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| 07-12-2025 |
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Welcome to the weekly international news from Stockmark.IT - covering the news that affecting international financial markets.
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Prediction Markets Trump Crypto and New Forms of Gambling Shake Up Betting Sector 2025
Donald Trump continues to expand his business interests into emerging technologies, now launching a prediction market platform that capitalises on the growing popularity of crypto-driven wagering. Trump Media and Technology Group recently unveiled Truth Predict, a prediction exchange where participants can stake crypto on outcomes ranging from elections to financial markets and sports events. Prediction […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Newcastle city centre faces business rate surge as hospitality sector warns of crisis
Newcastle’s independent hospitality scene is confronting an unprecedented challenge as more than 1,000 city centre businesses see steep increases in business rates from April 2026. The governmentâs Valuation Office Agency has completed a revaluation of commercial properties, prompting a 15 per cent rise in the city centreâs total rateable value to £171 million. Almost every […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Octopus Energy Restricts Cut Price Electric Car Charging Costs Set to Rise for UK Drivers
Octopus Energy, the United Kingdom’s largest energy supplier, will introduce new limits on its discounted electric vehicle tariff from January, increasing the cost for thousands of motorists. Under the revised policy, users of the Intelligent Go tariff will be permitted just six hours of low-cost charging each day. Previously, this popular planâchosen by over 260,000 […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Britain Surges Past China as Major Holder of US Treasury Debt
Britain has ascended to the position of the second-largest holder of United States government debt, surpassing China, as hedge funds headquartered in London increase their exposure to US Treasuries. Over the past five years, holdings of US government bonds in the United Kingdom have nearly doubled, now standing at $865 billion dollars, according to official […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Rightmove Faces Profit Squeeze as AI Disrupts UK Property Search Market and Investors Grow Wary
The arrival of advanced artificial intelligence is prompting a seismic shift in the UK property market. AI-powered search bots now scrape listings from portals like Zoopla, Foxtons and Rightmove, offering rapid property suggestions based on detailed requirements. Tasks such as finding school catchments, comparing council tax, and drafting agent enquiries are performed within seconds, demonstrating […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Solar Storms Challenge Aviation Safety and Expose Software Vulnerabilities
The frequency and intensity of solar flares have escalated in recent months, posing a renewed threat to modern aviation. In late October, a JetBlue Airbus A320 flying from Cancun to New Jersey suffered a sharp drop after solar radiation disrupted its autopilot controls. The incident, which resulted in an emergency landing in Florida and hospitalisation […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Poundland Store Closures Signal Ongoing Struggles For UK High Street Retailers
Poundland has announced the closure of more shops across the United Kingdom as its new owners pursue a turnaround strategy. The discount retailer is set to shut a further 14 branches by early February, adding to the 19 locations already scheduled to close in the coming months. The latest list of closures impacts towns and […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Piers Morgan Uncensored Approaches One Hundred Million Pound Valuation Amid Investment Surge
Piers Morganâs Uncensored Youtube-based media venture is nearing a one hundred million pound valuation, driven by a significant investment round led by established global backers. Merchant bank The Raine Group and media magnate Theo Kyriakou are among the latest investors, supporting Morganâs ambition to transform Uncensored into an international media brand. Current fundraising is set […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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London BTC Company sets expansion targets with 30 percent fleet increase and eyes Nasdaq listing
London BTC Company Ltd has announced plans to expand its North American mining operations by approximately 30 percent during 2026, which would bring its total fleet to around 1,500 ASIC machines. The LSE-listed firm currently operates approximately 1,100 miners across facilities in the United States and Canada. The company confirmed it will finance the expansion […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Citi Upgrades BAE Systems as UK Defence Sector Enters Multi Year Rearmament Cycle
Citi has positioned BAE Systems as its preferred UK defence investment for 2026, assigning a buy rating with a target price of 2,192 pence per share. The recommendation reflects the bank’s assessment that British defence contractors stand at the confluence of sustained geopolitical tensions, constrained public finances and an unprecedented European rearmament programme. The investment […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Metals One Shares Plunge on Heavily Discounted Placing for South African Gold Project
Metals One PLC has experienced a sharp decline in its share price following the announcement of a substantial capital raising at a significant discount to market value. The AIM-listed explorer revealed plans to raise £4.4 million through a placing that has resulted in considerable dilution for existing shareholders. The company’s shares fell 39% to 2.06 […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Orange Juice Linked to Genetic and Cardiovascular Health Shifts
>Recent scientific findings suggest that the humble breakfast staple, orange juice, offers more than a pleasant taste and quick energy boost. A growing body of research reveals that consistent consumption of pure orange juice can bring about noteworthy changes in the human body at a genetic level, with significant implications for cardiovascular health. Researchers conducted […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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London Spac Mayflower Acquisition Raises $500 Million Dollars Targets Multibillion Pound Deal
