UK news and archive

WRAP’s Textiles 2030 becomes UK Textiles Pact

Textiles 2030, the UK’s voluntary initiative supporting businesses and organisations within the fashion and textiles industry, will from now on be called the UK Textiles Pact. According to a press release by WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production), the climate action NGO behind the initiative, the move will “bring the agreement in...

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UK and US strike up trade deal: What to know

The US and the UK have struck up a trade agreement during what government officials say is a “historic day” that aims to “boost trade between and across our countries”. In the Oval Office, US president Donald Trump was joined via phone by UK prime minister Keir Starmer for a press conference announcing the new deal. With it, according to Trump,...

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Trump announces ‘significant’ trade agreement

US President Donald Trump announced a “significant” trade agreement with a “large and highly respected country”. He announced via his online platform, Truth Social, that there would be a press conference on Thursday morning (local time). The Republican did not disclose which country it was, but reports suggest it is the UK. A British government...

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UK secures “landmark” trade deal with India

The UK and India have agreed a multibillion-pound trade deal, which will reduce tariffs on clothes, footwear, and food products, to mark the biggest bilateral trade deal the UK has done since leaving the European Union. In a statement, the UK government called the deal a “huge economic win” for the UK, which it adds will “deliver for working...

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Business rates reform absent from spring statement: concerns for retailers in the UK

In her first spring statement and second budget as UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves presented a plan aimed at kick-starting the country’s faltering economy. In her statement on Wednesday, the UK’s first female Chancellor admitted that “growth is still not where it should be” but nonetheless reiterated the government's decision to raise the National...

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What to expect under the UK’s Employment Rights Bill

A new bill put forth by the UK’s Labour Government is hoping to shake things up in what the administration said will be “the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation”, replacing so-called “out-of-date” employment laws. The Employment Rights Bill is currently in the committee stage in the House of Commons, and is still being debated and...

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‘Tale of two halves’: Industry reacts to ‘damaging’ Autumn Budget

The Autumn Budget, the first to have been issued by Labour in 13 years, has received mixed reactions from industry insiders and experts alike, with a 40 billion pound uptick in taxes being at the centre of discussion. On Wednesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled the budget via a lengthy speech in which she noted that she did “not take this...

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Chancellor sets out "difficult decisions" in first Labour budget in 14 years

In her first Budget as the UK's first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves has outlined a series of tough measures to restore economic stability, including 40 billion pounds in tax rises and spending cuts. Reeves, who previously warned of "difficult decisions" ahead, has confirmed that the national minimum wage will rise to 12.21 pounds per hour for...

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Bank of England maintains interest rate at 5 percent

The Bank of England has placed the UK’s interest rate on hold at 5 percent after it was reported that inflation rates stayed at 2.2 percent in August, above the bank’s 2 percent target. The widely-expected decision was made following a meeting by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), who voted by a majority of eight to one to maintain the current...

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Retailers urged to improve workplace wellbeing as cases of poor mental health rise

A new report by retail industry charity the Retail Trust has brought to light concerns over mental health issues among UK retail and call centre staff. To collate its data, the organisation surveyed over 1,300 retail workers, 17 percent of which said they had missed at least one day of work this year due to poor mental health. Among the...

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UK economy stalls, dealing blow to new government

Britain's economy stalled again in July, official data showed Wednesday, dealing a blow to the new Labour government that has put growth expansion at the top of its priority list. Gross domestic product showed zero growth in the reported month compared with June, when output also flattened, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a...

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In the UK, a new Labour government is incoming: What this means for retail

In what has been a largely anticipated turnout, Labour has swung the election with a landslide majority, making Keir Starmer the UK’s next prime minister (made official once King Charles III formally requests him in during a ceremony later today). It marks the first change in government in 14 years, throughout which the Conservatives served at...