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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Shane Hickey

Refund for table shattering and rise in personal borrowing cools

A shattered mirror
An Argos customer had trouble getting a refund after a glass-topped garden patio table shattered. Photograph: Alamy

Hello, and welcome to this week’s Money Talks – a roundup of the week’s biggest stories and some things you may have missed.

Money news

London house prices may be picking up pace but growth slows in Bristol

Students struggling with finances in ‘desperate state’, claims union

Report condemns distribution of government’s £9bn childcare spending

Rapid rise in personal borrowing is cooling, says Bank of England

Pension deficit of UK’s leading companies equivalent to 70% of their profits

Feature

ParkingEye meets its match as it takes on a top barrister over an £85 fine

Barrister was fined after taking a nap in its deserted car park.
Barrister was fined after taking a nap in its deserted car park. Photograph: Alamy

In pictures

It is the Quarry

Quarry Mount, a detached property built in 1842 is within a 10-minute walk of Lancaster city centre.
Quarry Mount, a detached property built in 1842 is within a 10-minute walk of Lancaster city centre. Photograph: Auction House

In the spotlight

Overweight people are less likely to be hired, are lower paid, have fewer opportunities and are often outright bullied in the workplace. And, as these stories and studies reveal, women bear the brunt of the discrimination.

Karen: ‘What happened at that clothing company was totally wrong.’
Karen: ‘What happened at that clothing company was totally wrong.’ Photograph: Helene Wiesenhaan/Getty Images

Consumer champions

RBS reported me to three credit reference agencies for one missed payment

I wanted a refund for an ‘exploding’ table, but Argos shattered the idea

A single issue with Halifax: please accept both my names

Damage limitation as I try to find out why Uber sent me £110 car ‘cleaning bill’

Uber billed user of app for causing a stain to an Uber car seat.
Uber billed user of app for causing a stain to an Uber car seat. Photograph: Alamy

Money deals

Get peace of mind for your break with great value holiday cover from Guardian travel insurance, provided by Voyager.

The Guardian money transfer service, provided by Moneycorp, could help you save on sending money overseas with expert guidance, great exchange rates and free online transfers.

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