DWP voluntary scheme aids 100,000 claimants near work
The DWP confirms 100,000 benefits claimants are now closer to work through a voluntary programme, with Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden praising the initiative.
Category : Business
Birmingham grad with £70k debt still unemployed after year
Grace Astley, 22, from Maypole, graduated in criminology from BCU but remains jobless with £70k debt, highlighting youth unemployment crisis.
350 Pubs Get Free Electricity for All Remaining World Cup Matches
Octopus Energy extends free electricity to 350 pubs for all remaining World Cup matches, including the third-placed play-off, saving pubs nearly £20k each.
Baked In Brick in Digbeth to Close After Eight Years
Baked In Brick, a beloved pizza restaurant in Digbeth's Custard Factory, will close on August 2 after eight years. Owner Lee Desanges cites tough conditions for hospitality.
Former Yeovil cattle market could become 100 new homes
The former Yeovil cattle market site could be converted into up to 100 new homes under the new Somerset Local Plan, with public consultation underway until 2045.
Thames Water Returns to Profit, Debt Hits £20bn
Thames Water swings to £226.4m profit but debt rises to £19.77bn, as creditors seek rescue deal amid regulatory concerns.
Daryl Dike Seeks New Club After West Brom Exit
Daryl Dike is searching for a new club after leaving West Bromwich Albion, with the striker's future in football uncertain following injury struggles.
Tielemans Exit Forces Aston Villa Squad Rebuild
Youri Tielemans' £35m move to Manchester United leaves Aston Villa needing a major rebuild, with multiple positions to fill despite Johan Manzambi's arrival.
New BNPL Rules Start Wednesday for UK Users
Buy Now, Pay Later services fall under FCA regulation from Wednesday. Research shows usage surged 3,793% between 2020-2025, and 85% of consumers were unaware of the new rules.
PayPal Launches Pay in 30 Days BNPL for UK Users
PayPal has introduced Pay in 30 Days, a new BNPL option for UK customers on purchases between £1 and £900, giving shoppers up to 30 days to pay with no fees.
Santander Warns of £128 Average Gig Cost, Up 212%
Santander warns customers that the average UK gig ticket now costs £128, a 212% increase since 2000, with fans spending £417 yearly and over £28,000 in a lifetime.
Winfrith Restoration Plan May Curb Innovation Park Jobs
Plans to restore Dorset's Winfrith nuclear site to heathland face opposition from Dorset Innovation Park, which seeks to use part of the land for job creation, potentially curbing growth.
Harborne Charity Shop Bargain: £600 Bag for £25
A shopper found a £600 Aspinal of London bag for £25 at a Harborne charity shop, just hours after a rare £38,400 Hobbit book was donated nearby, proving hidden treasures still exist.
Bristol Ninth Priciest for Construction Costs Globally
Bristol is the ninth most expensive city in the world for construction, according to Arcadis, ranking above Paris and Sydney in the International Construction Cost Index.
AAB Opens St Michael's Office, Plans 200 Staff
Professional services firm AAB has launched a new office in Manchester's No.1 St Michael's, targeting a 200-strong team as part of a significant long-term investment in the city.
Halfords Workers Sold £130k Dashcams on eBay
Two Halfords employees stole £130,000 worth of dashcams and sold them on eBay, abusing their trusted positions. They have been sentenced after a police investigation.
Man United Sign Tielemans for £35m Release Clause
Manchester United have triggered Youri Tielemans' £35m release clause, signing the Belgian midfielder on a five-year contract from Aston Villa.
Principality CEO plans to double commercial lending to £2bn
Iain Mansfield, CEO of Principality Building Society, aims to double commercial lending to over £2bn for housing development, while maintaining a high street branch presence.
Everflow Secures £44m Funding for UK Expansion
Everflow, a County Durham utilities provider, has secured £44m in funding from BGF and OakNorth to support UK expansion, create jobs, and drive digital transformation.
Winn Group turnover rises to £217m but profit falls
Newcastle accident management firm Winn Group reports turnover growth to £217m, driven by subsidiaries On-Hire and Winn Solicitors, while operating profit drops to £29.8m.
Harlech Foodservice Creating 50 Jobs, Targeting £120m
Harlech Foodservice is creating 50 new jobs and targeting £120m revenues by 2029, following a rapid expansion with record sales of £75m and 25% revenue growth.
Pubs in England get rule change for Argentina semi-final
Pubs in England can stay open until 1am for the Argentina World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with extended hours for later kick-offs, boosting sales and community spirit.
EV Drivers Get Refunds Under New Pay-Per-Mile Charge
Three groups of EV drivers will qualify for refunds on overpaid mileage under the new 3p per mile tax starting in 2028, with refunds only available for overpayments over £100 and financial hardship.
Luxury Spa Break for Two Now £99 in Midlands
A luxury spa break for two in the Midlands, including dinner, breakfast, and pool access, has been reduced to just £99, offering significant savings.
Lawyer on day off after England vs Argentina World Cup semi
A lawyer clarifies whether England fans can take time off work after the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, warning that unless the boss is informed beforehand, there is no obligation to allow early leave.
Walsall's bleak economic outlook: high youth unemployment
In Walsall, 7.6% of 18-24 year-olds claim benefits vs 4.4% nationally. 22.8% of adults are economically inactive, and 11.2% have no qualifications, painting a bleak economic picture.
Aston Villa seals £20m/year Visit Rwanda sponsorship
Aston Villa will feature Visit Rwanda as front-of-shirt sponsor from next season in a multi-year deal worth nearly £20 million per year, an increase on the previous Betano agreement.
Rank Group Cuts Jobs Amid Gambling Tax Rise
Rank Group, owner of Grosvenor casino, has cut jobs and costs to offset the impact of Rachel Reeves' online gambling tax increase from 21% to 40%, while also proposing a £5m settlement to the Gambling Commission.
New BNPL rules: FCA affordability checks from July 15
From July 15, BNPL firms must be FCA-authorised and conduct affordability checks. 10.9 million UK users face stricter protections, including complaints to the Ombudsman.
Debenhams Group weighs brand sales to cut £90m debt
Debenhams Group, owner of Boohoo and Pretty Little Thing, may sell brands to reduce its £90m debt below pre-tax earnings as part of its online marketplace turnaround.
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