Business

The London Underground is braced for a week of chaos next month as thousands of staff walk out in a fresh dispute over pay and working conditions.

The RMT union confirmed that a series of rolling strikes will begin on September 5, involving signallers, engineers and service control staff across multiple Tube lines. Drivers are not included in the action, but disruption to services is expected to be widespread.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said members were striking in response to years of fatigue, unsocial shift patterns and what they regard as inadequate pay. “Our members are doing a fantastic job to keep our capital moving,” he said. “They’re not after a king’s ransom, but fatigue and extreme shift rotations are serious issues impacting on their health and wellbeing – all of which London Underground management has failed to address.”

The union has rejected a 3.4% pay rise offered by London Underground, arguing that it falls short of inflation and ignores wider concerns about working hours. RMT balloted more than 10,000 members, with around 6,000 voting in favour of strike action.

City Hall urged both sides to avoid disruption. A spokesman for Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “Nobody wants to see strike action or disruption for Londoners. The mayor urges the RMT and TfL to get around the table to resolve this matter.”

TfL, which employs around 28,000 staff, insisted its offer was fair and affordable. A spokesperson said: “We are committed to ensuring colleagues are treated fairly and, as well as offering a 3.4% pay increase, we have made progress on concerns about fatigue and rostering. But a reduction in the contractual 35-hour working week is neither practical nor affordable.”

The timing of the strikes will cause maximum disruption. They coincide with Coldplay’s sold-out Wembley Stadium finale, the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, Post Malone’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium performance and a full fixture list of Premier League and Women’s Super League football.

Business groups and opposition politicians have warned of the economic fallout. Keith Prince, London Assembly Conservatives’ transport spokesman, said: “London will be thrown into chaos by these strikes, putting jobs and our economy at risk. TfL must resolve this before it takes place.”

With Britain already losing more than 280,000 working days to strikes in the first half of the year, the announcement piles further pressure on the Labour Government, which pledged to bring stability to industrial relations after inflation-busting public sector pay deals.

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London Tube faces week-long strike as RMT rejects pay offer

Jules White has never been one to follow the traditional sales rulebook. Internationally recognised for her bold “Live it, Love it, Sell it” methodology, she champions authentic, human-centred strategies over pushy tactics.

This is a philosophy that has not only earned her clients worldwide, but also the respect of peers who call her the “Dragon Slayer” for her entrepreneurial courage.

When the pandemic shifted networking and client relationships online, White found a simple yet powerful way to stay connected. She launched Virtual Cuppa with Jules, informal chats that gave her the chance to meet people away from the curated world of social media.

“What started as conversations often sparked on posts became real human connection,” she reflects. “Some meetings have simply led to new friendships or recommendations, while others ended with someone saying, ‘How do I work with you?’ It’s been mind-blowing to see how such a small idea could open so many doors.”

Her message to entrepreneurs who may feel invisible or uncertain in difficult climates is clear: show up. “It’s very easy to retreat when business slows down,” she says. “But if you’re hiding, no one knows about you. Staying visible is crucial. Be present on social media, and most importantly, show up as the real you.”

That visibility, combined with hard work and authenticity, helped White earn recognition at the 2019 Woman Who Achieves Awards. Surrounded by what she describes as “incredibly talented entrepreneurs”, she hadn’t expected to win. “It was a total shock,” she recalls. “I was just proud to be a finalist. But winning made me reflect on my achievements and the fact that I now work all over the world. Who knew?”

For startups and young entrepreneurs eager to carve out their path, White’s advice is rooted in passion and pragmatism. “Do something you love,” she says, “because when you love it, everyone can see it. But don’t underestimate the work it takes. Building a business isn’t about doing a couple of things and waiting for results. It’s hard graft. So love what you do, work hard, and be real.”

Looking back on her own journey, she credits her success not only to resilience but also to her deeply held values. “Integrity has always been huge for me, along with a love of people,” she explains. “Sales is about empathy. I love stepping into someone else’s world and seeing it from their perspective. It’s fascinating, and it creates real connection.”

