Category: News

Zipcar will shut its UK operations after heavy losses and ahead of London’s new EV Congestion Charge. Bookings stop after 31 December 2025, with dozens of jobs at risk as the car-sharing giant pulls out of the market.

The FCA plans to regulate ESG ratings providers for the first time, citing transparency issues and conflicts of interest in the fast-growing sector. The watchdog says the reforms could deliver £500m in benefits over a decade.

PM Keir Starmer denies claims that Rachel Reeves misled the public over a supposed £30bn fiscal shortfall, as the OBR disputes Treasury briefings and tensions rise over the Budget’s tax decisions and productivity downgrade.

The UK has withdrawn $1.15bn in support for TotalEnergies’ Mozambique gas project, citing climate risks, human rights concerns and regional terror attacks. Campaigners say the scheme is a “carbon timebomb” and urge global financiers to follow suit.

Fears over the strength of the UK economy appear to have kept shoppers away from high streets on Black Friday, adding to growing evidence that consumer caution will weigh heavily on growth into 2026.

The UK is set to sign a zero-tariff pharmaceuticals deal with the US, lowering rebates, raising QALY thresholds and committing to higher NHS drug spending after drug makers paused major UK investments.

Workers producing Hula Hoops, McCoy’s, Pom-Bears and Discos have voted to strike, raising fears of a Christmas crisp shortage as GMB accuses KP Snacks of imposing extra duties without extra pay.

JP Morgan will build a £3bn, 3m sq ft headquarters in Canary Wharf, housing 12,000 staff. Rachel Reeves calls it a major vote of confidence in the UK economy as global banks expand UK operations.

Labour has scrapped its plan for day-one unfair dismissal rights after pressure from businesses and peers, replacing it with a six-month threshold to ensure the Employment Rights Bill passes.

Evoke, owner of William Hill, warns thousands of jobs could be lost after Rachel Reeves raised online gaming tax to 40%, prompting immediate investment cuts and a sharp fall in shares.

AO World CEO John Roberts calls Rachel Reeves’ Budget “tone deaf” and “pathetic”, as the Chancellor refuses to rule out further tax rises next year, alarming business leaders.