Weekly Digest – 19 April 2023

Welcome back to our Weekly Digest. Read on for the latest updates and some ideas to help us all move forward.

Government bans forced installation of prepayment meters for vulnerable customers

The government has banned energy suppliers from forcing over 85s and those with certain medical conditions to have prepayment energy meters installed, which require customers to pay for energy upfront and can often be more expensive than traditional meters.

Basic food items have risen up to 80% in one year

The cost of basic food items in the UK has risen by as much as 80% in the past year, according to a report by The Guardian. The increases are attributed to supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures, causing concern for low-income households.

Manchester United share price drops

The share price of Manchester United has dropped after reports emerged that the Glazer family, who own the club, are confident of securing enough investment to keep them in charge.

SpaceX postpones first attempt to launch Starship rocket into orbit

SpaceX is preparing for its first attempt to launch its Starship rocket into orbit, which could potentially revolutionize space travel and pave the way for manned missions to Mars and beyond. However, the launch originally planned for Monday has been postponed.

US stock futures rise as investors await bank earnings

Futures tied to major US stock indices rose on Sunday as investors await more earnings reports from major US banks this week, including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase.

New tax year brings £301 payment to millions starting next week

The start of the new tax year brings changes to pensions, benefits, student loans, and a rise in the national minimum wage. The changes will impact the cost of living for many UK citizens.

UK forms new nuclear alliance to develop small reactors and reduce reliance on other countries for energy

The UK has formed a new nuclear alliance with the United States and other allies aimed at edging Russia out of the international market. The government hopes that the new alliance will help secure our energy future and reduce reliance on other countries for energy supplies.

The uncertainty of inflation forecasting

The Guardian reports on the track record of inflation forecasters, noting how often they have been wrong in predicting future trends. While some currently forecast a drop in inflation, the article questions the accuracy of such predictions.

Does our “anti-maths mindset” cost the economy?

PM Rishi Sunak claims that the country’s “anti-maths mindset” is costing the economy significant money. He announced a new £40 million initiative to encourage more young people to study maths, saying that better numeracy skills will benefit individuals and the wider economy.

The changing tone of LinkedIn

LinkedIn has become a valuable resource for head-hunters and human resources departments, but over the last three years, it has seen a change in tone, with many posts becoming more personal. This is a far cry from the hard-sell approach many corporate players liked.

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