Resilience, too, has been a defining theme. “I’ve always tried to stay positive,” she adds. “My dad used to tell me, ‘There’s no such word as can’t.’ That’s something I carry with me, and it’s helped me push through the toughest times.”

For Jules White, the formula for success is not complicated. It comes down to visibility, authenticity and a genuine love of people. In an era where businesses are increasingly judged on transparency and purpose, her message resonates: in sales and in leadership, authenticity always wins.

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Why authenticity wins in business: insights from Jules White

Welsh IT and technology solutions specialist Team Metalogic has been named one of the world’s top 200 managed service providers, achieving 187th place in the prestigious MSP 501 list compiled by Channel Futures.

The Caerphilly-based firm is the only Welsh company to feature in the 2025 rankings, placing 11th across the UK and Europe. The MSP 501 is regarded as the global benchmark for excellence in the sector, recognising the most successful and innovative providers based on growth, recurring revenues, service innovation and client outcomes.

With more than 150,000 managed service providers worldwide, competition for a spot on the list is fierce. The global market, valued at nearly $300 billion in 2023, is forecast to more than double by 2030.

In addition to its overall ranking, Team Metalogic has also been named to the Next Generation MSP list, a select group of providers recognised for embracing emerging technologies and pioneering service models.

Founded in 2003 by CEO Mike Parfitt with “one laptop and one desk”, the company now employs 17 people and generates annual revenues of £2.2 million. It works with ambitious clients across regulated and growth-focused sectors such as community banks, investment firms, law practices, dental businesses, retail and healthcare. Recent successes include helping one dental practice increase turnover fifteenfold through strategic technology planning.

Parfitt said the accolade was both a proud moment for Wales and recognition of his team’s long-term commitment “The MSP 501 is recognised as the global benchmark for excellence among managed IT service providers. To represent Wales on a global stage and see our name alongside some of the biggest providers in the industry is an honour.

This recognition is about our results, but the real reason we achieve them is our people. Our culture, our shared purpose and our commitment to building long-term relationships are what make the difference.”

He added that Team Metalogic’s role has evolved from providing traditional IT support to acting as a strategic growth partner: “Whether a client has two employees or two hundred, we align the right technology to their goals so they can grow faster, work smarter and do it more sustainably. That’s why I believe we’ve been recognised as a Next Generation MSP.”

Parfitt said the firm’s strong culture was what drove both client loyalty and staff retention.

“You can have the best technology in the world, but it’s the people who make it work. Our team’s drive, care and shared sense of purpose are our real differentiators. They’re the reason clients stay with us, trust us, and grow with us.”

He concluded: “To rank 187th in the world and 11th in the UK and Europe is something we’re hugely proud of. With more than 150,000 managed service providers globally, it’s a real achievement to stand out at this level. It reflects not only how far we’ve come, but also the trust our clients place in us every day.”

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Welsh IT firm ranked among world’s top 200 managed service providers

Government borrowing came in well below expectations in July, offering some short-term relief to chancellor Rachel Reeves as she prepares her autumn budget.

Public sector net borrowing totalled £1.1 billion last month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said – less than half the £2.6 billion forecast by economists and below the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) £2.1 billion projection.

The undershoot was driven by stronger self-assessment receipts and lower debt costs. July is a key month for income tax revenues, and self-assessment payments climbed to £15.5 billion, up £2.7 billion year-on-year. At the same time, debt interest payments stood at £7 billion, £1.5 billion lower than OBR estimates.

Overall, tax receipts rose by £6.1 billion to £77.6 billion, led by income tax and national insurance contributions. Public spending reached £92.1 billion, up £5.3 billion from a year earlier, with state pensions and day-to-day departmental costs continuing to rise alongside inflation.

