
AI now among top five reasons for job cuts in US
The US job market saw only 73,000 new jobs added in July, significantly below forecasts, with over 806,000 private sector job cuts announced through July, the highest number for that period since 2020.
The technology sector has been hit hardest, with more than 89,000 job cuts, and over 27,000 cuts since 2023 directly attributed to AI.
Beyond AI, job losses are also linked to cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency and rising costs in the retail sector, which has seen an almost 250 per cent increase in layoffs.
Experts suggest AI's impact is often indirect, with companies investing in AI software instead of hiring new staff amid economic uncertainty.
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The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Poundland is selling 100s of items from just 10p ahead of 37 stores closing in August starting in days
POUNDLAND is selling hundreds of items from just 10p as it gears up to close 37 shops in August due to a major restructuring. The discounter is offering shoppers some major bargains on toiletries, kids' toys and pet products in a giant clearance sale. It comes as the retailer goes through a restructuring after being sold, with 68 branches set to close by mid-October. Shoppers can buy party banners for 10p, plus Union Jack handheld flags and a mock Valentine's Day engagement ring for 25p. Savvy savers can also get a 12-pack of plastic tumblers for 50p, a bridesmaid paper sash for 80p and a kids bonnet for 75p. A number of Christmas, Halloween and Easter items feature in the giant clearance sale as well. Shoppers will find Easter Bunny party glasses for 50p, while packs of Christmas plastic baubles are just 35p. The clearance stock is only available online with delivery charges starting from £3.95. Spends over £50 qualify for free delivery. Of course, make sure you compare prices before buying any of the products as you might find something similar cheaper elsewhere. Websites like Trolley, Price Spy and Price Runner are three worth visiting to check prices across the major retailers. POUNDLAND PLOTS MASS CLOSURES The giant sale comes as Poundland gears up to close 68 shops, as well as wind down its online operation. The discounter was bought for a nominal £1 fee in June by US investment firm Gordon Brothers. Five ways to save money at Poundland As part of the deal that was struck with Pepco, which owns Poundland, Gordon Brothers is plotting a major restructuring of the business. It has also pumped £80million of financing into the retailer. This is what was proposed in June: Closing 68 stores and negotiating rent reductions at a number of other locations Getting rid of frozen food products at all stores where they're currently sold Reducing the number of chilled food items sold Closing its frozen and digital distribution centre in Darton, South Yorkshire, later this year Closing its national distribution centre in Bilston, West Midlands, in early 2026 No longer selling products on its website Providing more womenswear and seasonal ranges The majority of these plans going ahead are subject to approval by the High Court. However, 40 of the 68 stores have already been confirmed as closing, with plans to shut them brought forward of any High Court decision. The 68 branches are all earmarked for closure by mid-October, with three already having shut. Meanwhile, 37 will close in August - 10 on August 10, 15 on August 17 and 12 on August 24. That means a further 28 will shut. The 37 Poundland stores closing in August due to restructuring This is the full list of 37 stores shutting this month: Bedford Bidston Moss Broxburn Craigavon Dartmouth East Dulwich Falmouth Hull St Andrews Newtonabbey Perth Poole Sunderland Stafford Thornaby Worcester Ammanford Birmingham Fort Cardiff Valegate Cramlington Leicester Long Eaton Port Glasgow Seaham Shrewsbury Tunbridge Wells Brigg Canterbury Coventry Newcastle Kings Heath Peterborough Peterlee Rainham Salford Sheldon Whitechapel Wells Pepco, a Polish company, put Poundland up for sale in March as it looked to offload the brand. It had reported weak Poundland sales over the previous six months and cut the brand's trading guidance for the year as a result. Poundland revenues dropped by 6.5% to £830million for the six months to March compared with a year earlier. The brand suffered "challenges across all categories" and had 18 net store closures over the period. Pepco had blamed "highly challenging trading conditions" for the fall in sales. There are currently 800 Poundland stores in operation across the UK, with plans to bring this down to 650 to 700. This includes the list of 68 which are closing as part of the restructuring deal and other branches shutting gradually as leases expire.


