The Economy Politics And Your Job archive

The Economy Politics And Your Job Archive

Published in December 2011

Reasons to be cheerful in 2012

by Harvey Jones | It's not been a fun year financially, but there are reasons to be hopeful that 2012 will be better!

The best place to live in the UK revealed

by Simon Ward | Halifax crunches the numbers for its annual Quality of Life survey.

UK growth figure revised up to 0.6%

by Simon Ward | Revised figures show a tiny increase in GDP for the third quarter of 2011.

Why personal finance in schools will fail

by Neil Faulkner | Here are three vital money lessons that no personal finance course at school will ever teach you.

My predictions for 2012

by Ed Bowsher | 2012 is going to be just as bad as 2011, if not worse.

Unemployment rises again

by Simon Ward | There are now 2.64 million people out of work, the highest number since September 1994.

Lloyds bankers go to comedy school

by Simon Ward | It’s no joke! Part-nationalised bank sends department heads on two-day workshop.

Interest rates held again

by Simon Ward | The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has kept rates at 0.5% and is not extending its programme of pumping money into the economy - yet.

Snow ‘would help prevent double-dip recession’

by Simon Ward | A white Christmas could stave off a return to recession, economist tells MPs.

Four reasons to be scared

by Ed Bowsher | I'm getting more worried about our financial prospects every day.

IFS predicts years of falling incomes following Autumn Statement

by Simon Ward | The Institute for Fiscal Studies says that household income levels will be no higher in 2016 than they were in 2002.

Published in November 2011

Today’s question: are we heading back to recession?

by Simon Ward | As the OECD forecasts a winter recession for the UK, we want to know your thoughts on our immediate economic future.

Autumn Statement: what it means for you

by Simon Ward | Chancellor George Osborne has delivered his Autumn Statement to Parliament. Find out how it affects your money.

Today’s question: what do you want from the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement?

by Simon Ward | As George Osborne prepares to deliver the Government's plans for the economy, we want to know what you think he should be focusing on.

Today's question: are unions costing us money?

by Simon Ward | New figures claim that trade unions receive £133 million of public money. But Government research says unions save taxpayers' money. We want to know what you think.

Today’s question: are public sector workers paid too much?

by Simon Ward | The average public sector salary is nearly £4,000 a year more than those in the private sector. Is this fair?

Why Britain should want the Euro to collapse

by John Fitzsimons | Would it be such a bad thing if the single European currency disappeared as a result of the Eurozone crisis?

High executive pay ‘sending us back to Victorian times’

by Simon Ward | A new report reveals the massive increases in executive pay levels over the past 30 years.

What the sale of Northern Rock means for you

by John Fitzsimons | Northern Rock is no longer in public ownership. But have we got a good deal for the bank?

British misery index hits 19-year high!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Things are pretty grim in Britain right now, but should get a lot better in 2012!

Published in October 2011

Secret winners from inflation

by Robert Powell | Some people are set to benefit from the current soaring rate of inflation. Robert Powell takes a look at the secret inflation winners (as well as some more obvious losers)...

'Cuts to blame' for massive rise in child poverty

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell reports on new research forecasting surging levels of child poverty by 2013 and finds out who's to blame...

93% of you would lie about this

by John Fitzsimons | According to one charity, the vast majority of us would lie to our boss about this, given the choice. But what is it - and why?

Unemployment hits 17-year high

by Robert Powell | UK unemployment between June and August rose to 2.57 million – a 17-year high...

UK banks downgraded: What it means for you

by John Fitzsimons | Major UK banks and building societies have seen their credit ratings cut today.

Government on the side of bad bosses

by Robert Powell | Workers will soon have to pay for employment tribunal hearings on issues such as race discrimination or unfair dismissal...

by Andrew Morgan | With the economy looking bleaker by the day, embarking on a new business venture might not seem the most sensible thing to do, but interest in one type of business model – franchising – continues to be high. Are franchises worth a closer look?

Published in September 2011

Britain's safest banks

by Cliff D'Arcy | As UK banks get a much-needed overhaul, three are voted among the soundest in the world!

Sharpest rise in unemployment for two years

by Rosalind Kent | How realistic are the measures proposed by the government to tackle unemployment?

Some things are getting cheaper!

by Ed Bowsher | Inflation is rising at the moment, but that doesn't mean all products are rising in price. Check out which goods are getting cheaper.

