UK and Ireland's largest general trade union
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 Financial Conduct Authority has had parts of its £9.1bn motor‑finance compensation scheme suspended after legal challenges from Volkswagen Financial Services, Mercedes‑Benz Financial Services, Crédit Agricole Auto Finance and consumer group Consumer Voice. The Upper Tribunal has set hearings for December or February; lenders will not need to calculate or pay redress while legal proceedings continue, delaying mass payouts until at least 2027 if the scheme survives.
Andy Burnham has secured overwhelming MP backing and appears poised to become Labour's leader and prime minister, with nominations advancing and a potential coronation by mid-July. Al Carns has ruled himself out, leaving Burnham as the sole declared candidate as nominations continue and a parliamentary hustings looms.
The price cap on gas and electricity has increased, raising the typical yearly bill to around £1,862 for direct-debit customers, with Ofgem data showing a sustained spike in wholesale prices. Households are urged to submit meter readings and seek cheaper fixed deals as bills stay high into winter.
Progressive economists have written to Unite’s Sharon Graham opposing Miliband’s plan to expand North Sea oil and gas while Labour braces for Burnham’s leadership and a reshuffle of the Treasury. The debate centers on jobs, net zero and national security as ministers promise business‑as‑usual in the crisis week.
A wave of industry and political commentary on North Sea oil and gas continues to shape UK energy policy as Andy Burnham nears the premiership. Calls from industry bodies urge a pragmatic mix of oil, gas and renewables to safeguard energy security, jobs and investment, while opponents warn against accelerating climate targets.
Unite has organised 14 days of strikes by ICTS security staff at Aberdeen Airport starting 6 July, after talks through Acas failed to yield an offer. The action is expected to cause significant delays during the peak holiday period.
Rupert Lowe’s description of Dunblane as “one murder” on a Joe Rogan podcast has drawn swift condemnation from Scottish and UK politicians. The incident reopens scrutiny of UK gun laws and the politics surrounding them as debates about reform and safety persist.
McCormick plans a secondary London listing while retaining its primary NYSE listing after agreeing to acquire Unilever’s foods arm. The move aims to boost liquidity and capital flows amid a broader push for European listings in a quiet market.
The Guardian and other outlets report that East London NHS Foundation Trust plans significant service redesign and job cuts to balance its budget, sparking concerns over access to mental health care and wider NHS strain.
England is expanding its network of community mental health centres and dedicated mental health emergency departments to provide walk-in, same-day access closer to home. The plan, backed by 343 million pounds, will open sites this autumn and more by 2027, and aims to reduce crisis-point care while improving access to care.
Unite has expanded a series of heat-related strikes by Arriva North London drivers. With cabs exceeding 40C in heatwaves, drivers call for full air conditioning. TfL warns routes will face disruption while management says improvements are underway.