The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Michigan's governor replaces clean energy advocate on utilities board with ‘industry ally'
Michigan's governor, Gretchen Whitmer, has effectively ousted a clean energy advocate from serving on a board that regulates the state's energy utilities monopoly, and replaced her with someone who environmental groups charge is an 'industry ally', campaigners say. The groups allege the move was made at utility giant DTE Energy's behest because it was unhappy with Michigan public services commission (MPSC) board member Alessandra Carreon's position on clean energy and opposition to rate increases, among other issues. Each MPSC board vote is important because the commission is made up of three gubernatorial appointees, and Whitmer's decision amid a debate over rate increases could slow the state's ambitious clean energy transition and lead to higher energy bills, opponents warn. The decision marks the latest in a series of environmental controversies for Whitmer, a Democrat whose name has been discussed as a potential leading candidate for the party's nominee for president in 2028, but now faces increasing scrutiny over her record. Appointing someone with industry ties to a board that is supposed to protect the public from utility wrongdoing 'reflects incredibly poorly on Governor Whitmer', said Chris Gilmer-Hill, policy associate with the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition non-profit. 'This is part of this pattern of this administration being very quick to give utilities what they want and not giving Michiganders what they need,' Gilmer-Hill added. Whitmer appointed Carreon to the MPSC board in July 2023 to fill a partial term. Among other causes, Carreon was an advocate for greater public involvement in and transparency around the arcane regulatory process for utilities at a time when public frustration over DTE's poor service and high rates has steadily mounted. In a highly unusual move, the governor announced in June that she would not renew Carreon's appointment. Environmental groups in June lambasted the decision, which they alleged came amid pressure from DTE and Consumers Energy, Michigan's second largest utility monopoly. 'My understanding is that DTE and Consumers were very unhappy with recent decisions the commission has made around the utilities' profit margin,' Charlotte Jameson, chief policy officer of the Michigan Environmental Council, told the Detroit News at the time. Many of the state's top environmental groups signed an 18 June letter to Whitmer that stated they were 'deeply concerned' with the decision not to renew Carreon's appointment and potentially replace her with someone who has 'clear conflicts of interest or strong industry allegiances'. They urged the governor to reconsider. Whitmer did not. In mid-July, she appointed Shaquila Myers, who, during the 2023-2024 legislative session, was chief of staff for former Michigan House speaker Joe Tate, a pro-business Democrat. He faced a stunning revolt from his own party in December because he generally refused to allow votes on legislation opposed by big business, and was seen by many as hostile towards environmental causes. Despite a chorus of calls for change, Tate did not allow multiple utility reform bills to move through the legislature. 'There was a quiet, steady refusal to do anything but ignore [utility] bills,' said Rachel Hood, a former Democratic state representative who served with Tate last session, and has worked on energy policy in Michigan for nearly 20 years. Hood characterized Myers as 'not just an industry ally', but also 'deeply enmeshed in the governor's policy agenda'. 'And it's clear that the governor is pushing DTE's agenda to the best of her ability,' Hood said. DTE and Consumers are among the state's powerful political forces. The former, either via the company, its employees or its affiliated dark money non-profit, has given millions of dollars in campaign donations to Whitmer or the state Democratic party over her two terms. Sign up to Headlines US Get the most important US headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning after newsletter promotion Meanwhile, a 2022 analysis found DTE had donated to all but 10 of 148 state legislators the previous session. Amid furor over prolonged power outages that left hundreds of thousands of people in Michigan without power for days in late 2023, DTE's affiliated dark money non-profit gave Tate $100,000. Tate would not let a 2023 reform bill aimed at improving accountability and affordability be introduced in committee. 'This is Michigan's powerful political entities acting to maintain their way of life and their balance sheets,' said Hood. Meanwhile, Tate and Whitmer ushered through a datacenter bill that may derail Michigan's climate goals. Whitmer's office did not comment, but a Whitmer spokesperson sent statements on behalf of DTE and Consumers. The utilities separately sent their own statements in which they both denied involvement in the process. In its statement, a DTE spokesperson said: 'Our team at DTE works collaboratively with the MPSC commissioners and staff to ensure we're providing safe, reliable, cleaner and affordable energy to our customers and the state of Michigan.' The move comes at a particularly critical juncture. The MPSC is weighing over $1bn in proposed rate increases between the two companies, and each are slated to deliver to the MPSC formal long-term plans for delivering power. Commissioners have the power to shape those proposals with decisions about billions of dollars in infrastructure. The MPSC has not allowed a DTE proposal to build a methane plant, and advocates fear that decision could be reversed with Myers on the board, Gilmer-Hill said. Meanwhile, the utilities are negotiating datacenter deals that could result in dramatic cost increases to customers and take a toll on the environment if they are not checked by the MPSC, Gilmer-Hill added. 'We need an MPSC that's willing to say no to the utilities, otherwise we mess things up for decades,' Gilmer-Hill said.


Geeky Gadgets
2 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
OpenRouter Review : Easily Access Over 450 AI Models
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Through this exploration, the Nerdy Novelist explains how OpenRouter enables users to navigate the complexities of AI with ease, offering features like seamless compatibility with popular tools, advanced customization options, and robust privacy controls. Whether you're a writer looking to refine your craft or a developer aiming to innovate, OpenRouter's unique capabilities promise to enhance your productivity while keeping your data secure. But beyond the technical specs, what makes this platform stand out? And is it the right fit for your needs? As we unpack its features and real-world applications, you might just find that OpenRouter isn't merely a tool—it's a fantastic option for creativity and efficiency in an AI-driven world. OpenRouter AI Access The Importance of Centralized Access to LLMs Navigating the vast landscape of AI models can be a daunting task, but OpenRouter simplifies this process by acting as a centralized hub. 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Marketers: Generate and compare ad copy from multiple models to create effective messaging strategies. Generate and compare ad copy from multiple models to create effective messaging strategies. Programmers: Debug code, brainstorm solutions, or explore innovative approaches using AI-powered insights. For example, a marketing professional might use OpenRouter to craft persuasive ad campaigns by comparing outputs from different models. Similarly, a programmer could use the platform to troubleshoot code or develop creative solutions, saving both time and effort. OpenRouter's adaptability ensures that it can meet the unique demands of various professions. Empowering Users in an AI-Driven World OpenRouter stands out as a robust, user-focused platform that enables writers, developers, and professionals across industries to harness the potential of large language models. By combining centralized access, seamless integrations, advanced features, and strong privacy controls, it offers a comprehensive solution for using AI effectively. Whether you are crafting stories, automating workflows, or exploring innovative applications, OpenRouter equips you with the tools and resources needed to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world. Its commitment to accessibility, efficiency, and user empowerment makes it an indispensable asset for anyone looking to unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence. Media Credit: The Nerdy Novelist Filed Under: AI, Reviews, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.