Economics:
Lots happening on a macro economic basis with the Bank of England announcing £50bn in Quantitative Easing and Osborne dropping fixed targets for SME lending (FT front three pages). However, while banks say they have all exceeded their targets of lending to SMEs, Small firms warn that QE is not actually providing them with any benefits (Daily Mail, pg 2)
In addition, the Greeks are days from going bankrupt as the national braces itself for a 48-hour strike and politicians in Athens end a four-day stand off in their attempt to avoid financial ruin, Front of Daily Telegraph. This agreement was initially heralded as the break through to unlock a 130 billion Euros international bailout package but things are looking a little rocky at the minute.
Recruitment:
PM eyes quotas for women on boards saying businesses are failing the economy by not having enough females in senior positions (FT – pg 2). However, the Daily Mail suggests that attempting to do this will create a backlash (pg 12). The Times (front page) picks up another aspect of the sexual equality story and suggests that mothers should have a tax break for home help.
Financial Services
Lord Hutton warns people that they may need to work until they are 70 as he considers the Nordic approach. This system allows people to defer taking their state pension for several years and thus get higher payouts when they do. While he was considering this, David Halpern (who advises the PM on his big society agenda) suggests that the elderly should work longer as this combats “killer loneliness”, (pg 6, Daily Mail)
Property
Britain buy-to-let loans boom hits £160bn says the CML. The average rent inLondonis £711 according to LSL, pg 35 (Daily Mail)
