Over £100 million in Premium Bond prizes have not been claimed, with some prizes dating back to the 1950s. National Savings and Investments (NS&I), the government-owned bank running the scheme, faces criticism for not doing enough to help winners claim their prizes.
Key Facts
More than £100 million in Premium Bond prizes remain unclaimed.
Premium Bonds are a type of savings account where winnings are decided by a monthly draw.
There are over 2.5 million unclaimed prizes, including 11 prizes of £100,000 each.
Nearly 23 million people held Premium Bonds as of March this year.
NS&I has paid out more than 99% of prizes since 1957.
Winnings notifications can be sent via text, email, or post if contact details are registered.
Unclaimed prizes make up only 0.28% of the £37 billion awarded since the scheme’s start.
NS&I provides an online tracer service to help bondholders locate their accounts.
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Fewer companies are sharing information about the number of women and the diversity of their management teams, according to a new report. This trend is partly due to changes in U.S. policies and legal decisions that discourage diversity efforts. The drop in transparency comes as companies face pressure from both supporters and opponents of diversity initiatives.
Key Facts
The number of S&P 500 companies disclosing how many women are on their board fell from 91% to 60%.
Disclosure of racial and ethnic diversity metrics dropped from 72% to 45%.
The decrease in transparency began after the 2023 Supreme Court decision against affirmative action in universities.
Legal changes have also played a role, such as the overturning of a rule that required diverse board members.
Companies face conflicting pressures from U.S. conservative groups and international standards regarding diversity.
Corporate America is re-evaluating its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments amidst political and legal pushback.
The trend has accelerated under the current U.S. administration's anti-DEI policies.
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Workers at Boeing plants in the U.S. are striking after contract talks failed. These workers, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, develop military aircraft and weapons. The strike focuses on issues like wage increases and work schedules.
Key Facts
Thousands of Boeing workers in Missouri and Illinois went on strike.
The strike started due to unsuccessful negotiations over a new contract.
About 3,200 union members rejected a proposed four-year contract.
The contract included a 20% wage increase over four years and $5,000 bonuses.
Boeing anticipated the strike and has a plan to manage with non-striking staff.
Boeing's Defense, Space & Security business is a significant part of its revenue.
Boeing's CEO stated that the strike impact would be smaller than a previous large-scale walkout.
Boeing's stock dropped slightly following news of the strike.
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Major casinos on the Las Vegas Strip are now unionized, going against the national trend where many workplaces are not part of a union. This change aims to provide better job stability and benefits for workers.
Key Facts
All major casinos on the Las Vegas Strip are now unionized.
This move is different from the national trend where workplaces often remain non-union.
Unionization aims to give workers better job security and healthcare benefits.
Susana Pacheco, a housekeeper at a Las Vegas casino, shared her experiences of working without stable support.
Unionized workplaces typically offer better pay and protection for employees.
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The United States plans to impose a 30% tariff on most imports from South Africa. This could potentially put around 30,000 jobs in South Africa at risk. The tariffs start on August 8.
Key Facts
The U.S. is placing a 30% tariff on many imports from South Africa.
These tariffs take effect on August 8.
South African officials say this may endanger about 30,000 jobs.
The U.S. is South Africa's third-largest trading partner.
South Africa is looking for new markets to sell goods outside the U.S.
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Eurostar has told thousands of passengers to delay their train trips between London and Paris because of track issues in France. Nine trains have been canceled and 17 delayed. The disruptions are due to a power failure on a section of the French high-speed rail line.
Key Facts
Eurostar has advised passengers to delay their journeys between London and Paris.
Disruptions are caused by a power failure on a part of the track in France.
Nine trains between London and Paris were canceled on Monday.
Seventeen trains have faced delays.
Additional cancellations and delays affect routes between Paris and Brussels, as well as Paris and Amsterdam.
Journeys between London and Amsterdam are unaffected.
Eurostar offers free ticket exchanges or full refunds for affected passengers.
Extra staff are at affected stations to assist travelers.
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A recent court ruling means that car buyers who used finance in the last 18 years might get compensation if they were misled about commission fees. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is setting up a scheme to handle claims, but payments will not start until 2026. Customers are advised to wait for the FCA scheme instead of using claim companies that charge fees.
Key Facts
A court decision involves hidden commissions paid to car dealers on finance deals.
Eligible car buyers may get compensation if they were overcharged or misinformed.
The FCA is developing a compensation plan, with consultations starting in October.
Payments from the compensation scheme are expected to begin in 2026.
People are advised not to use claims companies, as they charge fees without speeding up the process.
Commissions that were excessively high in finance agreements are a key factor in eligibility.