A recently launched London-listed special purpose acquisition company has raised 500 million dollars in a bid to target a multibillion pound acquisition. Mayflower Acquisition, incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and founded by three veteran City dealmakers, Sir Jeremy Isaacs, Roger Nagioff and Noam Gottesman, began trading on Friday with support from a board that […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Ocado Secures $350 Million Dollar Payment Amid US Warehouse Closures by Kroger
Ocado Group, the UK based grocery delivery and retail technology firm, will receive a 350 million dollar payment from its principal American partner Kroger following the US supermarket giants decision to withdraw from a key automation project and abandon the opening of a significant new warehouse site. This cash payment is scheduled for January and […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Trustpilot rebounds after short selling assault and executive share purchase
Trustpilot shares staged a notable recovery on Friday following a turbulent period triggered by critical allegations from an American short selling firm. The consumer review platform, listed on the FTSE 250, experienced a sharp decline after Grizzly Research released a report likening Trustpilotâs operations to a âmafia style extortion racketâ, causing the stock to fall […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Jamie Oliver to relaunch Jamies Italian restaurant chain after six year hiatus
Jamie Oliver is set to revive his collapsed Italian restaurant chain, signalling a return to the UK high street after a six year absence. The celebrity chef, whose Italian-themed eateries fell into administration in 2019, will relaunch the Jamies Italian brand through a franchise partnership with Brava Hospitality Group, the owner of Prezzo. The first […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Meta strikes AI deals with global news publishers for real time content delivery
Meta Platforms, parent company of Facebook, has entered commercial agreements with prominent news publishers to utilise their content in the development of its artificial intelligence products. This initiative aims to enhance the timely delivery of news and related information via AI, particularly during unfolding world events. The media organisations involved include USA Today, People, CNN, […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Unilever Considers Selling Iconic British Food Brands As Burton Factory Faces Uncertain Future
Unilever is reportedly seeking a buyer for three of its longstanding British food brands, Marmite, Bovril and Colmans, raising significant concerns in Burton upon Trent where these brands have become part of the townâs cultural and economic legacy. These brands, with production rooted at Unileverâs Burton factory, collectively generate around $261 million in annual revenue. […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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China GPU Maker Moore Threads Soars on Stock Debut Amid Artificial Intelligence Frenzy
Beijing-based chipmaker Moore Threads has seen its market value surge more than 500 per cent following its initial listing on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, offering a striking example of heightened investor interest in artificial intelligence companies. The firm, often compared to Nvidia, raised 1.1 billion US dollars on debut, with its valuation quickly rising to […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros Implications for Entertainment Industry and Consumers
The proposed eighty three billion dollar acquisition of Warner Bros by Netflix has sent ripples through the global entertainment sector. This landmark deal not only involves the storied Warner Bros film studio but also includes the acquisition of HBO the prestigious television producer. If completed the merger will mark a significant shift in the competitive […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Energy Bills to Rise by £116 Pounds a Year to Fund Grid Upgrades and Network Investments by 2030
Households across Britain can expect to see energy bills rise by £116 annually by 2030 to cover a substantial £90 billion investment intended to expand the national electricity grid and maintain existing gas pipelines. Ofgem, the UKâs energy regulator, confirmed the plans this week, approving an initial £28 billion for the next five years, with […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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UK Tesla Sales Suffer as Slowdown Hits Electric Vehicle Growth and Tax Burden Looms
The growth in sales of battery powered vehicles in the United Kingdom has eased to its weakest level for almost two years, as government plans for a pay per mile road tax on electric vehicles unsettle the market. According to analysis by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, registrations of new battery electric vehicles […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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How Japans Bond Market Turmoil Threatens UK Borrowing Costs and the Reeves Budget
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor, appeared to have steadied bond market nerves after her latest Budget, implementing a broad range of tax increases to reassure investors. However, developments in Japan now threaten to reignite concerns about the cost of UK government borrowing. Following a brief dip after the Budget, the yield on UK government bonds, known as […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Trustpilot Faces Accusations of Extortion as Shares Plunge
Shares in Trustpilot tumbled to a two-year low amid allegations of aggressive business practices from a US research firm, intensifying scrutiny on the British-Danish customer review platform. On Thursday, Trustpilotâs shares fell by 32 percent, marking their steepest single-day drop since floating on the London Stock Exchange in 2021 and wiping more than £200 million […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Meta Surges as Zuckerberg Slashes Metaverse Budget and Refocuses on AI Investments
