UK
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UK retail sales rose 0.9% in June, rebounding from May’s drop. Driven by hot weather and online promotions, volumes remain below pre-pandemic levels as consumer caution and inflation weigh on the sector’s recovery.
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UK businesses are cutting staff at fastest rate since February. The latest PMI data shows economic momentum slowing, with declining new orders and export sales. Rising payroll costs and subdued demand are prompting companies to reduce headcounts, impacting growth.
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UK vehicle production hits 70-year low amid industry challenges. Car output fell 7.3% and van production plunged 45%, impacted by factory closures and uncertainty over US tariffs. The government’s EV grant scheme lacks clarity, hindering recovery efforts.
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Most young UK workers now weigh up second jobs for survival. More than half of Gen Z and 71% of Millennials are considering side hustles as the cost-of-living crisis drives up financial anxiety among the UK’s youngest employees, according to new research by Boostworks.
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Over half of UK businesses will not adopt AI in 2025. A new survey from technology firm boxxe finds widespread scepticism around AI security, affordability, and integration — even as government efforts intensify to support AI skills development.
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UK watchdog to investigate Deloitte’s audits of Glencore. The Financial Reporting Council is examining whether the firm missed red flags around bribery at the miner-trader, whose 2022 guilty pleas triggered record UK penalties. The case adds pressure to the Big Four ahead of incoming audit reform.
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The UK government has signed a new MoU with OpenAI. The ten-word sentence ends here. Ministers say the agreement will let Whitehall pilot GPT‑4o and future AI models across justice, health, and defence, paving the way for possible new data centres and a stronger AI security regime.
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Stellantis projects a €2.3 billion loss amid global challenges. The automotive giant cites new US trade tariffs, declining European demand, and the cancellation of its hydrogen programme as key factors contributing to the anticipated financial setback.
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British Business Bank has returned to profit with £144 million. The state-owned lender facilitated £6.8 billion in SME finance last year, aided by stronger venture valuations, increased guarantee demand, and a Treasury capital boost to £25.6 billion.
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UK ETS to include engineered greenhouse gas removals by 2029. The UK Government plans to integrate engineered greenhouse gas removals into the Emissions Trading Scheme by 2029, maintaining market stability with robust standards and a cautious approach to woodland-based removals.