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Reeves gets boost from lower-than-expected borrowing in July. Borrowing reached £1.1bn, £2.3bn less than last year. The Office for Budget Responsibility warns of potential future debt increases, raising concerns over fiscal sustainability.
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Whistleblowing reform in the UK remains a slow process. Francesca Titus examines the gaps in the Office of the Whistleblower Bill, from insufficient protections to missing financial incentives, and asks what companies should be doing now to prepare for a new era of corporate accountability.
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Gen Z’s nostalgia kick is fuelling a Britpop visual revival. Jacqueline Bourke of iStock explains how Oasis-inspired aesthetics are helping brands connect with younger audiences by prioritising authenticity over AI polish and leaning into raw, relatable imagery that builds trust.
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The UK government drops plans to force Apple to share encrypted data. The decision follows negotiations involving US Vice-President JD Vance, easing tensions over data privacy and free speech concerns between the UK and US.
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Wider NHS access to weight-loss drugs could boost productivity. A study of 421 NHS patients using obesity drugs showed a reduction in sick days. Government modelling suggests a rollout could save £5bn annually through productivity gains and lower healthcare costs.
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UK chief executive pay has reached a record high. Median FTSE 100 CEO pay rose 6.8 percent to £4.58 million in the past year, according to the High Pay Centre, widening the gap with average workers as shareholder scrutiny and calls for governance reform intensify.
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UK government borrowing costs have risen sharply, causing concern. The 30-year gilt yield reached 5.57% before settling at 5.54%, while 10-year yields increased to 4.7%. Traders fear persistent inflation, influencing interest rates and impacting fiscal strategy.
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UK consumer confidence in the economy has significantly declined. Over the past year, consumer confidence has fallen by 31 points, with 56% of people believing the economy will worsen. Pensioners remain the most pessimistic group, reflecting ongoing financial challenges.
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AI-enabled European stocks fell sharply after major model launches. Market anxiety rose amid valuation concerns as investors questioned whether these companies can maintain their edge.
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PwC UK unveils traffic-light dashboard to monitor office attendance. The tool uses data from badge swipes and Wi-Fi to flag low attendance, linking it to bonuses and reviews, while allowing exceptions for sickness and personal needs. Employees can view their own compliance levels in real time.