Meta has witnessed a remarkable rally in its share price, soaring by $100 billion as investors responded positively to chief executive Mark Zuckerbergâs decision to substantially reduce spending within the companyâs Metaverse division. The initiative was outlined following high level discussions at Mr Zuckerbergâs Hawaii compound, where senior Meta leaders agreed to enact budget cuts […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Ajax Armoured Vehicle Programme Faces Uncertain Future Amid Mounting Losses and Health Fears
The British Armyâs Ajax armoured vehicle initiative, valued at £6.3 billion, now stands on unstable ground. Defence Secretary John Healey has refrained from ruling out the programmeâs cancellation after a series of damaging incidents linked to soldier health. Despite the Ministry of Defence and General Dynamics repeatedly claiming that technical challenges were resolved, the latest […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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NHS Faces Unprecedented Winter Challenge as Flu Wave Hits Hospitals and Strikes Loom
Hospital admissions for flu have surged to record highs in England as the NHS faces a winter of exceptional strain. The rise in cases, particularly acute among the most elderly patients, coincides with the mounting disruption anticipated from a five day strike by resident doctors immediately ahead of the Christmas period. Recent data reveal that […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Brexit Policy Debate Intensifies As Lammy Hints At Customs Union Return
Amid mounting economic pressure and internal debate within Downing Street, the Labour Partyâs position on Brexit has come under renewed scrutiny, following a series of statements by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy. During a recent interview, Lammy repeatedly refused to rule out the prospect of reversing Brexit, instead indicating that rejoining the EU customs union […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Big Yellow Group Faces Rising Business Rates and Uncertain Future Amid Takeover Talks
Britainâs largest self storage business, Big Yellow Group, is set to incur a significant increase in business rates as a result of measures introduced in Rachel Reevesâs recent budget. The company, which operates over 100 locations across the United Kingdom, reported that its rates bill will reach £22.9 million for the 2027 financial year. This […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Qatar Cedes Largest Sainsburys Stake to Czech Billionaire Daniel Kretinsky
Daniel Kretinsky, the Czech industrialist known as the Czech Sphinx, has emerged as the largest shareholder in Sainsburyâs after the Qatar Investment Authority agreed to sell a significant portion of its holding. The Qatari sovereign wealth fund will offload up to 83.6 million shares in the FTSE 100 supermarket group, reducing its holding from 10.5 […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Spire Healthcare shares fall as profit warning issued amid NHS slowdown
Shares in Spire Healthcare, one of the largest private hospital groups in Britain, fell sharply following an unexpected profit warning centred on a deceleration in NHS commissioning. The FTSE 250 group reported that uncertainty regarding NHS activity across the private sector had undermined confidence, pushing Spire shares down by 16 percent in late trading to […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Smiths Group raises nearly three billion pounds through strategic disposals
Smiths Group, a constituent of the FTSE 100, has completed the sale of its airport security scanner business for £2 billion to CVC, marking another significant step in its restructuring efforts. This transaction follows the autumn sale of its Interconnect electronics division, which realised £1.3 billion. After adjustments for debt, the group expects to receive […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Anthropic Prepares for Landmark IPO as Rivals Watch Closely
Anthropic, the London based artificial intelligence firm founded in 2021 by former OpenAI staff, is positioning itself for what may become one of the most notable stock market flotations in technology history. According to reports, the company has engaged renowned US west coast law firm Wilson Sonsini to advise on preparations for an initial public […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Manchester travel company acquires Canadian rival to fuel North American expansion
Manchester-based Travel Counsellors has announced the acquisition of its Canadian counterpart The Travel Agent Next Door TTAND in a deal valued at approximately £50 million. This move is designed to accelerate the companys international growth ambitions and marks a significant step into North America the worlds largest travel market. According to Steve Byrne chief executive […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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EU weighs legal measures to reduce reliance on China for rare earths and critical raw materials
The European Commission is considering compulsory measures to reduce the continentâs dependency on China for critical raw materials including rare earth elements. The announcement follows mounting concerns over Chinaâs use of export controls as a tool in economic and geopolitical negotiations. Industry Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné stated that while the immediate emphasis is on encouraging industries […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Rising Cost of Meat Drives Shift Toward Plant Based Proteins in UK
The price of meat in British supermarkets has risen significantly compared to plant-based alternatives, with new data revealing that the growing gap between the cost of meat and that of beans and pulses is reshaping national eating habits. Market intelligence from Euromonitor indicates that while the prices of plant proteins such as beans, lentils, and […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Heathrow Imposes New Time and Fee Limits on Drop Offs in Bid to Ease Congestion
Heathrow Airport will introduce a strict 10 minute cap for drivers at terminal forecourts from January; those exceeding this period will face an £80 penalty. The changes accompany a rise in the basic drop off charge from £6 to £7, a move intended to reduce congestion and improve vehicle flows at Britainâs busiest airport. […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Labour Threatens Tougher Regulation For AI Firms Over Child Safety Gaps In UK Law
