As of today, Ryanair’s hand luggage rules will change again for the second time in 2018. Indeed, the low-budget flyer will be dramatically reducing the free luggage passengers can take on board. Under the previous rule, passengers were able to bring one large and one small cabin bag through security without paying an extra fee. As of today, the limit has been reduced to a ‘medium’ sized bag. Under the new rule, the maximum baggage dimensions are 40x25x20cm. Additionally, the overall volume allowed for free is 20 litres. This is an almost two-thirds reduction from the 58 litres permitted under the previous rule. But, passengers will be given some leeway of 25% bigger than the maximum dimensions. There are still three options provided to passengers. The first is to bring a single ‘medium’ sized bag under the new dimensions. Next, flyers can pay for Priority Boarding and take a second bag of 55x40x20cm and weighing no more than 10kg on board with them. But, this option is capped at 95 people, which is half of the capacity of the Boeing 737. Finally, passengers can simply check in a bag weighing up to 10kg for either £8 or £10, depending on when the option is purchased.

Ryanair passengers have been left furious with the rule change.

One flyer wrote: “’Working well?’ Working well for who? Another scam by the kings of the ‘let’s squeeze more out of our loyal travellers’ company.” Another said: “Unbelievable, trying to put a positive spin on another money making racket. What an example of customer service!! Definitely worth looking at prices from other airlines as no longer comparing like with like.” But, not all flyers feel so negatively towards the change. One has commented: “Great news about the baggage changes. Fed up with waiting to board with my backpack and everyone bundles by with bloody suitcases. If everyone just has a backpack that goes under the seat, will make getting off the plane so much quicker too.” Today, Ryanair also revealed that it will not alter plans to close its Netherlands base. At 15:13 GMT today, shares in Ryanair Holdings plc (LON:RYA) were trading at +2.91%.

Ryanair has revealed it will not alter plans to close its base in the Netherlands. This is despite a court order blocking the company from relocating crew against their will. Last month, the company announced that it will be closing its Eindhoven base in November. As a result, 16 pilots operating flights from the airport will be relocated in order to reduce costs. Consequently, a court order ruled that Ryanair had abused its powers as an employer. Additionally, the court stated that the company had not provided an adequate explanation as to why the move was needed. The court said: “Under the given circumstances, Ryanair had no right to decide to shut down the base in Eindhoven.” However, Ryanair has announced that it will not be changing its plans to relocate crew: “All pilots and cabin crew have already been offered base transfers.” “But if any crew members wish to choose redundancies over base transfers then we will respect that choice.”

The Dutch court has ordered that Ryanair must ensure all pilots could continue to fly to and from Eindhoven whilst they remain based in the city.

Furthermore, it ruled that the company must continue to pay the pilots their full wages. In July, the company gave a 90-day notice to over 300 pilots and cabin crew members in Dublin. It has also announced the anticipated closure of two crew bases in Germany. It has been reported that the carrier has attempted to limit the power of staff unions by claiming to close bases and relocate staff. Since August, two staged walkouts have taken place in Portugal, Germany, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. In addition to the closure, the low-budget flyer has also announced another change to its baggage policy. At 14:33 GMT today, shares in Ryanair Holdings plc (LON:RYA) were trading at +3.21%.

Google employees at various global offices have staged a walkout over the treatment of women in the workplace. This follows after various claims concerning sexual misconduct were made against senior figures. The protest has been named “Walkout for Real Change”. It came a week after it was reported that Goggle gave $90 million severance package to Andy Rubin, but concealed the details of a sexual misconduct allegation that caused his departure. Andy Rubin is the creator of the Android mobile phone software. These allegations concern the technology firm’s high-profile senior officials. The allegations made to the senior executives are the most high-profile of what adds up to thousands of similar cases. Workers from Tokyo, Singapore, Zurich, London, Berlin and Dublin have reportedly walked out today.

In London’s King’s Cross Office, most Google employees walked out and occupied the main auditorium.

One protestor told Sky News: “I’m here protesting against harassment in the workplace, to make sure we don’t protect or support those perpetrators of harassment.” “People are supporting those who have been harassed in any workplace situation, by any employer, and this is just part of the movement.” It is said that employees were encouraged to leave a flyer on their desk which read: “I’m not at my desk because I’m walking out in solidarity with other Googlers and contractors to protest sexual harassment, misconduct, lack of transparency, and workplace culture that’s not working for everyone.” Google’s chief executive, Sundar Pichai, commented: “Employees have raised constructive ideas for how we can improve our policies and our processes going forward. We are taking in all their feedback so we can turn these ideas into action.” Despite this, he insists that the tech giant takes a “hard line” concerning sexual misconduct. He continued: “Yesterday, we let Googlers know that we are aware of the activities planned for Thursday and that employees will have the support they need if they wish to participate.” “Employees have raised constructive ideas for how we can improve our policies and our processes going forward. We are taking in all their feedback so we can turn these ideas into action.” At 10:08 GMT -4 today, shares in Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) were trading at -1.07%. Earlier this month, we reported that the BBC also came under fire for poor working conditions of pay inequality.

