Julia Kollewe
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Work drinks: make mine a double standard
Filed under: Work & Careers
There's nothing wrong with having a pint or two with your colleagues after work. But well-meaning employers are often contributing to health problems for their staff by getting workers to bond down the pub – because it's easier than organising other social events.This is according to new research released by Aviva. Over half of business leaders (57%) questioned in the insurer's fourth Health of the Workplace report claim that socialising at work usually involves going to the pub for drinks.
Farewell to PPI at last at Lloyds
Filed under: Credit Cards, Loans, Insurance
Lloyds Banking Group has announced it will stop selling Payment Protection Insurance (PPI), raising hopes that this is the beginning of the end for the controversial insurance.Consumer organisations celebrated the move as a big victory for consumers, in the hope that other banks will follow suit soon.
No-one wants to live in London
Filed under: Financial Crisis, Property
People are leaving London in droves in search of more affordable accommodation elsewhere, new research shows. Northern towns are also getting depopulated, with the region set to be hit hard by looming job losses in the public sector.So where are people moving to?
Could you be caught by self assessment deadline?
Filed under: Taxes, Budgeting & Planning
This Saturday, 31 July, is the deadline for three things: outstanding income tax self assessment returns, as well as self assessment tax payments, and the renewal of tax credits.If your heart is sinking at the prospect of having to pay your tax bill, consider the consequences of late filing/payment. You'll end up paying hefty penalties so it's worth gritting your teeth and sorting out your tax affairs asap.
Hardly anyone gets advertised broadboand speed, says Ofcom
Filed under: House and Home, Technology and Online
Hardly any customers are getting the broadband speed they have been sold, says Ofcom, the watchdog, in a damning verdict on the industry. Virtually no one is getting the 'up to' speed advertised.Ofcom's analysis of broadband speeds in the UK shows that for some services 97% of consumers do not get the advertised speed. Most homes receive less than half the speed they are paying for. So which internet providers are best for download speed, and what can you do to improve your connection?
The UK's uninsured driving hotspots
Filed under: Insurance
The annual list of the UK's top regional hotspots for drivers going without insurance has been released, as part of the Stay Insured campaign.Which place tops the uninsured hotspots list?
Half of broadband complaints left hanging
Filed under: House and Home, Technology and Online
Almost half of all people who complain about their broadband connection are left hanging, new research shows. And many others are so disillusioned that they don't even bother complaining when things go wrong with their broadband.A survey of over 2,500 UK broadband customers by Broadbandchoices.co.uk reveals that consumers continue to face major difficulties in having their complaints resolved. Almost half of respondents (46%) who made a complaint said they were not happy with the outcome. How do you make a successful complaint?
78% of us don't bother with financial advice
Filed under: Saving, Investing
Are we all getting more confident about our finances again?We are increasingly taking our money into our own hands when it comes to investing, according to the latest research from Fair Investment Company. Many prefer to do their own research online or elsewhere rather than relying on financial advisers.
Holidaymakers pack £7 billion of electronic kit - much of it uninsured
Filed under: Travel, Insurance
Over £7 billion worth of electronic kit is going on holiday with its owners this summer - but many travellers won't protect their gadgets against loss or theft.Insurer AXA urges holidaymakers to get their personal possessions cover or travel insurance in order before they travel to make sure they're covered in case their favourite gadgets go walkies. Here are some tips for protecting your gear while you're away.
Cheapest energy deals dry up
Filed under: House and Home, Budgeting & Planning
Out of the top six energy providers, three have pulled their cheapest deals on the market over the past few weeks and replaced them with tariffs that are an inflation-busting average of 3.4% more expensive. moneysupermarket.com urges customers to move quickly to take advantage of the best tariffs currently available, which still give dual fuel customers a saving of £259 a year compared to the average standard tariff - before they too disappear.
