Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, who this week delivered a budget aimed at wooing voters ahead of a general election this year. AFP
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, who this week delivered a budget aimed at wooing voters ahead of a general election this year. AFP
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, who this week delivered a budget aimed at wooing voters ahead of a general election this year. AFP
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, who this week delivered a budget aimed at wooing voters ahead of a general election this year. AFP

Comment

Opinion

Sunak's late election ploy leaves his party hostage to economic fortune

  • English
  • Arabic
Chris Blackhurst is a former editor of The Independent, based in London

March 08, 2024

In senior Tory election circles, they’ve been murmuring for some time now about “May”.

It seems fanciful that faced with terrible poll ratings, Rishi Sunak would contemplate going to the country so early. Surely, the logic goes, he would wait until as late as he could, in the hope his ratings improve.

Yes, but what if there was little prospect of good news between now and the autumn, that final cut-off point for the national ballot?

After this week’s budget, the chatter at Westminster was about the Prime Minister springing a surprise and calling a snap election.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s address was built around implementing tax cuts with the promise of more to come – and paying for them by levying charges that Labour had also earmarked to boost its spending plans.

So, the North Sea windfall tax on the profits of energy firms is extended, raising £1.5 billion. Likewise, non-domicile tax status is to be scrapped, raking in £2.7 billion.

Both measures were central to Labour’s desire to be seen to be balancing the books, increasing expenditure by raising taxes. What appealed about both of these ploys is that they targeted non-voters: the oil and gas firms and wealthy foreigners.

Now Labour must rethink, and the Tories, for once, can congratulate themselves on stealing part of their thunder.

By moving quickly, so the argument goes, the Tories can catch Labour unprepared, with unfunded policies.

Hunt himself reiterated as much and also did not rule out a May ballot, saying the decision is “above my pay grade but … what we are showing today is what the key division in British politics is: do you believe the way to grow the economy is more spending, higher taxes, what the Labour Party believe, or do you think actually the way to create more jobs and fire up the economy is by reducing the tax burden in a way that is responsible and protects public services?”

In January, Sunak cited “the second half of this year” as the likely date for the general election. But what if that was deliberate, calculated to misguide?

The UK budget – in pictures

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, leaves No 11 Downing Street to deliver his budget to Parliament in London. Getty Images
Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, leaves No 11 Downing Street to deliver his budget to Parliament in London. Getty Images
Mr Hunt delivering his budget speech to the House of Commons. PA
Mr Hunt delivering his budget speech to the House of Commons. PA
Mr Hunt makes his way out of No 11 Downing Street. AFP
Mr Hunt makes his way out of No 11 Downing Street. AFP
Mr Hunt presents his ministerial box to the media. PA
Mr Hunt presents his ministerial box to the media. PA
Lucia Hunt, wife of Mr Hunt, with their children as he leaves 11 Downing Street. AFP
Lucia Hunt, wife of Mr Hunt, with their children as he leaves 11 Downing Street. AFP
Mr Hunt with his team outside No 11 Downing Street. AFP
Mr Hunt with his team outside No 11 Downing Street. AFP
A 2p cut in national insurance was among expected new measures. Photo: HM Treasury
A 2p cut in national insurance was among expected new measures. Photo: HM Treasury
Mr Hunt gets some exercise with his dog Poppy before his budget statement. Reuters
Mr Hunt gets some exercise with his dog Poppy before his budget statement. Reuters
Mr Hunt aims to have debt falling as a share of GDP by 2029. Photo: HM Treasury
Mr Hunt aims to have debt falling as a share of GDP by 2029. Photo: HM Treasury
Mr Hunt holds a meeting in preparation for the budget in his office. Photo: HM Treasury
Mr Hunt holds a meeting in preparation for the budget in his office. Photo: HM Treasury

It was felt that Sunak would like to buy time, to try to improve his standing in the opinion polls. A key, symbolic moment would come when that first planeload of illegal refugees takes off for Rwanda, something he has promised.

