more than 150,000 British tourists will need to be brought back.

Thomas Cook passengers face a long journey home

More than 150,000 Thomas Cook holidaymakers face an uncertain journey home after the travel firm collapsed in the early hours of Monday morning.

Thomas Cook customers react to holiday firm collapse

Passengers at airports in England share their stories after the collapse of travel firm Thomas Cook.

Thomas Cook: Your questions answered

The travel company has collapsed, affecting hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers. So what happens next?

Thomas Cook: What went wrong at the holiday firm?

The travel giant failed to raise money to secure its future after three profit warnings in a year.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

India-US trade : Is Trump right about India's high tariffs?

The US president has described India as the "king" of tariffs. He says it's "unacceptable".

Thomas Cook collapses: Chief executive apologises

Peter Fankhauser says he's "distressed" that despite huge efforts, they have not been able to secure a deal to save the business.

Thomas Cook collapse: Customers react to cancelled holidays

Customers at Manchester Airport react to cancelled holidays as tour operator Thomas Cook collapses.

Thomas Cook: 'Planes are already being impounded'

Travel expert Simon Calder describes the situation facing travellers and employees of the collapsed holiday firm.

Thomas Cook collapses as last-ditch rescue talks fail

The tour operator's failure means more than 150,000 British tourists will need to be repatriated.

Thomas Cook: The much-loved travel brand with humble roots

The travel operator, which has collapsed after 178 years, began with a train trip from Leicester.

Thomas Cook's future hanging in the balance

The Civil Aviation Authority has aircraft on standby in case Thomas Cook falls into administration.

Thomas Cook crisis: 'People will not be stranded'

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says that people will be taken care of if Thomas Cook collapses.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Thomas Cook set for last-ditch rescue talks

The tour operator will hold a crisis meeting with key players on Sunday in a bid to avoid insolvency.

Give Thomas Cook 'real financial support', ministers urged

Sources suggest ministers are reluctant to step in to stop the firm going into adminisitration.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Huge rise in catalytic converter thefts

The Met Police says catalytic converter thefts almost doubled due to precious metal prices rising.

Sirius Minerals: The people who spent thousands on a Yorkshire mine

Sirius Minerals has 85,000 small investors, but the company's troubles mean many are stuck in a hole.

Walmart ceases e-cigarette sales

The move comes amid mounting calls to ban the products, which have been linked to a deadly outbreak of lung illness.

Brazil dam disaster firms to face criminal charges

Police say mining giant Vale and German auditor Tüv Süd used falsified documents to certify the dam.

Climate change: Offshore wind expands at record low price

The UK announces projects to power seven million homes with wind power - and no need for subsidy.

India delivers surprise corporate tax cuts to boost economy

The surprise move is part of efforts to revive investment and spur growth in Asia's third largest economy.

RBS names Alison Rose as its new chief executive

The banking veteran will become the first woman to lead one of the UK's big four banks.

New leather factory in Paisley to create 100 jobs

Scottish Leather Group's new facility, opening in 2020, will produce high-end car seat upholstery.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Climate change: Firms make green energy vows as call for action grow

Amazon and Google are among global firms setting out new green energy plans as climate pressure rises.

The work experience you can do in your pyjamas

Big companies are offering internships via the internet, but are they a valuable experience?

Why the Booker shortlist is taxing some readers

Publishers say VAT charged on e-books and audiobooks unfairly pushes up prices for the partially sighted.

Why is the Fed pumping money into the banking system?

The US central bank has pumped more than $200bn into the financial markets this week. Should we worry?

Thomas Cook told extra funds needed to seal rescue

The troubled travel firm must find £200m in extra contingency funds before banks will agree a deal.

Amazon's Jeff Bezos promises climate-change action

The chief executive says Amazon will buy thousands of electric vehicles and become carbon neutral by 2040.

Airbnb plans to list shares next year

The home rental site's floatation is expected to be one of the highest profile market debuts of 2020.

