UK’s CBI bumps up 2026 growth view due to ’temporary’ budget boost

An official report from the UK's energy system operator has projected that achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 could cost households an additional £500 annually, highlighting the financial implications of transitioning away from fossil fuels. The report outlines various scenarios that illustrate the expected surge in spending over the coming years.

The fast-casual chain Leon, known for its healthier Mediterranean food options, has announced the closure of 20 out of its 54 locations in the UK as part of a restructuring plan following its acquisition by co-founder John Vincent. This decision comes as the company faces significant operational challenges.

Survivors of a deadly typhoon in the Philippines have initiated a legal claim against Shell, the UK's largest oil company, citing the climate impacts of fossil fuels as a contributing factor to the disaster. This marks the first legal action of its kind in the UK, highlighting the growing accountability of fossil fuel companies in climate-related issues.

The UK housing market has experienced a slowdown following a tax-raising budget, as indicated by a recent survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This decline reflects growing concerns among buyers and sellers regarding economic stability and future housing prices.

A report by PwC highlights that Britain is experiencing a decline in youth employment, with a significant rise in worklessness threatening the future of a generation. The UK economy is reportedly losing up to £26 billion annually due to stark regional disparities in youth joblessness.

Major private equity-backed companies in the UK are reportedly failing to meet essential financial reporting guidelines established nearly two decades ago, according to the Private Equity Reporting Group (PERG). This non-compliance raises concerns about transparency and accountability within the sector.

The United States has proposed a new requirement for social media disclosure for visitors from visa-free countries, including the UK, France, and Australia. This change aims to enhance security measures and transparency regarding the online activities of foreign nationals entering the US.

A recent report has identified UK-grown lettuce in pre-packaged sandwiches as the likely cause of the largest E.coli outbreak in the UK, specifically linked to the STEC 0145 strain. This outbreak has raised significant health concerns and has been classified as fatal, highlighting the serious risks associated with food contamination.