2008 Archive

Sales crowds not enough to save high street

The rush for post Christmas bargains will not save the retail industry from a very tough 2009, the head of the industry's trade body has warned.

Falling sterling leads Brits out of Europe

British holidaymakers are now choosing destinations outside the eurozone due to the falling value of the pound.

Broadband becomes 'must have' even in recession

New clothes and booze are being dropped as homes try to make ends meet, but households are seeing broadband as a necessity.

Stamps up 3p

The cost of standard first class and second class stamps is rising by 3p.

Stores go for broke on Christmas Eve sales push

Some 90 per cent of stores are cutting prices today in a last ditch effort to get shoppers spending before Christmas Day.

Npower fined £1.8m

Npower was today fined £1.8 million for failing to take sufficient action to prevent misselling of energy contracts to customers.

Christmas will be 'time of stress for many families'

Christmas under the credit crunch sees dreams downsized

Christmas 2008 will be a time of stress for many families facing the pressures of a rising cost of living, the credit crunch and the treat of recession.

Consumers told 'don't be beastly to the banks'

Regulators are to investigate if consumers are treating their banks and other financial firms fairly.

Financial fears overtake crime and immigration

Britons' greatest concern is now their finances - pushing aside crime and migration - as the UK drops into recession.

Third of Brits cap spending on gifts

Third of Brits have agreed to cap spending on gifts this Christmas

Almost a third of Brits agreed a spending cap this year with friends and family for Christmas presents as consumers tighten their belts.

Suicides 'could rise in downturn'

Economic downturn could lead to more suicides

The Samaritans has warned the economic crisis and rise in unemployment could lead to an increase in suicides.

Christmas sale price cuts at record highs

Stores cutting prices as lights fail to woo shoppers

Christmas sales are rising to record levels as Christmas approaches, as stores slash prices to get shoppers spending.

Brits put off plans in downturn

Brits are putting off life plans in downturn

Financial worries have led to 36 million people putting their life plans on hold for 2009, according to a survey.

Redundancy advice enquiries soar

Charity reports surge in number of people seeking redundancy advice

The number of people seeking redundancy advice has soared by 125 per cent over the last nine months, arrording to Citizens Advice.

Unemployment levels hit 1.86 million

Unemployment levels have risen to six per cent, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

High street sales fall to new low

Retailers have reported a record fall in sales despite heavy discounting on the high street.

Blanchflower warns unemployment could top 3m

Unemployment could rise over three million

Bank of England economist David Blanchflower has warned unemployment is likely to rise above three million in the current recession.

Profit slump at Comet and Carpetright

A housing slump has hit white goods and carpet sales

Profits at high street retailers Comet and Carpetright have plunged as consumers cut back on big-ticket products.

King: Inflation will be under 2% in 2009

Inflation will fall below two per cent for much of 2009, the governor of the Bank of England claimed today.

Ofgem on track to cut energy bills by £500m

Watchdog Ofgem wants to see energy bills cut further

Ofgem is pushing the six main energy suppliers to strip unfair charges from their bills as the regulator targets £500 million of savings for consumers.