Dirty crates and vans used to deliver food by Asda

A BBC undercover investigation reveals poor hygiene at the supermarket's home delivery service.

Ryanair boss O'Leary's €99m pay sparks investor revolt

Michael O'Leary's contract provoked a protest vote at the Irish airline's annual meeting.

Bank of England forecasts low interest rates for longer

Policymakers said the UK would avoid falling into recession this year

Austria blocks EU-Mercosur trade deal with South America

MPs in Vienna deal a blow to a landmark agreement which cannot pass without all EU states backing it.

Watchdog threatens to refer JD Sports takeover

A takeover of Footasylum may raise prices and hit choice, says the Competition and Markets Authority.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

China to tap pork reserves as swine fever hits industry

The move comes as China, the world's biggest pork producer, struggles to contain a swine fever outbreak.

Fukushima nuclear disaster: Tepco executives found not guilty

It was the only criminal case to arise out of the world's worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl.

Booking.com still duping customers, says watchdog

The consumer watchdog claims the website is still using 'pressure-selling' tactics.

Why 'hypebeasts' have fallen for Asian streetwear

Asian street fashion is growing in popularity around the world, helped by fashion bloggers and social media.

Consumers' credit card spending 'overtakes cash'

Debit cards were most used, but falling cash use pushed notes and coins to third place, say retailers.

Burger King ditches free toys and will 'melt' old ones

The fast food chain says it will no longer give away plastic toys with children's meals.

US Federal Reserve cuts interest rates for second time

The Federal Reserve has cut rates by 0.25 percentage points for only the second time since the financial crisis.

Trump strips California of power to set auto emission standards

The US president says the move will cut car prices but it is likely to spark a legal battle.

India e-cigarettes: Ban announced to prevent youth 'epidemic'

The government says vaping poses a health risk to the young, rather than an alternative to smoking.

British Airways pilots call off next week's strike

Pilots' union Balpa calls on the airline to "negotiate seriously" with a view to ending the dispute.

Albemarle and Bond helpline 'improved'

Amid heavy criticism, the company says that it remains solvent and customers' pawned items are safe.

Bridgend site to produce Land Rover-inspired Ineos 4x4

The company will get public money to help bring up to 500 jobs to the town.

What is the UK's inflation rate?

A guide to what inflation is and why it matters for household finances.

House price growth slowest for seven years, says ONS

The latest figures show the biggest drop in prices in the last year was in the North East of England.

Cobham: National security fears threaten defence takeover

The government is looking into Advent's £4bn takeover bid for British defence firm Cobham.

Inflation surprise as computer game prices drop

The cost of living dropped to 1.7% in August as games and clothing

Lloyd's 'devastated' at sexual misconduct report

Boss John Neal admits there are "issues we've got to tackle" at the 331-year-old insurance market.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Lord of the Rings returns to New Zealand with Amazon TV show

The TV series produced by the US e-commerce giant has been tipped to be the most expensive ever made.

Cash machines closing fastest in poor areas, chancellor told

Consumer group Which? urges the chancellor to act over the loss of free ATMs in poor communities.

'My derelict pub still got TripAdvisor reviews'

TripAdvisor says it is winning the fight against fake reviews using fraud detection technology.

Why the Fed's interest rate move matters

The Federal Reserve, the US central bank, is expected to cut its main interest rates on Wednesday.

Tech-savvy stamp collectors energise an old hobby

Technology is helping stamp collectors to share their passion and keep rogue operators at bay.

Oil price falls as Saudi Arabia calms supply fears

The country's energy minister says output will return to normal later this month after drone attacks.

Gatwick Airport commits to facial recognition tech at boarding

The London airport will regularly scan passengers' faces at departure gates from 2022.

Smart meters: What is going on?

Smart meters were supposed to make our lives easier. and cheaper, but their introduction has been controversial.