Seven things you don't realise are cheap

by Alison Hunt | Things are certainly tough in the UK at the moment, but take heart; the grass is not always greener elsewhere.

Why having boobs costs you £10k a year

by John Fitzsimons | New research shows that the gender pay gap is still shockingly wide.

Published in August 2011

Get a Rooney-sized pay rise

by lovemoney staff | Wayne Rooney boosted his pay by 60% in 2009 when he threatened to walk out on Manchester United. Here are some tips to help you get a chunky pay rise.

How to tackle your top three money worries

by Serena Cowdy | We show you how to stamp out your biggest financial concerns.

Interest rates to stay unchanged until 2012

by Robert Powell | The Bank of England Base Rate will stay at 0.5% until next year, according to several leading economists. So if this turns out to be true, what does it mean for your finances?

The phoney recession is over. Now for the real thing…

by Harvey Jones | The troubles of the last few weeks have shown that this financial crisis is only just getting started.

Published in July 2011

Five days to financial meltdown

by Robert Powell | America has five days to fix its finances. Robert Powell reports on the possible impact on British consumers if politicians in the States are unable to hammer out a deal...

You’re not as well off as you think you are

by Robert Powell | A family with two children now needs £45,000 per year before tax to be classed as part of ‘Middle Britain’. Find out where you fit in...

Twelve reasons to fear the future

by Cliff D'Arcy | Our resident doom-monger frets about the state of Britain in the years ahead!

10 reasons you need to cheer up

by Harvey Jones | It's not all doom and gloom! There are 10 reasons to be cheerful, says Harvey Jones.

How London’s boom bust the Midlands

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell looks at which regions were hit hardest by the recession...

Britain's safest banks

by Cliff D'Arcy | The financial crash proved that not all banks are equally strong. Where are your savings secure?

Published in June 2011

Nick Clegg's bonkers bank bribe

by Cliff D'Arcy | The Deputy PM's idea to hand out free shares in Lloyds and RBS is daft.

We all lose out with the Northern Rock sale

by Cliff D'Arcy | The Chancellor is to sell Northern Rock back to the private sector. But is that the right thing to do?

The hardest city to get a job in

by John Fitzsimons | If you live in Merthyr Tydfil, you face the most competitive jobs market in the UK!

Published in May 2011

It could become easier to get sacked

by Robert Powell | A planned government review into employment law could make it easier for you to be sacked...

Do your bosses deserve their money?

by Cliff D'Arcy | As executive pay soars, many fat cats are being rewarded for failure!

What to do now before rates rise!

by Cliff D'Arcy | The Bank of England is ready to raise its base rate, so smart borrowers and savers should act now.

Wacky lessons you can learn from Britain's billionaires

by Cliff D'Arcy | There are a number of stimulating lessons we can take from the UK's richest residents.

Published in April 2011

Five reasons it's great to be British!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Despite the relentless doom and gloom, these five things should cheer you up.

You've been given a £910 pay cut this year!

by Cliff D'Arcy | Rising prices and taxes will cut your pay by £910 this year. We reveal how to get this back.

How your iPhone affects the economy

by John Fitzsimons | It’s not just a phone – it’s also an important cog in the way our economy works!

Pay rise for a million workers

by lovemoney.com staff | The minimum wage is set to go up again this October...

A degree is worth extra £12,000 a year

by John Fitzsimons | If you have gone through University, chances are you’ll enjoy a significantly better wage.

Move to Scotland and be £420 better off

by Neil Faulkner | Are things really better in England than the rest of the UK? Some statistics, at least, indicate that Scotland may be the place to be.

The Budget’s secret tax hike

by Robert Powell | Income tax may have been cut for low earners, but that lost cash has to come from somewhere. And that somewhere could well be your pocket!

Spending cuts and Budget: your take

by Robert Powell | Are the spending cuts necessary? Was the Budget fair? Robert Powell hits the streets to find out.

Published in March 2011

Spending cuts and Budget: your take

by Robert Powell | Are the spending cuts necessary? Was the budget fair? Robert Powell hits the streets to find out.

Don't listen to dodgy financial advisers

by Ed Bowsher | Some advisers may not have your best interests at heart when they advise you to check your investments at least once a year.

How to beat rising prices

by Ed Bowsher | Inflation jumped to 5.5% this month. What can you do to fight back?

Ten ways to push up your pay

by Rachel Wait | If you’re one of the many people facing a pay freeze this year, here are ten ways to help boost your income....

