In the loop: Google hit with privacy lawsuit, TUI’s sexist sticker giveaway and Farfetch to float in New York

From UK employees willing to start work earlier than 9am to TUI Airways handing sexist stickers to children on board, we gathered the top business news from this week before sending you away for a relaxed Bank Holiday

In the loop: Google hit with privacy lawsuit

Lawsuit filed against Google for location-tracking infringement

After the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data breach came to light, users have insisted more than ever that their privacy is taken seriously. However, at the target of a new privacy scandal is Google.

The tech giant has been handed a court case on the back of its location-tracking functionality. A report has revealed Google obtains location data even if “location history” is disabled in its options. But California-based consumer Napoleon Patacsil, who was the first to spot the troubling breach of privacy, doesn’t think that’s acceptable. In fact, he finds it so unacceptable that he is embarked on a plan to sue the company.

Patacsil’s attorneys recently filed a lawsuit against the firm, claiming Google’s “principal goal was to surreptitiously monitor Plaintiff and Class members and to allow third-parties to do the same.”

Although Google changed its policy to clarify some services would keep track of location, even if the robust controls are turned off, it may not be easy for the company to turn off this privacy lawsuit either.

TUI Airways gives away sexist stickers to kids on board

While a number of anti-sexism campaigns such as #Time’s Up and #HeforShe are shedding light on the issue, TUI Airways was accused of child-targeted sexism.

The airline stoked the fire of gender equality during a flight as staff handed boys stickers with ‘future pilot’ on them, whereas girls received an equivalent that said ‘future cabin crew’.

The unfairness was witnessed by a number of passengers while flying from Bristol to Cyprus. It consequently sparked outrage on Twitter because of the stickers’ assignation according to the children’s gender. 

TUI apologised for the scandal, pointing out that its intention was to “interact, engage with and create special moments” for customers but its faux pas remains a subject of public attention, something SMEs can learn from.

Nine to five no more: Employees want to start work earlier

Not everyone is an early bird but a new report by McDonald’s proved UK employees are in favour of commencing their work day earlier – and not just to squeeze in breakfast at the restaurant.

The research conducted with 5,000 employees revealed 58% are keen to start earlier than 9am and leave the workplace before 5pm. 37% chose to start at 8am and finish at 4pm, whereas 21% opted out for a start at 7am and a finish at 3pm. Another interesting revelation shows 48% would work longer hours and have an extended weekend instead.

It seems like UK employees are now looking for more flexibility that allows them to juggle work with personal commitments. Given that, could we be witnessing the end of the nine to five working pattern

Luxury retailer Farfetchplans to reach the New York Stock Exchange

As ecommerce popularity online continues to grow and British companies look at opportunities overseas amidst Brexit uncertainty, Farfetch, the luxury online retailer, fancies a bite of the Big Apple.

The company intends to capitalise on rapid growth in luxury fashion sales as it has announced plans to float on the New York Stock Exchange by the end of 2018.  That’s despite the retailer’s losses rising from $29m to $68m for the first half of 2017, as its turnover leapt by 59% reaching $386m over the last year.

Farfetch has been working on its technical development, while the money raised from going public could generate working capital and fund takeovers.

As the retail industry shifts dramatically, it stands to reason the company is looking at other avenues for success.

Battling maddening habits in the workplace

We spoke with employers about the best strategies to tackle employees’ bad mannerisms.

 The importance of an open working culture

Why is open working culture and employee trust essential for employeesquality of work?

Business success despite GCSE failure

Millennial entrepreneurs shared how exam failure didn’t stop them from success.

Strategies for House of Fraser to win public support

In order to become “Harrods of the high street”, here are some insights how Mike Ashley can fulfil House of Fraser’s consumers.

 Gen Z marketers crave the security of corporates

Research by the Chartered Institute of Marketing reveals the career priorities of Generation Z-ers.

 Britain’s roaring export success promised by Liam Fox

The government’s new initiative is targeted at increasing the overseas export from the UK by 5%.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yoana Cholteeva
Yoana Cholteeva
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