6 hours ago 'Labour will torpedo my firm': One of Britain's OLDEST family businesses says inheritance tax plans could destroy his finances in 'blink of an eye' after 250 years of trading

EXCL: Jim Rankin, a sixth-generation owner of Rankin Brothers & Sons, was blindsided by Reeves proposals, which he slams for 'running contrary to the government's ambitions for growth'.

Economics

12 hours ago Coronation Street spoilers for next week including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day

It may be considered the season of goodwill, but that's not going to stop the drama in Weatherfield

Politics

12 hours ago Coronation Street spoilers for next week including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

It may be considered the season of goodwill, but that's not going to stop the drama in Weatherfield

Politics

12 hours ago Christmas shopping is rubbish. I found my best gift in the bin | Eva Wiseman

Sometimes the perfect present is a timely reminder that, even when it absolutely seems like it, all is not lostI discovered the perfect Christmas present at work the other day after eating fish and chips too fast. I was wearing too many layers for the office, where heating is pumped from unusual angles bringing with it the smell of lasagne or sewer, and I was sweating. Partly, it was the layers, partly it was the meeting due in five minutes, which was about the future of our jobs, and I was in a rush to get a seat at our possible execution. By the sinks I removed a jumper and washed my hands, and joined my colleagues in a bright glass room. But, as the meeting began and my hands became fists, I realised something awful. I was missing a ring from my little finger. It was small and silver, in the shape of a tiny safety pin – I’d bought it 20 years ago on my first week at work and worn it every day since. Its loss struck me as ominous.I am largely anti-Christmas present. I write this a...

Economics

13 hours ago Rudolph’s never going to get a very shiny new role in Santa’s family firm | Torsten Bell

Workers in family-run businesses earn less on average and have fewer opportunities to progress into senior jobsSanta has a great reputation. Generous, jolly, snazzily dressed. But he’s obviously a terrible employer. The elves are entirely unpaid for their gruelling manual labour. Their fixed smiles and constant singing are evidence of a culture of fear. Does anyone believe he’s keeping the Lapland workplace temperature above the Health and Safety Executive’s 16C minimum? And the reindeer’s 24-hour shift this week will be a clear breach of the working time directive.The complete lack of progression (not to mention a highly segregated workforce) is another warning sign. Everyone has been doing the same job for centuries – which works for Santa at the top, but means few opportunities for others to move on up. Continue reading...

Politics

29 hours ago Gary Lineker 'never enjoyed' BBC role as he spills the truth on SPOTY absence

Gary Lineker was absent from the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards this week with the Match of the Day presenter now admitting it's a job he wasn't fond of

Politics

38 hours ago How a busy mum earns £300 a month with Avon — and still makes every school play

'I can spend time with my family and on my business and I don’t have to feel guilty.'

Economics