Virgin Media has been fined a record £28 million by UK regulator Ofcom for making it excessively difficult for customers to cancel their contracts, including hanging up on callers. The fine is the largest ever imposed by Ofcom for such violations, highlighting ongoing concerns over consumer protection in the telecom industry.
UK water company Severn Trent has been spared a financial penalty by regulator Ofwat despite finding "serious" failures in its handling of water waste and sewage. The decision has sparked criticism, as it raises questions about accountability in the water industry and the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement on environmental protection.
Apple announced a $30 billion investment in US chip manufacturing facilities. The move aims to boost domestic semiconductor production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. This significant commitment reflects ongoing trends in reshoring critical technology manufacturing.
A £4.5bn collective lawsuit has been filed against major UK housebuilders, accusing them of abusing market dominance to keep prices high. The case alleges anti-competitive practices that have stifled competition and housing supply. If successful, it could fundamentally reshape the industry and improve affordability.
A government-commissioned review led by Labour peer Baroness Timms is set to conclude that disability benefits in England and Wales are not fit for purpose. The findings could lead to significant reforms in how support is provided to disabled people. This matters because millions rely on these benefits, and the review may reshape the welfare system.
A judge has approved a $47 million settlement for victims of a 23andMe data breach that exposed the genetic information of millions of users. The payout will compensate those affected by the 2023 cybersecurity incident, which compromised personal and ancestry data. This ruling highlights the legal and financial consequences for companies that fail to protect sensitive customer data.
EasyJet has agreed in principle to a £5.2 billion takeover offer, marking one of the largest airline deals in recent years. The potential acquisition could reshape the European low-cost carrier market. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder votes.
Sky is reportedly considering buying ITV, a major UK broadcaster. The acquisition could lead to changes in how shows are distributed and bundled, potentially affecting viewer access and competition in the TV market. This matters because it could reshape the UK television landscape and impact what programming viewers see.
A new analysis suggests that making the UK's public transport fully accessible could boost the economy by £176 billion over 30 years. The figure accounts for increased employment and spending by disabled people currently excluded from the system. The report highlights the economic case for investment in accessibility beyond social benefits.