Job vacancies fall as small firms cut back on recruitment
The UK’s unemployment rate fell to 4.7%, its lowest in over a year, though job vacancies declined as smaller firms reduced hiring due to rising labour costs.
Google cloud failure hits millions as UK courts and banks knocked offline
Google’s London cloud data center experienced a power outage affecting millions across the UK, disrupting court systems, bank services at Lloyds and HSBC, and digital bank Revolut.
Thames Water creditors secure former Labour minister to drive rescue deal
Thames Water creditors pursuing a £10bn rescue deal have appointed former Labour minister Lord John Hutton as independent chair designate, as negotiations with the government continue over the debt-laden water company’s future.
Paddy Power cuts 1,400 jobs and blames betting tax rises
Flutter Entertainment announced plans to cut up to 1,400 jobs, with the company’s leadership blaming recent tax increases on gambling operations for making the current business model unsustainable.
NatWest cracks down on 13,000 staff attending office two days a month
NatWest is requiring 13,000 staff to increase office attendance from two days monthly to two days weekly beginning February 2027, prompting union criticism over increased costs and scheduling disruption.
What would the approval of the Jackdaw gasfield mean?
The Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea is expected to receive consent to begin production. The decision raises questions about its implications for energy bills, carbon emissions, and the UK’s climate commitments.