So far this fiscal year, borrowing has reached £60 billion, broadly in line with the OBR’s forecast of £59.9 billion. However, the underlying budget deficit – a key fiscal rule measure – is running £5.7 billion above projections, intensifying the challenge for Reeves as she looks to balance revenues with spending.

Economists remain divided on the size of the gap. Capital Economics suggests the chancellor may need to plug a shortfall of up to £27 billion after Labour reversed welfare and winter fuel cuts, while the National Institute for Economic and Social Research (NIESR) places the figure closer to £40 billion.

The OBR’s updated projections at the autumn budget will be critical. Analysts expect it to cut long-run productivity estimates and trim assumptions for interest rate reductions, both of which would weigh on the public finances.

Still, July’s data suggests borrowing is broadly tracking expectations. Martin Beck, chief economist at WPI Strategy, said: “A deficit of 4% of GDP isn’t a fiscal crisis, but it is uncomfortably high for an economy close to full employment. Borrowing in line with the OBR’s forecast is one reason to think that talk of a huge black hole in the public finances is overstated.”

Darren Jones, chief secretary to the Treasury, said the government remained focused on bringing borrowing down: “Far too much taxpayer money is spent on interest payments for the longstanding national debt. That’s why we’re driving down borrowing across this parliament so working people don’t have to foot the bill.”

Markets now expect the Bank of England to hold interest rates at 4 per cent for the rest of the year, which could push annual debt servicing costs higher from their current level of around £100 billion.

Read more:
UK government borrowing lower than forecast in July as tax receipts rise

Marks & Spencer will spend £340 million on a giant automated warehouse in Northamptonshire as it accelerates efforts to double the size of its food business.

The 1.3 million sq ft facility, to be built at Daventry’s international rail freight terminal, represents the retailer’s biggest supply chain investment in its history. It will create 2,000 jobs during construction and a further 1,000 permanent roles once fully operational in 2029.

Products moving through the warehouse will be handled by automated cranes and small robots, streamlining the flow of goods to stores across the Midlands and northern Home Counties. M&S said the move will improve product availability, cut costs and future-proof its logistics network.

Alex Freudmann, managing director of M&S Food, said: “We’re transforming M&S into a destination for the weekly shop and modernising our supply chain is central to that ambition. By using the latest, proven automation, we are future-proofing both our business and UK retail logistics.”

The warehouse, developed by real estate group Prologis with logistics partner TGW, will underpin chief executive Stuart Machin’s ambition to make M&S a serious rival to the major supermarkets. The company plans to expand its food hall estate from 324 to 420 stores over the next four years, with average sizes growing to 14,000 sq ft, up from 8,000 sq ft last year.

M&S food sales rose 8.7 per cent to £9 billion in its last financial year, but profits are expected to take a £300 million hit from April’s cyber-attack, which disrupted Ocado deliveries. Recent NielsenIQ data showed a recovery, with sales up 6.7 per cent year-on-year over the 12 weeks to 9 August.

The new Daventry hub comes alongside a 390,000 sq ft distribution centre in Avonmouth, Bristol, announced earlier this year.

Shares in M&S are down more than 8 per cent in 2025.

Read more:
Marks & Spencer to build £340m robot-powered warehouse creating 3,000 jobs

The number of young women out of work, education or training has climbed to its highest level in almost a decade, fuelling a rise in so-called NEETs across the UK.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that 450,000 women aged 16 to 24 were classed as not in employment, education or training in the three months to June — the highest level since 2016.

Most of the women were economically inactive, meaning they were not working and not looking for work, while just under a third were unemployed but actively seeking jobs.

The increase highlights persistent weaknesses in the youth labour market, where vacancies have fallen sharply and higher taxes are discouraging hiring.

Young men still make up the majority of NEETs, at 497,000, but their number has fallen from last year’s peak. Around 224,000 were unemployed, while 273,000 were economically inactive.

In total, almost 950,000 people aged 16 to 24 were classed as NEETs in June, an increase of 26,000 compared with the same period last year, just before the general election.

