News

September 11, 2025

Aldi Leads the Way on Pay: Is High Pay a Good Approach?

Aldi introduced a pay boost last week for its store assistants that will see their pay rise to at least £13.02 per hour nationwide, making it the first UK supermarket to pass the £13 mark. Within the M25, rates will start at £14.35, rising to £14.66 with length of service. All staff, regardless of age, will receive the same minimum rate – well above the new National Living Wage of £12.21.

September 10, 2025

Rising Borrowing Costs Put Pressure on the Chancellor

The UK government is facing a fresh financial squeeze after long-term borrowing costs climbed to their highest level in a generation. The yield on 30-year government bonds (known as gilts) has reached 5.72% – the highest since 1998.

March 19, 2025

Your voice could be your password

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have plans to use a callers voice as their password in an effort to speed up phone calls.

March 17, 2025

Higher tax threshold for side hustles: What could it mean for you?

Last week, the tax minister responsible for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), James Murray, delivered a speech marking the 20th anniversary of HMRC. Previously, the UK’s tax authority was known as Inland Revenue.

March 13, 2025

New contract agreed for GPs

A new deal for GPs has been agreed between the government and the British Medical Association (BMA).

March 12, 2025

Plug-in van grant extended for another year

The Future of Roads Minister, Lillian Greenwood, has confirmed that the plug-in van grant will be extended for another year.

March 10, 2025

Spring Statement news: Public spending cuts likely

News reported last week said that the Chancellor has put together draft plans for spending cuts to welfare and other government departments.

March 6, 2025

Chancellor encourages investment in emerging markets

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves met recently with major financial firms at Canary Wharf, encouraging them to invest in emerging markets to boost Britain’s economy.

March 5, 2025

Pressure on chancellor despite government surplus

The latest figures show that the government had a surplus of £15.4 billion in January. This represents the difference between the tax it receives and what it spends.

March 4, 2025

Investment in sustainable packaging firm

Pulpex, a sustainable packaging company, has received £43.5 million from the National Wealth Fund in exchange for an equity share of the business. The Scottish National Investment Bank is also investing £10 million with a further £8.5 million coming from existing investors.

February 27, 2025

40% business rates relief for film studios

Beginning last week (17 February), Local Authorities were able to begin awarding a 40% reduction in business rates bills to film studios. The tax relief is aimed at boosting the film industry in the UK and contributing towards more box office hits being made.

February 26, 2025

Wages growing faster than inflation

Latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that average wages are continuing to grow faster than inflation. After adjusting for consumer price inflation (CPI), wages rose 3.4% between October and December 2024 when compared with the same period in 2023.