We seem little nearer, however, to that controversial departure occurring. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on more small boats crossing the Channel, as they surely will when the warmer, settled weather arrives.

Faced with the prospect of no flights to Rwanda versus pictures of yet further packed inflatables, what will Sunak do? Blame the lack of the former on others – the judiciary and the left – and not wait for those damaging images of people staggering ashore and take his chance with the public vote.

It was felt, too, that he would prefer to delay in the hope the economy will pick up. But the picture painted by Hunt left little room for optimism. This was confirmed, post-budget when analysts at Citi said the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) had overestimated Britain’s potential productivity over its forecast period.

They warned that while the OBR predicts British output will rise by about 0.9 per cent year on year, this is about double the level seen since the pandemic. Citi thinks a more realistic measure of productivity would be 0.5 per cent, as the economy is likely to face “supply shocks” in the years ahead.

It fears fiscal forecasts are £30 billion to £35 billion worse than the OBR’s latest predictions and that the cuts to public spending pencilled in are also “undeliverable”, meaning the government will realistically need to spend another £20 billion to £25 billion over what is already planned. Citi said that in total it means forecasts are “offside” by £50 billion to £60 billion.

In its note to clients, the bank warned: “We think post-Covid fiscal headwinds are only just beginning.”

One impact will be felt on interest rates. Sunak would like them down before he appeals to the country.

But inflation is proving stubborn, rates are not dropping significantly any time soon.

Between now and the autumn, 1.5 million homeowners will be coming off fixed-rate mortgages and switching to floating. They face seeing their annual bills rise by more than £2,500 on average – an increase they may well lay at Sunak’s door.

Rather than wait for them to register their discontent, Sunak could head them off by holding the national poll sooner.

Sunak likes to be seen in charge, he also considers himself to be smart and not led by others.

He also has another issue weighing on his mind. A disappointing set of local election results will inevitably see another round of Tory infighting. There will be renewed demands for Sunak to go and the installation of a new leader who may, just may, be able to stop the rot and deliver a better than expected election outcome.

The calls from the party right for Suella Braverman to quickly replace Sunak are bound to reach a crescendo.

That will heap more humiliation on Sunak. Better for him to avoid that, control the narrative, as communications advisers like to say, sideline the local elections, silence the party doubters and go head to head with Sir Keir Starmer.

Sunak likes to be seen in charge, he also considers himself to be smart and not led by others. What better way then, than to illustrate his true self by calling an early election and leaving everyone, his own side and his enemies within it, blindsided?

He’s got everything to play for and nothing to lose.

