P&O Ferries avoids prosecution and ‘slow’ Japan recovery

Reports suggest there has only been a “trickle” of foreign tourists visiting Japan in the two months since the country reopened its borders.

The cost of living crisis continues to dominate headlines with a warning that small businesses face an “existential threat” because of the enormous increase in their energy bills this autumn. While many households are considering cancelling their direct debits to energy firms in the coming months.

Here are the headlines that the travel industry woke up to on Monday (22 August).

P&O Ferries will not face criminal proceedings for mass sacking 

P&O Ferries will not face any criminal proceedings over its mass sacking of 800 workers earlier this year after the Insolvency Service found there was “no realistic prospect of a conviction” following its investigation into the ferry firm’s actions. (The Guardian)

Tourists snub Japan despite reopening

There has only been a “trickle” of international tourists to Japan in the two months since the country announced it would reopen its borders, which had been shut for two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic. (Financial Times)

Small businesses warn of ‘existential threat’ of £20,000 energy bills

Smaller businesses face an uncertain future due to soaring energy bills which have risen from an average of £6,000 per year in early 2021 to almost £20,000, according to the Federation of Small Businesses. (Daily Telegraph)

Cost of living debt crisis fears over energy bills

More than 1.7 million households are considering or have already cancelled their direct debits to energy companies this autumn when bills are expected to skyrocket to £3,500 per year, according to a survey. (The i)

British toddler killed by Jeep while on holiday in Ireland

A British toddler has died after being hit by a Jeep while on holiday in Ireland. The boy, who was under two, had been staying in a property in County Roscommon with his parents when the accident happened. (Sky News)