The way annuities are sold is costing half a million retirees each year as much as £1bn in future pension income, the National Association of Pension Funds says.

Virgin Atlantic is forcing successful job applicants to pay for their own criminal record checks, Radio 4's Money Box reveals.

Around 20% of unemployed people who have been on the government's main welfare-to-work scheme, the Work Programme, for at least 6 months have been found a job, the BBC has learnt.

Freezing weather sweeping across Europe is causing a shortage of vital Russian gas supplies to several countries, officials say.

The government is looking for 12 run down High Streets in England to share £1m as a part of plans proposed by TV retail guru Mary Portas.

Fibre optic broadband connections to at speeds of 300 Mbps will be available 'on demand' in the UK next year, BT says.