Charlotte Edwards

New York

Money, Work and Tech Journalist at BBC

Journalist. Currently specialising in Money, Work, and Tech @BBCBusiness Contact: [email protected]

Articles

Driving test backlog to be cleared by next summer, UK pledges

3 weeks ago | bbc.com | Charlotte Edwards

Pledge to clear driving test backlog by next summerCharlotte EdwardsBusiness reporter, BBC NewsGetty ImagesThe transport secretary has pledged to reduce the number of learner drivers in England waiting more than five months to sit practical tests. Heidi Alexander said the government would aim to clear the backlog by next summer, providing at least 10,000 extra driving tests a month to help tackle the issue.
Prada buying rival fashion brand Versace in $1.36bn deal

1 month ago | bbc.com | Charlotte Edwards

Charlotte EdwardsBusiness reporter, BBC NewsPrada has agreed to buy its smaller rival Versace in a billion dollar deal to unite two of the biggest designer fashion labels. The deal to unite the two Italian brands has an estimated value of $1.36bn (£1.06bn), the Prada Group said on Thursday. "We aim to continue Versace's legacy celebrating and re-interpreting its bold and timeless aesthetic," said Prada chairman Patrizio Bertelli.
Concerns British Steel could run out of materials in days

1 month ago | bbc.com | Charlotte Edwards

Concerns British Steel could run out of materials in daysCharlotte EdwardsBusiness reporter, BBC NewsGetty ImagesConcerns are growing that British Steel could run out of raw materials within days for its blast furnaces in Scunthorpe. Simon Boyd, managing director of REIDsteel, a British Steel customer, told the BBC government intervention was the "only solution if we want to keep steel making in the UK".
Three things you can do to lower the impact

1 month ago | bbc.com | Lucy Hooker |Charlotte Edwards |Tom Espiner

Three ways to cushion the blow of bill risesLucy Hooker & Charlotte Edwards & Tom EspinerGetty ImagesIt is being dubbed "awful April" with a range of household bills set to go up in the next few days. There is nothing much you can do if your council tax is increasing, or you are buying a house and facing a higher stamp duty bill. But when it comes to other bills, such as energy, water or broadband, here are three strategies that could help ease the pressure.
Reeves summons regulators to No 10 in drive for cuts to red tape

1 month ago | bbc.com | Charlotte Edwards |Esyllt Carr

Eight regulators including Natural England and the Environment Agency will meet the chancellor on Monday. "Today we are taking further action to free businesses from the shackles of regulation," Reeves said.
'I feel sick at the prospect of cuts to health benefits'

2 months ago | bbc.com | Tom Espiner |Charlotte Edwards

'I feel sick at the prospect of welfare cuts'Tom Espiner & Charlotte EdwardsBusiness reporters, BBC NewsAlisonAlison says the thought of a cut to her benefits is "extremely upsetting"The government is set to announce cuts to spending on welfare this week, after the prime minister called the current system "unsustainable, indefensible and unfair".
Low paid workers to get 80% of salary when ill

2 months ago | bbc.com | Charlotte Edwards

Low-paid workers to get 80% of salary in sick payCharlotte EdwardsGetty ImagesMore than one million low-paid workers in the UK are to be entitled to 80% of their weekly salary as sick pay from the first day of illness, under government plans. At the moment, UK workers earning less than £123 a week are not entitled to any statutory sick pay.
Why adults are splashing out on toys

Feb 8, 2025 | bbc.com | Charlotte Edwards

'I've spent over £3,000 on Jellycats'Charlotte EdwardsAmanda HopeAmanda with her collection of JellycatsAmanda Hope dreads to think how much she has spent on her collection of Jellycat soft toys but reckons it's more than £3,000. "They are just so cute and cuddly," the 36-year-old software specialist from Surrey says. "There is something so irresistible about their happy little faces!"Amanda is one of a rising number of adults buying toys for themselves.
Nvidia and Microsoft shares steady after DeepSeek AI app shock

Jan 28, 2025 | bbc.com | Peter Hoskins |Charlotte Edwards

DeepSeek's claim that its model was made at a fraction of the cost of its rivals has rocked the AI industry.
Avanti cancels January train strikes to allow intensive talks

Jan 16, 2025 | bbc.co.uk | Charlotte Edwards

Planned strike action on Avanti West Coast train services has been suspended for the rest of January. The strike dates that are cancelled are Sunday 19 January and Sunday 26th January with the aim of allowing intensive talks to take place following recent approaches by Avanti to the RMT union. RMT members who are train managers at Avanti West Coast are still planning to strike on each Sunday from 2 February until 25 May unless an agreement is reached.