Estate agents urged to tell buyers about air pollution

The industry trade body says providing this information should now be standard practice.

Hong Kong tries and fails to hire PR firms to rebuild image

Amid ongoing protests the government contacted eight PR firms, but all of them turned down the job.

UK's full-fibre broadband coverage rises to 8%, says Ofcom

Ofcom's report highlights how much work must be done to provide full fibre access to all by 2025.

Apple Irish tax case appeal heard by EU court

The Republic of Ireland argues it should not have to recover €13bn of unpaid taxes from Apple.

Ineos set to choose Bridgend Ford site to build new 4x4

There is speculation Ineos Automotive has chosen Ford's Bridgend site for its new car factory.

Sirius plans for North York Moors mine suffer blow

The company has to put on hold plans to issue a £403bn bond to finance the development.

Monday, September 16, 2019

WeWork 'may delay stock market listing'

The US company's flotation had been one of the most hotly-anticipated financial events of the year.

Albemarle and Bond: 'My tears over pawned jewellery'

Frustration for customers continues after pawnbroker Albemarle and Bond shuts branches.

Helium shortage: 'Prices just keep going up and up'

Why is there a shortage of the precious gas and how is it affecting firms?

HS2: Ancient woodland clearance halted while review held

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps says while a project review is under way, work should be stopped.

Energy suppliers get more time to install smart meters

Suppliers now have until 2024 to fit them into homes, but it may mean higher costs for the industry.

Caledonian Sleeper staff set strike date

Members of the RMT union are taking industrial action over concerns about staffing levels and training.

Climate change: Germany's conservatives mull doubling air travel tax

Only domestic flights will be affected, say the Christian Democrats, who govern in a coalition.

Rise in teenage money mules prompts warnings

Cases of 14 to 18-years-olds who have allowed their bank accounts to be used grows by 73% in two years.

Rutland: England's only county without a McDonald's

The burger chain wants to open in Rutland but people fear it will "kill" Oakham and bring in "riff-raff".

Aldi plans to open a new supermarket each week

The discount retailer is taking on its larger rivals as it continues to expand even as profits fall.

App that cancels subscriptions launches in UK

The virtual card automatically protects people from being charged at the end of a free trial period.

What can restaurants do to help customers with allergies?

Some allergy sufferers say they are "terrified" when dining out and have asked eateries to do more to make them safe.

Frankfurt Motor Show: Love, hate and electric cars

The BBC's Theo Leggett reports from a cavernous display of delights at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Purdue Pharma files for bankruptcy in the US

The drug maker, accused of fuelling the opioid crisis, files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Oil prices soar after attacks on Saudi facilities

Brent crude surged 19% as nervous traders speculated about the impact on global supplies.

Illegal work practices 'far too common' says think tank study

Many workers report not receiving paid holidays or wage slips, says the Resolution Foundation.

General Motors faces strike by almost 50,000 staff

The strike would be the first at America's biggest carmaker since 2007.

Saudi oil attacks: Will fuel prices go up?

The BBC's Katie Prescott assesses whether drone strikes on Saudi oil facilities could affect consumers.

Thomas Cook 'racing to finalise rescue deal'

The troubled travel firm is understood to be in last minute negotiations with bondholders.

Saudi oil attacks: US blames Iran for drone strikes on two sites

Tehran rejects the accusations on the drone attacks, which the Saudis say have halved oil production.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

SmileDirect Club: The $8bn braces firm boosted by selfies

SmileDirectClub sells braces aimed at improving the appearance of teeth directly to consumers.

Why thousands are flocking to corgi cafes

Corgi cafes are all the rage, with these dog-themed businesses popping up across Asia.

Saudi Arabia oil production reduced by drone strikes

The kingdom's output is reportedly reduced by five million barrels a day - nearly half its output.

