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'Ironing board' train seats to get more cushions, transport secretary says

She said the work, set to begin in 2027 and last two years, was "public ownership of our railways in action" as part of the new Great British Railways programme. However, some have criticised how the Department for…

The London stock market dodged a bullet with Shein | Nils Pratley

Or it could have happened already. The possibility of a London flotation was a running story during 2024 and into last year as politicians from both main parties engaged in behind-the-scenes wooing. Shein was seen as a…

An essential guide to Statutory Sick Pay for employers

However, it has to be a full day. In-line with The Employment Rights Act 2025, Statutory Sick Pay kicks in from day one, down from the previous day four. From April 6, 2026, a lower wage limit of £125 per week no longer…

Lloyds Bank and Halifax users unable to use app in latest outage

The financial giant – which has Lloyds, Halifax and Scottish Widows under its umbrella – said it was “working to get things back to normal as quickly as we can” as users took to social media with complaints. The…

Reform to slash HMRC officials’ pay if taxpayers wait too long

The party said that taxpayers and those running businesses would get a £30 tax credit at the end of the year if they waited for over 30 minutes on the phone to HMRC – which is one of the biggest employers in the public…

Reform proposes £30 tax rebate for HMRC phone delays

Reform's economy spokesman said HMRC's treatment of taxpayers was "offensive to working people" and his party would tie the pay of senior HMRC officials to customer service targets. To prevent abuse, the tax credit for…

Pubs, bars and hotels report ‘Burnham bounce’ in optimism but call for further tax relief

The result, according to a survey by multiple trade bodies, is that 37% of businesses in the sector now feel that his government will benefit hospitality and brewing, which are collectively worth about £100bn to the…

Lita: The pursuit of the perfect neighbourhood restaurant

All very different restaurants, but ones that would leave a huge hole in their respective parts of London if they ever packed it in. They share a reputation for delivering consistently good cooking and crowdpleasing…

Uefa to call off Fifa boycott and step up talks over Infantino at Champions League draw

Europe’s governing body will hold a meeting with its executive committee and heads of national FAs in Monaco ahead of the draw for the league phase of its top club competition. The outcome is expected to be that Uefa…

Brewdog founder James Watt hits out at ‘total silence’ over new venture

The craft beer tycoon wrote on LinkedIn: “Normally, if I cough loudly, three journalists file copy about it. Yesterday we did a world first and the press said nothing. “Not a peep. Total silence,” he added. Watt has…