Britain sliding 'into economic crisis' over £85bn sickness bill

A recent report highlights that addressing Britain's worklessness crisis, driven by health issues, will cost employers £6 billion annually. Charlie Mayfield emphasizes the need for businesses to take a more active role in supporting their employees as the country prepares for the upcoming budget.

The chief executive of Ovo Energy, one of Britain's largest energy suppliers, has announced his resignation after 18 months in the role. This comes at a critical time as the company is actively seeking investors to secure hundreds of millions of pounds.

Gopichand Hinduja, co-chairman of the Hinduja Group and Britain's richest man, has passed away at the age of 85. His death marks the end of an era for one of the most influential business families in the UK, known for their extensive contributions to various sectors including finance, healthcare, and philanthropy. Hinduja's legacy will be remembered not only for his business acumen but also for his commitment to charitable causes, making a significant impact on society. This loss resonates deeply within the business community and beyond, highlighting the importance of leadership and philanthropy in today's world.

The article discusses the thriving shadow economy in Britain, emphasizing that the blame for its existence should not fall on migrants. It highlights how politicians from various parties are trying to address the issue, but the real concern lies with ordinary people struggling financially.

Sir Alan Bates has successfully secured a seven-figure payout from the government to settle his claim related to the Post Office Horizon scandal. This comes more than two decades after he began his campaign, highlighting one of the most significant miscarriages of justice in Britain.

The Guardian's editorial highlights a growing class divide in Britain, where a micro-elite in finance and tech is attracting top talent, leaving traditional white-collar jobs less appealing. This shift raises concerns about a society that prioritizes financial proximity over meaningful contributions, potentially leading to social unrest. As the City of London emerges as a leading center for quantitative analysts, the implications for the broader workforce and social cohesion are significant.

Piper Sandler has upgraded Qualys' stock rating to Neutral, reflecting an improved growth outlook for the company. This change is significant as it indicates analysts' confidence in Qualys' potential to perform better in the market, which could attract more investors and positively impact its stock price.

Qualys has received a boost in its stock price target, now set at $150, up from $145, according to Baird. This increase reflects growing confidence in the company's performance and potential for future growth, making it an exciting time for investors. Such adjustments in stock targets can influence market perceptions and investor decisions, highlighting the importance of analyst insights in the financial landscape.

KeyBanc has upgraded The RealReal's stock rating to Overweight, setting a price target of $16. This upgrade reflects confidence in the company's growth potential and market position, which could attract more investors and positively impact its stock performance. Such ratings can significantly influence investor sentiment and trading activity, making this news particularly important for those following the luxury resale market.

NuVista Energy's stock has been downgraded to 'Sell' by TD Cowen following the recent acquisition deal with Ovintiv. This downgrade reflects concerns about the potential impacts of the acquisition on NuVista's financial health and market position. Investors should pay attention to how this change might affect their portfolios, as it signals a shift in analyst sentiment towards the company.

The Bank of Ireland has received an upgraded stock rating to 'Buy' from UBS, reflecting strong earnings growth. This upgrade is significant as it indicates confidence in the bank's financial performance and potential for future success, which could attract more investors and positively impact the market.

Novo Nordisk's third-quarter sales have met expectations, marking a successful start for the new CEO. This achievement is significant as it reflects the company's stability and growth potential in the competitive pharmaceutical market, reassuring investors and stakeholders about its future direction.