Labour’s employment rights package is playing with fire September 10, 2024 In the years following the financial crisis, the UK faced an unemployment challenge. As the great recession bit, the unemployment rate started to rise – peaking at over 8 per cent in 2012, around about the time former chancellor George Osborne was being booed at the Olympics. However, by the end of that year the [...]
Firms fear looming minimum wage rise and workers’ rights package September 9, 2024 The survey makes apparent the extent of business concern over the new deal for workers, which is one of the most controversial aspects of Labour's legislative agenda.
UK’s momentum remains ‘healthy’ ahead of latest GDP figures September 9, 2024 Economists think that the latest monthly GDP figures, set to be released on Wednesday, will show that the economy grew 0.3 per cent in July.
Labour smashes the “don’t mess with pensioners” rule September 9, 2024 Nothing in politics is more painful than the removal of a benefit to which the recipients have become accustomed. Successive Chancellors and Prime Ministers have discovered this, sometimes to their embarrassment and sometimes to their very great cost. Related to this first rule, comes another; don’t mess with pensioners. In fact, ‘not messing’ with them [...]
Keir Starmer doubles down on ‘unpopular’ decision to restrict winter fuel payments September 8, 2024 "Every Labour MP was elected in on the same mandate as I was, which was to deliver the change that we need for the country," Starmer said.
Fed’s rate cut in the balance ahead of US inflation figures September 8, 2024 The figures come out a crucial time with the Fed preparing to cut interest rates for the first time since the pandemic.
Traders up bets on 50 basis point cut as US labour market continues to loosen September 5, 2024 August's rate of job growth was the slowest since January 2021 and was down from 110,000 the month before.
Construction sector ‘turns a corner’ as housebuilding jumps September 5, 2024 Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said the recovery in housebuilding was the "most notable development" in August.
Bank of England should take ‘measured approach’ to interest rate cuts after balanced survey September 5, 2024 The Bank of England’s survey covers prices charged across the whole economy, not just in consumer-facing firms.
UK unlikely to move into ‘fast lane’ despite surprisingly strong growth this year September 5, 2024 The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has lifted its growth forecasts for the economy this year, but remained doubtful that the UK would move into the “fast lane” any time soon. The business group’s latest quarterly projections suggest the UK will grow 1.1 per cent this year, an upgrade on its previous estimate of 0.8 [...]