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David Sapsted

David Sapsted

Image of the Gherkin in London to illustrate article about Brexit impact on employment

Firms 'not ready' for new immigration curbs - CIPD

The bulk of UK employers are "simply not ready" for the post-Brexit restrictions on immigration being proposed by the government, a major survey has found

The river Liffey in Dublin at night

Brexit job moves from London 'far below predictions'

Why haven't more financial services jobs left London in the run-up to Brexit? Also, which are the most popular EU destination for firms that do leave London? David Sapsted reports.

Former chief reporter at The Times and news editor and New York correspondent for The Telegraph among other journals, David Sapsted writes sharply observed news for Relocate.

David Sapsted

Pound coins with an arrow illustrate an article about inflation rates lowering

UK inflation rate lowest in 32 months

Why has the UK's annual inflation rate fallen to just 1.7% last month, its lowest level since December 2016?

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met with The Republic of Poland Ambassador to the United Kingdom Ambassador Arkady Rzegocki

Poles urged to return home amid Brexit disquiet

The Polish ambassador to the UK has written an open letter to more 800,000 Poles living in Britain urging them to "seriously consider" returning to their home country because of Brexit.

Board showing different currencies for an article about foreign exchange FX

London extends global FX lead despite Brexit

Despite dire predictions of a Brexit downturn, London has strengthened its position as a pre-eminent global hub for financial trades since the EU referendum, according to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).

Tech sector fearful over retaining EU staff

Tech sector fearful over retaining EU staff

The UK's burgeoning fintech sector is "getting on with business as usual" despite continuing uncertainties stemming from Brexit, according to a new survey.

Company relocations grow over Brexit fears

Company relocations grow over Brexit fears

Industry and business groups in the UK are increasing pressure on the government to reach a Brexit deal with the European Union (EU) as companies begin stepping up relocation plans.

Radcliffe Camera, the science library, at Oxford University

Asian challenge mounts to US-UK university supremacy

British and American continue to dominate the top spots in the Time Higher Education (THE) rankings of more than 1,300 universities across the world, although they are facing mounting competition from Asian institutions.

Panorama of workers walking in London

UK economy produces still more jobs, higher wages

The UK's employment rate has reached a new high while employees' wages are rising at the fastest rate in 11 years, according to official figures released this week.

Graduands from Clare College Cambridge process to their graduation ceremony

Wide support for extension of foreign student stay time

Business leaders and educationists have welcomed the government's decision to allow international students to remain in the UK for two years after graduating so that they can find work.

The customs and immigration queues at Gatwick airport

UK must get immigration policy right, warns CBI

The head of Britain's largest business group has said that the priority for a post-Brexit immigration system must be the contribution a migrant makes to the country, not what his or her salary might be.

Pound coin on a background showing financial downturn

Recession fears grow over no-deal Brexit

Leaving the European Union without a withdrawal agreement could lead to the UK economy shrinking by 1.5 per cent next year, according to a report on Monday from KPMG. What specifically will cause the downturn?

US and UK flags illustrate a news story about US/UK trade relations

US-UK digital services set for post-Brexit boost

While Donald Trump and Boris Johnson enthuse about the possibility of a US-UK free trade agreement (FTA) after Brexit, a new report has claimed the digital services market could be boosted well before any such broader deal was agreed.

The rooftops of the iconic neo-Gothic Houses of Parliament buildings in London England

Brexit clouding new spending plans, say businesses

Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid's declaration that the UK had "turned the page on austerity" as he set out plans for £13.8 billion of extra spending has received a lukewarm welcome from business groups.

Arrivals from the EU enter the UK

UK scraps plan to end freedom of movement

EU immigration U-turn from new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government. What is the latest on freedom of movement for EU citizens living in the UK?

Brexit relocations push up EU house prices

Brexit relocations push up EU house prices

Brexit relocations are pushing up the prices of prime real estate in several cities in continental Europe, according to the latest Prime Global Cities Index from property consultancy Knight Frank.

Map of Europe and UK illustrated using visa stamps

Regulator bans 'misleading' EU settled status ad

Misleading, unclear UK Home Office immigration status advert banned by the Advertising Standards Authority.

Houses of Parliament and the Thames at night

Lord Bilimoria urges reform of immigration plans

Why is the well-respected, independent Crossbench peer insisting the UK government scrap the proposed salary threshold for skilled immigrants to the UK?