Saudi Arabia oil facilities ablaze after drone strikes

The fires are under control, state media say, as Yemen's Houthi group says it deployed the drones.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Historic towns to benefit from £95m boost named

The government lists 69 English towns and cities that will benefit from regeneration money.

Has the US flotation bubble burst?

As the market awaits a WeWork listing, what has happened to the other firms which have debuted?

‘No one asks new dads how they’re feeling at work’

Companies are doing more to support working dads but may overlook postnatal mental illness in men.

How virtual reality is helping people with dementia

Virtual reality is being used to help people with dementia revisit their past.

New Scottish headquarters in Glasgow for whisky firm Chivas Brothers

It is part of a £500m investment by Chivas Brothers, which is also extending its Dumbarton bottling plant.

WeWork founder Adam Neumann's voting power curbed

The office space firm changes its structure after investor fears put its stock market debut in doubt.

Customers in the dark over pawnbroker closures

Albemarle & Bond and Herbert Brown stores have closed their doors, but a helpline is unanswered.

Pound climbs to highest level since July

Sterling rises as traders believe the risk of a no-deal Brexit is receding.

SSE sale of retail business to Ovo creates new UK energy giant

The transfer of 3.5 million SSE customers will make Ovo the UK's second largest energy firm.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Duchess of Sussex launches clothing line for women's charity

The Duchess of Sussex launches her new clothing line in support of a charity helping women find work.

YouTube advertises big brands alongside fake cancer cure videos

The video site's algorithm promotes medical misinformation in a number of languages, the BBC finds.

Whirlpool tumble dryer recall uncovers 65,000 dangerous machines

Despite the full recall, hundreds of thousands of fire-prone machines may remain in UK homes.

‘My boss lets me set my own salary’

How picking your own pay has become the latest employment perk.

Sainsbury's pledges to halve plastic packaging by 2025

The supermarket is asking the public for ideas on how best to reduce its packaging.

Why your smart meter may not be so smart after all

Nearly a third of all energy companies fitting smart meters are still installing old technology.

High-tech ways to keep employees happy

Companies offer gym deals and cycle schemes - but how do they know if these are what staff want?

BA cancels 27 Sept flights ahead of next pilot strike

British Airways has begun emailing thousands of passengers ahead of another day of strike action.

Sir Philip Green's Topshop reports £500m loss

The results for 2018 lay bare the extent of the problems at the businessman's fashion empire.

Google to pay €1bn to end French tax probe

The settlement ends a four-year investigation into Google's tax affairs.

US gun laws must be stricter, say business chiefs

The leaders of 145 companies send a letter to Congress about "an urgent public health crisis".

Huawei chief offers to share 5G know-how for a fee

Ren Zhengfei offers to share its 5G know-how with a Western firm in return for a one-off fee.

Eurozone gets fresh help to bolster flagging growth

The European Central Bank cuts key interest rate and re-starts quantitative easing.

Facebook's Libra should be blocked in Europe, France says

The social media giant faces growing opposition to its planned cryptocurrency.

Can a sacred drink boost an island's fortunes?

The Pacific nation of Vanuatu is hoping kava will boost exports and bring in much needed cash.

Four-day work week unrealistic, says Labour-commissioned report

A Labour-commissioned report says people should work fewer hours, but capping their hours will not work.

John Lewis in no-deal Brexit warning as it falls to a loss

The partnership is hit by "difficult" trading and says a no-deal Brexit would have a "significant" impact

UK tobacco giant BAT to cut 2,300 jobs

The firm wants to shed management layers as it focuses on e-cigarettes and other new products.

Royal Navy Type 31 frigate order goes to Babcock

Boris Johnson says the £1.25bn order for five Type 31e frigates will safeguard 2,500 jobs.

Kia Ora: Air New Zealand faces boycott over trademark bid

A bid to trademark the title of its in-flight magazine "Kia Ora" has sparked backlash from Maori groups.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Yusaku Maezawa to sell Zozo stake to Yahoo Japan in $3.7bn deal

The firm's founder and potential space tourist Yusaku Maezawa will also step down as chief executive.

