Britain’s labour market showed signs of weakness ahead of April’s employer tax hike, with job cuts and falling vacancies. Despite this, strong wage growth challenges the Bank of England’s decision-making, as it weighs inflation risks and economic slowdown amid global trade uncertainty.
Britain’s labour market showed signs of weakening ahead of the tax hike on employers set for April, with job cuts and a fall in vacancies reported. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, vacancies fell below pre-COVID levels for the first time in almost four years. In March, the number of employees dropped by 78,000, marking the biggest decline since early 2020.
Despite the job losses, wage growth remained robust, with average weekly earnings rising by 5.9% in the three months to February, a slight increase from the previous month. This strong pay growth presents a challenge for the Bank of England, which must decide whether to continue cutting interest rates in response to weakening economic conditions.
In addition to domestic pressures, the impact of U.S. trade tariffs on global growth and the UK's exports is adding uncertainty. As finance minister Rachel Reeves’ social security contribution hikes come into effect, it is expected to slow wage growth, which could further dampen hiring. Meanwhile, the UK’s minimum wage rise may also influence employer decisions on staffing levels. The Bank of England faces a tough balancing act as it navigates inflation and economic slowdown risks.
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Britain and Germany’s highest ranking military chiefs have made an unprecedented joint appeal to the public to accept the “moral” case for rearmament and prepare for the threat of war with Russia.
Buckingham Palace said it is ready to support any police investigation into allegations that Prince Andrew shared confidential British trade documents with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as King Charles expressed “profound concern” over the latest revelations.
Pressure is mounting on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer amid resignations and a row over Peter Mandelson, a powerful figure in the ruling Labour Party. The episode has raised doubts about Starmer’s authority and how firmly his own party continues to back him.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down, saying that “the distraction needs to end and the leadership in Downing Street has to change.”
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said China has the power to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, arguing that Beijing is enabling Moscow’s military campaign.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani said the United States could evaluate its own interests separately from those of Israel in ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday (15 February) called it “troubling” a report by five European allies blaming Russia for killing late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny using a toxin from poison dart frogs.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday that Russia’s decision to change the leadership of its delegation for upcoming peace talks in Geneva appeared to be an attempt to delay progress.
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Day 10 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics delivered high-stakes semifinals, dramatic finishes and classic podium moments across Milan and the Italian Alps. Photographers captured split seconds of symmetry before puck drops, explosive turns on the ice and triumphant celebrations.
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