-
UK retail sales rebounded as hot weather lifted demand. BRC-KPMG data shows May sales up 3.7%, with food, clothing, footwear, online non-food, and summer goods benefiting.
-
A new UK payments scheme has entered the market. UKPI’s launch gives commercial variable recurring payments a framework to challenge cards and direct debit in recurring transactions.
-
New carers’ rights could reshape absence policy for employers. Ministers are consulting on paid carer’s leave, return-to-work protections, and stronger support for parents of seriously ill children.
-
Ministers are targeting scale-ups with new direct support today. The government has launched a concierge service and visa reimbursement scheme designed to help high-growth companies scale and remain in the UK.
-
Graduate recruitment is becoming a test of AI fairness now. New research shows candidates increasingly use AI in applications while resisting employer use in assessment.
-
Companies are reducing ESG claims despite losing commercial opportunities nationally. New research says greenhushing is rising as leaders fear regulatory, reputational, and public scrutiny.
-
Banking access is back on the government’s regulatory agenda today. The Treasury review will examine whether branch closures and reduced face-to-face services are harming consumers, communities, and businesses.
-
UK employers are choosing flexibility as permanent hiring weakens again. KPMG and REC data shows permanent placements falling while temporary hiring rises, reflecting caution over cost, demand, and uncertainty.
-
Ministers are tying AI adoption directly to workforce skills today. A new £200m-plus package links business productivity, trade union engagement, SME support, and early-career pathways as the UK pushes for faster AI adoption.
-
Frasers is considering a major move into regional retail property. A potential £500m Metrocentre bid would extend the group’s strategy of owning destination retail assets.