A woman scientist at work in the lab illustrates an article about UK R&D investment and tax credits

Widen tax credit to boost R&D, says CBI

The UK government is being urged to "turbo charge" the current programme of research and development tax credits to help the nation meet its R&D investment target by 2027.

A young man and young woman apprentices on a construction job

Business greets GCSE results with mixed emotions

Business leaders saw both good news and bad news in the latest batch of GCSE results. What are the worries of top UK businesses?

Futuristic London cityscape

US and Asia lead surge in UK technology investment

The UK tech sector is on course to attract a record amount of foreign investment this year, according to research published by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport's digital economy council on Wednesday.

A photo of UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel, superimposed over an image of the UK Home Office headquarters in Croydon England

Brexit: business anxiety over freedom of movement U-turn

Business leaders have expressed dismay over the government's announcement that freedom of movement for European Economic Area citizens would abruptly end if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal on October 31.

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ECB tells banks to 'step up' Brexit relocations

London-based banks have been urged by the European Central Bank to increase the number of staff they are relocating to hubs in the eurozone in case the UK leaves the European Union without a deal.

Workers walking on a city street in the UK

EU settled status scheme passes million mark

More than a million EU27 nationals living in the UK have now been granted settled or pre-settled status under the government's EU Settlement Scheme, the Home Office has announced.

Asian university students

China drives non-EU student numbers to record high

A new record has been set for the number of overseas students from non-EU countries accepted for degree course places in UK universities this year, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) revealed on Thursday.

Construction apprentice with tutor

Businesses urge students to consider vocational courses

As A-level students received their results on Thursday, business leaders urged teenagers not to ignore the importance of vocational qualifications by concentrating solely on university degrees.

City workers walk past Lloyds of London

UK boosted by record employment and wages surge

Brexit concerns appear to be having little effect on the UK jobs market with official data showing a record high number of people in work and wages growing at their fastest rate in 11 years.

Non-EU workers easing skills shortages

Non-EU workers easing skills shortages

The persistent problem of a shortage of applicants for skilled vacancies in the UK has been eased somewhat by an increase in non-EU migrants arriving in the country, according to new research.

AI head illustration

Involve staff in AI projects, urges CBI

British firms are being urged to take "an ethical approach" to the adoption of artificial intelligence and involve staff in the way AI is changing their businesses

Female financial advisor talks with a couple

Money management facing recruitment 'crisis'

The UK's financial advice industry is facing a looming recruitment "crisis", according to a new report.

Two hands, with US and UK flag superimposed, shake hands

Raab on transatlantic quest for trade deal

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab headed for North America on Tuesday intent on "firing up" post-Brexit trade links with the US, Canada and Mexico.

The global slowdown is hurting services growth across Europe

Global slowdown hurting growth across Europe

The results of the latest Purchasing Managers' Index are better than expected, says David Sapsted. But there's still a long way to go for the UK economy and services sectors.

A photograph of a working port

Up to 10 free ports to be created in the UK

A respected think tank casts doubt on the benefits the UK government projects would result from creating 10 free ports after Brexit, while International Trade Secretary Liz Truss claims the plan would create "thousands of jobs".

an image containing various visa stamps including one for Heathrow Airport in the UK and the EU

London mayor backs devolved immigration call

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has thrown his weight behind businesses' call for a regionally devolved immigration system once the UK has left the European Union.

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UK woos Asian nations to boost post-Brexit trade

A week after being appointed, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab embarked on his first overseas foray on Wednesday - a bid to boost post-Brexit trade links with SE Asian nations.

London skyline, including the Shard, illustrates an article about technology

Tech sector leads London jobs boom

Professional employment opportunities in London show no signs of decreasing despite the uncertainties surrounding Brexit, according to the latest data.

Row of Georgian houses in London

House price rises surge in North, slow in South

A clear imbalance between supply and demand for housing explains why house price growth in southern cities is at its lowest level since 2012. Which cities had the highest level of growth - and the lowest?

$EU \'lagging behind UK\' in no-deal planning$

EU 'lagging behind UK' in no-deal planning

With new leadership in place, the UK government is pushing ahead with provisions for a no-deal Brexit, says David Sapsted

UK firms are still struggling to hire the right skills

UK firms still struggling to hire the right skills

Following the release of the latest quarterly outlook report on recruitment, David Sapsted reports on the labour shortages in the UK and how this may be remedied in the future.

