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Nearly one in three UK workers would rather have root canal work than attend their office Christmas party. A new survey by Sunny, a charity tackling loneliness and workplace disconnection, suggests the office bash has become symbolic of a deeper malaise in employee engagement across the UK workforce.
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Fervo Energy secures $462 million for geothermal projects expansion. The funding supports Utah’s Cape Station project and other initiatives, with new and returning investors including Google and Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Fervo aims to meet surging clean energy demand with its innovative solutions.
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Over a third of disabled consumers say their experience would improve if staff had a greater understanding of disability. New Business Disability Forum research highlights persistent barriers in product access, customer service, and design — and calls on companies to turn inclusion into a strategic advantage.
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Meta and NextEra Energy announce major clean energy agreements. Meta has committed to purchasing 2.3 GW of solar power and 165 MW of energy storage from new projects in the U.S., aiming to enhance energy infrastructure and support its data centre operations.
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Pharmacy2U becomes the UK’s only online pharmacy to hold B Corp status. The certification recognises the Leeds-based company’s social and environmental commitments and strong performance in customer wellbeing, employee engagement, and governance.
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The EU allocates €5.2 billion for net-zero projects. The European Commission plans to invest in net-zero technology, clean hydrogen, and industrial decarbonisation using funds from the EU Emissions Trading System, with initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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AT&T ends its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. The telecommunications giant has pledged to cease DEI initiatives, including hiring quotas and training, following legal scrutiny in the US. The commitment was confirmed in a letter to the FCC.
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Business Disability Forum has opened nominations for its 2026 Disability Smart Impact Awards. The rebranded awards, announced on 3 December, highlight organisations and individuals creating measurable change for disabled employees and consumers through inclusive practice and innovation.
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Pantheon Regeneration secures investment from Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund. The funding will support the expansion of Pantheon’s ecological restoration projects, which aim to revive biodiversity and remove carbon from the atmosphere, enhancing their capacity to deliver landscape-scale climate solutions and carbon credits.
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The FCA proposes new rules for ESG ratings providers. The Financial Conduct Authority aims to enhance transparency, governance, and conflict management in the ESG ratings sector, building on international recommendations to improve market trust and support the UK’s sustainable finance ambitions.