Labour is considering enforcing tighter regulation on companies developing artificial intelligence in response to a spate of teenage suicides linked by parents to chatbot interactions. Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, signalled a fresh review of the United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act to address regulatory gaps which currently allow certain AI services, such as conversational bots, […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Europe Commences Construction on First Major Lithium Mine with Support from German Government
Construction is now underway on Europeâs first major lithium mine after the German government committed â¬354 million to Vulcan Energy Resourcesâ transformative â¬2.2 billion project in the Upper Rhine Valley. The substantial German backing far exceeds the support given to British lithium ventures and highlights Europeâs urgency to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earths amid […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Households to Face Higher Energy Bills as Green Subsidy Costs Rise
British households are set to shoulder billions more in energy costs following new disclosures on green subsidy funding. The Office for Budget Responsibility has revealed that an additional £1 billion per year will be added to household bills to finance Ed Milibandâs latest renewables auction, known as allocation round 7. This expenditure was not explicitly […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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San Francisco Launches Legal Challenge Against Food Giants Over Ultra Processed Foods Health Costs
San Francisco has initiated landmark legal action against some of the world’s most prominent food manufacturers, targeting their role in the proliferation of ultra processed foods and the resultant health burden on communities. The city filed this lawsuit in superior court, citing the financial strains placed on public services forced to manage widespread diseases linked […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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OpenAI faces critical test as Google Gemini 3 triggers code red response
OpenAI, the prominent artificial intelligence research organisation, is navigating a pivotal moment as heightened competition from Googleâs new Gemini 3 model has triggered an urgent internal directive. In a memo to staff, chief executive Sam Altman designated the period as a âcode red,â underscoring the pressing need to enhance ChatGPT amid clear evidence that Googleâs […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Bank of England Eases Capital Rules for High Street Lenders Amid Growth Push
The Bank of England has announced a significant easing of capital requirements for the United Kingdomâs high street banks, marking the first relaxation of these rules since the 2008 global financial crisis. Starting in 2027, lenders will see a reduction in capital they must hold in reserve by one percentage point, lowering the minimum cushion […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Reeves Faces Scrutiny Over Budget Tax Row as Treasury and OBR Tensions Mount
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, is under mounting pressure after accusations that she misrepresented the state of the UK’s public finances ahead of her £30bn tax measures, prompting demands for her resignation. The controversy intensified after the Treasury’s most senior civil servant, James Bowler, approved the publication of a letter indicating that the fiscal shortfall was […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Britain Faces Steel Supply Challenge as Net Zero Pylon Boom Drives Demand
Wayne Bishop surveys the factory floor at Painter Brothers in Hereford, highlighting the advanced machinery powering its operations. Here, a CNC machine processes L-beams while a plasma cutter slices robust steel pieces, and an apprentice examines a high-tech fibre laser. Bishop notes that these upgrades have greatly improved productivity, a necessary development given the current […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Christmas ham prices to rise as African swine fever hits Spanish pork imports
Ham prices are set to rise sharply this Christmas following a significant outbreak of African swine fever in Spain, disrupting the supply of pork products to the UK. The British government has imposed a temporary ban on imports of Spanish pork goods such as chorizo and Serrano ham, leading industry leaders to warn of shortages […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Wall Street Fund Blocks Baillie Gifford Merger Amid Activist Clash With Edinburgh Giant
Baillie Gifford has come under fresh pressure as the hedge fund Saba Capital, led by Boaz Weinstein, has scuppered its proposed merger of the US Growth Trust and the Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust. The move intensifies a public dispute between the American activist investor and the venerable Scottish asset manager, with allegations now circulating that […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Dell Pledges Billions to Fund Investment Accounts for Millions of British Children Under Trump Initiative
The billionaire technology entrepreneur Michael Dell and his wife Susan have committed £4.7 billion to support a new wave of childrens investment accounts introduced under Donald Trumpâs government. This unprecedented donation will provide £200 to 25 million British children, specifically those under the age of 10 from families on a median income below £120,000. These […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Reeves Budget Shake Up Leaves High Street Facing Steep Business Rates Rise
Retailers and hospitality operators are bracing for a sharp increase in business rates after the recent Budget, with many industry leaders warning the changes will intensify challenges for high street businesses rather than deliver the promised relief. Rachel Reeves suggested that around 750000 small shops, pubs, restaurants, and bars would benefit from adjustments to business […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Sports Direct faces claims of intimidating shoppers over missing parcels and refunds