Trump delays tariff hikes on Chinese goods ahead of talks

The US president described the move as a "good will" gesture and comes ahead of fresh talks with China.

'Women hit hardest by High Street job losses'

Jobs in shops have disappeared, while new roles in warehouses have mostly gone to men, a study has found.

Purdue Pharma 'reaches tentative agreement' to settle opioid cases

The manufacturer of painkiller OxyContin stands accused of helping fuel a deadly US crisis.

Mike Ashley: I want to be one of the big fish

The Sports Direct boss has defended the firm's strategy, saying he has faith in High Street retail.

T Boone Pickens, legendary US oilman, dies at 91

Mr Pickens was known for his activism on behalf of shareholders.

Trump plans ban on sale of flavoured e-cigarettes

The president says his administration will implement strong rules to protect "innocent children".

China scraps some US tariffs ahead of trade talks

Cancer drugs and animal feed are among the 16 US imports that will no longer be hit by higher taxes.

London Stock Exchange gets £32bn Hong Kong bid

The surprise move from the owner of Hong Kong's main share market threatens the LSE's own bid plans.

Sport Direct's Mike Ashley faces shareholder anger at annual meeting

Boss Mike Ashley faces a shareholder revolt at the annual meeting after 'strange missteps'.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

California passes landmark gig economy right bill

The law would mean the likes of Uber and Lyft would have to offer holiday and sick pay.

Peloton: Fitness start-up seeks to raise $1.3bn in market debut

The loss-making firm which offers at-home workouts is eyeing a market valuation of up to $8.2bn.

Bailiffs 'used more to chase unpaid parking fines'

Cases have risen by 21% in two years, analysis suggests, but councils say the use of bailiffs is justified.

Deliveroo TV advert banned for being misleading

The ad implied the food delivery firm could deliver anywhere in the UK at anytime.

Retailers shut 2,870 stores in first half of 2019

Closures hit record level as retailers restructure their businesses and more shopping moves online.

British Airways warns of continuing disruption after strikes

It will take "some time" for flights to return to normal after strike action, the airline says

The long history of solar power

The falling cost of solar power is helping it to disrupt the global energy market.

The bizarre fabrics that fashion is betting on

Amid a growing backlash against fast fashion, firms are looking at new fabrics from mushrooms and pineapples.

Victoria's Secret boss 'embarrassed' by Jeffrey Epstein ties

The remarks were the latest effort by L Brands boss Les Wexner to distance himself from the scandal.

Apple unveils iPhone 11 Pro and 'always-on' Watch

Apple is hosting a launch event for new handsets and other products at its California headquarters.

WeWork stock market debut in doubt

One of the most hotly-anticipated financial events of the year is said to face growing scepticism.

PSA boss compares no-deal Brexit to train crash

The company that owns Vauxhall says it will halt UK investment while the Brexit outcome remains uncertain.

Marie Claire to stop producing UK print magazine after November

The fashion and beauty monthly will be digital-only after 31 years as a print publication.

Violent retail crime leading to PTSD for shop staff, report says

Around 115 retail staff are attacked every day in the UK, a study by City, University of London, says.

Wage growth stays strong as unemployment falls

The estimated employment rate of 76.1% is still the highest since comparative records began.

'Price of UK-made cars may rise' in no-deal Brexit

BMW's finance chief warns WTO tariffs mean prices of UK-made models could rise if no deal is reached.

Monday, September 9, 2019

Jack Ma: Alibaba begins new era as founder departs

The charismatic Chinese businessman led Alibaba to become one of the world's biggest internet firms.

British Airways: Can strike-hit airline rebuild its reputation?

This week's pilots' strike at British Airways is not the first incident to tarnish the airline's image.

Why are people shopping online late at night?

Retailers are seeing a spike in British consumers shopping online for products from 22:00 to 02:00.

