UK federation of unions representing workers
Arriva North London bus drivers are striking over extreme cab temperatures, which frequently exceed 40C, with unions pressing for full air conditioning. The action is part of a wider pattern of heat-related strain on public services and workers, prompting TfL to engage with operators on safety and welfare.
Bankers warn that higher levies could drive investment and jobs away, while politicians face pressure to fund cost‑of‑living measures. Dimon cautions that an uncompetitive tax system risks capital flight as Healey prepares to deliver his Budget.
Unions allied with Labour have voiced mounting frustration with Keir Starmer’s government, urging a shift in leadership and strategy as Reform UK gains traction in local elections and critics call for bolder action on working-class needs.
Trade unions and Labour face a renewed clash with Reform UK as Farage invites unions to affiliate with his party. Unions warn against rolling back workers’ rights; polls show near parity between Labour and Reform among union members.
The UK’s industrial base is under stress as high energy prices threaten manufacturing. Make UK says many firms are moving production abroad or are at risk of insolvency within a year. The government has extended relief schemes but watchdogs say it is too slow and narrowly targeted to avert widespread plant closures.
Energy bills for millions in England, Scotland and Wales have risen by 13% due to higher gas costs amid tensions in the Middle East. Regulators warn the impact will persist into winter, with calls for targeted support and possible social tariffs.
Green MPs and unions are pressing for legally binding maximum indoor temperatures amid recurring heatwaves. Legislation would create an independent body to set safe thresholds and detail implementation, with cross-party backing and comparisons to Spain. Government says it will study the issue further.
Andy Burnham has become Labour leader following a political surge that has installed him as the UK’s prime minister-designate. The transition begins with formalities at Buckingham Palace and culminates in a Downing Street address after polling and a party mandate shaped by recent local elections.
Ticket barriers of 6ft are being installed at major stations to deter fare evasion. The government says the taller gates will be rolled out over the next two years, with funding to ensure revenue is protected and services improve for paying customers.
Banks have reported stronger half-year profits amid sustained higher interest rates, with Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest expected to post gains. Analysts foresee continued earnings growth as the sector navigates mortgage stress and potential increases in bad debt provisions. The sector remains buoyant but faces scrutiny over tax policy and regulatory expectations.
The Federal Communications Commission has added "advanced robotic devices" — including humanoid robots, four‑legged machines and some connected power inverters — to a list that blocks new foreign-made models from US markets on national‑security and cybersecurity grounds. The rule has taken effect for models not yet authorised; existing authorised devices remain allowed while exemptions can be requested.
Banks report six-month profits surging across the UK, fueling calls for windfall taxes to fund cost-of-living measures. Campaigners urge government to consider a levy on profits to support households, while bank chiefs caution on lending and growth.
The NHS has been forced to confront ongoing summer pressures as heatwaves drive higher A&E attendances, equipment failures, and drought-related health risks. Officials say planning for summer pressures is now essential, with public awareness campaigns and infrastructure upgrades in focus.
Rising heat across the central plains to the Southeast has prompted advisories for roughly 97 million people. The heat dome traps heat and humidity, with overnight lows lingering in the 70s and some areas hitting 100 F. Public spaces are opened to cool air, and workers are adjusting shifts as health risks rise.