Podcasts related to Economics

Do bosses have the right to tell their female workers what they should wear to work? The question rose to prominence in 2015 when receptionist Nicola Thorpe was sent home by her employers and told to change the flat shoes she was wearing for a pair of high heels. The publicity surrounding the case led to an inquiry and a report which concluded that while the law prevents employers from imposing dress codes on their staff, it doesn't do enough to protect employees from discriminatory practices and unsafe working conditions. Well for more analysis Juliette Foster spoke to solicitor Beverley Sunderland of Crossland Employment Solicitors.

We're in the first week of Fintech Fortnight now, a two week period dedicated to this expanding sector. Already we've seen huge transformations with banking now more likely to be accessed through a phone than waiting for a statement through the post box. So what does the future hold and how do people feel about the pace of change. To discuss just how much Fintech has developed our reporter Tom Hill spoke to James Smith, Mobile and Digital Innovation Director at Nationwide Building Society.

As it has become the norm, Brexit has dominated the newspaper headlines this morning. Theresa May has checkmated the Commons, but can she do the same to the House of Lords? Brexit Secretary David Davis has said the Lords must "do their patriotic duty". To discuss all this and more, Share Radio Morning's Juliette Foster was joined by Josh Lowe Reporter at Newsweek.

Following Donald Trump's rise to power, boycotts are on the up. Amazon, Uber and Budweiser are just some of the big names caught up in this - and it's coming from both sides of the political divide. But are the boycotts having an effect? And could a wider boycott on US goods spread to the UK? Share Radio's Peta Fuller reports.

Oil prices are falling again today as the market waits for US inventory data to come through this afternoon. But early estimates indicate it'll be far above analysts' expectations - at around 11 million extra barrels. Sean Cronin, editor at Argus Media, joined Glen Goodman for more on this story.

Concerns about Greek debt levels are back on the radar as negotiations between the Eurozone and International Monetary Fund look increasingly shaky. Head Analyst at MacroPolis, Manos Giakoumis, joined Share Radio's Glen Goodman to explain the current situation.

Are interest rates too low? One of the Bank of England's monetary policy committee members has signalled she's on the verge of voting for a rate rise. And Brexit will cost UK 30,000 finance jobs according to a think tank. Ben Kumar, ‎investment manager at Seven Investment Management, joined Share Radio's Glen Goodman to talk through the day's big economic stories.

The government is promising to fix what it calls the "broken" housing market by building thousands of new homes and helping first time buyers. Amongst the many proposals is a three-billion pound fund to get small companies building in England. It's thought that around 60 per cent of new homes are being produced by just 10 larger firms. Share Radio's James Brydges spoke to Michael Holmes, spokesperson at The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show and head of NaCSBA (National Custom and Self Build Association) and Russell Quirk, the founder of the online estate agent emoov.co.uk.

The Moneywise team with over 26 years of financial journalism under their belt joins us in the studio for their fortnightly catch up. This week Sue joined by editor Moira O'Neil and deputy editor Helen Knapman. We'll be discussing how to put together the perfect portfolio as well as how to maximise your savings returns playing current account ping pong. Plus we look ahead and questioning what might happen with interest rates this year as well as bringing you the latest stats and funny money stories from this month's magazine.

And it's time to check-in with our friends over at Money Saving Expert. This week Sue Dougan was joined by Senior Writer Sally Francis. We'll be looking at the governments changes to bereavement benefits and sorting out your joint finances with your partner this Valentine's day. Plus we'll have a roundup of the best deals the eagle-eyed team have come across this week. Don't forget, you can stay up to date and get the newsletter by heading to moneysavingexpert.com