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David Sapsted

David Sapsted

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UK financial services 'pillar of strength'

The critical importance of financial and related professional services to the UK economy has been highlighted in the annual 'UK Key Facts' report by the sector's lobby group, TheCityUK.

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Wanted: expats' stories of pandemic life

Expatriates' experiences during the current Covid-19 pandemic are to be collected by a Dutch-based archive and preserved for future generations.

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

Stressed female worker

Stress absenteeism bedevilling financial services

The enormous uncertainties caused by COVID-19 situation might make 2020 the most stressful year in a generation. How can employers in the financial services sector look after their employees?

A globe encircled by hands with the word Coronavirus superimposed upon it

Call for pandemic action to save global economy

Coordinated action by governments across the world to tackle the Coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout is being demanded in a letter to G20 leaders signed by a group of 165 global leaders.

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Eurozone economies in free-fall as pandemic bites

The disastrous consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on economies across Europe have been starkly illustrated by record falls in output across the continent.

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Grim times for Europe's manufacturers

Manufacturers across Europe suffered a disastrous March on the back of the COVID-19 pandemic, with economists warning there could be worse to come.

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Pandemic triggers global fintech surge

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the use of financial apps across Europe, according to a survey by Swiss-based financial advisers deVere.

UK Home Office Lunar House in Croydon

'Many questions remain' over UK visa changes

Problems remain for UK employers with non-EU staff despite visa relaxations announced last week by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department, according to a leading law firm.

The coronavirus pandemic is forcing global company executives to reconfigure operations and dramatically step up plans to automate their businesses, according to a new EY survey.

Pandemic sparks global automation drive

The coronavirus pandemic is forcing global company executives to reconfigure operations and dramatically step up plans to automate their businesses, according to a new survey.

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Visa extensions offered to expats in the UK

Foreign workers and students will be able to extend their UK visas until at least the end of May if they cannot leave the country because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Economists warn that the UK inflation rate will fall further by this summer because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

UK inflation predicated to tumble by summer

Economists warn that the UK inflation rate will fall further by this summer because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

HMRC says expats and non-doms stuck in the UK due to COVID-19 can claim ‘exceptional circumstances’ exemptions and will not have to pay tax on their global incomes.

Expats get a coronavirus tax break

HMRC says expats and non-doms stuck in the UK due to COVID-19 can claim ‘exceptional circumstances’ exemptions and will not have to pay tax on their global incomes.

The OECD chief is pessimistic over global economy.

OECD chief pessimistic over global economy

Global economists forecast negative growth and possible recession over the next two years due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Empty immigration queues at an airport

Three million EU nationals get right to stay in UK

While welcoming these numbers, the campaign group the3million is worried about the rise in EU nationals deemed ineligible to stay in the UK. David Sapsted investigates.

Manchester skyline at night

UK cities leading Europe's tech charge

The digital tech sector in the UK has grew six times faster than other industries last year, according to the 2020 annual report from Tech Nation, the government-backed network for tech entrepreneurs.

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Businesses applaud UK government's pandemic moves

Business chiefs in the UK have reacted favourably to the government's latest initiative to issue £350 billion in loans and state aid to help businesses amid the global havoc caused by COVID-19.

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Britons 'increasingly relaxed about immigration'

Most of the UK seeks 'balance' on immigration, as a new study shows that views have softened post-Brexit.

House prices in London and the high cost of living are causing young workers to leave the capital.

Migration of young London workers gathers pace

New research has found that more young professionals are leaving London than arriving, due to the high cost of living and house prices.

regional transport plans announced in march 2020 Budget

UK regions welcome 'levelling up' Budget plans

The UK government has taken its first steps towards fulfilling its commitment to 'level up' the economy by shifting power and spending away from London and SE England and towards development in the regions.

