Latest articles
- UK minimum wage rates for 2026: What workers and employers need to know
Business
Workers aged 21 and over are entitled to at least £12.71 an hour, while younger employees and apprentices have different legal rates.
- How a Chinese-made toy gets to a US retailer
Business
With Christmas on the horizon, we trace children's toys from factories in China to US shelves.
- Drop-off charges at UK airports to be reviewed after sharp increase
Business
Confirming the review, the government said it was "vital to ensure travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly".
- Three things we've learnt about the UK economy from the IMF
Business
The influential economics body has upgraded its UK growth forecast for this year, but risks remain.
- Former CBI chair Soames handed lobby group £750,000 loan
Business
The former head of the CBI has handed the business lobby group a six-figure loan as it continues to cut its cost base following the scandal which brought it to the brink of collaps
- Grocery inflation ticks up again - as energy costs weigh on shoppers
Business
A closely-watched measure of grocery inflation has ticked up for a second consecutive month amid fears of an energy-led surge ahead.
- UK economy to grow more than expected - but households face sharper rise in inflation, IMF says
Business
The UK economy is set to grow faster than expected this year, though households are expected to face higher rates of inflation, according to forecasts from the International Moneta
- UK growth upgraded but energy prices and rates to bite in 2027
Business
The IMF report comes as final preparations are being made to the first Budget under Prime Minister Andy Burham.
- AI is less regulated than milk, says Microsoft president
Business
Brad Smith calls for global rules on AI, and says the UK is in the "best position" to lead the charge.
- Trump faces growing backlash over plans to import diesel from Russia
Business
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have criticised the deal, which was announced weeks before the US midterm elections.
- 'Add me to WhatsApp' scam calls to be investigated
Business
The UK's data watchdog is investigating a spike in complaints about "robo calls" that appear to lead to a recruitment scam.
- Trump wants to reduce the cost of fuel as the midterms loom - will it work?
Business
The price of fuel has soared as the cost of living emerges as a key issue for millions of Americans.
- Children should learn about careers from age four, Milburn saysThe former minister leading a government-commissioned review of youth inactivity also wants mandatory workplace experience for pupils aged 14 to 16.
Business
The former minister leading a government-commissioned review of youth inactivity also wants mandatory workplace experience for pupils aged 14 to 16.
- UK diesel supplies under pressure as prices approach record high
Business
Global shortages and disruption to international fuel markets are raising concerns over Britain's reliance on imported diesel, although forecourts continue to receive supplies as n
- Rolls-Royce secures multi-million-pound engine contract
Business
Rolls-Royce has finalised a deal to supply 18 engines for Airbus long-haul jets for Philippine Airlines, with maintenance included.
- IMF Chief Urges Rich Nations to Reduce Debt Amid Rising Borrowing Costs
Business
Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, has called on advanced economies to lower debt levels as borrowing costs increase, highlighting the need
- Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe says he has lost confidence in UK economy
Business
Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has warned that high taxes and energy policy are damaging Britain's competitiveness, prompting a response from Labour over the billionaire's decisio
- JPMorgan says it can no longer predict how oil crisis will end
Business
JPMorgan says unprecedented disruption to global energy supplies has made the outlook for oil increasingly difficult to forecast as prices remain above $100 a barrel.
- Japan raises interest rates to highest level in more than 30 years
Business
The Bank of Japan has increased its main interest rate from 1% to 1.25% as the country confronts higher energy costs, a weak yen and renewed inflationary pressure.
- Barclays Staff Demand Compensation for Increased Office Attendance
Business
The Unite union, representing 36,000 Barclays employees, is calling for a one-off payment to help cover rising travel and childcare costs as the bank increases its office attendanc
- Weight-loss drugs begin to change spending habits in pubs and restaurants
Business
Hospitality businesses are reporting changes in customer behaviour linked to the growing use of weight-loss treatments, with a Scottish industry survey finding some venues are alre
- UK Economy Grows by 0.4% in July, Driven by AI Adoption
Business
The UK's economy expanded by 0.4% in July, surpassing analysts' expectations of no growth, according to the Office for National Statistics.
- Jobseekers Warned of Scam Recruitment Apps Targeting Gen Z
Business
Jobseekers, particularly from Generation Z, are increasingly falling victim to scams involving fake recruitment apps designed to steal personal data and money.
- Volkswagen Board Approves Job Cuts Totaling 100,000 by 2030
Business
Volkswagen's supervisory board has sanctioned a plan to reduce an additional 50,000 jobs, bringing the total job cuts to 100,000 by the year 2030.
- Ikea Reduces Prices Amid Cost of Living Pressures
Business
Ikea is implementing price cuts on hundreds of products across Europe as customers face increasing financial challenges.
- UK Long-Term Borrowing Costs Reach Highest Level Since 1998 Ahead of October Budget
Business
Long-term government borrowing costs in the UK have surged to a 28-year high, intensifying pressure on the government ahead of its upcoming Budget.
- Japanese companies turn increasingly to India as investment in China falls
Business
Japanese businesses are increasing investment in India as they seek new sources of long-term growth and reduce their dependence on China amid changing global supply chains.
- Nearly one million young people in UK now outside work or education
Business
Around one in eight people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training, with new figures highlighting the scale of the challenge facing young jobseekers and employer
- Plug-in solar panels available in UK shops from Thursday
Business
The UK government claims that plug-in solar panels could help households significantly reduce energy bills.
- Shein targets nearly $27 billion valuation for Hong Kong stock market debut
Business
The fast-fashion retailer plans to start trading on the Hong Kong stock exchange on 1 September, aiming to raise approximately $1.77 billion.
- Teen Entrepreneur Aims to Transform Farm Management with New App
Business
Ben O'Connor, a 16-year-old from County Down, has developed an app to help farmers manage their operations more efficiently, allowing them more time with their families.
- UK Government Borrowing Exceeds Expectations in July Ahead of Budget
Business
Chancellor John Healey stated that the government is 'committed to meeting our fiscal rules' as borrowing figures are released.
- Weight-loss drugs cost most users more than they save on food, analysis finds
Business
Lower grocery bills are unlikely to offset the cost of GLP-1 weight-loss medication for most users, according to analysis examining how the drugs are changing household spending.
- Five Water Companies Granted Provisional Permission to Raise Bills
Business
Five water companies are set to increase bills as part of a £3.4 billion infrastructure investment plan.
- UK economy grows 0.4% as pace of expansion slows
Business
The UK economy continued to grow between April and June despite pressure from higher energy costs, with services and technology-related industries helping support output.
- Risk aversion is slowing wider AI adoption at Japanese companies
Business
Japanese businesses are using generative AI for everyday tasks such as writing and research, but caution over errors and reputational risk is reportedly slowing its adoption for mo
- Meta Investigates AI Testing Incident After Model Accessed Internet During Evaluation
Business
The company says a testing misconfiguration allowed one of its AI models to access online systems during an evaluation designed to measure security risks.
- Calls Grow for Bank Windfall Tax After Lenders Report £29.2bn in Half-Year Profits
Business
Campaigners say the UK's biggest banks should pay more tax after reporting strong profits, although the Government has not proposed a new levy.
- Britain Faces One of Its Poorest Cereal Harvests on Record, Analysis Suggests
Business
Researchers warn poor harvests could reduce farm incomes, increase reliance on food imports and raise concerns over long-term food security.
- Trump Media Launches Paid Truth Social Data Feed for Wall Street Firms
Business
The new subscription service offers real-time access to Truth Social posts and has prompted calls for a regulatory review in the United States.
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