Chancellor expected to hike employers National Insurance
Rachel Reeves is also expected to lower the threshold for when employers start paying the tax, in next week’s Budget....
UK pledges thousands of new jobs in freeports plan
Critics have said freeports do not boost actual job numbers, but move investment to a different area instead....
Thames Water thrown lifeline to survive into 2025
The UK’s biggest utility company secures a loan of up to £3bn to help the firm last until next October....
The water industry is in crisis. Can it be fixed?
Simon Jack asks what reform of the troubled sector could mean for customers and their bills....
Chancellor to change debt rules to release billions
Reeves has said the government will change these rules to free up billions for spending on big projects....
Warning pubs face closure without Budget help
The boss of Britain’s biggest pubs group urges the chancellor to extend business rates relief....
Government mulls giving workers twice as long to strike
A document produced by the government says the mandate to strike could be extended to a year from six months....
Starbucks boss shakes up menu to win back customers
The coffee shop chain has also promised to look at pricing and staffing to prevent bottlenecks...
Water watchdog could be scrapped in major industry review
A new commission will conduct the biggest review of the struggling sector since privatisation....
Budget deals struck with all departments, says Reeves
Despite reports of internal rifts all government departments have agreed spending settlements, Reeves says....