The Budget through the years – in pictures

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt holds his ministerial red box outside 11 Downing Street before delivering his 2023 Budget. All photos: Getty Images
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt holds his ministerial red box outside 11 Downing Street before delivering his 2023 Budget. All photos: Getty Images
Rishi Sunak departs Downing Street to deliver the Budget in 2020 with the first UK lockdown less than two weeks away
Rishi Sunak departs Downing Street to deliver the Budget in 2020 with the first UK lockdown less than two weeks away
Philip Hammond holds the red case as he departs 11 Downing Street in 2017
Philip Hammond holds the red case as he departs 11 Downing Street in 2017
George Osborne leads his Treasury team out of 11 Downing Street to deliver the first Budget of the new Conservative government in 2015
George Osborne leads his Treasury team out of 11 Downing Street to deliver the first Budget of the new Conservative government in 2015
Alistair Darling stands with his wife Margaret as he prepares to deliver his final Budget before the 2010 general election
Alistair Darling stands with his wife Margaret as he prepares to deliver his final Budget before the 2010 general election
The Budget box – or "Gladstone box" – sits in Alistair Darling's study before the 2008 Budget
The Budget box – or "Gladstone box" – sits in Alistair Darling's study before the 2008 Budget
Gordon Brown leaves for Parliament to present his 11th Budget statement in 2007, his last before becoming prime minister
Gordon Brown leaves for Parliament to present his 11th Budget statement in 2007, his last before becoming prime minister
Nigel Lawson and his wife Therese leaving 11 Downing Street prior to the 1988 Budget statement
Nigel Lawson and his wife Therese leaving 11 Downing Street prior to the 1988 Budget statement
Labour chancellor Denis Healey leaves Downing Street for the House of Commons with his budget box in 1974
Labour chancellor Denis Healey leaves Downing Street for the House of Commons with his budget box in 1974
Conservative chancellor Anthony Barber prepares for the 1971 Budget in his office at the Treasury
Conservative chancellor Anthony Barber prepares for the 1971 Budget in his office at the Treasury
Equal Pay for Women activists demonstrate as chancellor Rab Butler leaves Conservative Party headquarters to present his Budget in 1954
Equal Pay for Women activists demonstrate as chancellor Rab Butler leaves Conservative Party headquarters to present his Budget in 1954
Rab Butler faces the cameras at the Treasury before his presentation of the Budget in 1953
Rab Butler faces the cameras at the Treasury before his presentation of the Budget in 1953
John Simon leaves the Treasury to present his first war Budget in 1939
John Simon leaves the Treasury to present his first war Budget in 1939
Neville Chamberlain prepares his Budget in 1937
Neville Chamberlain prepares his Budget in 1937
Winston Churchill makes his way to the House of Commons to present his Budget in 1929, accompanied by his daughter, Diana
Winston Churchill makes his way to the House of Commons to present his Budget in 1929, accompanied by his daughter, Diana
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

Important questions to consider

1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?

There are different types of travel available for pets:

  • Manifest cargo
  • Excess luggage in the hold
  • Excess luggage in the cabin

Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.

 

2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?

If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.

If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.

 

3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?

As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.

If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty. 

If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport. 

 

4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?

This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.

In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.

 

5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?

Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.

Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.

Source: Pawsome Pets UAE

SERIES SCHEDULE

First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

Take Me Apart

Kelela

(Warp)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Naga
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EMeshal%20Al%20Jaser%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EAdwa%20Bader%2C%20Yazeed%20Almajyul%2C%20Khalid%20Bin%20Shaddad%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Top tips

Create and maintain a strong bond between yourself and your child, through sensitivity, responsiveness, touch, talk and play. “The bond you have with your kids is the blueprint for the relationships they will have later on in life,” says Dr Sarah Rasmi, a psychologist.
Set a good example. Practise what you preach, so if you want to raise kind children, they need to see you being kind and hear you explaining to them what kindness is. So, “narrate your behaviour”.
Praise the positive rather than focusing on the negative. Catch them when they’re being good and acknowledge it.
Show empathy towards your child’s needs as well as your own. Take care of yourself so that you can be calm, loving and respectful, rather than angry and frustrated.
Be open to communication, goal-setting and problem-solving, says Dr Thoraiya Kanafani. “It is important to recognise that there is a fine line between positive parenting and becoming parents who overanalyse their children and provide more emotional context than what is in the child’s emotional development to understand.”
 

more from Janine di Giovanni

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Price: from Dh122,745

On sale: now

Match info

UAE v Bolivia, Friday, 6.25pm, Maktoum bin Rashid Stadium, Dubai

 

 

 

'Nope'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Jordan%20Peele%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Daniel%20Kaluuya%2C%20Keke%20Palmer%2C%20Brandon%20Perea%2C%20Steven%20Yeun%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street

The seven points are:

Shakhbout bin Sultan Street

Dhafeer Street

Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)

Salama bint Butti Street

Al Dhafra Street

Rabdan Street

Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)

The biog

DOB: March 13, 1987
Place of birth: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia but lived in Virginia in the US and raised in Lebanon
School: ACS in Lebanon
University: BSA in Graphic Design at the American University of Beirut
MSA in Design Entrepreneurship at the School of Visual Arts in New York City
Nationality: Lebanese
Status: Single
Favourite thing to do: I really enjoy cycling, I was a participant in Cycling for Gaza for the second time this year

