UK payroll employment fell by over 100,000 in May, the largest monthly drop since 2020, as wage growth slows and unemployment rises, fuelling speculation of more interest rate cuts.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
London AI firm claims Getty copyright lawsuit is an ‘existential threat’ to generative tech industry
Stability AI calls Getty Images’ copyright case a direct threat to the future of generative AI, as the high-profile legal battle over intellectual property rights begins in the UK High Court.
Social media creators to eclipse traditional media in global ad revenue for first time
User-generated content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram is set to attract more global advertising revenue in 2025 than traditional media — signalling a seismic shift in the media landscape.
UK wage growth slows and unemployment rises to four-year high
UK wage growth cools to 5.2% and unemployment climbs to 4.6% — the highest level since 2021 — adding pressure on the Bank of England as it weighs interest rate cuts.
Starmer pledges £1bn investment to supercharge UK tech and AI infrastructure
Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled a £1 billion investment package aimed at scaling up the UK’s computing power twentyfold, in a major push to solidify Britain’s status as a global technology and artificial intelligence leader.
HMRC inheritance tax investigations surge 37% as treasury seeks to plug revenue gap
Families face mounting pressure as HMRC inheritance tax investigations rise 37% in a year. Find out what triggers a probe and how to stay compliant.
British fathers urged to join landmark ‘dad strike’ over poor paternity leave
UK fathers are planning a historic “Dad strike” to protest Europe’s least generous paternity leave system, demanding reform, fair pay, and better support for co-parents.
US and China hold London talks to ease trade war tensions
US and Chinese officials meet in London to discuss easing trade tensions, as Asian stock markets rally on hopes of a breakthrough.
Reform UK clashes with Bank of England over interest payments to lenders
Reform UK calls for an end to interest payments on commercial bank reserves, claiming they cost taxpayers billions. Bank of England defends the policy as vital for financial stability.
IVF parents should have right to paid fertility leave, says GMB union
GMB union calls for legal right to paid fertility leave and flexible working during IVF, citing the emotional and physical toll of treatment and a lack of structured workplace support.
Nintendo Switch 2 launches at midnight as fans queue worldwide
Nintendo Switch 2 launches globally with midnight openings and record pre-orders. But will its steep game prices and limited launch titles affect long-term success?
Fears grow that Tata Steel could be excluded from Starmer-Trump trade deal
Concerns mount that Tata Steel may be excluded from Keir Starmer’s proposed US-UK steel trade deal due to origin rules, potentially threatening over $100m in annual exports.
Labour’s Access to Work reform plans ‘risk excluding disabled people from the workforce’, say arts leaders
Arts leaders warn that Labour’s proposed changes to the Access to Work scheme could push disabled people out of employment. More than 2,500 sign open letter to DWP and DCMS.
HMRC scammers stole £47m in phishing fraud targeting 100,000 taxpayer accounts
HMRC confirms £47 million was stolen in a major phishing scam targeting 100,000 online accounts. Criminals posed as taxpayers to falsely claim rebates. Arrests have been made.
Winter fuel payment U-turn in place this year, but key details remain unclear
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that more pensioners will be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment this year, signalling a U-turn on one of Labour’s earliest and most contentious policies.
