HSBC has become the first UK bank to open its student account to higher level apprentices ahead of the new academic year. As well as undergraduates heading to university this autumn, young people enrolling into level four courses will also be able to apply for HSBC's student bank account, which includes free Amazon Prime Student for a year and an interest-free tiered overdraft - an important financial safety net for many students. The bank says the extension will offer those working towards higher level apprenticeships the same benefits as those heading to university - this also includes a £60 Amazon.co.uk gift card when you sign up. Higher apprenticeships are work-based, nationally recognised qualifications equivalent to foundation degree level and above, which enable apprentices to split their time between university study and the workplace. The courses, which vary from business, finance and IT to creative roles, engineering and manufacturing offer young people the chance … [Read more...] about Apprentices can now open ‘student’ bank accounts – freebies and 0% overdraft included – but only at one bank
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‘I use food banks’ – workers on the impact of the pay squeeze
I would be better off being unemployed The pay freeze that we have been subject to has led me into deeper and deeper debt, no savings, a broken marriage, a host of creditors seeking payments and an inability to keep up with rising utilities, fuel and food prices. It’s an absolute disgrace that while politicians and bankers still award themselves pay increases and bonuses, those that had no part in creating the recession are suffering more and more. I would be better off being unemployed. Roddy, forest manager, Scotland I’ve had to get a second job and use food banks As I’m crew for an airline and have to travel for work, the fall in the pound has made it more expensive to eat when I’m away. I love my job and what I do but I’ve had to get a second job delivering parcels on my days off to make ends meet. I use a food bank when things get really tight. I’m ashamed of this and haven’t told my family or friends how bad things have become. I’m … [Read more...] about ‘I use food banks’ – workers on the impact of the pay squeeze
Chelsea would not sell Eden Hazard to Manchester City – even for a record fee
Chelsea will refuse any Manchester City bid for Eden Hazard – even if the Premier League leaders offer to break the world-record fee of £200 million. It emerged over the weekend that City, having missed out on Alexis Sánchez, are interested in Hazard and are ready to rival a summer bid from Real Madrid if the Belgian does not extend his contract. But while Chelsea may ultimately be powerless to stop Hazard joining Real if the Spaniards lodge a huge bid, they will not allow him to join English rivals for any amount of money. City are yet to make a bid. Chelsea still hope to convince Hazard to sign a new contract worth more than £300,000 a week, but they know he has always been interested in playing for Real. Hazard wants to weigh up his options, but it seems Chelsea’s stance will effectively leave him with the choice of staying put or waiting for Real to make a bid. Real have held a long-standing interest in Hazard and are expected to overhaul their … [Read more...] about Chelsea would not sell Eden Hazard to Manchester City – even for a record fee
Trump banks $23 million from his Mar-a-Lago club for 2018 as part of HALF BILLION haul – but club income slides from the year before amid loss of bookings
President Donald Trump continues to rake in millions from his golf and branding empire while in office – although income has slumped a bit at Mar-a-Lago, which relies on $200,000 membership fees as well as event bookings. Trump earned $23 million last year at the club, which got some unwelcome attention during the arrest of a Chinese national who was carrying four cell phones and who was able to penetrate the grounds without an official invite. The drop year-over-year was about $3 million. President Trump's Mar-a-Lago hotel brought in $23 million last year, a decrease of $3 million from the year before The club earned $30 million in 2016 – when Trump was already bringing attention to the ritzy historic club in West Palm Beach through his visits as a candidate. The club has seen a drop-off in bookings since Trump was elected president, hitting its bottom line. To help fill the gap, it has taken on new clients, including the Safari Night, which was attended by … [Read more...] about Trump banks $23 million from his Mar-a-Lago club for 2018 as part of HALF BILLION haul – but club income slides from the year before amid loss of bookings
Jacob Rees-Mogg view on food banks is unchristian, say charities
Charities have reacted angrily after the Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg said the rapid increase in food banks showed a “rather uplifting” picture of a compassionate country. There are at least 2,000 food banks in the UK giving out emergency food parcels to people in hardship, according to a survey published in May. In 2010, just a handful existed. Challenged by a caller to a radio phone-in about the rapid rise in food banks, Rees-Mogg argued on Thursday that they fulfilled a vital function. “I don’t think the state can do everything,” he said. “It tries to provide a base of welfare that should allow people to make ends meet during the course of the week, but on some occasions that will not work. “And to have charitable support given by people voluntarily to support their fellow citizens, I think is rather uplifting and shows what a good, compassionate country we are.” Garry Lemon, the head of media and external affairs at the Trussell … [Read more...] about Jacob Rees-Mogg view on food banks is unchristian, say charities