Business

The Middle East conflict has prompted a major shift in UK household spending intentions as a “ripple of fear” has taken hold, according to a respected measure of consumer confidence. The monthly reading taken by data specialist GfK showed a leap in the number of those hoarding cash and avoiding big spending commitments as rising…

Just Eat and the funeral provider Dignity are among the latest companies being investigated as part of an inquiry into fake online reviews. The competition watchdog said its expanded crackdown on false and misleading information for consumers also took in the motor sales platform Autotrader, customer review and feedback firm Feefo and dining chain Pasta…

A benefit cheat who defrauded more than £23,000 by claiming she was too ill to go outside was caught surfing and ziplining in Mexico. Catherine Wieland, 33, claimed her anxiety was so severe it left her housebound. But the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said it discovered she had been lying about her condition….

Former hedge fund manager Crispin Odey “bullied” colleagues not to introduce measures at his firm to protect women, a tribunal heard. The hearing on Thursday also heard accusations that the 67-year-old threatened to close the company, Odey Asset Management (OAM), in order to put pressure on its governing body. Mr Odey is taking legal action…

HBO Max has officially launched in the UK today. The US streaming service features HBO content as well as Warner Bros Pictures and Television, DC Studios and Max Originals shows and films. It means the return of Friends to a UK streaming service, as well as the Harry Potter films. Other content available on the…

Every week, we answer your financial problems or consumer disputes – you can email yours to moneyblog@sky.uk. Today’s problem is… My mother is 70 and has been working as a cleaner for an agency for two years. She was unable to work for two months, January and February, due to a hand injury. She had…

UK manufacturers are grappling with the biggest monthly leap in their costs since 1992, according to the first snapshot of the Middle East conflict’s effect on the economy. The flash reading for S&P Global’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which covers both factory and non-retail service sector output, showed activity at its slowest pace for six…

Ed Miliband has told Labour MPs he is committed to looking at unhitching electricity prices from gas in a bid to bring down household bills. The energy secretary told a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) on Monday night that the move would be “complicated but possible”, according to sources present. Politics Hub: Follow…

A former hedge fund manager claimed he groped a colleague’s breasts because he was under general anaesthetic, a tribunal has heard.  Crispin Odey, 67, once one of the richest hedge fund managers in Britain, was previously accused of inappropriate conduct at least 46 times between 2003 and 2020. He was banned from the UK finance…

A price cap will be placed on pet prescriptions, the Competition and Markets Authority has announced following a three-year investigation. Pet owners will pay a maximum of £21 for their first prescription and £12.50 for any other medicines within the same consultation under the changes, after the CMA found some were being overcharged for commonly…