New week, the government’s Employment Rights Act begins to take effect. The legislation, a fulfillment of one of Labour’s biggest manifesto promises, changes sick pay, parental leave and unfair dismissal rights. Plus, future measures will target zero hours contracts.

Keir Starmer has described the legislation as the “biggest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation”. But - coming on top of increases in the National Minimum Wage, higher national insurance contributions and increases in business rates - many business owners are concerned. So, what exactly is coming down the track? And how can businesses get ready?

Presenters:

• Dominic O’Connell, columnist at The Times and business correspondent at Times Radio
• Hannah Prevett, associate business editor of The Sunday Times

Guests:

• Brian Whiting, WH Pubs
• Shevaun Haviland, Director General at The British Chambers of Commerce

Producer: Miriam Hall

Senior Producer: Julia Johnson

Executive Producer: Kate Ford

Photo credit: Getty

Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the conflict in the Middle East threatens to whack the world economy with an energy shock - and possibly a huge recession, the debate about the UK’s North Sea has re-ignited. Should we be drilling there to help our energy security in a volatile global market?

There’s now a growing chorus of voices, from surprising places, calling on the government to support more North Sea exploration. So, will the government – having banned new licenses as part of net zero drive – now give them the go ahead?

Presenters:

• Dominic O’Connell, columnist and business presenter, Times Radio
• Emma Powell, media and telecoms editor, The Times

Guests:

• Tessa Kahn, founder and executive director, Uplift.
• Chris Wheaton, energy analyst, Stifel.

Producer: Miriam Hall

Senior Producer: Julia Johnson

Executive Producer: Kate Ford

Photo credit: Getty

Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drones are transforming war, from Ukraine to the Middle East - some 80 percent of battlefield casualties in Ukraine are now the result of drone strikes. The devices are cheap to manufacture, are transforming military strategy but represent a massive challenge for the British armed forces as they try to modernise. It is also a business challenge. So, which companies are best-placed to make the drones needed? And how do they get through the complexities of tight budgets, ever-changing technology and tough competition?

Presenters:

• Dominic O’Connell, columnist and business presenter, Times Radio
• Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times

Guests:

• Oliver Gill, Deputy Business Editor at The Sunday Times
• Nick Sharpe, Chief Executive, Modini

Producer: Miriam Hall

Senior Producer: Julia Johnson

Executive Producer: Kate Ford

Photo credit: Getty

Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.