World of Business

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Jersey Minister Approves 2.8% Minimum Wage Rise to £13.97 Per Hour

Jersey's Social Security Minister has approved a 2.8% increase in the minimum wage to £13.97 per hour from 1 April 2027, following a recommendation from the Jersey Employment Forum. Trainee rates remain unchanged.

3 min read

Households Face 'Painful' Years as Living Standards Decline Through 2029

Economic think tanks warn of "painful" years ahead as living standards face decline through 2029. The Resolution Foundation projects working-age households will lose £1,050 in disposable income, while the IFS calls this decade the worst on record for income growth.

6 min read

Poundland faces administration as rescue deal collapses

Poundland edges towards administration as American owner Gordon Brothers rejects a solvent rescue bid from Martin Property Group, restricts working capital, and pursues alternative sales options. Three independent directors have resigned in protest.

4 min read

Japan's Haunted Homes: How Ghost Stories Create Bargains for Renters

Japan's stigmatised properties—homes where deaths occurred—now attract bargain hunters as housing costs soar. Renters and buyers can save 30-50% by overlooking supernatural concerns.

6 min read

Small business owners say Budget fails to ease their struggles

Small business owners in Wolverhampton say the government's Budget fails to address their rising costs, with butchers, plasterers and chip shop owners citing energy bills and employment costs as major concerns.

5 min read

Haulier attributes diesel theft to soaring fuel costs

A Worcester haulage company has blamed rising diesel prices for a 400-litre fuel theft from two vehicles. Director Martin Pinches said diesel had become "liquid gold" and estimated the stolen fuel was worth £800. The incident highlights growing pressure on businesses as diesel prices exceed £2 pe...

4 min read

Hospitality businesses dismiss tariff cuts as insufficient support

Hospitality business owners in Greater Manchester have expressed scepticism over the government's plan to remove import tariffs on over 100 food products, arguing that VAT cuts and employer cost relief would provide far greater support than cheaper garlic and gherkins.

4 min read

Healey's Budget offers breathing space but leaves major questions unresolved

Chancellor Healey's Budget provides limited relief for households hit by higher energy and fuel costs, but official forecasters warn that living standards will decline over the next two years despite rising earnings. Major questions about public services, welfare, and growth remain unresolved.

5 min read

Frozen tax thresholds to remain until 2031, pushing millions into higher brackets

Frozen income tax thresholds will remain locked until 2031, pushing 5.2 million more people into the tax system and 4.8 million into higher brackets. The freeze generates £58bn annually by 2030–31.

5 min read

UK workers should have legal right to see colleagues' pay, watchdog urges

The UK's human rights watchdog has called for workers to have a legal right to know colleagues' pay to combat discrimination. The EHRC also wants employers banned from asking about salary history during recruitment.

4 min read

Healey to scrap Reeves' cash Isa allowance cut in first budget

Chancellor John Healey will reverse plans to cut the cash Isa allowance from £20,000 to £12,000, opting instead to encourage share investment through education. The decision reverses his predecessor Rachel Reeves' proposal and is expected to be welcomed by banks and building societies.

4 min read

Chancellor to scrap gas standing charges, saving 60% of homes £45 yearly

Chancellor John Healey has announced plans to abolish gas standing charges, potentially saving around 60% of households £45 annually. The move, affecting approximately 23 million homes, will shift fixed costs to gas unit rates, with implementation expected in 2027. While praised by energy poverty...

6 min read