UK businesses cut staff at record pace

According to the latest purchasing managers’ index (PMI) survey, businesses are reducing staff at the fastest rate since the 2008 financial crisis. The survey, monitoring 650 manufacturers and 650 service sector firms, revealed employment levels have fallen this month...

R&D relief payments decline for SMEs

The amount of research and development (R&D) relief paid to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has fallen since 2021/22. After hitting a high of £4.7 billion in 2021/22, down from £4.2bn in both 2019/20 and 2020/21, it is estimated to drop further to £3.1bn...

GDP falls but accountancy sector thrives

The UK economy contracted for the second consecutive month in October, fuelling concerns of a recession under Chancellor Rachel Reeves. GDP fell by 0.1%, mirroring September’s decline. Economists predicted better figures, but a drop in production and construction...

Stamp-duty revenue drops despite rising prices

House prices are soaring as buyers rush to secure homes before April’s tax changes. However, stamp duty land tax (SDLT) revenue has plummeted, particularly in residential property sales. Residential SDLT receipts dropped by 27%, from £11.72bn in 2022/23 to £8.57bn in...

Chancellor seeks EU trade reset

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will address European finance leaders in Brussels, calling for a reset in UK-EU relations to boost economic growth. In the first address by a British Chancellor to the Eurogroup since Brexit, Reeves will outline plans to “break down trade...