Marcus Johnson's court case was a benchmark, as he found 55% of his payments were commissions.
The maximum expected claim is likely around £950, plus some interest, depending on individual contracts.
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Tesla has given its CEO, Elon Musk, $29 billion worth of company shares to encourage him to stay with the company. This decision follows a court ruling against his previous pay package, which was deemed unfair to shareholders. Tesla wants to keep Musk onboard as the company shifts focus towards AI and robotics.
Key Facts
Tesla awarded Elon Musk $29 billion in shares to keep him with the company.
A US court previously ruled his 2018 pay package was unfair, which Musk is appealing.
Tesla aims to retain talent like Musk as competition for AI experts grows.
The share award enhances Musk's influence on Tesla's board.
Tesla is transitioning from an electric vehicle company to focus more on AI and robotics.
AI-focused companies are offering large salaries to attract top talent.
Elon Musk holds leadership roles in other ventures like xAI and Neuralink.
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Tesla plans to give Elon Musk 96 million shares of restricted stock after a judge previously ordered the cancellation of his large pay package. Musk must pay Tesla a set price per share once the stock becomes available to him. The judge's decision came after finding that Musk had too much influence over the original compensation agreement.
Key Facts
Tesla is awarding Elon Musk 96 million shares of restricted stock valued at about $29 billion.
A judge ordered the cancellation of Musk's prior pay package because of concerns about how it was negotiated.
Musk must pay $23.34 per share to Tesla when the restricted stock vests.
The 2018 pay package had a potential maximum value of approximately $56 billion based on Tesla’s stock price.
A lawsuit by a Tesla stockholder led to the judge's decision to revoke the compensation.
The judge awarded $345 million in legal fees to the plaintiff's attorneys, rejecting their larger request.
Musk and Tesla are reviewing his compensation, with a special committee involved.
Tesla shares have dropped 25% this year amid various internal and external challenges.
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Thousands of Boeing workers at three manufacturing plants in Missouri and Illinois have begun a strike. The workers are protesting a proposed labor agreement with Boeing, despite the offer of a 20% wage increase over four years. Boeing says it is ready for the strike and has put contingency plans in place to continue operations.
Key Facts
About 3,200 Boeing workers in Missouri and Illinois are on strike.
The workers belong to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union.
They voted to reject a modified four-year labor agreement with Boeing.
The rejected proposal included a 20% wage increase over four years.
Boeing anticipated the strike and has a contingency plan to continue operations.
Boeing has been dealing with past challenges, like crashes of its 737 Max airplanes.
In recent financial results, Boeing reported narrowed losses and improved revenue.
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Big technology companies in the U.S. are heavily investing in artificial intelligence (AI), boosting the economy despite signs of economic weakness. This spending focuses on infrastructure to support AI, including data centers and energy, and is largely carried out by major companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Google. There are concerns about sustainability and whether the wider workforce will benefit from these changes.
Key Facts
Major companies like Nvidia and Microsoft have increased in value by approximately $2.5 trillion over the past year due to AI investments.
Google, Amazon, and other big tech firms plan to spend almost $400 billion this year mainly on AI infrastructure.
These expenditures surpass what the European Union spent on defense last year.
AI-related capital spending has significantly contributed to the U.S. GDP growth, more than consumer spending this year.
Investments in AI infrastructure have grown at a 25% annual rate recently, while overall GDP growth was only 1.2%.
There are potential risks, such as financial instability due to heavy debt used to fund these AI projects.
Experts suggest that new jobs linked to AI infrastructure might offset jobs that AI could eliminate.
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President Trump's environmental policies are helping U.S. carmakers by cutting regulatory costs, despite the financial impact of tariffs. Automakers are benefiting by selling more high-profit trucks and SUVs, while holding back on producing electric vehicles (EVs). They face uncertainties about future trade agreements.
Key Facts
U.S. carmakers like GM, Ford, and Stellantis face nearly $10 billion in tariffs but are managing these costs without passing them on to consumers.
Trump's policies remove regulations that required carmakers to produce more electric vehicles.
Ford has reduced its need to buy non-compliance credits by $1.5 billion, saving money for the company.
Trump's environmental policy changes remove CO2 emissions targets and other EV mandates.
Tesla might face tough financial periods as regulatory credits and EV incentives disappear.
Carmakers want to see how Trump's changes to trade agreements with Mexico and Canada will affect them.
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The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) proposed a plan to compensate people for car finance mis-selling, which the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) criticized as unrealistic. The plan would cover deals going back to 2007, but concerns exist about the availability of needed paperwork. The Supreme Court ruled that hidden commissions in car loans were not illegal, though claims for large commissions might still be possible.