The rise comes amid broader labour market pressures, with unemployment across the adult population climbing to 4.7 per cent.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for urgent measures to tackle the trend, including: a state-backed scheme to help young people launch businesses, subsidised work placements for those at risk of long-term inactivity due to health problems and incentives for firms taking on apprentices.

Tina McKenzie, policy chair at the FSB, said: “This trio of measures could make a huge dent in these NEETs figures, reducing the total by 100,000 each year. We know ambition among young people is there, but it needs to be recognised and nurtured, otherwise we’re letting talent wither away because routes into work or training aren’t clear enough.”

Last year, former work and pensions secretary Mel Stride warned that young men were also being drawn away from the labour market by “online obsessions” including gaming and pornography, alongside a “marked increase in mental health conditions” among 16 to 24-year-olds.

Read more:
NEETs near one million as jobless young women hit near-decade high

Airbus is facing the prospect of a global production slowdown after workers at its flagship UK site voted overwhelmingly to strike in a dispute over pay.

More than 3,000 members of the Unite union at the Broughton plant in North Wales – which builds wings for all Airbus commercial jets – will stage a 10-day walkout next month unless agreement is reached. The site is a crucial cog in Airbus’s global supply chain, supplying components to assembly lines in France, Germany, the US and China.

The union has warned that the action could “bring jet production to a standstill” at a time when Airbus is under pressure to ramp up output and work through a record backlog of orders. Airbus delivered 735 aircraft last year and is targeting at least 820 deliveries in 2025, with plans to reach 75 aircraft per month of its best-selling A320neo family by 2027.

The industrial action follows months of negotiations between management and the union. Airbus tabled a 3.6 per cent rise for 2025 followed by 3.15 per cent in 2026 – an offer accepted by more than 3,000 white-collar staff – but Unite rejected the deal in favour of a one-year settlement.

Airbus subsequently offered a 3.3 per cent increase this year, with a further 0.3 per cent from January, alongside a £200 top-up payment. Unite members rejected the revised package, insisting that any deal must reflect the cost of living, inflationary pressures and what the union described as the “specialised skills” of the workforce.

Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said: “Airbus is generating billions in profit. Our members are simply seeking fairness, not favours. This workforce is vital to Airbus’s success, and they will not be short-changed.”

Airbus pointed to previous settlements that have delivered a 20 per cent cumulative pay increase over the past three years, plus bonuses of more than £13,000, including a £2,644 payout in April.

Sue Partridge, Airbus UK’s head of commercial aircraft, said: “Our priority remains to find a resolution together with the trade union that ensures the long-term competitiveness and success of Airbus in the UK.”

The strike is scheduled to begin on 2 September and will also involve a few hundred Unite members at Airbus’s Filton site near Bristol, which manufactures wings for the A400M military transport aircraft.

Analysts said that while Airbus traditionally builds up a reserve of completed wings during its annual two-week summer shutdown, prolonged disruption could ripple across its global network. With rival Boeing still recovering from quality-control crises and its own strike action last year, any production delays at Airbus could undermine its dominant position as the world’s largest planemaker.

The Broughton dispute comes at a sensitive time for the French-headquartered group, which is balancing a record commercial backlog with pressure from airlines to deliver jets on time. With global carriers forecasting strong demand for new, fuel-efficient aircraft, a bottleneck in wing production could leave Airbus exposed to missed delivery targets.

Unite has said it remains open to talks, but insists its members’ demands must be met. “This strike is avoidable,” a union source said. “But Airbus must come back with a deal that properly values the people whose skills keep its production lines moving.”

Read more:
UK strike threat risks halting Airbus’s global jet production

British manufacturers face hundreds of millions of pounds in additional costs each year after the United States sharply increased tariffs on exports containing steel and aluminium.

President Trump has extended so-called Section 232 measures, imposing a 25 per cent duty on a wide range of finished goods including construction machinery, automotive components, pumps, compressors and even furniture.

