">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Snow could cost British economy millions: experts
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Snow could cost British economy millions: experts
AFP - 2 hours 29 minutes ago
LONDON (AFP) - - The snow storms which paralysed Britain may have cost businesses already battling the credit crunch up to a billion pounds, experts said Tuesday -- and more blizzards could be still on their way.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 10 centimetres (four inches) of snow which coated London, Europe's financial capital, Monday virtually shut down air, rail and road links, forcing thousands of workers to stay at home.
With Britain in recession and facing what the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says will be the worst slump in the developed world, the rare cold snap risks putting many struggling businesses into the deep freeze for good.
The Federation of Small Businesses, which represents over 200,000 businessmen, said one in five people did not make it to work Monday, costing employers up to 1.2 billion pounds (1.3 billion euros, 1.7 billion dollars).
Spokesman Stephen Alambritis said if the bad weather continues this week, that could rise to 3.5 billion pounds.
The bad weather also hit other European countries including France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium and Spain.
Forecasters say Scotland will bear the brunt of the snow in the coming days. It has now largely stopped snowing in London and southeast England.
Douglas McWilliams, chief executive of the Centre for Economics and Business Research, suggested several thousand firms could go bankrupt after the snow in Britain, especially if it lingers.
"If it leads to delayed payments, the combined hit on profits and cashflow could send many businesses who might be close to the brink into premature bankruptcy," he told the Guardian newspaper.
"Many are in retail and construction, sectors likely to be most affected by snow and transport disruption."
But he added the cold weather could have an upside for some sectors.
"Consumers spend more on heating and on warm clothes, and any accidents or structural damage leads to increased spending on repairs," said McWilliams.
However the weather looks over the next few days, business leaders have criticised officials in London and southeast England for not doing more to prepare for the snow, despite forecasts predicting a deluge.
David Frost, director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said images of snowbound Britain were embarrassing abroad.
"All the European channels were showing images of London at a complete standstill, which was not a very positive image for the UK," he told BBC radio.
"I wonder whether we have become a bit too complacent... when something like this does happen, we are caught very much on the hop."
London Mayor Boris Johnson was criticised by his predecessor Ken Livingstone after the widespread failure of the city's public transport system Monday.
Even the city's iconic red buses, which stayed on the road during World War II German bombing raids on London, failed to run for the first time in 100 years.
British television ran pictures of bus drivers enjoying snowball fights instead.
Johnson blamed the "wrong quantity of snow" for the problems and told BBC radio that "unleashing a 12-tonne bus on to heavily packed snow or ice" would risk "turning it into a lethal weapon".
But Alambritis urged him to consult his counterparts in cities like Moscow and Vancouver on keeping public transport on track despite snowfalls.
"We need this debate," he said. "One of the world's biggest economies should not be grinding to a halt, even if it is only once every 10 years."
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Related Articles: World
Clinton: Mideast envoy returning to push for peaceAP - 54 minutes ago
Gregg biographyAP - 55 minutes ago
Fed extends life of programs to ease turmoilAP - 56 minutes ago
Iraq captures woman who trained female bombersReuters - 56 minutes ago
Snow strands 2,000 Eurostar passengers overnightAFP - 1 hour 1 minute ago
Enlarge Photo
Commuters make their way through heavy snow near Big Ben in central London. The snow storms which paralysed Britain may have cost businesses already battling the credit crunch up to a billion pounds, experts said -- and more blizzards could be still on their way.
Most Popular – World
Viewed
'Sex Bomb' Tom Jones goes grey
Nokia threat to quit Finland 'unless law changed'
Drugs giant GSK 'to slash thousands of jobs'
Octuplets' mother already had six children: report
GM, Chrysler set for more buyouts
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Tuesday, 3 February 2009 "The United States Of Tara" Sued By BBQ Joint For Bringing Down Its Roof
Prosecutor sees early 2010 Taylor warcrime verdict
| International
|
UK troops have met conditions for Iraq withdrawal
| International
|
Venezuela's Chavez celebrates 10 years in power
| International
|
Try your skill at landing a plane on Hudson River
| Technology
|
U.S. e-commerce comeback seen by 2010
| Technology
|
Obama's Aides Meet With Middle East Leaders
Dalai Lama Hospitalized For Arm Pain
