Millions of jobs at risk due to AI, forecasting watchdog tells Treasury

The UK government is working towards finalizing a youth mobility scheme with the EU by the end of 2026, which would allow tens of thousands of young British and European citizens to live and work in each other's countries. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reset the UK's relationship with Europe following Brexit.

New polling from Harvard indicates that a significant majority of Generation Z workers fear that artificial intelligence (AI) will diminish their job prospects, reflecting a broader anxiety about the future of work. This sentiment is echoed by various economic analyses warning of potential job losses due to AI advancements.

The Halifax House Price Index indicates that UK house prices have been adversely affected by uncertainties surrounding the Autumn Budget, leading to a slowdown in growth. This trend reflects a cautious sentiment among buyers and sellers in the housing market as they navigate economic challenges.

Halifax reported that first-time buyers in the UK are in the best position to purchase property in a decade, with the average house price reaching a record £299,892 in November. This marks a significant moment for potential homeowners as affordability has improved since 2015.

UK house prices have shown stability, with annual growth rates slowing down, indicating a period of consolidation in the housing market. This trend reflects a cautious approach from buyers and sellers amid economic uncertainties.

Oil prices have decreased, yet fuel prices in the UK remain high, leading to ongoing debates about whether drivers are being overcharged. This situation has persisted since the end of the COVID pandemic, with regulatory scrutiny failing to provide clear answers to these accusations.

The UK government has announced the deportation of 60 delivery drivers who were found to be working illegally following a crackdown that resulted in 171 arrests in the gig economy. This action highlights ongoing concerns regarding immigration compliance within the rapidly growing delivery sector.

James Daunt, the CEO of Waterstones, expressed that while booksellers generally have a negative view of artificial intelligence (AI), the company would consider selling books generated by AI if they are clearly labeled. This statement highlights a potential shift in the traditional bookselling approach amidst the growing influence of technology in the publishing industry.