Tory Rishi Sunak today announced changes to tax, furlough and Stamp Duty in his 2021 Budget . The Chancellor said he must take "unpopular" and "honest" decisions as he reversed some Tory Corporation Tax cuts and cancelled an Income Tax break for millions of Brits. He warned next year borrowing will hit £234bn or 10.3% of GDP - “an amount so large it has only one rival in recent history, this year”. And Covid spending including fiscal support has hit £407bn. But in reality the Chancellor put off many of the most painful decisions until later and gave businesses a huge tax break for now - one he claimed was the biggest in history. He also extended several breaks and Covid support schemes beyond the end of the roadmap. Mr Sunak said more than 700,000 people have lost their jobs since March and the economy has fallen by more than 10% - the fastest fall in more than 300 years. “It’s going to take this country and the whole world a long time to recover from this extraordinary … [Read more...] about Budget 2021 summary: Key announcements at a glance as Covid spending hits £407bn
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Germany to implement supply chain law against exploitation
Germany on Wednesday took a step towards forcing companies to take responsibility for any labor or environmental abuses in their global supply chain. A new law (Lieferkettengesetz in German) allows for hefty fines starting at several hundred thousand euros if their contractors abroad are found to breach human rights or environmental rules. The fines go up to two percent of the company's annual revenues if they exceed 400 million euros ($484 million). The companies are held responsible for every step of the way: from the raw materials to the finished product. "This law protects workers from exploitation across sprawling supply chains and protects human rights across the world," Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday, adding "In future, it will be clear that 'Made in Germany' also means respect for human rights." The SPD-run development and labor ministries initially wanted the law to also target smaller companies, but backed down in the face of strong opposition from the … [Read more...] about Germany to implement supply chain law against exploitation
Who won Love Island Australia 2019?
IF LIKE us you are already pining for Married At First Sight Australia, then fear not, ITV2 have just the thing. The network is showing Love Island Australia season 2, which was originally filmed back in 2019, which means a winner has already been announced. WARNING: The below article features MAJOR spoilers from Love Island Australia season 2 Who won Love Island Australia 2019? Love Island Australia was won by Anna McEvoy and Josh Packham. The couple were viewer favourites after they got together halfway through the show and made their relationship official just before the show's final. After the series ended, Anna and Josh moved in together during the pandemic and shared loads of photos from their time in lockdown. Unfortunately, by November 2020, the couple took to Instagram to announce their split after a year together. Who were the runner-ups of Love Island Australia 2019? In the final, Anna and Josh were joined by three other couples. Matthew … [Read more...] about Who won Love Island Australia 2019?
Budget 2021: What COVID-19 support measures were announced and extended?
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced several measures to support people affected by COVID-19 lockdowns. Much of Wednesday's budget (summed up here ) focused on the pandemic, with some schemes being extended and some new ones introduced to the tune of an extra £65 billion, bringing the total spend on COVID-19 since March 2020 into the next financial year to £407bn. Here are all the COVID -related announcements: Furlough Mr Sunak has extended the furlough scheme to 30 September. It was due to expire at the end of April after starting last March when the crisis began. Wages for millions who are unable to work due to the restrictions will continue to have up to 80% of their salary subsidised by the government, with a maximum of £2,500 a month. This will gradually be lifted, with the government reducing its contribution to 70% from July and employers having to pay 10% for hours not worked. In August and September, the government will pay 60% and employers 20%. … [Read more...] about Budget 2021: What COVID-19 support measures were announced and extended?
Mum fumes after daughter’s nursery changed her name because it was ‘too hard to pronounce’
A MUM was left fuming after her daughter's nursery changed her name because they said it was “too hard” to pronounce. Mahinarangi Tautu, five, had just started going when her mum Paris was told staff would call her “Rangi” instead, News.com.au reports. The name is traditional of their Ngāti Raukawa heritage, a Maori tribe from the central region of the North Island of New Zealand Because of this the New Zealand woman said she “will not let this happen” as it doesn’t respect and honour her daughter’s Māori heritage. “I am sad that in 2021, in Aotearoa, a 5-year-old girl has lost the pride that comes with her beautiful name,” the woman wrote in a Facebook post, The NZ Herald reports. She explained Mahinarangi’s name is often mispronounced and mocked by her peers, leaving the young girl “embarrassed” and lacking the confidence to correct anyone. “Can you imagine your child being too embarrassed to say their name because people won’t make a decent effort to … [Read more...] about Mum fumes after daughter’s nursery changed her name because it was ‘too hard to pronounce’