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Economists propose tax shifts to boost UK revenue by £6bn. The Resolution Foundation suggests reducing national insurance and increasing income tax to raise £6bn, helping Chancellor Reeves counteract higher borrowing costs and expected growth downgrades.
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NatWest plans to sell pension provider Cushon after two years. The bank has engaged advisers for the sale and is in discussions with potential buyers. This move follows a strategic shift under CEO Paul Thwaite, focusing on large-scale acquisitions.
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Spire Healthcare considers strategic options amid shareholder pressure. The private hospital group is reviewing potential business strategies, including a sale, with Rothschild & Co advising. Rising demand for private healthcare due to NHS strain has increased interest in Spire.
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This week’s UK M&A activity spanned private equity, healthcare, banking, technology, and retail. From Apax Global’s £794 million delisting to Sainsbury’s collapsed Argos sale, the developments show how global capital is reshaping the UK’s investment landscape and pressing established players to adapt their strategies.
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Investec remains on track despite challenging economic conditions. The bank anticipates adjusted operating profit for the first half to align with last year’s figures, maintaining its strategy amidst market volatility and progressing with its £100m share buyback programme.
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Retail sales rose due to good weather and higher incomes. Despite this, the struggling retail sector looks to the festive season for a boost, as sales fell by 0.1% from May to August. Consumer confidence remains cautious.
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Reeves faces £18bn shortfall if public sector gains fail. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has warned that the government’s budget strategy rests on historically ambitious assumptions for productivity growth, with potential consequences for spending, taxation, and public services if efficiencies do not materialise.
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MPs and the Government respond after cross-party committee labels system “broken”. The Government has pledged to review all parental leave and pay entitlements, confirming scope across the board and promising day-one rights from 2026. Campaigners say that urgent action is still needed to extend and raise paternity leave.
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UK consumer confidence fell again in September amid tax fears. The GfK index dropped to -19, down from August’s -17, as all five survey measures weakened and expectations for the economy deteriorated sharply compared with mid-2024 levels.
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One in four organisations faced AI data poisoning this year. IO’s latest State of Information Security Report reveals how rushed adoption and shadow AI are exposing companies to sabotage, fraud, and compliance risks across the UK and US.