The move, which follows lobbying by the American steel industry, comes despite an assumption that UK exporters were settled at a 10 per cent tariff under previous agreements.

Among the hardest hit is JCB, the Midlands-based construction equipment maker and one of the UK’s largest private companies. Industry groups also warn of repercussions for the renewables sector, with wind turbine suppliers and other clean energy manufacturers exposed to higher costs.

Jeffrey Kessler, US under-secretary of commerce for industry and security, said the action “expands the reach of the steel and aluminium tariffs and shuts down avenues for circumvention, supporting the continued revitalisation of the American steel and aluminium industries.”

Philip Bell, president of the US Steel Manufacturers Association, added: “The steel tariffs are necessary for the national security that a strong steel industry provides. One of President Trump’s signature achievements of his second term is renewing and strengthening the steel tariffs.”

The US market for UK goods affected is estimated to be worth £1.5 billion. Crucially, the tariffs apply to products already in transit.

The Construction Equipment Association (CEA) confirmed that from 18 August, UK-origin machinery and key components will face the 25 per cent duty. For non-UK exporters of such goods, the tariff is even higher at 50 per cent.

However, the CEA warned that complex compliance rules could further increase costs. If exporters cannot prove the percentage of metal content in goods at the point of entry, US Customs may levy the tariff on the full value of the product.

“For complex machines made from thousands of components, many sourced from suppliers who do not provide detailed material breakdowns, complying with these rules will be extremely difficult in practice,” said Viki Bell, chief executive of the CEA. “Initial analysis indicates that major UK exporters could face additional costs running into hundreds of millions of pounds each year.”

Business groups are urging the UK government to intervene. The British Chambers of Commerce said firms urgently need clarity and practical support.

“The Section 232 tariffs are a concern for UK exporters, their orders, prices and long-standing customer relationships in the US,” said William Bain, head of trade policy. “With inflation rising and cost pressures biting, government intervention would provide the certainty that many export supply chains to the US need.”

The Department for Business and Trade has yet to comment.

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UK manufacturers hit by 25% US tariffs on steel and aluminium exports

Two in five UK crypto investors have had payments blocked or delayed by their bank when trying to buy digital assets, according to new research by IG.

The study highlights growing tensions between retail investors and high street lenders, with 40% of crypto users saying they had faced restrictions when attempting to purchase tokens.

Banks typically justify such interventions on the grounds of fraud prevention. However, the UK public appears unconvinced by that reasoning. When asked, 42% of adults said they opposed banks interfering in crypto transactions, compared with just 33% who supported such action.

For many investors, the restrictions are more than an inconvenience. More than a third (35%) of respondents said they had switched banks to one more amenable to crypto purchases, while 29% had filed a formal complaint. A further 22% reduced the size of their transactions to avoid being blocked, and 10% said they had abandoned their attempts altogether.

The findings come amid growing warnings that the UK risks falling behind in the international race to attract digital asset businesses. Former Chancellor George Osborne recently argued that the country risked “missing the boat altogether”, singling out banking restrictions as a key reason why the UK is losing ground to rivals.

Michael Healy, UK managing director at IG, said: “We’re in a damaging position where millions of people are effectively being locked out of crypto just because of who they bank with. This kind of behaviour is at best anti-consumer, at worst anti-competitive – and it’s not backed by the public.

“This overreach from banks is only possible because there’s still no clear UK regulatory framework in place governing crypto. Until that changes, responsible firms and investors will be penalised. If the government is serious about making the UK a home for crypto innovation, it needs to act.”

According to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), 12% of UK adults currently hold crypto assets. IG’s latest survey suggests adoption is rising sharply, with 25% of respondents now claiming to be invested.

Read more:
Two in five UK crypto investors say banks blocked their payments

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Beyond ETFs: New XRP Cloud Mining Contracts Help Beginners Earn $3,100 Per Day