A fresh wave of calls from British business leaders urges the government to tackle mounting workforce ill health, with many firms citing employee absences as a drag on growth.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
Aston Martin delays electric ambitions under new CEO Adrian Hallmark
Aston Martin Lagonda is set to push back its long-held plans for an all-electric range, with new chief executive Adrian Hallmark preparing to announce a revised strategy at the British carmaker’s annual results on Wednesday.
‘If they close, they close’: Education Secretary brushes off private schools’ fate while praising Trump’s war plan
The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has reiterated the Government’s stance on levying VAT on private school fees, insisting that closures in the sector are not a new development.
As Amazon MGM secures creative control of 007, Cavill supporters flood Jeff Bezos’s call to pick next Bond
In a move that has sent ripples through Hollywood, Amazon MGM, in partnership with long-time James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, has formed a joint venture to oversee the rights to the iconic 007 franchise.
Jobs axed at second-fastest pace since global financial crisis, PMI survey shows
British businesses cut jobs last month at a rate not seen outside the pandemic since 2009, as many companies looked to head off the impact of higher employment taxes and the rise in the National Living Wage due in April.
Global jobs slump at two-decade low, warns Hays boss, as hiring freeze persists
The global employment market is mired in its longest downturn in more than 20 years, according to Dirk Hahn, chief executive of Hays, Britain’s largest listed recruitment group.
Government’s January surplus disappoints at £15.4bn, piling pressure on Chancellor
The UK government reports a £15.4bn budget surplus for January, falling short of forecasts and pushing total borrowing above last year’s level.
Unions seek £200m from ministers to safeguard Scunthorpe steelworks as blast furnaces face closure
Unions urge the UK government to provide British Steel with £200m to keep Scunthorpe’s two blast furnaces running until electric arc furnaces can be built.
Lloyds profits shrink by a fifth as car finance saga drives up provisions
Lloyds Banking Group posts a 20% fall in annual profits to £5.97bn, missing expectations as the car finance commission scandal prompts a further £700m provision. Loans and deposits rise, while analysts highlight Lloyds’ improved loan quality despite inflationary pressures.
Fears grow over Workers’ Rights Bill as small firms warn of job cuts
UK small businesses warn that sweeping new worker protections may trigger hiring freezes and job losses.
City bankers press Reeves to ease non-dom clampdown as wealthy workers exit UK
City bankers warn Chancellor Rachel Reeves that abolishing non-dom tax status drives top earners from the UK.
Inflation fears push consumer confidence to 11-month low
Consumer confidence in Britain falls to its lowest level in 11 months, as inflation at 3% and looming cost increases dent household optimism and point to weak spending in the months ahead.
HSBC slashes costs by 8% in $1.5bn drive as it scales back net-zero pledges
HSBC unveils a sweeping cost-cut plan targeting $1.5bn in savings, signalling thousands of job cuts mostly in the UK.
Inflation climbs to 3% as pricier food, flights and private schooling hit households
UK inflation hits 3% on pricier food, flights, and school fees. Discover why rising costs, looming energy hikes, and added VAT on private education are fuelling fresh concerns about living expenses and interest rate decisions.
MPs critical of ageist ‘wealth-hoarding’ labels for baby boomers
MPs condemn “wealth-hoarding” stereotypes targeting baby boomers and call for tougher regulation of ageist portrayals. Discover why the Commons women and equalities committee urges stronger legal protections for older people facing digital exclusion and harmful media labels.