Quick%20facts
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While you're here
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2015%20PRO%20MAX
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7%22%20Super%20Retina%20XDR%20OLED%2C%202796%20x%201290%2C%20460ppi%2C%20120Hz%2C%202000%20nits%20max%2C%20HDR%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20P3%2C%20always-on%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20A17%20Pro%2C%206-core%20CPU%2C%206-core%20GPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20iOS%2017%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Triple%3A%2048MP%20main%20(f%2F1.78)%20%2B%2012MP%20ultra-wide%20(f%2F2.2)%20%2B%2012MP%205x%20telephoto%20(f%2F2.8)%3B%205x%20optical%20zoom%20in%2C%202x%20optical%20zoom%20out%3B%2010x%20optical%20zoom%20range%2C%20digital%20zoom%20up%20to%2025x%3B%20Photonic%20Engine%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%2C%20Smart%20HDR%204%2C%20Portrait%20Lighting%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%20video%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%20%40%2024%2F25%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20full-HD%20%40%2025%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20HD%20%40%2030fps%2C%20slo-mo%20%40%20120%2F240fps%2C%20ProRes%20(4K)%20%40%2060fps%3B%20night%2C%20time%20lapse%2C%20cinematic%2C%20action%20modes%3B%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%204K%20HDR%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012MP%20TrueDepth%20(f%2F1.9)%2C%20Photonic%20Engine%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%2C%20Smart%20HDR%204%2C%20Portrait%20Lighting%3B%20Animoji%2C%20Memoji%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%20video%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%20%40%2024%2F25%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20full-HD%20%40%2025%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20slo-mo%20%40%20120%2F240fps%2C%20ProRes%20(4K)%20%40%2030fps%3B%20night%2C%20time%20lapse%2C%20cinematic%2C%20action%20modes%3B%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%204K%20HDR%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204441mAh%2C%20up%20to%2029h%20video%2C%2025h%20streaming%20video%2C%2095h%20audio%3B%20fast%20charge%20to%2050%25%20in%2030min%20(with%20at%20least%2020W%20adaptor)%3B%20MagSafe%2C%20Qi%20wireless%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Apple%20Pay)%2C%20second-generation%20Ultra%20Wideband%20chip%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBiometrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Face%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20USB-C%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDurability%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20IP68%2C%20water-resistant%20up%20to%206m%20up%20to%2030min%3B%20dust%2Fsplash-resistant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20eSIM%20%2F%20eSIM%20%2B%20eSIM%20(US%20models%20use%20eSIMs%20only)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Black%20titanium%2C%20blue%20titanium%2C%20natural%20titanium%2C%20white%20titanium%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EiPhone%2015%20Pro%20Max%2C%20USB-C-to-USB-C%20woven%20cable%2C%20one%20Apple%20sticker%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh5%2C099%20%2F%20Dh5%2C949%20%2F%20Dh6%2C799%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

'Skin'

Dir: Guy Nattiv

Starring: Jamie Bell, Danielle McDonald, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Our legal consultants

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

More from Firas Maksad
Global institutions: BlackRock and KKR

US-based BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager, with $5.98 trillion of assets under management as of the end of last year. The New York firm run by Larry Fink provides investment management services to institutional clients and retail investors including governments, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, banks and charitable foundations around the world, through a variety of investment vehicles.

KKR & Co, or Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, is a global private equity and investment firm with around $195 billion of assets as of the end of last year. The New York-based firm, founded by Henry Kravis and George Roberts, invests in multiple alternative asset classes through direct or fund-to-fund investments with a particular focus on infrastructure, technology, healthcare, real estate and energy.

 

MATCH INFO

Champions League quarter-final, first leg

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE)

Matches can be watched on BeIN Sports

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING

Director: Christopher McQuarrie

Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg

Rating: 4/5

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

Directed by Sam Mendes

Starring Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Daniel Mays

4.5/5

Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

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Updated: March 08, 2024, 4:46 PM`
Rishi SunakUKUK GovernmentUK Budget