UK Inflation In Shock Rise, Dashing Rate Cut Hopes
British annual inflation unexpectedly picked up in December, data showed Wednesday, dashing hopes of an early cut to UK interest rates and prolonging a cost-of-living squeeze before an election.
UK Wage Growth Continues To Slow And Threaten Labour Market
The Office For National Statistics reports that the annual rate of growth in earnings, including annual bonuses, has slowed to 6.5 per cent.
UK Retail Landscape Faces Challenges as December 2023 Sales Slow Down
The total UK retail sales for the month showed a growth of 1.7 per cent, marking a substantial decline from the 6.9 per cent recorded in December 2022.
The 2024 Forecast for Retail Industry: 'It is going to get worse'
Projections released by Think Tank suggest that consumers are likely to maintain a cautious approach to spending in the initial months of 2024.
October UK Retail Sales Drop Triggering Recession Worry in the UK Economy
UK retail sales growth declined in October as UK consumers are cautious of spending and saving for Christmas amidst the cost-of-living crisis which has sparked a recession for the UK economy.
US Fed Likely To Pause Again With Rates At 22-year High
The Federal Reserve will likely announce it is holding interest rates at a 22-year high on Wednesday, as it looks to tackle inflation without damaging the resilient US economy.
UK Inflation Resists Expected Slowdown in September Amid Rising Oil Prices
CPI reported a year-on-year increase of 6.7 per cent, maintaining the same pace as the previous month, contrary to economists' predictions of a dip to 6.6 per cent.
Economic Challenges Mount as UK Retail Sales Slow Amid Rising Inflation and Global Uncertainties
The latest sales-monitor report from the British Retail Consortium has revealed a slowdown in retail sales growth in the UK for September. Despite a fall in inflation, the high cost of living continues to place pressure on households' budgets.
US Fed likely to pause rate hikes despite higher inflation
The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold interest rates steady on Wednesday after a summer of mixed economic data, while leaving the door open to another hike if needed.
Gift card sales skyrocket by 26% for grocery retailers
A rising trend has emerged from a recent study, revealing that consumers are increasingly turning to gift cards and vouchers as a creative response to economic challenges.
Why are more UK consumers shifting towards the metaverse and ChatGPT?
According to a recent study, the increasing adoption of the metaverse and AI-powered chatbots is reshaping how UK consumers engage with brands during purchases.
UK inflation drops to almost 8% in June 2023, marking significant slowdown in price growth
Inflation in the UK fell to 7.9 per cent in June 2023 from 8.7 per cent in May, marking the lowest rate since March 2022, as reported by the Office for National Statistics.
British small businesses face uphill battle as GDP dips and challenges mount
UK SMEs face challenges as GDP declined by 0.1 per cent in May 2023, and pressure mounts from interest rate hikes, inflation, and late payment practices by large businesses.
Energy sector CO2 emissions hit record in 2022: study
Global energy sector carbon dioxide emissions hit a record peak last year counter to Paris commitments, a key study warned Monday, and highlighted the "worst ever" impacts of climate change.
High UK inflation hinders cost-of-living fight
Britain's annual inflation rate unexpectedly remained at 8.7 percent in May, official data showed Wednesday, piling pressure on the Bank of England and government to act over a cost-of-living crisis.
May data shows vacancy growth is slowing slightly, yet British skills gap is still hindering economic recovery
Vacancy growth is at its lowest since early 2021, but employers still cannot find qualified staff – especially as wage growth continues, albeit more slowly.
Major new study reveals 72% of companies have now mandated a return to the workplace
A major new study has revealed that 72 per cent of companies globally have now mandated a return to the workplace, with 42 per cent now reporting a higher level of employee attrition.
Consumer Concerns and Preferences Present Challenges for AI Adoption
While KPMG identifies data privacy concerns and perceived high costs as hurdles to AI adoption, growing customer demand necessitates businesses to leverage AI.
More businesses are increasing days in the office - is remote work dying?
Mandating an increase in days in the office does not address why staff are reluctant to return, warns global workplace creation expert Unispace.
London seeks to keep Europe fintech crown despite Brexit
Britain's exit from the European Union without an EU-London deal on financial services has complicated access to the gigantic market and talent.
UK records western Europe's highest inflation as March fall disappoints
Britain was the only country in western Europe with double-digit inflation in March after it fell less than expected, official data showed on Wednesday, bolstering bets that the Bank of England will raise interest rates again in May.
Big consultancies promise change amid scandals, but what about employees?
Amid grand promises of change, have the top guns of management consulting forgotten two key stakeholders: junior consulting staff and impacted client staff?
UK recruiters slow pace of pay growth in March, REC survey shows
Britain's labour market showed signs of a slowing in the sharp pace of pay growth in March and a shortage of candidates eased for the first time in two years, according to a survey of recruiters published on Wednesday.
Inflation means last call for raft of UK pubs: study
A total of 153 pubs shut in the first quarter compared with 104 during the first three months of 2022
UK companies are turning to contract workers
As the UK grapples with economic instability and a widening skill gap across various sectors, companies are taking a closer look at their hiring strategies and favouring the employment of temporary staff.
As footfall takes a dive, restaurants say energy bills will crush them
The hospitality sector says energy price hike of £7.3 billion is unsustainable in the wake of reduced government support, as it also faces reduced consumer spending
UK shoppers turn to discount stores and second-hand shops amid cost of living crisis
UK retail sales rose in February as consumers' confidence reached a one-year high while US market struggles amid banking moves and monetary tightening.
UK pay growth slows as Bank of England mulls rates pause
Growth in pay in Britain - which the Bank of England is watching closely as it weighs up whether to pause its run of interest rate hikes next week - lost pace in the three months to January, official data showed on Tuesday.
British labour market, and pay growth, slow in February - REC
Britain's labour market showed further signs of cooling as permanent job placements fell for the fifth month in a row in February and pay growth slowed, reflecting employers' concerns about the economy, a survey published on Wednesday showed.
Valentine's Day spending boosts British retail sales in February - BRC
Valentine's Day helped to boost British retail sales in February but volumes remained down on last year as households cut back on non-essential items, a survey published on Tuesday showed.