Feature: Working Together Seen As Key to Surviving Recession In Tampa Bay, FL
Americans Save More After Taxes In Q4 2008
Hackers Break Into Electronic Highway Construction Sign, Change Messages To Warn Motorists Of Raptors, Zombies Ahead
Members Of Polish-American Aviation Club Killed In Snowstorm On Mission To Buy New Plane For Club
Biden To Attend Hillary Clinton's Ceremonial Swearing-In As Secretary Of State Monday
Feb 1 Highlights Of Low Points Of The U.S. Economy
Update: Baucus Signals Support For Daschle Despite Controversy Over Back Taxes
Groundhogs Disagree Over Winter Weather
UK Green Party Adviser Says Having More Than 2 Kids Is Irresponsible
Hackers Break Into Electronic Highway Construction Sign, Change Messages To Warn Motorists Of Raptors, Zombies Ahead
Britain Experiences Worst Snowfall In Almost 20 Years
Obama's Estranged Half Brother Busted For Pot Possession In Kenya
Troops In Iraq Allowed Two Beers During Super Bowl
Groundhogs Disagree Over Winter Weather
Roaming Coyotes In Kansas Cause Fear After Pet Dog Attacked, Killed
Alaskans Brace For First Mt. Redoubt Eruption In 20 Years
Florida Salvage Firm Discovers Legendary British Warship After 264 Years
Poetry For Valentine's Day Lovers
N.Korea preparing for ballistic missile launch-media
| International
|
Iran puts first home-built sateliite in orbit: agencies
Iran launches first home-made satellite: state TV
| International
|
Israel rules out Hamas contacts, threatens force
Attacks batter Gaza ceasefire
| International
|
Iran launches first home-made satellite
Militants in Pakistan sever Afghan supply link
| International
|
Citing Iraq, auditor warns against wasteful aid in Afghanistan
Nations unveil stimulus measures to fight downturn
U.S. tones down rhetoric on Zimbabwe's Mugabe
| International
|
Taliban violence spreads in Afghanistan: US report
GM, Chrysler set for more buyouts
Animal eggs not a good source for embryonic stem cells: study
Obama calls Iraqi leaders, South Korean president
Sudan bombs near Darfur town: peacekeepers
| International
|
Vonn to use insider information in hunt for gold
Peacekeepers say Sudan bombs near Darfur town
'Sex Bomb' Tom Jones goes grey
Venezuela's Chavez celebrates 10 years in power
| International
|
AP NewsBreak: Sailor electrocuted
Cuba has fewer political prisoners, report says
| International
|
Saudi issues wanted list of 83 militants overseas
Protester throws shoe at Chinese premier
| International
|
Iraq: Key figures since the war began
Google Earth 5.0 Explores Oceans' Depths, Mars Terrain
Semi-Conscious Toddler Found In Kansas Home With Dead Mother Recovering
Jury Convicts Mom Of Murder For Beating To Death 2-Year-Old Daughter
IBM computer will have power of 2 million laptops
| Technology
|
Senate Confirms Holder As Attorney General
Kentucky Counts 24 Deaths From Winter Storm
Obama talks troop drawdown with Iraq's Maliki, Talabani
Panasonic to launch slimmer, greener plasma TVs
| Technology
|
Walgreens Recalls Products After Finding They Contain Peanuts
Mullen: Afghanistan is no Vietnam
Wall Street Ends Mixed On Economic Data
Google Earth users can dive in the sea, fly to Mars
| Technology
|
Personal Spending, Income Drop In December
US to send badminton team to Iran
Electronic Arts playing spy games with Ludlum books
| Technology
|
US newspapers fight back
US-TECH Summary
Obama demands stimulus action but Republicans want changes
Electronic Arts playing spy games with Ludlum books
IBM computer will have power of 2 million laptops
First drop in semiconductor sales since 2001: SIA
Google Earth users can dive in the sea, fly to Mars
Italian right-to-die woman moved to hospital where she can die
Google Earth dives into ocean exploration
U.S. e-commerce comeback seen by 2010
Try your skill at landing a plane on Hudson River
Paris court to decide Wednesday on exclusive iPhone sales: source
Upgraded Google Earth Features Underwater, Mars Terrains
Organizers promise new tricks for Oscar ceremony
| Entertainment
|
Polanski loses bid to have L.A. judges removed
| Entertainment
|
Networks get face time with Obama in Oval Office
| Entertainment
|
Australian court delays US murder case
Pakistan army kills 35 Islamist militants: military
Legal move halts talks for new actors' contract
| Entertainment
|
Indonesia rescues 198 more boat people off Aceh
Oscar nominees be warned: Surprises lay ahead
Not much to get Into in ensemble romantic comedy
| Entertainment
|
UN envoy wraps up Myanmar trip after Suu Kyi talks
'Slumdog Millionaire' star to film with Shyamalan
Steelers, Cardinals draw 95 million TV viewers
| Entertainment
|
Rights groups: China rights lawyer missing
Stevie Wonder readies first live DVD
| Entertainment
|
Officials nab traveler with pigeons in his pants
Girls Gone Wild creator arrested in LA
| Entertainment
|
Cambodia cuts term for convicted German man
AOC seeks government help to meet Oly funding shortfall
Indian Hindu extremists target Valentine's Day: report
Dalai Lama out of hospital
Austrian cinema sees Oscar as confirmation of success
NKorea may be set for long-range missile launch: reports
Seoul shares up led by techs; Hyundai Corp jumps
Legal move halts talks for new actors' contract
Bank of Japan to begin buying corporate shares
