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Unemployment is rising, and hiring costs are climbing again fast. The OBR expects joblessness to peak at 5.3% in 2026, as youth unemployment and NEET figures worsen. With minimum wage rates rising in April and new employment law changes ahead, business groups want clearer pathways and practical support.
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New IBM Threat Intelligence report highlights AI-assisted attacks on corporate networks. The report observes a 44% rise in assaults launched by breaching internet-facing infrastructures, including public websites and online services.
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UK service sector profitability declines for seventeenth quarter. Businesses report continued pressure from rising costs with little improvement expected. Consumer-facing firms experience greater challenges, prompting staff reductions amid higher employment costs.
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Gucci faces backlash for using AI images at Milan show. The Italian luxury brand’s use of AI-generated visuals for Milan fashion week has sparked criticism over concerns about its impact on craftsmanship and heritage.
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UK data watchdog fines Reddit £14.47m for data failings. The ICO found the platform lacked robust age assurance mechanisms and a lawful basis for processing data of children under 13, highlighting a need for stricter age verification measures.
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Meta agrees multi-billion-dollar deal for AMD AI computing power. Meta has committed to a significant investment in AMD’s AI computing capabilities, potentially acquiring a 10% stake in the chipmaker. The agreement highlights Meta’s ambitious AI infrastructure expansion plans.
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Checkout.com defies tech slowdown with increased hiring in 2025. The payments firm expanded its workforce by 15%, integrating AI across operations. This growth coincides with a return to profitability and a valuation adjustment to $12bn.
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Sole traders spend 27 hours yearly on tax admin. With Making Tax Digital approaching, Monzo Business has launched a free built-in tax tool to help sole traders and landlords meet new HMRC requirements, as research shows many remain underprepared and lose significant working time to compliance tasks.
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Oxford Science Enterprises will trade on London’s new private market. The £1.3bn venture capital firm, known for backing tech spin-outs from Oxford University, will debut on the London Stock Exchange’s Private Securities Market, marking a milestone for the Pisces framework.
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UK business lending growth forecast to halve this year. Net growth in lending from banks to businesses is expected to slow to 3.5% in 2024, down from 6.9% in 2025, amid global tensions and economic pressures.