Key Facts
The FCA suggested a compensation plan for car finance mis-selling.
The scheme might cover loans dating back to 2007.
The FLA believes managing claims from 2007 is impractical due to missing documents.
The Supreme Court decided hidden commissions were lawful.
Compensation for large commissions could be allowed.
The plan's cost could range from £9 billion to £18 billion for the industry.
Individual customers may get less than £950 per affected deal.
The FCA expects that the car finance market will remain stable despite any compensation plans.
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Farmers are using social media to share their daily lives and positive stories about farming. They post videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram to educate and entertain people about farming practices. Many farmers, like Mike Wilkins and Dom Northmore, aim to provide an authentic look at where food comes from.
Key Facts
Farmers are creating social media content to show their daily farming activities.
Mike Wilkins uses his social media to show farming practices, avoiding controversial topics.
He has a series called "What we've been up to on the farm," which features short films about various farm tasks.
Chloe Burke manages social media for Lane End Farm and uses drones to film farming activities.
The farmers aim to show authentic and positive aspects of farming to a wide audience.
Videos include topics like haymaking and barley planting, attracting thousands of viewers.
The content helps people understand where their food comes from directly from the farmers.
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President Trump has introduced new tariffs that are affecting the U.S. and global economy. These tariffs are leading to higher prices and slowing economic growth, with potential impacts on consumers and businesses.
Key Facts
President Trump announced new tariffs that impact many countries and products.
These tariffs have started to increase consumer prices in the U.S.
The U.S. labor market is cooling, with fewer jobs added than expected.
The U.S. economy's growth is slowing compared to previous years.
Economists believe these tariffs will lead to higher costs for American consumers and businesses.
The Yale Budget Lab estimates the average American household could pay $2,400 more annually due to tariffs.
Experts suggest that these tariffs may weaken the economy instead of strengthening it as intended.
U.S. tariffs are now at their highest levels since 1935.
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New and higher tariffs are about to start, and there are signs that these economic measures from the president might be causing prices to rise and economic growth to slow down.
Key Facts
New tariffs are set to begin this week.
Higher tariffs can lead to increased prices for goods.
There are indications that economic growth is slowing down.
The president's economic policies are connected to these changes.
Higher prices and slower growth can affect the overall economy.
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Businesses near the U.S.-Mexico border are experiencing uncertainty due to delayed tariff increases on Mexican goods. The Trump administration postponed the tariff hike for 90 days, but companies still worry about their supply chains.
Key Facts
The U.S. government delayed raising tariffs on Mexican products for 90 days.
Businesses along the U.S.-Mexico border are affected by these tariff negotiations.
These companies face uncertainty because they rely on stable supply chains.
The delay temporarily eases concerns but does not remove the uncertainty.
Supply chains are vital systems businesses use to get parts and products from suppliers to the customers.
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The article discusses how tariffs implemented by President Trump might impact U.S. ports. Michel Martin from NPR talks with Cary Davis, the head of the American Association of Port Authorities, about these potential effects.
Key Facts
The discussion is about U.S. ports and how they might be affected by tariffs.
President Trump introduced these tariffs as part of trade policies.
Cary Davis is the president and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities.
The conversation was held by Michel Martin from NPR.
The focus is on trade and tariff policies impacting the economy of U.S. ports.
The title of the discussion is "How Trump's tariffs will affect U.S. ports."
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More than 3,000 Boeing defense workers in Missouri and Illinois plan to begin a strike over pay, work schedules, and pensions. This is the first strike at Boeing's defense unit since 1996. Boeing has faced several issues recently, including past safety problems and financial struggles.
Key Facts
Over 3,000 Boeing defense workers will strike starting Monday.
The workers are from Missouri and Illinois and make F-15 fighter jets.
Union members rejected Boeing's latest offer regarding wages and pensions.
The last strike in Boeing's defense sector was in 1996.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers leads the strike.
Boeing has faced past issues like fatal crashes and financial troubles.
A previous strike in its passenger jet segment resulted in significant financial losses for Boeing.
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The article discusses the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and its role in creating the monthly jobs report, which recently showed weaker growth than expected. It highlights that President Trump fired the official responsible for these figures and explains the process behind compiling the jobs report.
Key Facts
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is responsible for the monthly jobs report.
The latest report showed weaker job growth than expected.
President Trump fired the person in charge of the jobs report numbers.
The jobs report helps businesses make decisions and the Federal Reserve set interest rates.
The article includes a re-airing of a detailed look at how BLS collects and compiles the jobs report data.
The original broadcast of this segment occurred on June 6, 2022.
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