Sports Direct customers are being accused of fraud and threatened with court action after seeking refunds for parcels that disappeared in transit or were delivered incorrectly, according to evidence seen by The Telegraph. Despite consumer protection laws that require retailers to replace or refund items lost before reaching the buyer, Frasers Group, the company behind […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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French Healthcare Access Set to Change for British Expats Amid New Legislation
British expatriates residing in France may soon face significant changes to their access to free healthcare as French lawmakers advance measures to close a longstanding loophole. Presently, expats not engaged in employment but earning over â¬23,000 per year, holding private healthcare and a long-stay visa, are able to apply for the universal health card, known […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Rachel Reeves Faces Scrutiny Over One Point Three Trillion Pound Debt Forecast
Rachel Reeves is under increasing pressure after analysis reveals her latest Budget proposals could add £1.3 trillion to the United Kingdom’s national debt during this parliament. Despite her claims in the House of Commons that fiscal rules would secure falling borrowing and reduced debt, critics state the figures tell a different story. Sir John Redwood, […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Bank of England Governor Cautions Against Undermining Fiscal Watchdog Integrity
The Governor of the Bank of England has issued a warning over recent criticism of the Office for Budget Responsibility amid rising tensions between the fiscal watchdog and Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Emphasising the importance of maintaining an independent assessment of UK fiscal policy, Andrew Bailey reminded policymakers and the public alike that the OBR was […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Revolut Chief Under Regulatory Scrutiny After Dubai Residency Move
Revolut has come under renewed regulatory examination following revelations that its billionaire chief executive Nik Storonsky has shifted his residency from the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates. The change was confirmed by a filing last month through Storonsky’s family office at Companies House indicating his new UAE residency. However, Revolut’s own filings continue […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Tesla Achieves Record Sales in Norway as European Market Presents Challenges
Tesla has achieved a significant milestone in Norway by surpassing the record for the most cars sold by a single manufacturer in a year. Monthly registrations of new Tesla vehicles increased by nearly 35 percent to 28606, overtaking the previous benchmark of 26575 set by Volkswagen in 2016, according to data from the Norwegian Road […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Gunvor chief steps down after US Kremlin accusations and sanctions pressure
The head of one of the worldâs leading energy trading firms, Gunvor, has resigned and sold his controlling shareholding to company staff, following mounting scrutiny over connections to Russia. Torbjörn Törnqvist, a Swedish billionaire who co-founded Gunvor in 2000, owned 86.1 per cent of the company and held the positions of chairman and chief executive. […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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HICL and TRIG Scrap Billions Merger After Shareholder Revolt
HICL Infrastructure has abandoned a £5.3 billion merger with The Renewables Infrastructure Group after encountering decisive opposition from shareholders. The deal, intended to create the United Kingdoms largest listed infrastructure investment trust, was brought to an abrupt halt following the intervention of influential investors representing more than 13 percent of HICL’s equity. The company chair […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Candy Kittens acquires Graze in thirtysix million pound deal as Unilever refocuses business
Candy Kittens, the vegan sweets business co founded by Jamie Laing, has agreed to acquire Graze in a thirtysix million pound deal as Unilever divests noncore brands. The transaction involves the sale of Graze to Katjes International, which controls a majority stake in Candy Kittens, underlining the shifting priorities of Unilever as it sharpens its […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Big Yellow shares fall as Blackstone pulls out of two billion pound takeover talks
Shares in Big Yellow Group dropped sharply on Monday after Blackstone, the American investment giant, abandoned talks over a proposed takeover valuing Britainâs largest self storage operator at more than £2 billion. The FTSE 250 company saw its share price fall by 74p, or 6.4 percent, closing at £10.86 during the final minutes of trading […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Junior Doctors Announce Third Strike This Year Amid Jobs and Pay Dispute
Resident doctors, also known as junior doctors, are set to stage a walkout for the third time this year, intensifying a long-running dispute with the government over pay and training opportunities. The latest round of industrial action will begin at 7am on 17 December and continue until 7am on 22 December. The timing, falling just […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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NHS Medicines Bill to Rise as UK Strikes Zero Tariff Deal with United States
The United Kingdom is poised to provide NHS patients with access to new medicines previously deemed unaffordable under a sweeping agreement with the United States. Under the deal, NHS expenditure on certain pharmaceuticals will increase as the threshold for justifying drug costs rises from between £20000 and £30000 per quality adjusted life year to between […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Bitcoin drops below $85,000 as cryptocurrency market faces renewed turmoil
Bitcoin suffered sharp losses on Monday, with the price of the world’s largest cryptocurrency falling by as much as 8 percent and sliding below 85000 dollars. The market savaging extended to other major digital assets, including Ether, as widespread selling unsettled investors seeking safety from mounting volatility. This downturn follows a dramatic crash in early […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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BP shelves major hydrogen project in Teesside after approval of data centre site clashes with net zero plans