Just Eat has said that it expects revenues to soar 40% this year but increasing investment will dent profits. The group’s full-year revenues are expected to come in at the top end of the £740 million to £770 million forecast. However, investment in Latin America and attempts to fend off rivals Uber Eats and Deliveroo hit profits. The online takeaway marketplace operates in 12 countries and has been heavily investing in its network of drivers and cyclists. Earnings will be at the lower end of the £165 million to £185 million range due to “investments in our dynamic LatAm markets in addition to our delivery initiatives.” Chief executive Peter Plumb said: “Our delivery expansion plans are on track, ensuring we give customers exactly what they want, and I’m very pleased with the progress we are making against our strategic objectives.” Analysts had expected Just Eat figures to suffer amid the heatwave over summer, however, summer saw the group recorded its first-ever weekend with more than one million orders. “The group has delivered another strong quarter as we helped our 97,000+ restaurant partners serve over 54mln takeaways to millions of hungry customers,” said Plumb. “Our increased investments in delivery, brand and data are already taking the Just Eat brands to more customers, making it easier for them to order from a widening choice, ensuring their takeaway moments are even more enjoyable.” Liberum analyst Ian Whittake said the investment by the group was worth it. “While Just Eat is the market leader in nearly all the markets in which it operates, the food delivery market has not fully transformed yet from phone to online and so the emphasis should be on growing share and growth generally,” he wrote in a note to clients. Shares in Just Eat (LON: JE) are currently trading +5.43% at 640,60 (1252GMT).  

Royal Dutch Shell has posted their highest third-quarter profits in four years. The oil and gas giant saw profits surge by 37% as oil and gas prices increased, driving the growth in profits. “Good operational delivery across all Shell businesses produced one of our strongest-ever quarters, with cash flow from operations of $14.7 billion,” said chief executive, Ben van Beurden. Cash generation from operations rose by almost 60% to $12.1 billion (£9.4 billion). In July, Royal Dutch Shell launched a $25 billion share buyback programme showing confidence in future cash generation and profit growth outlook. Oil and gas production in the quarter declined 2% from a year earlier. Profits at BP also increased in the third quarter on the back of stronger oil prices. Profits in the group more than doubled to $3.8 billion (£3 billion). “BP has set the bar high for the oil majors in general, delivering a blockbuster set of earnings which have comfortably outpaced expectations,” said Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor. “These numbers reflect a business which is back on its game.” Shares in Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE: RDS.A) are down almost 1% in pre-market trading. Shares in BP (NYSE: BP) are also down in pre-market trading.  

Philip Hammond’s proposals for a new digital sales tax has faced a backlash from the US. Political leaders and business groups from the US, including Facebook (NASDAQ: FB) and Google, have asked for more clarity and said the tax could hurt US-UK trade. Representative Kevin Brady from Texas said in a statement: “If the United Kingdom or other countries proceed, that will prompt a review of our US tax and regulatory approach to determine what actions are appropriate to ensure a level playing field in global markets.” A UK Treasury spokesman responded to Brady and said: “As the chancellor said, this tax is a proportionate and targeted interim response that reflects the changing global economy, and how digital businesses derive value from users – it’s not targeted at any country and seeks to ensure the tax system is fair.” Hammond’s proposals were shared in the latest Budget on Monday. He hopes to introduce a tax on tech companies that operate and make a large profit in the UK but pay limited tax. “The UK has been leading attempts to deliver international corporate tax reform for the digital age,” Hammond said on Monday. “A new global agreement is the best long-term solution. But progress is painfully slow. We cannot simply talk forever. So we will now introduce a UK digital services tax.” “It is only right that these global giants, with profitable businesses in the UK, pay their fair share towards supporting our public services.” The proposed tax will take 2% of UK revenue from companies with over £500 million of global income in three sectors: search engines, social networking, and online marketplaces.    

Channel 4 has announced plans to move a new headquarters to Leeds. The broadcaster picked the new national HQ in Leeds over Birmingham, Greater Manchester and Cardiff. The channel will move approximately 200 of the 800 staff in London to the new location, whilst Bristol and Glasgow will become new ‘creative hubs’. Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said: “The Government made clear that Channel 4 needed to do more to increase its presence in the regions to help better reflect and provide for UK audiences outside of London.” “Congratulations to Leeds, Bristol and Glasgow, and I look forward to Channel 4 taking further steps to increase its impact around the UK in the years ahead.” First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has welcomed the news of Channel 4’s new creative hub in Glasgow, which will be home to 50 employees. Sturgeon said it was “fantastic news for Scotland’s screen sector and creative industries”. “As home to one of the most vibrant cultural scenes in Scotland, BBC Scotland, STV and more than 120 production companies – I am pleased Channel 4 has recognised Glasgow is the ideal location for one of their new hubs.” Alex Mahon, who is the chief executive of Channel 4, said: “We undertook a rigorous process over the last seven months and the high calibre of all the pitches meant those were incredibly difficult decisions to make.” “However, I know that Leeds, Bristol and Glasgow will best deliver our objectives to grow the production sector across the UK, build the pipeline of creative talent outside London and support our increased investment in programming produced across the nations and regions.” “Glasgow has a well-established production sector across multiple genres, and locating a creative hub in the city will give Channel 4 the opportunity to tap into the rich cultural diversity of Scotland and also allow us to exploit the city’s strong connectivity with Belfast and the Northern Ireland production sector,” he added.

