Britain needs unanimous approval from the 27 other members of the EU for its reform proposals at this week’s two-day summit on February 18th and 19th to hold its in/out membership referendum during the summer, with June 23rd reported to be earmarked as a possible polling day.
A new survey of 700 British and German companies operating in the UK has found that one-third would consider leaving the UK if it leaves the EU according to the Bertelsmann Foundation.
Sterling values have fallen by 8% since mid November this fall is in part due to uncertainty over the UK's future in the EU.
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New trade figures from China show a larger than expected drop in trade during January.
Exports fell by 11.2% - the greatest fall since March of last year - while imports fell by a massive 18.8% - that was the 15th straight month of declines.
Analysts polled by Reuters believed that these falls would be closer to 2% and 1%.
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A new survey shows that having a happy and caring work environment stops people leaving their jobs.
Behaviour and Attitudes surveyed a thousand workers in both the public and private sectors - 69% would stay if they had a caring boss - while 50% of them would leave if they didn't.
Dr Muireann Cullen says that's not a surprise:
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HSBC has decided to keep its headquarters in the UK, following speculation the bank was considering a move to Hong Kong.
The company, which employs about 5,000 people at its London base, launched a review in April on where it should be based in response to sweeping reforms in the banking sector.
It said the decision to remain was unanimous, adding in a statement: "London is one of the world's leading international financial centres and home to a large pool of highly skilled, international talent."
HSBC had been concerned about tax changes, implemented since the financial crisis, which are costing banks hundreds of millions of pounds a year.
