Business
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Trump threatens tariffs on countries supporting BRICS policies. The warning was issued as BRICS leaders convened in Rio to discuss reforming global financial institutions and reducing reliance on the US dollar.
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UK hospitality sector loses 69,000 jobs due to tax hikes. The Office for National Statistics reports the sharpest peacetime job cuts outside the pandemic, prompting concerns over government tax policies threatening the industry. A letter to the prime minister highlights these challenges.
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Gen Z workers say financial worries harm job focus. Nearly half report distraction due to money stress, and most want practical employer help like discounts and education. With hundreds of thousands joining the workforce this summer, urgent questions arise for UK employers.
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Mental health support is now a critical issue for employers. Onebright’s Alison Bromley examines the economic and strategic imperatives behind effective workplace mental health provision — making the business case for investing in employee wellbeing and showing why organisations cannot afford to treat mental health as optional.
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Rachel Reeves will announce a new Pension Adequacy Commission on 15 July. The review will assess whether UK workplace-saving rules provide adequate retirement income and is set to report back in 2026, amid growing scrutiny of pension outcomes for both employees and the self-employed.
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New rules requiring small businesses to file detailed accounts paused. The government has delayed implementing Companies House reforms over concerns about excessive regulatory burdens on smaller businesses, aligning with its strategy to reduce administrative costs and support economic growth.
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Office design now shapes whether young talent stays or goes. Nearly half of UK workers aged 24–35 would consider leaving due to poor office environments, new Kinly research reveals. Companies are responding with investments in visual tech to boost wellbeing and productivity.
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Bank of England shows openness to stablecoins in wholesale markets. Sasha Mills, Executive Director of Financial Market Infrastructure, indicated a potential role for stablecoins in wholesale markets, signalling a shift from the Bank’s cautious stance, amidst industry feedback.
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Seventeen UK firms adopt four-day week after successful trial. The six-month trial led by the 4 Day Week Foundation showed improvements in staff wellbeing and productivity, prompting 12 companies to adopt a permanent four-day week and five to implement a “nine-day fortnight”.
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Frasers Group secures £3.5bn financing for growth and acquisitions. The new package replaces existing loans, enhancing Frasers’ financial strength for future expansion. The facility underscores banking support for its strategy, positioning it well for market opportunities.