BP has withdrawn its plans to develop a significant hydrogen project in Teesside after government officials granted approval for the construction of Europeâs largest data centre on an overlapping plot of land. This move has delivered a setback to Ed Milibandâs ambitions for net zero, highlighting the ongoing balancing act between industry, technology, and environmental […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Airbus faces new quality issue with A320 jets as software woes linger
Airbus has revealed a fresh quality concern affecting its widely sold A320 aircraft, marking the second problem for the programme in less than a week. The European aerospace giant, which sources crucial components including wings from its facilities in the United Kingdom, confirmed the discovery of a quality issue involving metal fuselage panels on a […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Zipcar leaves UK in wake of London congestion charge rise and electricity cost pressures
Zipcar, the car sharing operator, will withdraw from the UK marketplace by the end of 2025 following the implementation of a new congestion charge on electric vehicles in London and increasing operational costs. The company, controlled by US rental giant Avis, has begun redundancy consultations for its UK workforce of approximately 70 employees. Over 650,000 […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Bank of England Set to Ease Capital Rules and Unlock Billions in Lending
The Bank of England is preparing to announce wide ranging changes to the rules that require banks to hold capital as a safeguard against failure. This move, expected later in the week, has attracted close attention from the banking sector, which anticipates greater lending flexibility after years of rising capital requirements. The changes come soon […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Airbus A320 Software Fix Swiftly Implemented by Leading Airlines
Leading airlines across Europe and the United States have confirmed the successful completion of urgent software updates for Airbus A320 family aircraft following an industry-wide safety alert. This significant intervention, initiated by Airbus after concerns were raised regarding the impact of intense solar radiation on crucial flight control data, affected approximately 6,000 aircraft operated by […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Google faces further delay in opening new London headquarters at Kings Cross
Google’s ambitious new European headquarters in King’s Cross, London, dubbed the “landscraper,” now faces an extended delay, with occupancy postponed until at least 2026. This delay follows repeated setbacks for the much-anticipated £1 billion project, which was originally meant to welcome employees in 2024. The low-rise building, officially named Platform G, stretches 330 metres in […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Lloyds Faces High Court Battle Over Multimillion Pound Arena Television Fraud Claims
The High Court is set to hear claims that Lloyds Banking Group could be liable for more than 280 million pounds in damages following its involvement in the Arena Television lending fraud, one of the most significant asset finance scandals in British history. Arena Television, a major provider of broadcast equipment for events such as […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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London Stock Exchange Clamps Down On Market Abuse Amid AIM Turmoil
The London Stock Exchange has expressed significant concerns to the City regulator regarding potential market abuse by bulletin board users and social media influencers, signalling a move to improve conditions and restore confidence in its junior market. This intervention follows a period of declining flotations and an exodus of listed companies from the Alternative Investment […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Gails Bakery Delivers Strong Sales Growth and Plans Major Expansion
Gailâs, the upmarket bakery chain, is preparing for a significant expansion after reporting robust sales growth for the last financial year. Sales increased by a fifth, reaching £278 million, driven by the opening of 36 new outlets and increased supply to major supermarkets. The company, which now operates 185 sites, is planning to launch a […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Illegal Weight Loss Drugs Sold in UK Expose Regulatory Gaps in Online Reviews
A recent investigation has brought to light the troubling prevalence of illegal weight loss drug sales in the United Kingdom, with certain businesses exploiting online review platforms such as Trustpilot to garner credibility. These operators have collected high ratings on trusted review sites, raising concerns among experts about the potential risks to public health and […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Green Bonds Flow in Water Industry Despite Pollution Concerns
Privately owned water companies in England have issued £10.5 billion in green bonds since 2017, a fifth of the total national issuance, according to market analysis. These bonds, marketed as tools for funding environmental improvements, have been predominantly offered by Anglian Water and Thames Water, raising £3.5 billion and £3.1 billion respectively. The funds are […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Nvidia faces scrutiny as rivals emerge in the artificial intelligence chip industry
Jensen Huang, founder and chief executive of Nvidia, forged a deep connection with Sam Altman of OpenAI nearly a decade ago, personally delivering Nvidiaâs first supercomputer to the AI pioneer. This longstanding relationship recently culminated in a significant development when Nvidia committed a $100bn investment in OpenAI, cementing their collaboration at the heart of the […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Switzerland rejects tax on wealthy as referendum fails to win public support
Swiss voters have decisively rejected a proposed tax on the super rich designed to raise funds for climate change initiatives. The initiative, led by the Young Socialists, sought to impose a 50 percent tax on all monetary or asset transfers exceeding 50 million Swiss francs, approximately 47 million pounds. This measure would have targeted around […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Amazon Scales Back UK Drone Delivery Ambitions Amid Regulatory Setbacks
