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Regulatory pressure is back on the growth agenda for companies. A DBT survey has exposed widespread frustration over cost, duplication, inconsistency, and slow regulatory processes.
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Temporary hiring has strengthened while permanent recruitment remains under pressure. KPMG and REC data show companies are still protecting flexibility while pay pressure persists in specialist roles.
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Right-to-work checks are spreading beyond conventional employment contracts this autumn. The October change will widen compliance duties across contractors, platform work, agency labour, and casual arrangements.
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Small business borrowing is exposing directors to personal financial risk. Purbeck says personal guarantee backed finance applications rose 63% in Q2, with average loan values above £300,000.
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The revised tipping code has drawn a fresh union challenge. Unite wants the draft withdrawn, arguing workers should have greater control over how service income is allocated.
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Asda has raised pay across its frontline retail workforce. The supermarket’s second increase this year adds to pressure around labour costs, retention, service quality, and grocery margins.
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Carer’s Allowance reform is testing work and welfare boundaries. Ministers are seeking evidence on earnings limits, tapering, overpayments, and support for people balancing employment with unpaid care.
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Small companies face renewed scrutiny over policy and cost pressure. MPs have challenged ministers on tax, procurement, energy costs, crime, franchise protections, and support for high street resilience.
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Cyber governance is becoming a direct test of operational resilience. A new UK pledge asks organisations to strengthen board oversight, supplier standards, and engagement with National Cyber Security Centre tools.
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Consulting exports are rising as UK clients restart transformation work. MCA data points to stronger international demand, growth forecasts for 2026 and 2027, and rising advisory work around AI, cyber security, resilience, and digital transformation.