The teacher getting child workers back to school

Rani Bhati is a teacher getting children who have left school back into mainstream education.

Brexit: BMW could cut shifts at Mini plant in event of no-deal

Finance chief Nicolas Peter says output at the Oxford plant is likely to fall, affecting jobs.

Former PM's Brexit negotiator joins Goldman Sachs

Olly Robbins, who helped negotiate the EU withdrawal agreement, will join the bank after a sabbatical.

Google: 50 US states and territories launch competition probe

Fifty states and territories will investigate Google's dominance of the online advertising market.

Juul 'ignored law' in US e-cigarette adverts

US regulators have sent a warning to the e-cigarette company, as health officials probe deaths.

Apple responds to iPhone factory criticism

Apple denies claims that staff experience poor working conditions in the Foxconn factory.

What does Disney's Pinewood deal mean for Marvel, Bond and British film?

What does the new megabucks deal mean for Marvel, Bond and British film?

Nissan boss to step down amid pay scandal

Hiroto Saikawa faced fresh leadership scrutiny after saying he was overpaid as part of a bonus scheme.

Porsche set to lead the charge at Frankfurt show

Porsche is set to lead the charge at the Frankfurt Motor Show with its new electric sports car.

UK growth rebound eases recession fears

The economy grew by a stronger-than-expected 0.3% in July, official figures show.

Big Issue sellers to accept contactless payments

A scheme allowing sellers of the magazine to take contactless payments is rolled out across the UK.

Restaurants urged to serve us less food

UK restaurants waste a million tonnes of food a year, 75% of which could be eaten says charity Wrap.

Hong Kong tourism falls 40% as protests continue

The number of visitors to the city tumbled last month as anti-government protests gripped the city.

Northern Ireland economy 'enters or is entering' recession

An economic survey finds a slowdown was seen across manufacturing, construction, services and retail.

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Lloyds facing up to £1.8bn in fresh PPI costs

The banking giant suspends its share buyback programme after being hit by a late rush of PPI claims.

The man who gambled his firm on a £50,000 sword

How a giant order from the Middle East transformed Grant Macdonald's silversmith business.

Belfast International 'is UK's worst airport'

London Luton and Manchester T3 also did badly in the survey by consumer magazine Which?.

TUC calls for ban on 'class discrimination' at work

The body says wealthier graduates are far more likely to start on higher salaries than working-class peers.

The secrets of controlling your internet profile

Banksy reckoned we would all be anonymous for 15 minutes, but is this even possible?

China exports fall in August as US trade war bites

The latest China trade data points to further signs of strain in the world's second largest economy.

Amber Rudd quits Cabinet blaming Brexit inaction

Up to 90% of government effort is on no-deal, with no evidence of any formal negotiations to get an EU deal, she says.

British Airways strike due to start at midnight

British Airways pilots are to begin a two-day strike, with passengers told not to go to airports.

Trump probed over airport spending in Scotland

US Congress is investigating state dealings with Prestwick Airport, near the president's golf resort.

Saturday, September 7, 2019

The London schoolgirl running her own e-commerce business

Cara has been running her own business for a year and has even paid for her parents to go on holiday.

What to do if you overspent on your summer holiday

Household finances have taken a summer hit, but experts have some advice about getting back on track.

Friday, September 6, 2019

Brexit: Firms have 'no idea what's going on'

Almost half of UK firms have done no risk assessment on Brexit, finds the British Chambers of Commerce.

BA strike: Why are pilots walking out?

Pilots are due to strike on Monday and Tuesday, but why and what will the impact be?

'I was shocked at £4,400 bill from bust energy firm'

A customer of Extra Energy was sent a huge bill nine months after the firm went into administration.

Ucas criticised for promoting 'inappropriate' private loans to students

Consumer campaigner Martin Lewis says the advert could influence "young and impressionable" students.