After posting a £90 million loss, employees at Jaguar Land Rover are facing potential job cuts. Britain’s biggest car manufacturer now plans to reduce £2.5 billion worth of costs. No decisions about employment have been made yet. Jaguar Land Rover slipped into the red following falling sales in China and Europe. Sales fell 13.2% and reported revenues of £5.6 billion, down 10.9% year-on-year. Ralf Speth, Jaguar’s Land Rover Chief Executive, said on Wednesday: “In the latest quarterly period, we continued to see more challenging market conditions. Our results were undermined by slowing demand in China, along with continued uncertainty in Europe over diesel, Brexit and the WLTP changeover.” “Given these challenges, Jaguar Land Rover has launched far-reaching programmes to deliver cost and cashflow improvements. Together with our ongoing product offensive and calibrated investment plans, these efforts will lay the foundations for long-term sustainable, profitable growth.” Unions have been briefed on Jaguar Land Rover’s cost-cutting announcement. “Unite will be pressing JLR for further detail on its plans in addition to commitments on future models to be made here in the UK to ensure the carmaker remains a powerhouse of UK manufacturing and source for decent, well-paid jobs,” said Des Quinn, national officer at the Unite union. The car manufacturer announced 1,000 job losses in April after the group reported a slump in sales due to “headwinds” from Brexit and diesel uncertainty. The Castle Bromwich plant will also be moving to a three-day week. In September, Jaguar Land Rover warned that “tens of thousands” of jobs may be at risk if the government fails to reach a Brexit deal. The group has begun a freeze on recruitment and non-essential travel.  

General Motors has reported better-than-expected earnings in the third quarter, sending shares up 6.3% in morning trading. The car manufacturer said on Wednesday that it sold fewer cars during the third quarter but sole them at higher prices. Net profit for the group was $2.53 billion, a significant increase than the $3 billion loss for the same period last year. Analysts expected revenues of $34.85 billion. General Motors achieved revenue of $35.79 billion. The CFO, Dhivya Suryadevara, said: “Our disciplined approach to the U.S. market, combined with strength in China and further growth of GM Financial, drove a very strong quarter.” “We will continue to take actions to mitigate headwinds including foreign currency volatility and commodity costs.” Suryadevara added that the group also expects fourth-quarter performance to be strong. Sales dropped by 14.7% from this period last year but General Motors added an average of about $800 per vehicle. Sales of the Cadillac broke sales in China. Jeff Schuster, the president of Americas operations and global vehicle forecasts at LMC Automotive, said: “Affordability may be the canary in the coal mine for the level of auto sales as we close out 2018 and begin to look at 2019. Transaction prices are still edging higher.” “This is a combination that could cause consumers to be squeezed out of the new-vehicle market, putting pressure on volume even if other fundamentals are favourable.” Shares in General Motors have fallen nearly 19% since the start of 2018. Shares in the group (NYSE: GM) are trading +8.14% at 36,27 (1435GMT).    

L’Oreal shares soared on Wednesday after the cosmetics giant posted strong third quarter results. Last night the French cosmetics firm posted revenues of €6.47 billion (£5.75 billion) in the July to September period, up 6.2% from the year before, and 7.5% on a like-for-like basis. L’Oreal attributed the strong performance to growth in Asia in particular, with sales up 25.8% across the region. This was largely due to strong demand for products within its luxury division, with brands such as Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent and Giorgio Armani bolstering sales by 15.6% Chief executive Jean-Paul Agon said: “After an acceleration in the third quarter, with the highest quarterly growth rate for 10 years, L’Oréal’s sales have shown strong growth over the first nine months of the year.” The global cosmetics industry continues to expand at an exponential rate, with a raft of beauty bloggers, new beauty brands and trends pushing up demand. L’Oreal was founded over 100 years ago, and it has now grown to become the world’s largest cosmetics company. Its brands include Maybelline, Kérastase, Essie, Urban Decay and Vichy. The company is currently traded on the French security market, the Euronext Paris, formerly known as the Paris Bourse. Shares in L’Oreal (EPA:OR) are currently trading +7.14% as of 14.16PM (GMT).