Amazon has reduced its planned drone delivery flights in the United Kingdom after encountering obstacles with local planning authorities. The technology giant has informed the Civil Aviation Authority that it will operate a maximum of 10 drone flights per hour at its initial Darlington site, a steep reduction from the 21 flights per hour originally […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Manchester Developer Daren Whitaker Moves to Monaco After Securing Seven Hundred Million Pounds in Public Loans
A prominent property developer who received more than £700 million in loans from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has relocated to Monaco, a renowned tax haven. Daren Whitaker, founder of Manchester development firm Renaker, is now registered as a resident of Monaco according to recent filings with Companies House. This move follows months of scrutiny […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Evri Awards £108m Payout Despite Repeated Service Failures
Britain’s most criticised parcel delivery firm, Evri, distributed a £108 million dividend last year, only months after its acquisition by US private equity giant Apollo. This controversial payout occurred during the same period the company was once again rated the UK’s worst courier by regulator Ofcom, a title it retained for the third consecutive year […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Trump Tariffs Threaten Small Businesses and Holiday Trade in the United States
As the critical holiday shopping season unfolds, small businesses across the United States are voicing alarms over the mounting impact of Donald Trumpâs tariffs on imported goods. Increased costs tied to tariffs have driven up prices on a range of popular seasonal items, placing extra strain on independent retailers just as they rely on festive […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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JP Morgan plans three billion pound Canary Wharf tower as banks respond to tax reprieve
JP Morgan is set to build a new three billion pound headquarters in Londonâs Canary Wharf, an announcement that closely followed Chancellor Rachel Reevesâs recent budget. The move highlights the bankâs vote of confidence in Britain and reflects an apparent thaw in relations between the financial sector and the new Labour government, whose stance on […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Byron Burger Chain Acquired by Gen Z Investor Akshat Tibrewala in Major Turnaround Effort
Byron, the once thriving British hamburger restaurant chain, has been acquired by Gen Z entrepreneur Akshat Tibrewala through his investment firm Niyamo Capital. The purchase marks a decisive bid to revive the company, which has seen its estate and fortunes dwindle significantly over the past decade. Tibrewala, who is 21 years old and Indian-born, has […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Left leaning entrepreneur acquires five percent stake in Reach Media
A prominent entrepreneur known for his success in the used car market has acquired a five percent share in Reach, the publisher behind several leading UK newspapers including the Daily Mirror, Daily Express and Manchester Evening News. Cecil Hetherington, widely recognised as the force behind UsedCarsNIcom, expanded his media footprint by recently acquiring a major […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Borough Broth secures seventy five million pounds to drive growth as demand for natural foods surges
Borough Broth, the fast-growing bone broth business founded by Ros Heathcote, has raised £7.5 million to advance its expansion plans. The infusion of capital comes from Piper, a private equity firm recognised for investments in premium consumer brands such as Ancient and Brave and Neom. Under the terms of the agreement, Piper will acquire a […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Turkish Bid for Prestwick Airport Fails After Security Review
A takeover attempt of Glasgow Prestwick Airport by the Turkish conglomerate Limak has collapsed following an official national security review by the United Kingdom government. Limak, a diversified company with business interests in construction, energy, cement and tourism, had emerged as the preferred bidder, selected by the Scottish government to acquire Prestwick Airport. The transaction […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Nvidia Maintains AI Chip Leadership Position
Nvidia Corporation continues to hold its position as the undisputed leader in the artificial intelligence chip sector, according to analysts at Wedbush Securities, despite mounting competitive pressure from companies including Alphabet’s Google. The investment bank’s analysts emphasised that Nvidia’s supremacy in AI hardware infrastructure remains firmly entrenched, with the company’s trajectory unlikely to change materially […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Greatland extends high grade footprint at West Dome Underground with broad gold copper hits
Greatland Resources has reported a fresh suite of wide, high grade gold and copper intercepts from its West Dome Underground prospect at Telfer, reinforcing the scale and continuity of the emerging system. The company has completed 19 holes totalling over 9,000 metres in its Phase 2 FY26 programme, with early assays from nine holes demonstrating […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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IFS Warns of Dismal Growth in Household Spending Power Following Latest Budget
The Institute for Fiscal Studies has delivered a stark assessment of the government’s Budget, warning that households face a troubling outlook for living standards over the coming parliamentary term. The influential think tank has accused Labour of breaching manifesto commitments whilst projecting minimal growth in disposable incomes. According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, average […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Global Geothermal Investment Enters New High Growth Era