The Bank of England in the background with a London city bus

Businesses give warm welcome to budget plans

Business leaders have generally welcomed Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak's proposals for an ambitious infrastructure programme over the next five years and a more immediate response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Man holding a budget box (UK) while wearing Union Jack glove

'Historic' infrastructure spending in UK budget

The government pledges the highest level of infrastructure since shortly after World War II, as the Bank of England cuts interest rates in a bid to help the UK economy during the coronavirus outbreak.

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JPMorgan to move Swiss jobs to Scotland and India

JPMorgan Chase is to cut its workforce in Switzerland by about 15% and relocate the jobs to Scotland and India.

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Research pinpoints easiest places to find a job

Oxfordshire has been rated as the best area of the UK to find a job in an analysis by global jobs site Indeed.

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UK government urged to be bold on trade deals

What bold steps does Adam Marshall, Director-General of the British Chambers of Commerce, urge the government to take on trade as the UK moves forward post-Brexit?

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Coronavirus threat bugs UK economic recovery

The service, construction and manufacturing sectors in the UK economy have all made unexpectedly healthy starts to 2020, but growth is now being threatened by the threat of the coronavirus to global trade.

Scottish construction workers may be deemed skilled for visas

Separate Scottish visa system deemed feasible

It would be “entirely possible” for Scotland to operate an immigration system independent of the UK, according to a report today from a leading firm of immigration lawyers.

US and UK flags representing 2020 trade talks

UK to ‘drive a hard bargain’ in talks with US

As the UK began talks in Brussels over a trade deal with the European Union this week, the government in London outlined its objectives for upcoming trade talks with the United States.

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Overseas skills 'only attracted by £30,000-plus'

A new report highlights the difference the £30,000 salary threshold makes for skilled foreigners looking for jobs in the UK, and the potential problem sectors.

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Business alarm over block to Heathrow expansion

Why business leaders have reacted negatively to the illegal ruling verdict on the construction of a third runway at London's Heathrow Airport.

city of London centre of trade

UK sets June as first EU talks deadline

The UK government is willing to walk away from negotiations with the European Union in June unless a "broad outline" of a trade deal has been agreed by then.

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Total of UK skill visas hits all-time high

New figures from the Home Office reveal migration records set in 2019. What are the most significant trends for non-EU and EU nationals?

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House prices in UK cities hit three-year high

The latest Zoopla report evaluates the latest winners and losers in the UK residential property market. Which cities come out on top - and why?

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SMEs upbeat over 2020 growth prospects

David Sapsted reports on SME predictions of strong growth in the regions and opportunities in key business sectors, with some surprising insights.

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Business sets out aims for UK-EU trade deal

What are businesses asking the UK government to prioritise in its negotiations with the EU over a free trade agreement?

The government's proposed, post-Brexit immigration system is causing headaches for UK firms, says the Federation of Small Businesses.

SMEs worried over post-Brexit immigration plan

The government's proposed, post-Brexit immigration system is causing headaches for UK firms, says the Federation of Small Businesses.

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Businesses uneasy overseas ban on low skills

The UK government's decision not to offer visas to lower skilled workers in its proposals published on Wednesday for a post-Brexit immigration system, has caused deep concern among business leaders.

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UK unveils points-based immigration rules

The UK government has laid out its proposals for a "firm and fair", points-based immigration system, which will come into force when the Brexit transition period ends at the start of next year.

Graph illustrating an article about the UK jobs market

UK employment rate reaches new high

The UK employment rate hit a new, record high of 76.5% in the final quarter of last year, defying predictions of a Brexit-induced slump.

A new report reveals a drop in applications from non-EU skilled workers to the UK - and the implications.

Brexit sparks fall in foreign skills

A new report reveals a drop in applications from non-EU skilled workers to the UK - and the implications.

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UK visa policy 'damaging third world links'

The UK's "convoluted and discriminatory visa practices" threaten to thwart Prime Minister Boris Johnson's aim of creating a 'Global Britain', according to a senior African politician.