How to successfully diversify your portfolio

by Jane Baker | A well-diversified investment portfolio is an essential part of managing investment risks. Find out how to do it successfully.

'Cautious' investments can be very risky

by Ed Bowsher | Don't assume that a 'cautious' fund is a safe investment. You may be taking a big risk with your money.

The Budget: Winners and losers

by Robert Powell | Chancellor George Osborne has unveiled the 2011 Budget – but how will the changes affect you?

Four things George Osborne shouldn’t have ignored

by John Fitzsimons | Businesses did well out of George Osborne’s Budget, but large swathes of us didn’t even get a mention.

The ultra cheap way to invest in shares

by Jane Baker | If you haven't yet used up your Stocks & Shares ISA allowance, index-trackers are an easy route into stock market investing.

Why fivers are so dirty

by Rosalind Kent | Five pound notes are dirtier and are likely to carry more bacteria than other notes. Why?

How to split a restaurant bill

by Donna Ferguson | Read our definitive guide to splitting a bill in a restaurant.

The £84,000 cost of a degree

by Cliff D'Arcy | Thanks to a lifetime's interest, students could repay twice as much as they borrow.

The best way to boost your wealth

by Ed Bowsher | The latest performance figures are out and it's clear that shares remain an excellent way to build long-term wealth.

The risks of investing your ISA

by Jane Baker | Thinking of taking the plunge into the stock market for the first time with your ISA? Here’s everything you need to know about the risks involved.

What Charlie Sheen should do now

by Robert Powell | The highest paid actor on US TV, Charlie Sheen, was fired by Warner Brothers last week. So what should he do now? Robert Powell makes some suggestions...

Longer days, bank holidays and wedding days!

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell hits the streets to get your thoughts on British Summer Time and bank holidays...

Get your boss fired!

by lovemoney.com staff | Do you have a legitimate reason to get your boss fired?

Credit card provider ‘tortured’ customer

by Robert Powell | A judge has accused MBNA of ‘torturing’ a customer with repeated phone calls demanding he pay his credit card bill. Robert Powell takes a closer look at the case...

Longer days, bank holidays and wedding days!

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell hits the streets to get your thoughts on British Summer Time and bank holidays

RBS is being too clever by half

by Ed Bowsher | Steer clear of a new investment product from Royal Bank of Scotland. It sounds good when you first hear about it but the complexity should put most people off.

The four biggest index tracker mistakes

by Malcolm Wheatley | Side-stepping these index tracker pitfalls can save you thousands, writes Malcolm Wheatley.

Two simple ways to invest better in shares

by Neil Faulkner | If you’re looking for the best way to invest your SIPP or your ISA, there are two simple ways to do so that you can be confident will outperform most fund managers and private investors over 25 years or more.

Six great reasons to choose an index tracker

by Jane Baker | If you’re dipping your toe into the stock market waters for the first time, index trackers are a great place to start.

The best investments for your ISA

by Ed Bowsher | Here's the lowdown on the best investments for your stocks and shares ISA.

How Colonel Gaddafi could cost you money

by Robert Powell | Robert Powell investigates how unrest in the Middle East could push up prices here in Britain.

Published in February 2011

High interest rates will crash property prices

by Neil Faulkner | Rising interest rates will see the property market plummet to new lows.

How your underwear drawer affects the economy

by Harvey Jones | Have you ever considered that the state of your underwear could reflect the state of the economy?

Get free money from your employer

by Alison Hunt | If your salary isn't up there with the City workers, make the most of what you have -- and that means grabbing every bit of free dosh your employer has to offer.

Banks, bonuses and blame

by Robert Powell | Rob Powell hits the streets to get your views on banks, bonuses and the blame game.

Base rate set to rise by May

by Cliff D'Arcy | With inflation soaring, the base rate will soon rise. Will you win or lose from higher rates?

Banks, bonuses and blame!

by Robert Powell | Are we really a country of bank-bashers? Is the government doing enough to restrain bonus-mad bankers? Robert Powell hits the streets to find out...

Inflation rockets to 4%

by John Fitzsimons | Inflation now stands at double the Bank of England’s target.

The ten best ways to recession-proof your job

by Rachel Wait | With redundancy still a concern for many of us, we look at how you can recession-proof your job...

10 steps to getting a promotion

by Rachel Wait | Want a promotion but have no idea how to get one? Follow these simple steps....