U.S. Retail Sales Rise 0.6% in August as Tariffs Push Prices Higher
Back-to-school spending and online sales helped lift August retail receipts, even as tariffs contribute to price increases and labor strains
Business & Markets News
Government restores winter fuel payment for around nine million pensioners after U-turn
Payments in England and Wales will be means-tested to households with annual incomes up to £35,000 and paid automatically in winter 2025; amounts set at £200–£300.
Private firms issued a record 4.3 million parking tickets in three months, government data shows
24% annual rise in private parking fines for April–June prompts renewed scrutiny as a government consultation is extended
NatWest offers £175 switching bonus as banks ramp up current account incentives
New offer requires a £1,250 deposit and an app login; comes days after Lloyds unveiled a £200 switching deal
SThree warns weak global hiring will persist into 2026, cuts profit outlook
Recruiter cites prolonged macro uncertainty; plans AI investment and cost cuts as shares tumble 20%
Cracker Barrel Reverses Remodeling Plan; Idaho Fro-yo Shop Receives Threats After Charlie Kirk Tribute
Chain reverts to Old Country Store aesthetic as workers restore classic signage in Tennessee; Grooveberries frozen yogurt shop in Idaho reports death threats after placing memorial stickers honoring Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk
Green thinktank urges Autumn Budget levy on heavy SUVs, says Treasury losing nearly £2bn a year
Transport & Environment proposes a 'Large Vehicle Levy' that would charge £10 per kilogram above 1,600kg to curb SUV growth and raise revenue
NatWest raises switching incentive to £175 as banks ramp up cash offers
Lloyds is offering a £200 bonus but with stricter account conditions as UK banks compete for new current-account customers
UK jobs market softening complicates Bank of England's rate decision
Vacancies and hiring fall while pay growth eases but remains above inflation, leaving policymakers to weigh weak demand against sticky prices