Springsteen, Phish head lineup for Bonnaroo
Polanski loses bid to have L.A. judges removed
Korean Air to buy 2 more A380 jets from Airbus
Gary Collins arrested, suspected of DUI
Korean Air Q4 loss worse than forecast on currency
"Girls Gone Wild" creator arrested in LA
Taiwan mulls sending jobless back to school
Organizers promise new tricks for Oscar ceremony
Mitsubishi Motors to slip into red, cut jobs: report
NYC Fashion Week to move after 15 years
Report: Citigroup seeks bidders for Japan unit
'Taken' knocks off 'Paul Blart' at box office
South Korea banks post Q4 loss, first in 8 yrs
Japan central bank to buy 11 bln dollars in shares
Taiwan dollar firms on foreign fund buying
Indonesian navy rescues boat people from Myanmar
Mark Ruffalo's Brother Died With "Very Slight" Traces Of Drugs In His Body, Coroner Confirms
Three million Madoff fraud victims: law firm
Iran says it sent own satellite into orbit
Somalis say Ethiopian troops enter, Addis denies
| International
|
Miley Cyrus Accused Of Racism For Slanting Her Eyes On Photos
Iraq: Woman arrested for recruiting female bombers
BP's year mixed amid volatile oil prices
Sudan rejects Darfur rebel offer and plans assault
| International
|
Cooing over US octuplets turns to anger
Gaza rocket hits Israeli town, truce talks drag on
UN: 2,100 civilians killed in Afghanistan in 2008
| International
|
Roman Polanski faces setback in California rape case
West shifts policy on Zimbabwe
| International
|
Saudi publishes global 'most wanted' list
Sri Lankan hospital shelled again, 3 killed: ICRC
| International
|
Top cardinal says Vatican botched Holocaust affair
| International
|
Obama demands stimulus action but Republicans want changes
Study: One Third Of American Children Who Take Vitamins Don't Need It
BP Q4 falls on lower oil price, Russia loss
Bankruptcy Filings Up 40 Percent In Long Island
EU warns Obama on protectionism in stimulus bill
Poll: Obama's Decision To Reverse U.S. Abortion Policy Most Unpopular Action To Date
Reduced Strike Threat Among Steelworkers Leads To Steady Oil Prices
Mullen: Military's recent focus shorts other areas
India plans '10 dollar' laptop to promote computer skills
Firefighters Battle Burning Cocoa After Truck Overturns On W.VA I-79
Russia seeking US base closure from Kyrgyz leader: report
Steel Workers Appealing To Congress To Force EU-Based Steel Giant To Sell NY Plant Instead Of Leveling It To Stifle Competition
Online Travel Firms Go Into Niche Marketing To Survive
Panasonic to launch slimmer, greener plasma TVs
Massachusetts Town Council Pink Slips Police Chief, Warns More Cuts Ahead
Pay-TV could be good recession bet in 2009
Obama To Make Case For Economic Stimulus In Network Interviews Tuesday
U.S. Markets Set For Flat Open On Mixed Corporate Profit Reports
Snow could cost British economy millions: experts
India plans '10 dollar' laptop to promote computer skills
Israeli anti-war Oscar bid draws Arabs despite ban
| Entertainment
|
Laughs, love to lighten serious cinema in Berlin
| Entertainment
|
Dozens in Mumbai slums protest against Slumdog
| Entertainment
|
No sign of progress on UN envoy's Myanmar visit
Cage aux Folles musical tops UK Olivier nominees
| Entertainment
|
Pakistan militant attack halts US, NATO supplies
China state TV broadcasts man throwing shoe at Wen
Iran Launches Own Satellite
Networks get face time with Obama in Oval Office
Semiconductor Sales Dropped 2.8% Last Year
N.Korea preparing for ballistic missile launch
Study: Alzheimer's May Be Caused By Third Type Of Diabetes
Myanmar migrants say cast adrift by Thais
A look at North Korea's missile arsenal
Sri Lanka takes Tiger chief's bunker: military
Grella in, Emerton out for Socceroos against Japan
India's fraud-hit Satyam wins new clients: company
China protests US weapons sanctions on companies
Laughs, love to lighten serious cinema in Berlin
China Eastern Airlines aims to cut losses in 2009
Indonesia detains Afghan, Pakistani migrants
NAACP Image Awards to honor Muhammad Ali
Japan's Hitachi posts $4.1 bln quarterly loss
Taiwan mulls plans to help companies meet debts
Degas ballerina bronze for sale at London auction
Korea Air records fifth straight quarterly loss
'Girls Gone Wild' founder arrested in LA court
Revenues for Taiwan laptop makers may drop in 2009
Dozens in Mumbai slums protest against "Slumdog"
China stocks gain on possible new stimulus steps
"Cage aux Folles" musical tops UK Olivier nominees
Japan stocks fall on concerns about US stimulus
"Variety" closes online Asian version due to economic downturn
India may shed 1.5 million export jobs by March end: govt
Cricket pushes Indonesia as its next frontier
Networks get face time with Obama in Oval Office
198 more Myanmar boat people found off Indonesia
Copycat Shoe-Thrower Arrested By British Police After Taking Aim At Chinese Premier
Firefighters Battle Burning Cocoa After Truck Overturns On W.VA I-79
Quebec Leader Pushes Again For Separatism
Updated 5.0 Version Of Google Earth Explores Oceans' Depths, Mars Terrain
U.S. Postal Service In Worst Financial Shape Since 1775
Liquor Firm Reports Profit Gains As More People Drink In Times Of Crisis
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights