One in Five UK Bosses to Cut Parental Leave After Labour's Tax Hikes
Around 22% of managers offering 'enhanced' parental benefits said it's likely that they'll be made less generous, while a tenth are actively reviewing or planning reviews of their policies to help manage costs, according to the Chartered Management Institute poll of 1,200 managers conducted between Jan. 22 and Feb. 3.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
'Too soon' to see price effects from tariffs, says Bank of England's Bailey
Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey said it is "too soon" to see the price effects from the trade and tariffs action. Speaking at the European Central Bank's annual Forum on Central Banking in Sintra, Portugal, Bailey said he was observing a 'softening' in the UK economy and 'softening in the labour market,' reinforcing expectations that the BoE's next move on interest rates will be to lower them. Earlier in the day, Bailey left the door open to a rate cut at the monetary policy meeting in August. 'I think the path of interest rates will be gradually downwards, I've not changed my mind on that,' Bailey told CNBC ahead of the summit. Futures markets are pricing in a 75% chance that the monetary policy committee will lower the base rate from 4.25% to 4% in August, with two more quarter-point cuts anticipated by year-end. Bailey noted that the UK labour market, an important source of inflation pressure, is beginning to cool. "The key question" for the next MPC meeting, he said, is whether that softening "is going to come through and create the context where inflation will come back down to target". Read more: Eurozone inflation hits 2% ECB target after June interest rate cut Average wage growth excluding bonuses slowed to 5.3% in May, according to the latest Office for National Statistics data, down from 5.6% a month earlier. Bailey said this easing, along with softer demand, would help bring inflation back to the Bank's 2% target. It currently sits at 3.4%. Bailey also welcomed the decline in energy prices following the Israel-Iran ceasefire. This, he said, created a "helpful backdrop" for the MPC's deliberations. He also acknowledged the impact of global uncertainty on UK business investment, suggesting the BoE may need to prioritise supporting growth. With British businesses 'putting off investment decisions,' Bailey hinted that further tightening could be counterproductive. Elsewhere in Sintra, US Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell echoed Bailey's caution on tariffs, saying the full inflationary effects of Donald Trump's recent trade measures had yet to materialise. 'If you ignore the tariffs for a second, inflation is behaving pretty much exactly as we have expected and hoped that it would,' Powell said. 'We haven't seen the effects much yet from tariffs and we didn't expect to by now.' He added: 'We went on hold when we saw the size of the tariffs, and essentially all inflation forecasts for the United States went up materially as a consequence ... We didn't overreact. In fact, we didn't react at all. We're simply taking some time. "As long as the US economy was in solid shape, we think the prudent thing to do is to wait and learn more and see what those effects might be.' The Fed chair's comments come as he faces mounting pressure from Donald Trump to cut rates to mitigate the consumer impact of the trade war. Powell, however, reiterated the Fed's independence: 'I'm very focused on just doing my job. The things that matter are using our tools to achieve the goals that Congress has given us.' His remarks were met with applause from the audience. Read more: Global economy to slow amid 'most severe trade war since 1930s', says Fitch Powell added he couldn't say whether the Fed could cut interest rates as soon as this month. "It all depends on the data", he insisted, adding that the Fed is going "meeting by meeting". Christine Lagarde, president of the ECB, struck a cautiously optimistic tone in the wake of news that eurozone inflation had edged up to 2% in June from 1.9% in May — reaching the central bank's medium-term target. 'I am not saying 'mission accomplished', but I say 'target reached', OK,' Lagarde said. But she warned of continued uncertainty, citing geopolitical tensions and the risk of economic fragmentation as 'two-sided risks' to the inflation outlook. 'We have to continue to be extremely vigilant, and remain committed to delivering on the inflation target,' she said, concluding: 'We are well-equipped to navigate the tormented waters that we should anticipate.'
