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UK Edition
15th August 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

HSBC to expand office and staff surveillance

HSBC is to boost surveillance of staff and buildings by adding more cameras and biometric access to its premises globally. Access to the bank's top-tier buildings, including in the UK and the US, is to be based on biometric verification, including full-hand recognition. Access can also be "digital," with staff expected to use their own mobile phones to badge in, according to a presentation document seen by Reuters. An HSBC representative said: "We regularly risk assess every building and dependant on the identified risk and vulnerabilities, we continue to invest in the latest cutting-edge technology to safeguard our colleagues, customers and visitors in line with industry standards."
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ECONOMY

UK economy grows slightly in Q2

UK economic growth slowed to 0.3% in the three months to June, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figure, while lower than the previous quarter's 0.7%, exceeded economists' expectations of 0.1%. Chancellor Rachel Reeves described the results as "positive," highlighting a strong start to the year. Growth was primarily driven by the services sector, including computer programming and health services. However, rising costs for households and employers, alongside a cost of living crisis, have created challenges. Reeves said: "There is more to do to deliver an economy that works for working people."

Dairy farmers face crisis as costs soar

Britain's dairy industry is in jeopardy as a survey reveals 13% of dairy farmers plan to exit within a year due to rising costs and labour shortages. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board estimates that over 900 of the 7,000 dairy producers in the UK could cease operations. Bas Padberg of Arla Foods UK warned that these issues will impact food prices and availability, saying: "The effect of this is ultimately going to be seen in the price and availability of products on the supermarket shelves."
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TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

‘National disgrace’ so many pupils are ‘written off’, Phillipson says

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson has said it is a “national disgrace” that so many young people are “written off” and do not get what they need in the education system to thrive after leaving school. She said this autumn’s schools White Paper will address the "generational challenge" of the attainment gap between white, working-class children and their peers. The education secretary told the PA news agency: “[White, working-class students] are not well positioned to carry on with studies, to get an apprenticeship, to go on to university. That is why the schools White Paper we will be publishing in the autumn will set out an ambitious vision for how we can tackle this generational challenge of what many young people experience.”  She added: “Far too many young people, particularly white, working-class British students, don’t get the exam results that they need at GCSE or A level to allow them to continue on to university.”

 
Tes
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HIRING

Businesses ditch full-time staff for contractors

Following the increase in employer National Insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15% in April, small businesses are increasingly hiring virtual staff and contractors instead of full-time employees. The Office for National Statistics reported a decline of 169,000 payrolled employees from June 2024 to June 2025. Debbie Porter, managing director of Destination Digital Marketing, said: "The risk and the cost of investing in a younger or more inexperienced person is now too much."

Employers say degrees not needed for entry-level jobs

Most employers believe university degrees are not essential for entry-level positions, according to a survey by Indeed. The poll revealed that 68% of recruiters prioritise attitude over A-levels. Some 81% of young people, however, believe their qualifications will aid their career success. Despite a challenging job market, 70% of school leavers feel confident about entering the workforce. Separately, data by Adzuna has suggested that the number of entry-level jobs has fallen by a third since the launch of ChatGPT.
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WORKFORCE

Claire's UK enters administration

Claire's UK has entered administration, putting over 2,000 jobs and 300 stores at risk, a week after its US arm filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Interpath Advisory will oversee operations while exploring options, including a potential sale. CEO Chris Cramer said the move aims to protect long-term value, citing competition, shifting consumer trends, debt, and macroeconomic pressures. The retailer has faced years of challenges, including tariffs, online retail growth, and rivals like Shein and Temu. Founded in 1961, Claire’s has 306 shops in the UK and Ireland. Hilco Capital is reportedly interested in acquiring the business.

Lidl boosts pay for 28,000 workers

Lidl GB will increase hourly wages for its 28,000 workers, marking the fifth pay rise in two years. Starting September 1, entry-level pay will rise from £12.75 to £13 per hour, with potential increases to £13.95 based on service length. The move aligns with Aldi UK's recent announcement to raise pay for store assistants to at least £13. The retailer has more than 35,000 employees, over 980 stores and 14 distribution centres.
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LEGAL

Surge in ‘money mules’ raises concern at UK financial watchdog

The Financial Conduct Authority is concerned that more than 225,000 people in the UK were identified as “money mules” for letting criminals use their accounts to launder funds last year.
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TAX

Tax data allays fears of non-dom exodus from UK

HM Revenue & Customs payroll data has found no evidence to suggest more non-doms left Britain following the Chancellor’s changes to the regime last year.
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INTERNATIONAL

Walmart expands grocery discount for staff

Walmart has extended its 10% employee discount to nearly all grocery items, a move designed to support its 1.6m US workers amid rising food costs. Previously limited to produce and general merchandise, the perk now includes staples like milk, pasta, and meat year-round. “This is one of our most requested benefits,” said Chief People Officer Donna Morris. Announced at a manager gathering in Houston, the change drew a standing ovation. It aligns Walmart more closely with rivals like Target and Whole Foods, who offer broader employee discounts. The update reflects efforts to retain workers and support inflation-hit staff.

Starbucks Korea tells customers: no printers or PCs

Starbucks customers in South Korea have been asked to stop bringing "bulky items," including printers and desktop computers, into cafes to do their office work. Others have brought in partitions and more than one computer to mark their office territory. Starbucks said laptops, iPads, and mobile phones are still welcome but not items that "impact the shared space." BBC News notes that the growing trend of studying and working at cafes - cagongjok - has become a subject of intense debate in Korea. "Good job," said one Korean user on social media after the announcement. "Now that Starbucks has started, other cafes should follow suit".

UBS set to miss job cutting target after Credit Suisse takeover

Swiss lender UBS is on track to miss an internal target to cut its headcount to 85,000 by the time it completes its integration of Credit Suisse next year.
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OTHER

Trump says Goldman Sachs CEO should stick to DJing

Donald Trump has told Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon to “focus on being a DJ” after the Wall Street lender warned that American companies had so far shouldered the impact of tariffs but would eventually pass on cost increases to consumers. Solomon, who had previously moonlighted as a DJ under the moniker DJ D-Sol, gave up his hobby in 2023.
 
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