The everyday items facing price rises amid Iran war oil shock: From toys to pens and shaving cream
The tremors of the Middle East war are reaching the far corners of the economy
money
UK inflation rises to 3.3% amid biggest jump in fuel prices in more than three years
Annual March rate shows impact of Iran war, which also pushed up cost of food and air faresBusiness live – latest updatesUK inflation accelerated to 3.3% in March after the Iran war triggered the biggest jump in fuel prices for more than three years.In…
Airlines demand UK relax noise rules and cut flight tax as fuel shortage looms
Ministers also asked to alter compensation rights and suspend emissions trading scheme amid Middle East warAirlines are lobbying the UK government to relax environmental and noise rules, modify passenger rights and cut taxes on flying, as they prepare …
Shake-up will help UK motorists without driveways to charge EVs
Green light likely for law allowing automatic approval for pavement ‘charging gullies’ to help boost EV take-upUK to appeal against tax ruling cutting VAT on public EV chargers to 5%Households without off-street parking could soon be able to charge the…
UK unemployment shows surprise fall to 4.9% as pay growth drops to lowest in five years
Bank of England expected to keep interest rates on hold as Iran war casts shadow over labour marketJobs market was in fragile state even before Iran warBusiness live – latest updatesUnemployment in the UK unexpectedly fell in the three months to Februa…
Winners and judges out of pocket as £20,000 writing awards appear to have closed
The Plaza Prizes offered 10 awards in 2025 but some judges say they were not paid, while a number of winners hit back over AI accusationsA competition for new writers that promised a £20,000 prize fund appears to have shut down, leaving winners and jud…
Private rents in Great Britain stop rising for first time since 2017
More landlords having to cut prices to secure tenants, Rightmove data showsAverage private rents have stopped rising in Great Britain after almost a decade of increases, as more landlords cut their prices to secure a tenant, data shows.The typical adve…
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest downsize in 15 years
Announcement comes before Matt Brittin replaces Tim Davie as director general next monthThe BBC is to cut as many as 2,000 jobs in the biggest downsizing of the public service broadcaster in 15 years.Staff were informed of the cuts, which will affect a…
‘Misogyny with a marketing budget’: UK AI firm accused of sexist advert
Narwhal Labs ad for ‘AI employee’ contains strapline: ‘She outworks everyone. And she’ll never ask for a raise’A British AI company that recently secured millions of pounds of investment has been accused of running a misogynistic and sexist advertising…
AA driving schools ordered to refund 80,000 learner drivers over hidden fees
UK motoring group fined £4.2m for not showing full price of lessons at time of bookingThe AA has been fined £4.2m and ordered to make payments to more than 80,000 learner drivers for not showing the full price of lessons at the time of booking, an ille…