Global geothermal capital expenditure is projected to increase by approximately 20 per cent annually through 2030, according to recent analysis from Rystad Energy’s geothermal economics model. This expansion marks a significant shift in the sector, which has historically been concentrated in established markets such as Southeast Asia and the United States. The broadening of geothermal […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Budget Impact on UK Housebuilders Less Severe Than Market Anticipated
The UK housing sector has navigated months of uncertainty ahead of the Budget announcement, with speculation regarding substantial tax modifications creating hesitation amongst buyers and developers alike. Analysis from RBC Capital Markets suggests the ultimate measures proved considerably less onerous than the preliminary discourse indicated. The broker maintains that typical homebuyers have remained largely insulated […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Wall Street Analysts Predict Sustained Oil Oversupply Through 2026
A Reuters monthly survey of 35 analysts and economists has revealed growing pessimism regarding oil price trajectories, with projections for both West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude declining below previous forecasts. The findings underscore mounting concerns about persistent oversupply conditions that are expected to define market dynamics throughout 2026. The latest polling data indicates WTI […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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CME Outage Halts Global Derivatives Trading After Data Centre Cooling Failure
Trading across Chicago Mercantile Exchange futures and options markets ceased for several hours on Friday following a cooling system failure at an external data centre, suspending activity in foreign exchange, fixed income, equity and commodity derivatives globally. The disruption affected a broad spectrum of contracts, including crude oil, United States Treasury instruments and S&P 500 […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Airbus A320 Solar Radiation Software Recall Grounds Half the Global Fleet
Airlines worldwide faced significant disruption as Airbus initiated an urgent recall of 6000 aircraft from its A320 family following a critical software issue uncovered after a midair incident. The action impacts over half of the nearly 11300 A320 family planes currently in operation and represents one of the largest recalls in the aircraft manufacturers history. […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Mitchells and Butlers Shares Surge on Strong Results and Resilient Outlook
>Mitchells & Butlers, owner of well-known UK restaurant chains such as All Bar One, Browns, Toby Carvery, Harvester and Miller & Carter, has exceeded market expectations in its latest full-year results, prompting a significant rise in its share price. The FTSE 250 company reported that its robust profit performance for the year to September 27 […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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M&C Saatchi future in question amid profit slump renewed takeover interest and market turbulence
M&C Saatchi, the advertising giant established by Charles and Maurice Saatchi in 1995, is once again in the spotlight as its financial performance falters and speculation mounts about its future direction. The business, long renowned for its influential campaigns for major political parties and global brands, has faced a difficult period marked by falling revenues […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Getty Threatens UK Exit Over Shutterstock Deal Investigation By Regulator
Craig Peters, chief executive of Getty Images, has signalled that the company may scale back or withdraw parts of its business from the United Kingdom should its proposed merger with Shutterstock be blocked by the Competition and Markets Authority. Peters made clear that if investment in the Shutterstock acquisition is prevented, Getty would potentially exit […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Ryanair ends prime membership scheme after one point six million euro loss
Ryanair has terminated its short-lived Prime membership scheme following losses amounting to 1.6 million euros. The low-cost airline launched the initiative eight months ago, aiming to attract regular travellers with the promise of significant fare savings. Despite more than 55 thousand members signing up, generating over 4.4 million euros in subscription income, the scheme ultimately […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Whitbread Faces Fifty Million Pound Blow from Labour Business Rate Reform
Whitbread, one of the United Kingdom’s leading hotel groups and owner of Premier Inn, has issued a sharp warning that business rates reforms announced in the latest budget will result in a financial hit of up to fifty million pounds. The news triggered a sell-off in Whitbread shares, which fell over ten per cent, making […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Dutch Seizure of Chipmaker Nexperia Sparks Supply Chain Crisis for European Carmakers
The Dutch governmentâs intervention in chip manufacturer Nexperia has triggered mounting tensions between its European headquarters and its Chinese subsidiary, raising alarms over potential production stoppages in the automotive sector. The standoff has emerged after officials in The Hague, citing concerns over the security of Europeâs semiconductor supply, invoked a Cold War-era statute to wrest […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Asda sales slump deepens as IT overhaul hits Christmas prospects
Asda is facing fresh turbulence after a £1 billion IT upgrade led to significant operational disruption and a marked decline in sales, with the company bracing for a difficult festive trading period. Executive chairman Allan Leighton attributed a 2.8 percent fall in sales during the three months to the end of September to issues arising […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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Guinness Zero Faces Christmas Supply Threat as Belfast Workers Strike Over Pay Dispute
Britainâs leading non-alcoholic beer, Guinness Zero, is at risk of Christmas shortages as employees at Diageoâs Belfast canning facility prepare for eight days of industrial action. Around 90 workers, represented by the Unite union, are staging a walkout from Friday 5 December until the early morning of Saturday 13 December, calling for a substantial increase […] Read more at Stockmark.IT
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