US jobs growth weaker than expected

Just 130,000 jobs were created in August, adding fuel to forecasts of an economic slowdown.

Facebook to face fresh anti-trust investigation

State officials will investigate whether Facebook has "stifled competition and put users at risk".

American Airlines mechanic charged with sabotaging plane

The suspect says he was upset over stalled union contract negotiations and trying to get overtime.

Philip Green's Topshop empire plunges to loss

The business blames a dramatically changed retail landscape and competition from rivals for the loss.

TripAdvisor defends itself in fake reviews row

The site has come under fire from consumer group Which? over "hugely suspicious" reviews.

'Caution' dominates UK housing market

Property prices are barely moving as buyers and sellers exercise caution, the UK's biggest lender says.

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Make supermarket booze more expensive, says think tank

Alcohol should be more expensive in supermarkets compared with pubs, says think tank.

Air France crash: Manslaughter charges dropped over 2009 disaster

French judges say there are not enough grounds to prosecute Air France and Airbus over the 2009 crash.

Pornhub owners 'profit from revenge porn'

One woman feels "violated", after a video uploaded by her ex-partner was viewed thousands of times.

Will Brexit hit Britain's fresh vegetable supplies?

While Dutch firms are ready for Brexit, some say that food exports to the UK will be delayed.

How the lift became a million dollar idea

Who came up with the lift? The BBC's Aaron Heslehurst explains how it was invented.

Air France crash: Manslaughter charges dropped over 2009 disaster

French judges say there are not enough grounds to prosecute Air France and Airbus over the 2009 crash.

BA strike still on after airline rejects union proposal

The airline rejects a last-ditch proposal which the pilots' union said could avert strike action.

Viagogo sidesteps legal action with website fixes

The secondary ticketing site has improved its communication with customers, the competition watchdog said.

Yahoo email fault hits BT, Sky and TalkTalk customers

Users in the UK and across the world were unable to send or receive emails for seven hours.

Industry bill for PPI claims could hit £53bn

The new estimate for the cost of claims comes as shares in CYBG plunge as it warns of a higher bill.

Jio Fiber: Free TVs with India's latest broadband service

Jio Fiber is expected to spark a price war and disrupt the internet and streaming industry.

Glenshimmeroch wind farm project approved on appeal

The Scottish government rules the 10-turbine scheme in Galloway should be allowed to proceed.

Nissan boss says he was overpaid but denies wrongdoing

The Japanese carmaker has been grappling with the Carlos Ghosn scandal and falling profits.

Europe will not accept US verdict on 737 Max safety

Europe's aviation safety watchdog will run its own tests on the plane before letting flights resume.

William Hill boss leaves as 700 bookies close

Philip Bowcock's departure after three years comes as the bookmaker shifts to growth online.

Samsung Galaxy Fold to be launched on 6 September

Samsung has been rushing to launch its first folding smartphone before rivals like China's Huawei.

No-deal bill a 'chink of light' for business

However, the CBI says businesses still must keep stockpiling for a potential no-deal Brexit.

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

'I swapped Chelsea FC for the City': From goalie to Goldman Sachs

Goalkeeper quits top flight women's football at the age of 25 to start a new career in finance.

What do you do when a colleague dies?

How should firms plan for the death of a worker, when the topic is often taboo?

Brexit: Ireland will 'try' to impose checks away from border in no-deal

The Irish deputy PM says Ireland would have to protect its place within the single market.

Ryanair pilots vote for further strikes

The Balpa pilots' union says Ryanair has refused to come to the negotiating table.

No-deal recession less severe now, says central bank boss

Preparations made since the central bank's last estimate has softened its worst-case scenario.

Amazon Fire TVs to be sold by Currys PC World in UK

The tech giant will sell its TVs on its website and at Currys PC World shops on the UK high street.

Is this really the end of austerity?

Is the end in sight for austerity, or is the government just electioneering?

