What interest rate did the man’s investment receive this year? Which aspect of company policy are staff unhappy about?

Man: I’d like some advice about my investment in Lawsons. I was hoping for five per cent but it didn’t even repeat last year’s four point five per cent.
Woman: Well, four per cent’s not all that bad the way things are at the moment. A lot of companies are giving far less.

Woman: Staff are very unhappy about our changes in policy on this.
Man: Well, things aren’t all bad. They’ve just had a pay rise.
Woman: But they always saw staff development as essential for their jobs, especially those who’re applying for higher positions in the company.
Man: We’re starting various courses as soon as the budget allows. Don’t they know that?