Newsletter Jun 22, 2023

High UK inflation hinders cost-of-living fight

Britain's annual inflation rate unexpectedly remained at 8.7 percent in May, official data showed Wednesday, piling pressure on the Bank of England and government to act over a cost-of-living crisis.

Stocks dip as Fed chair Powell warns of more 'moderate' rate hikes

Wall Street stocks fell after US Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell warned Wednesday of further interest rate hikes, while European markets slid after a stubbornly high inflation reading in Britain.

Cost of living crisis drops UK workers' retirement figures to 1 million

A recent report describes this phenomenon of people postponing their retirement plans as "the great un-retirement", given the number of people out of the labour market has reduced compared to last year.

More than 200 companies in the UK have failed to pay their workers minimum wage

The government have named over 200 companies that have breached the National Minimum Wage law. These employers include high-street brands, sole traders and small businesses.

Hundreds of labour exploitation victims found near Lisbon

Hundreds of alleged victims of labour exploitation were found on Wednesday in different locations near Portugal's capital Lisbon, including inside a big warehouse where they were kept to work in the illegal harvesting of shellfish.

US to ease visas for skilled Indian workers as Modi visits

The Biden administration will make it easier for Indians to live and work in the United States, using this week's state visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help some skilled workers enter or remain in the country, according to three people familiar with the matter.

Four in critical condition after Paris building blast

An explosion potentially caused by a gas leak ripped through a building in central Paris on Wednesday, leaving four people fighting for their lives and causing a wave of destruction, officials said.

What leaders can learn from Google's return-to-office mandate

Google has announced a crack-down on hybrid work policies, imposing a mandatory 3-days-per-week which will be factored into employee performance.

UK organisation takes charge in aiding refugees and displaced people

In honour of Refugee Week, Refugee Action has collaborated with Lush to make all refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced people feel welcome in the UK.

Recent analysis exposes retailers' insufficient commitment to diversity and inclusion

A new study reveals that although retailers are prioritising diversity and inclusion (D&I), concrete progress remains elusive in the UK retail sector.

Britain and India boost development partnership with new climate and tech investment

Development Minister Andrew Mitchell has recently visited India to attend the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting in Varanasi, which discussed new investments that support a women-led climate-tech fund.

EU could make replaceable batteries compulsory for smartphones, tablets

Since all modern smartphones pack built-in batteries, the new EU rule could turn out to be a source of annoyance for OEMs.

London named one of the worst places for graduate students

Although London had close to 5,000 job offers for undergraduates last year, the steep cost of living would set you back, with high rental prices of almost £1,500 a month.

Over £16 million in funding to be awarded to the county of Kent to improve its local bus services

Residents of Kent will benefit from the improved bus services as they will be able to experience more reliable journeys and save up on travelling expenses.

Welly boot maker Hunter whacked by weather

Their popularity soared when the supermodel Kate Moss wore them in the mud at the Glastonbury music festival, which started on Wednesday in southwest England.

'Hidden' beach, known for its golden sand, reopens for public after 40 years

The hidden beach in California had been shut for decades due to wealthy landowners near it.

Iceland suspends whale hunting until August following public outcry

Iceland has finally decided to suspend the practice of whale hunting until the end of August.

Cristiano Ronaldo receives Guinness World record on 200th Portugal cap

Ronaldo is also Portugal's all-time top scorer with 123 goals so far.