A union jack flag in a sandcastle on a beach with the White Cliffs of Dover in the background

UK SMEs concerned - but Australia sees opportunity in speedy post-Brexit trade deal

Although Australia is looking forward to reinvigorating their economic partnership with the UK, even in the event on a no-deal Brexit, UK businesses are concerned about a post-Brexit global downturn.

Downing Street

New PM faces calls for swift action to boost economy

As Boris Johnson, the UK's new prime minister, moved into Downing Street on Wednesday afternoon, he faced a barrage of calls for swift action to boost UK businesses.

Photograph of the Houses of Parliament illustrates an article about Boris Johnson becoming prime minister

PM Johnson facing Brexit and immigration headaches

The Queen will invite Boris Johnson to take over as British prime minister on Wednesday after his convincing victory in the poll among Conservative Party members to elect a replacement for Theresa May.

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Business leaders press new PM to avoid no-deal

Business leaders cranked up the pressure on Britain's new prime minister on Monday as they called for a fresh impetus to post-Brexit efforts to boost the economy, including reforms to the immigration rules for foreign workers.

Keyboard with expat written on key

Barnier urged to protect rights of UK expats

Demands that, in the event of a no-deal Brexit, the rights be protected of 1.3 million Britons living, working and studying in the EU27 were presented to Brussels on Friday by an all-party group of MPs.

UK scheme to retrain workers ousted by AI

The UK government has launched a scheme aimed at helping retrain workers whose jobs are likely to become obsolete as a result of automation and AI.

'Shared prosperity' aim in UK-India links

'Shared prosperity' aim in UK-India links

David Sapsted reports on plans for a closer partnership between the UK and India that aims to strengthen trade relations.

Woman illustrating a graph showing upward movement - photograph

British jobs market buoyant as wages rise

While the most recent UK employment figures remain high, some business and economic experts have expressed concerns. What worries them about the British labour market and its prospects for the future?

Union jack flag with fingerprint superimposed on it

'Ditch UK immigration target' demands think-tank

The UK needs an immigration plan matched to the country's economic needs. What else do government ministers - and the latest think-tank report - recommend?

2 women in greenhouse with flowers

'Expect immigration to increase' says UK lawyer

Far from achieving the government's aim of reducing annual net migration to below 100,000, leaving the European Union will actually result in an increase in economic migration to the UK in the long term, according to a prominent immigration lawyer.

Chessboard with two US and Chinese flag chess pieces

Asian economies boosted by US-China trade war

Eight Asian economies have seen a boom in trade with the US on the back of the trade war between Washington and Beijing, according to the latest Global Economic Watch report from PwC.

Group of students walking

Chinese applicants to UK universities hit new high

There has been a surge in Chinese students applying to UK universities. What's the cause? Is it a result of the US/China trade war, Brexit, or a combination of many factors? David Sapsted investigates.

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Employers look to existing staff to fill skills shortages

More than two-thirds of businesses in Britain have struggled to find the skilled workers they need this year, according to the 2019 Business Barometer from the Open University.

Infographic from the BCC and Indeed study

UK immigration plan 'will worsen skills shortages'

Government proposals for a post-Brexit immigration system could worsen the existing skills shortage of many businesses in the UK, according to a survey published on Tuesday.

Businesswoman on her phone at a train station

UK public backs skills-based immigration policy

A new immigration policy geared to the needs of the UK economy must be adopted by whoever succeeds Theresa May as prime minister, according to a think-tank report.

Skyline with the 155 meter high twin towers Deutsche Bank I and II in Frankfurt.

Deutsche Bank embarks on global job cuts

Deutsche Bank began laying off staff across the world on Monday, less than 24 hours after it announced 18,000 job cuts to its 92,000-strong workforce across the globe.

Jaguar in front of a stately home

JLR electrifies UK motor industry hopes

Jaguar Land Rover has shrugged off Brexit fears with the announcement of a major investment - predicted to reach £1 billion – in the production of a range of electric vehicles at its Castle Bromwich plant in the West Midlands.

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Directors' skills worries amid political uncertainty

Skills shortages remain a prime concern of business leaders across Britain, according to the latest survey from the Institute of Directors (IoD).

Photograph of a female video gamer at her game console

France launches bid to poach UK games developers

The French government has launched a campaign to attract the UK games industry - which is deeply apprehensive about the effects of Brexit - to move to France. How would British gaming companies benefit?

Map of London illustration

London businesses urge easier access to overseas skills

London businesses have been boosted by recovering domestic sales and exports during the second quarter of the year but too many are still facing recruitment challenges, according to a new survey.