An investigation by consumer group Which? has revealed that disabled individuals are receiving unequal treatment from banks, with some facing challenges such as having to sit on the floor while waiting in branches. Which? found that certain banks are only paying lip service to inclusivity for disabled customers, highlighting significant disparities in services among the UK’s major banks.
With an estimated 16.8 million disabled people in the UK, representing a quarter of the population, Which? conducted a survey involving over 2,200 individuals with impairments affecting their daily lives. The survey aimed to assess the satisfaction levels of disabled customers with their respective bank providers on various criteria.
In other news, families are encountering difficulties in selling vacant retirement properties inherited from elderly relatives. For instance, one individual reduced the price of his late mother’s retirement flat by £55,000 but still struggles to find a buyer, incurring substantial annual fees while the property remains unoccupied.
Danone has issued additional recalls of certain infant and follow-on formula batches due to the potential presence of a toxin called cereulide, which can lead to food poisoning. This action follows a previous recall in Ireland after the discovery that an Aptamil product had been distributed through online sales.
Moreover, the TV licence fee is set to increase from £174.50 to £180 starting April, as confirmed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Additionally, despite the Bank of England maintaining its interest rates, the average cost of new mortgages has slightly risen, with Barclays among the banks adjusting their rates for fixed residential purchases and remortgages.
In the telecommunications sector, UK broadband provider VISPA has ceased operations, prompting customers to seek alternative internet services. Following reports of financial challenges and negative reviews, VISPA informed its customers via email about the decision to cease trading and initiate liquidation proceedings.
On the employment front, approximately 35,000 Lidl employees are set to receive a £29 million pay raise, marking the seventh wage increase since 2023. Lidl announced higher hourly rates, positioning itself as one of the top-paying supermarkets in the UK. This development precedes the upcoming national minimum wage hike for eligible workers aged 21 and over.
Lastly, Greene King is offering complimentary pints of Guinness during the Six Nations rugby tournament kickoff weekend. To claim a free pint, individuals need to book a table for any Six Nations game on February 7 through the Greene King website, part of the company’s Fans Reunited campaign championed by rugby legends Martin Johnson and Jason Robinson.
