Latest news with #PMQ
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Crying at work isn't unlikely as you'd think - but what happens when you do
Rachel Reeves was seen visibly upset during Prime Minister's Questions which posed questions over her emotional wellbeing - but can being upset at work make you appear stronger, or can it have an impact? The weight of being the first female chancellor is weighing heavy on Rachel Reeves shoulders as seen during PMQ's on July 2 - but seeing her cry in the House of Commons was devastating. We've all had times where work can feel overwhelming and many women may resonate all too well with Ms. Reeves emotions after a bad day at work. Always appearing with a perfect stoic, with an unwavering tone and message staying strong, it was the first time people may have seen the chancellor on a more personal level. Besides being in front of peers, television cameras and opposition leaders, the chancellor openly displayed her feelings after being spotted with a tear rolling down her cheek. Whether it was work related or not, it's caused a mixed opinion - and her feelings aren't unusual. She's not alone in feeling emotional at work, a YouGov & Mental Health UK 2025 Burnout report study of 4,418 UK adults conducted found that the risk of burnout remains prevalent, with one in three (34%) adults experiencing high or extreme levels of pressure or stress 'always' or 'often' last year, compared with 35% the previous year. Meanwhile, nine in 10 (91%) experienced high pressure or stress at some point over the last year. Nobel Prize-winning scientist Sir Tim Hunt once boldly said women shouldn't be allowed to work in laboratories because 'when you criticise them, they cry'. But can crying at work truly impact your career? "Crying at work is neither inherently 'good' nor 'bad," Lucas Botzen, CEO of Rivermate and HR specialist told The Mirror. "What matters is the context. For example, I've seen people cry due to grief after losing a loved one, burnout from unmanageable workloads, or even overwhelming pride after achieving something meaningful." Lucas said these are deeply human responses, and when handled appropriately, they can strengthen trust within teams. "In fact, some companies offer emotional intelligence training now to allow managers to respond with empathy when employees exhibit emotion, like crying," he added. However, workplace culture can play an enormous role in opinions regarding tears in the office, and the expert noted that in some male-groomed or high-stress workplaces, like finance, law, or tech start-ups, crying can be "severely criticised even if unfairly." Lucas suggested that while one's professional reputation is concerned, an isolated incidence of crying, especially if it's in the context that is acceptable "will not damage your business credibility". However if it becomes a trend, and could result in something deeper such as emotional exhaustion, poor fit, or even a mental illness issue may be indicated - HR should be involved. He noted it shouldn't be with a disciplinary measure, but with "support, giving access to employee assistance programs (EAPs), mental health services, or workload adjustments." For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. Sometimes showing a little emotion can help bolster your passion for you career, as Lucas recalled a time he watched a staff member in a high-level position at a consultancy firm lose her cool in a client debrief. He said: "Although she was frightened it would be counterproductive to her credibility, the client subsequently informed her that it made her seem more empathetic and sincere. "In business cultures that value psychological safety, though, like those utilising Google's Project Aristotle model, vulnerability is a leadership asset." Whether you deal with stress head on, or take a moment to gather yourself, or even shed a tear, women should be allowed to use their emotions however they wish - even if you are being broadcast on national TV. This is echoed by Holistic Empowerment & Career Coach Jo Irving, who told The Mirror that Rachel Reeves' moment was "powerful" because it was honest. "We're shifting from the outdated idea that professionalism means emotional detachment. True leadership increasingly values authenticity and vulnerability," and added: "For leaders, showing emotion can actually be powerful, when it's clear, honest and with purpose." So when it comes to whether it affects your job, Jo said someone who expresses vulnerability and still shows up with purpose and resilience is "often perceived as more authentic and relatable, not less capable." Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
Arabian Post
04-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Why higher inflation will sink the US economic supertanker?