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Businesses laud HS2 green light

The UK government gave the go-ahead on Tuesday afternoon to the construction of HS2, the high-speed rail link designed eventually to link London with Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester at an estimated cost of £106 billion.

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Singapore still top for expat "liveability"

While Singapore has topped the rankings for the 15th year in a row, which other global cities rank highly for quality of life for expats?

UK launches scheme for up to 10 free ports.

UK launches scheme for up to 10 free ports

New free air, rail and seaports across the UK could create thousands of jobs, as well as attract new businesses, investment and opportunity.

Illustration of an online employment application

Brexit loomed and jobs boomed, say recruiters

Two independent surveys of the UK jobs market have found that, despite Brexit, there was a surge in vacancies during January.

EU Settlement Scheme passes three million mark

EU Settlement Scheme passes three million

While more than three million EU nationals have already signed up for the EU Settlement Scheme, the government is encouraging those who have not yet registered under the Settlement Scheme, to do so.

The Confederation of British Industry emphasises the “once-in-a-generation” opportunities of an extended trading relationship between the US and the UK.

Services top list in US-UK trade deal

The Confederation of British Industry emphasises the “once-in-a-generation” opportunities of an extended trading relationship between the US and the UK.

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'Sort out immigration to end skills deficit' say employers

The growing skills shortage confronting British companies and the pressing need for a "fast, flexible" immigration system have been highlighted in a major new survey.

Foreign skills shortage most worrying manufacturers.

Foreign skills shortage most worrying manufacturers

The primary concern over Brexit among UK manufacturers is whether or not they will still be able to hire the foreign skills they badly need, according to a new survey.

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Brexit a done deal - now to get deals done

The UK's oft-delayed departure from the European Union at 23.00 GMT on Friday was greeted with joy by some, grief by others and an uncomfortable air of uncertainty among British businesses.

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South East dominates 'quality of life' index

House-hunters looking to settle in the UK could do worse than considering the eastern half of Hertfordshire, which has just been awarded the nation's best place to live in an annual quality of life survey.

Edinburgh and Nottingham occupy the top two spots in a table tracking house price rises last year in 20 major towns and cities across the UK.

Affordability key to house price rises in UK cities

New data has found that UK house prices are at their highest since September 2017 – with affordability being an important factor in healthy price growth.

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Professionals concerned about migration plans

Lawyers and other immigration professionals have expressed reservations over recommendations from the government-appointed Migration Advisory Committee for a post-Brexit immigration system for the UK.

Union Jack flag with a Heathrow Airport immigration official stamp superimposed upon it

Mixed reaction to UK migration proposals

Business leaders have given a "curate's egg" reception - some parts good, some bad - to the Migration Advisory Committee's recommendations for a post-Brexit immigration system.

Migration Advisory Committee Report January 2020

UK should keep migrant salary threshold, says advisory report

The UK government's Migration Advisory Committee recommended retention of the controversial minimum salary threshold when it published its recommendations for a post-Brexit immigration system on Tuesday.

UK launches new visa to lure top scientists.

UK launches new visa to lure top scientists

Boris Johnson announces new fast-tracked visa that will encourage leading academics to work in the UK.

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Businesses want their voices heard over immigration

The UK's largest business groups, trade associations and educational organisations have written to the government demanding a say in helping formulate the post-Brexit immigration system.

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EU banks now seeking Brexit hubs in London

The number of UK financial services firms seeking to establish post-Brexit hubs in the European Union ground to a halt in the second half of last year, according to the latest research by EY.

Commuters at Euston Station in London

UK labour market hits new high

A record 32.9 million people are in employment in the UK while the number of jobless is at a 45-year low, according to official figures. Plus, news that Facebook is to hire 1,000 in the UK in 2020.

The global growth forecast for 2020 and 2021 has been reduced owing to rising geopolitical tensions, climate change and slowdowns in emerging markets.

IMF trims global growth forecast

The global growth forecast for 2020 and 2021 has been reduced owing to rising geopolitical tensions, climate change and slowdowns in emerging markets.