Chancellor Sajid Javid declares end of austerity

The government has unveiled the biggest spending increase in 15 years.

Cathay Pacific chair to retire amid HK protest row

News of John Slosar's departure comes weeks after the airline's boss was forced to quit.

UK 'at risk of slipping into recession'

The dominant UK services sector grew only slightly in August, an influential survey shows.

Dairylea pulls food splat ad amid complaints

Parents of children with dairy allergies described the ad as "dangerous" and "insensitive".

You've got to get close to your customers

Winnie Awa says to boost her sales, she had to understand her customers' haircare problems.

RBS faces up to £900m in new PPI charges

The bank says it saw a surge in last-minute claims ahead of the August deadline.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

How feasible are the government spending plans?

Is the government heralding the end of austerity, or just an unsustainable pre-election giveaway?

Huawei accuses US of cyber-attacks and threats to staff

The Chinese tech giant, at the heart of a US-China power struggle, gave no evidence for its allegations.

Social care and prisons 'need money most'

Vote-winning measures are likely to be prioritised in spending plans, says the Institute for Government.

Lego working with shops to avoid Brexit disruption

Boss Niels Christiansen says the toymaker will ensure UK retailers have the stock they need for Christmas.

How do people learn to cook a poisonous plant safely?

Cassava is very dangerous if not prepared properly, so how did people develop and share that knowledge?

Walmart changes gun policies after shootings

The retailer will stop sales of certain types of ammunition in response to recent attacks.

Ariana Grande says Forever 21 'stole' name in lawsuit

The singer is asking for $10m in damages from the US retailer, accusing it of trademark infringement.

HS2 railway to be delayed by up to five years

It will be between 2028 to 2031 before the first trains run on the London to Birmingham route.

M&S expected to be kicked out of FTSE 100

The struggling retailer is likely to be demoted from the index of the UK's top listed firms on Wednesday.

Pound at three-year dollar low amid Brexit turmoil

Sterling drops below $1.20 and €1.10 as the House of Commons prepares for a new bid to delay Brexit.

Half of Chiquito restaurants under threat

Owners the Restaurant Group will review the future of each one as leases come up for renewal.

Monday, September 2, 2019

Spending Review: What's it all about?

What is the government's Spending Review and why has it been four years since the last one?

How playing video games could get you a better job

Gaming has long been stigmatised as the preserve of the socially inadequate, but this is changing.

Why John Lewis shoppers could see more card payment checks

Banks increasingly require shoppers to provide an extra form of verification when they buy online.

How tracking menstrual cycles helps women in sport

Understanding women's bodies better is helping to improve their sporting performance.

'Women starting their careers find it very, very daunting'

Only a third of scientists are women but Nobel Laureate Elizabeth Blackburn wants young women to persist.

What cars and underwear say about India's slowdown

India's economic slowdown is affecting a number of industries, including some very surprising ones.

Pound sinks after general election speculation

Reports of a possible snap general election and a push for a Brexit extension weigh on sterling.

UK factory output 'falls at fastest pace for seven years'

Worries over Brexit and the global economic slowdown hit manufacturers last month, a survey finds.

Tata: Hundreds of steel jobs could go at Newport plant

The factory, which makes electrical steel for the power industry, has been for sale for 16 months.

Ashley backs challenge to Debenhams rescue deal

A landlord, funded by Mike Ashley, is challenging the retailer's turnaround plan in the High Court.

No-deal Brexit 'could hit house prices'

House prices could drop by 6.2% next year if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, KPMG says.

Sunday, September 1, 2019

Argentina imposes currency controls to support economy

Firms will have to seek central bank permission to buy foreign currency and make bank transfers abroad.

The former monk who runs a $100m meditation firm

After a decade as a Buddhist monk, Andy Puddicombe set up Headspace with one of his clients.

French air traffic control 'outage' hits UK flights

Airlines warn of delays and some cancellations due to problems affecting French airspace.