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MPs have approved Doug Gurr as fit to become the next permanent chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), but warned ministers that additional safeguards are needed to protect the regulator’s independence and address potential conflicts of interest. In a report published on Thursday following a pre-appointment hearing earlier this week, the House of…

The number of young people not in education, employment or training has edged closer to one million, underlining mounting pressure on Britain’s fragile labour market and intensifying calls for targeted intervention from ministers. Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that an estimated 957,000 people aged 16 to 24 were classified as…

Ocado Group is preparing to cut 1,000 jobs over the next year as it accelerates a cost-cutting drive aimed at stabilising finances and restoring investor confidence. The reductions, equivalent to around 5 per cent of its global workforce , will fall heavily on the UK, with roughly two-thirds of the affected roles based domestically. Most…

Aston Martin has confirmed it will cut 20% of its workforce after annual losses widened sharply, as the luxury carmaker battles weak global demand and the impact of US trade tariffs. The Gaydon-based manufacturer said net losses jumped 52% last year to £493.2m, while operating losses reached £259.2m. The company employs about 3,000 people globally,…

The future of The Fat Duck and other restaurants founded by Heston Blumenthal is in doubt after HM Revenue & Customs issued a winding-up petition against the chef’s parent company. HMRC has moved against SL6 Ltd, which owns The Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire, alongside the one-Michelin-starred The Hinds Head and several affiliated ventures. Around…

John Lewis Partnership has abandoned its build-to-rent housing ambitions, retreating from a high-profile property diversification strategy as the group pivots back towards its core retail business. The employee-owned retailer confirmed it would withdraw from the rental housing scheme first championed by its former chair, Sharon White, who had sought to reduce reliance on retail by…

Taking on a second job is increasingly common — whether for extra income, a career change, or freelance work alongside an existing role. But many people picking up additional employment are unaware of how a second job affects their 1257L tax code and, more importantly, what happens to their personal allowance as a result. The…

Peter Mandelson was arrested at his Regent’s Park home amid concerns he posed a potential flight risk, according to his legal team. The former cabinet minister and peer was detained on Monday afternoon on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following allegations that sensitive government documents were leaked while he was serving as business secretary…

A senior adviser to Rachel Reeves has drawn sharp criticism from the hospitality sector after saying Britain does not “need any more restaurants”. Alex Depledge, appointed last year as the Government’s entrepreneurship adviser, argued that ministers should prioritise high-growth industries such as technology and advanced manufacturing rather than hospitality and retail. Speaking to Insider Media,…