UK employment falls, wage growth slows to five-year low
UK payroll numbers drop sharply, led by retail and hospitality. Private sector wage growth hits a five-year low as unemployment holds at 5.1%. Analysis and economic outlook.
UK payroll numbers drop sharply, led by retail and hospitality. Private sector wage growth hits a five-year low as unemployment holds at 5.1%. Analysis and economic outlook.
The UK economy grew 0.1% in the three months to November 2025, led by services, but construction shrank. The impact of the historic Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack has largely recovered. Read the full analysis.
UK retail sales fell sharply in December as consumers reined in non-food spending. Supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl gained ground while fashion and homeware struggled. Discover the full impact.
London's homicide figures for 2025 show a significant drop, with 97 murders marking the lowest rate in over a decade. Analysis reveals the impact of the Violence Reduction Unit and new police tactics.
The UK's new day one statutory sick pay rules, starting 12 January 2026, aim to protect workers but may reshape hiring. Experts warn of impacts on permanent roles and SME growth.
UK labour market ends 2025 with a sharp rise in jobseekers and falling permanent placements, marking a 39-month decline. Analysis shows weakened demand and rising candidate numbers.
Aaron Horsey's fight leads to new law granting up to 52 weeks leave for parents who lose a partner. The change, part of the Employment Rights Act, takes effect in April.
BDO's optimism index reveals business confidence has plummeted to its weakest since 2021. Experts blame low demand, tax burdens, and Labour's employment reforms. Read the full analysis.
London records just 97 homicides in 2025, the lowest figure since 2014. The capital's murder rate is now lower than New York, Paris, and Berlin. Discover how police efforts are driving the change.
Former Debevoise & Plimpton lawyer Shyla Honigschmid-Deveaux files an employment tribunal claim, alleging discrimination and unfair dismissal. Read her full story.
India's landmark rural job scheme, empowering millions of women and Dalits, is being hollowed out. Critics warn PM Modi's changes risk a political firestorm akin to the 2021 farm protests. Read the full analysis.
Sadiq Khan vows to end rough sleeping by 2030 as new figures reveal a 63% rise over 10 years. The Mayor points to prevention and new 'Ending Homelessness hubs' as solutions.
Nintendo Switch 2 sales fell 35% in the US last Christmas compared to the original Switch's launch, signalling a grim shift in consumer preferences and rising costs for the entire industry.
A decade after his death, David Bowie's streaming figures lag behind peers like Elvis & Lennon. Is his estate's 'quality over quantity' approach failing to attract new fans?
The Guardian has issued corrections on European ageing population statistics and clarified Alex Mahon's CBE honour. Read the full list of recent amendments and how to report errors.
Next upgrades profit forecast after UK sales rise 5.9% over Christmas. The retailer warns of slower growth ahead amid UK employment pressures. Read the full analysis.
HR experts warn UK small businesses adopting football's 'hire and fire' tactics for leaders face expensive legal fallout. Discover the risks and smarter strategies.
The GMB union faces new internal strife as senior female leaders allege bullying and unfair dismissal, casting a shadow over its general secretary election and ongoing cultural reforms. Read the full investigation.
Iain Macpherson, freed after 22 years for murder, reveals the impossible struggle to reintegrate, facing homelessness and unemployment. His story exposes the lifelong stigma of a criminal record.
A London North Eastern Railway employee was dismissed for gross misconduct after retrieving and reheating sausage rolls from a bin for passengers. An employment tribunal has upheld the decision.
The Guardian is investigating the impact of AI on employment. We want to hear from people who are training artificial intelligence systems to perform their current roles.
A youth worker has had his 54th consecutive employment tribunal claim dismissed, with judges accusing him of using the system to 'get rich fast' and cause deliberate disruption.
UK job seekers endure marathon 11-stage interviews as skills-based hiring becomes standard. Experts warn lengthy processes exploit candidates and cost companies top talent. Read the full investigation.
The IMF warns AI will affect 40% of jobs globally, worsening inequality. We want to hear from UK workers who have changed career plans due to AI automation fears.
Stockton's hyperlocal JobsPlus scheme connects residents with employment, offering financial aid and community support. Over 270 have found jobs since summer 2024. Will funding continue?
A South London KFC franchisee must pay £66,800 in compensation after a tribunal found an Indian worker was racially harassed and called a 'slave'. The firm must now implement anti-discrimination training.
A KFC franchisee must pay nearly £70,000 after a tribunal found a manager called an Indian employee a 'slave' and forced him to work excessive hours. Read the full ruling.
Strictly Come Dancing triumphed on a bleak Christmas Day for UK TV, with overall ratings hitting their lowest point in a decade. Discover the full top 10 and what it means for broadcasters.
Young adults across England's coastal communities reveal why they are leaving due to a lack of jobs, affordable housing, and social opportunities. Exclusive insights from the Guardian's Against the Tide series.
Ten years on, less than 5% of eligible parents use Shared Parental Leave. Experts call it a 'lost decade' for progress. Discover why the policy failed and what change is needed.