Economics, government & business

DWP reduces level of support it offers to claimants of universal credit because of a shortage of work coaches at its Jobcentres.

Large organisations intensify focus on reshoring operations to mitigate concerns over supply chain pressures, according to research.

Data shows nearly 60% of organisations will need to raise wages, with three-quarters expecting challenges around pay gaps between job levels.

Three Sky call centres in the north of England are to be closed and another two reduced in size, with around 2,000 job cuts.

WH Smith as a brand is set to disappear after it agreed to sell its 480 high street shops to private equity firm Modella Capital.

There were no further surprises for employers in today’s Spring Statement as they prepare for next week’s minimum wage and national insurance increases.

Today’s Spring statement did much to add cost and regulation to employers, and not enough to support growth and skills, observers say.

UK inflation fell by more than expected in February, down from 3% to 2.8%.

Morrisons announces it will close cafés, meat and fish counters, and convenience stores to help mitigate significant cost increases.

The chancellor Rachel Reeves will cut around 10,000 civil service jobs as part of drastic cuts to government running costs.

The draft Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2025, which applies to England, Wales and Scotland, is now before parliament.

The UK is an international outlier when it comes to economic inactivity, a new government-commissioned report has found. 

Ahead of an interest rate decision today by the Bank of England, the figures show wage growth including bonuses at 5.8% – broadly unchanged in the three months to January.

Santander has announced plans to close 95 branches across the UK, putting 750 jobs at risk.

Rob Moss explores the Pathways to Work green paper and examines the possible implications for employers.