Matein Khalid Both Israel and the US were careful not to target Iran's oil export terminal at Kharg Island, a major reason why Brent crude trades at 68 and not 100. It is ironic that Iran's oil output is now 5.1-MBD (this figure includes condensates and gas to liquids), its exact amount in 1978, the last year the Shah ruled from his Peacock Throne. There is no danger of an oil price spiral triggering an inflation shock in the US as long as the 'drill baby drill' mantra suffuses the Permian Basin and Saudi Arabia does its best to pressure OPEC+ quota violators Iraq and Kazakhstan with 400,000 barrels a day of monthly output releases. The United States has achieved energy independence and the manufacturing sector's oil intensity has plummeted since the 1970's oil embargo era. The sources of potential inflation lie in Trump's whimsical tariff policies and immigration crackdown, which will dramatically reduce labor supply at the precise moment that the Baby Boom generation reaches 'peak retirement'. This means a wage price spiral risk that is not remotely priced-in to the current valuation metrics of the financial markets and the US dollar is imminent. This wage price spiral risk is also the reason why Fed chairman Jay Powell is so adamant about keeping the policy overnight borrowing rate (Fed funds) at its current midpoint rate 4.375% until credible inflation data emerges from the tariff spasms of Trump's multiple trade war. Net-net, Wall Street obsesses over a softer labor market when the real battle is a structural shortage of workers to pick citrus in the orchards of the San Joaquin Valley in central California or code software in the Bay Area. ADVERTISEMENT Economics 101 argues that even taco Trumponomics will mean higher US wages and higher cost of imports, taking inflation rate closer to 3%. In a world where the bond vigilantes can precipitate a mini gilt/sterling prices at the very sight of Chancellor Reeves in tears at the PMQ in Westminster, a 3% US inflation rate is certain to trigger the mother of all Treasury bond meltdowns. Economic 101 argues that Trump's tariffs, immigration crackdowns and even tax cuts mean debt securities will be gutted by the cancer of inflation even as economic growth slows, consumer credit risk goes ballistic and the $80 trillion housing market collapses under the weight of 8 or even 9% mortgage rates. The post Lehman golden age of low inflation/low interest rates will end not with a whimper but with bang that will resonate all over the world sometime before Santa Claus fills up my Christmas stocking with a new list of shorts delivered by Rudolph the red nosed reindeer (camel?) direct from the North Pole. This is why I believe the current speculative mania is destined to end in tears as the macro stars are aligned for another 2008 scale endgame. Wage push inflation has a seismic impact on inflation expectations and will usher a protracted period of Fed monetary tightening. This shift in inflation expectations will be the final nail in the coffin of easy money and go-go property speculation, as it was in the autumn of 2008. The laws of economics, let alone gravity, have not been repealed in Umm Suqeim. The big beautiful bill's tax cuts and the trillion dollar arms race with China mean a $2 trillion budget deficit and record Uncle Sam borrowing in the debt markets means a higher term premium in interest rates that is simply not priced into current Wall Street valuation models. The global economy is poised to enter the twilight zone of zero/minimal growth and structurally higher inflation. My call, fasten your seatbelts and brace for a painful hard landing. Also published on Medium. Notice an issue? Arabian Post strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com. We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.
Graziadaily
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Graziadaily
Everything We Know About Rachel Reeves' Family
The chancellor Rachel Reeves made headlines this week after she broke down in tears during a heated exchange in Prime Minister's Questions (PMQ's) in the House of Commons. Throughout the session, conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Reeves looked 'absolutely miserable' and described her as Prime Minister Keir Starmer's 'human shield.' In the fiery exchange, Starmer refused to say whether Reeves would remain in her job until the next election in front of MPs in the Commons, while Reeves appeared to wipe away tears behind him. After PMQs, Reeves' spokesperson said she had been dealing with a 'personal matter' and Starmer said her tears had had 'nothing to do with politics.' One person by Reeves side throughout the ordeal was her sister, Ellie Reeves, who is also a Labour minister. Ellie appeared to comfort Reeves by holding her hand as she left the Common's Chamber. Rachel Reeves' sister is Ellie Reeves, the MP for Lewisham West and East Dulwich. Ellie, who is two years younger than Rachel, was elected as MP of Lewisham West & Penge in 2017. Rachel and Ellie come from a public service background - their father was a teacher and their mother worked as a social worker. Ellie studied law at St Catherine's College Oxford, where she chaired the Oxford University Labor Club in 2001 and was National Chair of Labour Students from 2002 to 2003. The siblings always had a strong interest in politics. While at Cator Park School for Girls, in Beckenham, Rachel decided to run in a mock election, and Ellie was her campaign manager. In an interview with The Independent, Ellie outlined how the pair had always supported each other's careers, even as children. 'I can remember the 1992 general election, and we were at school, and they had a mock election,' she told the outlet. 'Rachel put herself forward for this mock election, and I was her campaign manager... She put me in charge of the leaflets, stickers and things like that to give out.' Rachel and Ellie elaborated on their relationship in a joint interview with The New Statesman. Ellie quipped that Rachel could be like 'a pushy parent' who encouraged her to do her homework on time, but maintained the siblings are strongly supportive of each other. 'Rachel's work ethic is something that I hugely admire, and her loyalty,' Ellie said. 'Her schedule is really demanding but she still makes time for her friends and family. She has always pushed me and supported me in whatever I have wanted to do.' Yes, Rachel Reeves is married to Nicholas Joicey, who has had a long career in the civil service after starting out as a journalist for the Observer newspaper. In July 2023, he was appointed Defra Group Chief Operating Officer and Second Permanent Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He also worked as Gordon Brown's speechwriter when Brown was Chancellor. In an interview with The Guardian, Reeves was asked how she balances work and family life. 'We manage it. The reason we're where we are in south-east London is because we're near my parents, and we do get help,' she said. Yes, Rachel Reeves has two children, a son and a daughter. Reeves announced her first pregnancy in 2012, and gave birth to a daughter called Anna. Rachel and Nicholas welcomed their second child - a son called Harold born in 2015. In her general election campaign speech in May, Reeves remembered how her mother's attitude to finances inspired her own economic policies. She explained how her mother sat at the kitchen table 'combing over, line by line, her bank statements and her receipts.' She added: 'Every penny mattered... The basic test for whoever is chancellor is to bring that attitude to the public finances.'
