Here are the business stories making the headlines this morning.
Ofgem launches consultation on changes to energy price cap
Ofgem has launched a discussion on the energy price cap, floating options such as a cap based on vulnerability and when energy is used.
The price cap was introduced in January 2019 to prevent people on variable tariffs being ripped off. Initially it was changed a couple of times a year but since 2022 it has been updated every three months.
Ofgem, the energy regulator that sets the price cap, said the time had come to look at how it should change to ensure customers continue to pay a fair price for their energy and get the benefits of net zero.
It said that, as more households opt for time-of-use tariffs, it could become more difficult to retain a universal price cap suitable for everyone.
Guardian warns staff to expect job cuts within months
The Guardian has warned staff to expect job cuts within months amid an advertising downturn and an escalating dispute with unions over pay.
In a message to staff, Guardian chief executive Anna Bateson and editor-in-chief Kath Viner said the newspaper was considering job cuts in response to a challenging economic backdrop.
They wrote: “Given the tough economic conditions we face, we continue to look at ways to further reduce costs.
“Over the next three months we will be looking carefully at our business costs, including staff costs and headcount, to ensure that the Guardian is well positioned to deliver its strategy, to navigate tough economic conditions, and to adapt to significant technology change in the years ahead.”
Disposable bans will not work, says vape boss
Banning disposable vapes will not be "effective", the boss of the UK's largest tobacco firm has told the BBC.
Tadeu Marroco, chief executive of British American Tobacco (BAT), also said raising the smoking age would have "non-intended consequences".
The government plans to outlaw disposable vapes next April as part of the "biggest public health measure in decades".
BAT is the UK's third-largest vape seller.
Chocolate among items feeding grocery inflation ahead of Easter
Chocolate is among the products placing upwards pressure on grocery inflation in the run-up to Easter, according to closely-watched supermarket data.
Kantar Worldpanel, which tracks pricing and market share, reported a further slowing in the pace of price growth across the sector over the four weeks to 17 March.
It said the annual rate for grocery inflation eased to 4.5% - down from the 5.3% figure recorded the previous month.
The report credited price matching guarantees across the industry, as shoppers continue to seek out value amid the wider cost of living crisis that is continuing to damage household spending power despite wage growth firmly outstripping the rate of inflation.