Hypebeast
37 minutes ago
- Hypebeast
Here's Our 7 Picks From JD's Annual Summer Sale
JD's annual summer sale is back, and the British retailer is offering big savings on a selection of apparel and footwear. Stocking a range of pieces for all occasions, it's now dropping prices by up to 50% off retail on over 1,000 footwear styles across its site. From New Balance to Nike, expect to find an array of brands, silhouettes, and colorways at a discount price to add to your summer rotation. We've rounded up our seven picks from the JD summer sale to provide a snapshot of what to expect. Having seen the relaunch of its archival low-profile silhouettes dominating sneaker trends over the past year, thePUMASpeedcathas become one of the brand's best-selling models. This iteration sees the premium cow leather upper get a 'Haute Coffee' and 'Frosted Ivory' makeover while the race-shoe-inspired outsole's IMEVA cushioning offers a lightweight feel. Coming in at £50 GBP (approx. $69 USD), it now arrives at over 40% below retail. The newest addition to the iconic Air Max innovation series,Nikedebuted theAir Max Dnlast year to sneaker acclaim. Boasting a new-and-improved dynamic air unit system as well as dual-pressure tubes to shift the air underfoot, the design is crafted with comfort in mind. Arriving in 'Pure Platinum' and 'White' with tonal Swoosh and 'University Red' Air Max branding — this colorway is the perfect addition to your summer rotation. With 35% off, these sneakers come in at £100 GBP (approx. $138 USD). Revered for its range of outdoor, functional sneaker models, theMerrellSpeed Arc Matisis the latest iteration of its trail series. As well as a mesh upper for added breathability, an innovative dual layered FloatPro Foam midsole offers enhanced cushioning that sits on top of a Vibram MegaGrip sole to tackle any terrain. Arriving in a neutral 'Green,' 'Black' and 'Brown' colorway, it's available on JD at 50% off for £80 GBP (approx. $100 USD). A prime contender to the penny loafer,Timberland's classic 3-Eye Boat Shoes have long been a summer go-to for those looking for a change from everyday sneakers. With a versatile utilitarian look, color-block leather panels and durable leather stitching, the brand's signature lugged tread offers both comfort and style. Down over half of retail to £80 GBP (approx. $100 USD), you've got to be quick to grab yourself a pair at this price. You can never have too many white kicks in your rotation, and theseASICSGEL-KINETIC FLUENTare no different. Known for its versatility and comfort through its signature GEL midsole, this silhouette arrives in a 'White' and 'Silver' colorway and cut from light and breathable mesh with durable synthetic overlays. Priced at 30% under retail, this sneaker is now £120 GBP (approx. $165 USD). While running sneakers defineHOKA's legacy, it's the innovative tech behind its designs that are built for all-day comfort. Here, the Speedgoat 6 silhouette gets aGORE-TEXwaterproof membrane makeover for long-lasting wear as well as a hardwearingVibramMegagrip with Traction Lug outsole for extra grip on the trails and an extended protective toe rand. Coming in a stealthy, camo-like 'Black' and 'Outer Orbit' colorway, the sneaker features tonal branding on the lateral sides. At £110 GBP (approx. $150 USD), this drop is 30% off retail on JD this summer. Over the years, JD has hosted a selection of collabs under its name, and with this retailer-exclusiveNew Balance1906R, it sees the silhouette revamped in a gradient colorway that boasts a layered upper and a TPU heel cage above its signature N-ergy midsole and ABZORB SBS heel cushion. Providing everything the brand has to offer in the footwear realm — comfort, versatility and bold aesthetics — JD is now offering this silhouette for 30% off at £100 GBP (approx. $138 USD). JD's summer sale is running until July, whilst stock lasts. Be sure to check out the full range of deals on itswebsitenow.
Bloomberg
an hour ago
- Bloomberg
AstraZeneca Rises on Report CEO Wants to Move Listing to US
AstraZeneca Plc 's shares rose after a report that Chief Executive Officer Pascal Soriot wants to move the British drugmaker's stock listing to the US, in what would be a major blow to the UK's equity markets. Soriot has also discussed moving AstraZeneca's domicile, the Times said, citing people familiar with the matter it didn't identify. The executive is frustrated with the UK's regulatory regime for drugs and is concerned the country is falling behind the US and China, it said.