Indian Express
03-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Why UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves broke down in Parliament and what it means for PM Keir Starmer
It's not often you see politicians crying in public, certainly not on the floor of the House of Commons. But on Tuesday, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves was seen wiping away tears during Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), triggering a media and political firestorm. The dramatic scenes quickly became a talking point online, with critics and supporters weighing in. More tangibly, the British pound dropped by 1 per cent against the dollar amid speculation over Reeves' future. At the centre of the PMQs session was Prime Minister Keir Starmer's sudden U-turn on a central plank of its welfare reform bill, a move forced by a rebellion from nearly 50 Labour MPs. The reversal wiped out a multibillion-pound surplus and blew a £5 billion hole in Reeves' budget calculations, raising concerns she may have to hike taxes, something she has long resisted. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch seized on the chaos, suggesting Reeves was being used as a 'human shield' for Starmer's blunders. Badenoch also needled the visibly shaken Chancellor, saying she looked 'absolutely miserable', and questioned whether she would survive politically until the next election. Starmer refused to directly affirm Reeves' position, replying instead that Badenoch 'certainly won't' be in government, prompting further jabs and speculation. Rachel Reeves appeared to be crying on the Labour frontbench today. Sir Keir Starmer refused to guarantee her future as Chancellor during Prime Minister's Questions.#Politics #PMQ #Labour — Channel 5 News (@5_News) July 2, 2025 While Reeves' team chalked up the tears to a 'personal matter,' others speculated about a potential row with Starmer or Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, who reportedly chastised Reeves three times earlier for giving overly long answers. At one point during Treasury questions, Hoyle interrupted her again and she responded curtly, 'Oh, alright then.' Moments later, she was seen tearing up and clasping her sister MP Ellie Reeves' hand as the session ended. Reeves' office has refused to comment on the cause, citing privacy. The financial markets didn't wait for context. Sterling dipped 1 per cent against the dollar, ending a strong run. Bond yields jumped, echoing the panic of October 2022 when Liz Truss's mini-budget caused market chaos and led to her resignation. In the aftermath, Starmer backed Reeves, telling BBC Radio 4 she was doing 'an excellent job' and would remain in her position 'for a very long time to come.' 'This has nothing to do with politics,' he said. 'It was a personal matter for her, and I'm not going to intrude on her privacy.' Downing Street reinforced that message, insisting 'the chancellor is going nowhere.' (With Inputs from AP and Reuters)
Wales Online
03-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Rachel Reeves talks about 'tough day' as she speaks about her tears in the Commons
Rachel Reeves talks about 'tough day' as she speaks about her tears in the Commons The Chancellor has addressed the issue which sparked a large amount of speculation on Wednesday, July 2 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves take a selfie with staff during a visit (Image: Getty Images ) Chancellor Rachel Reeves has spoken for the first time since becoming visibly emotional during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday. Footage of Reeves showed her wiping away her tears as she sat next to Keir Starmer on the Labour frontbench. The Prime Minister has said he was unaware of his colleague's distress as he answered questions from MPs in the weekly session in the Commons. Although he failed to make a commitment about the Chancellor's future PMQs, he has since said she is doing a great job. In a BBC interview today, Reeves spoke personally about what happened on Wednesday for the first time. She said: 'Clearly I was upset yesterday and everyone could see that.' For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here She explained that attending the PMQ's is part of her role even on difficult days and she wanted to carry out her duties as expected. British Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers a speech unveiling Labour's plans to "rewire" the NHS in front of staff during a visit to the Sir Ludwig Guttman Health & Wellbeing Centre (Image: Getty Images ) She told the BBC: 'The thing that maybe is a bit different between my job and many of your viewers' is that, when I'm having a tough day, it's on the telly and most people don't have to deal with that. Article continues below 'I think that people can see that Keir and me are a team.' Reeves pointed to their shared record in reshaping Labour over the last few years and said they had worked closely on key policy areas, noting: 'We fought the election together, we changed the Labour Party together… and over the last year, we've worked lockstep together.' Keir Starmer defended Reeves shortly after the incident in the Commons, calling it 'absolutely wrong' to link her tears to the party's recent U-turn on welfare reform. (Image: PA ) Asked by Chris Evans how the Chancellor is, he said: "She's fine. She's very resilient and strong is Rachel. 'She's driven through lots of change in the Labour Party. "We had to change the Labour Party, we fought an election together and I've seen her resilience." You can read more about what the Prime Minister had to say about the welfare of the chancellor here. Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves share an embrace (Image: Getty Images ) Reeves also added while on camera speaking to the BBC: 'I think all your viewers have had tough days, for personal reasons, for whatever reasons. 'I happened to be on the camera when I had a tough day. 'Today is a new day and I'm just getting on with the job.' Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves (Image: Getty Images ) Article continues below The Chancellor continues to lead on Labour's economic policy including long-term fiscal planning and reforms to public services.
