JPMorgan Chase is reportedly poised to mandate a full five-day office week for thousands of its employees, signalling a further clampdown on remote and hybrid working models introduced during the pandemic.
Category: News
The latest news affecting small and medium sized (SME) businesses in the UK
McDonald’s faces legal challenge from over 700 workers amid harassment claims
Over 700 McDonald’s workers have launched a legal case alleging bullying, racism, and sexual harassment at over 450 UK outlets. Discover how the fast-food giant is responding, the role of the EHRC, and why zero-hours contracts may exacerbate abuse concerns.
Mark Carney considering bid to replace Justin Trudeau in race for Canadian premiership
Mark Carney, former Bank of England governor and climate-focused economist, is weighing a bid for Canada’s premiership following Justin Trudeau’s resignation.
Festive golden quarter falls short for UK retailers as shoppers hold back
Britain’s retailers have suffered another blow after budget-conscious consumers reined in their Christmas spending, disappointing hopes of a bumper festive season and leaving the “golden quarter” with only muted growth.
Queens Nephew warns of ‘material uncertainty’ over Quintessentially’s future as £15m loan deadline looms
Concierge group Quintessentially, co-founded by Sir Ben Elliot, flags “material uncertainty” amid £15m loan deadlines and net liabilities of £29m.
Firms slash jobs at quickest rate in four years following budget tax hikes
UK firms cut jobs at the fastest rate in four years in December, according to the latest PMI survey, with hiring freezes and layoffs triggered by higher employer NICs and a gloomy outlook.
Next warns of 1% price increase as budget wage bill soars by £67m
Retail giant Next has defied expectations for the crucial Christmas trading season, posting stronger-than-forecast sales but cautioning that a spike in wage costs will lead to higher prices this year.
Errol Musk claims Tommy Robinson ‘very likely’ to become UK Prime Minister
Errol Musk, father of Elon Musk, has sparked controversy by likening Tommy Robinson to Nelson Mandela and predicting he could become UK prime minister.
Small businesses warn of layoffs as new employment rights bill prompts worry
UK small businesses warn of layoffs as a new employment rights bill expands worker protections and raises costs.
Tax hikes blamed for slide in business confidence as KPMG forecasts growth boost
Business confidence hits a two-year low after the chancellor’s £40bn tax hikes, yet a KPMG report predicts accelerated UK growth.
UK faces net zero crisis unless full hybrids are banned by 2030, warns motoring body
Britain’s motoring lobby warns that allowing new full hybrids after 2030 would be a “catastrophic misstep” for the UK’s net zero goals. Discover what’s at stake for electric vehicles, the government’s proposed ban, and industry reactions.
Pound sinks to nine-month low as recession fears grip UK manufacturing
The pound hit a nine-month low below $1.24, as fears mount over a UK industrial recession. Learn about new PMI data signalling manufacturing slowdown, rising costs and job cuts, and the Treasury’s bid to steady the economy.
Bezos readies UK satellite broadband to rival Musk
Jeff Bezos’s Amazon aims to launch Project Kuiper in the UK, challenging Elon Musk’s Starlink with satellite broadband for homes, businesses, and government clients.
New Look speeds up store closures as budget fallout bites
Fashion retailer New Look is preparing to accelerate store closures as a result of Labour’s tax-raising budget, while “Chicken King” Ranjit Boparan battles to pass higher costs on to supermarkets—signalling further pressure on UK businesses across multiple sectors.
UK manufacturing chills as tax rises stifle demand
Looming tax increases and ongoing cost pressures are sending a “winter chill” through Britain’s factories, as new data reveals the weakest manufacturing growth in 11 months.
