UK business confidence falls to record low amid rising employment costs

Survey of bosses shows energy prices also a concern, as Bank policymakers warn inflation may take longer to drop

Jobs to go at Lincolnshire oil refinery; UK economy grew faster than thought under Labour – as it happened

Insolvency firm running Lindsey oil refinery announces job losses after collapse of parent company Prax Group

Looming funding cuts to the US food assistance program come as food prices continue to rise under Trump’s administration

Researchers say findings show inequality creates toxic environment and reducing it is ‘a public health imperative’

Core disinflation process will continue as wage growth slows, BoE deputy governor explains

Conference speech sets out likely Labour economic argument at next general election and pitch to party

While Javier Milei’s shock therapy to tame inflation has won support from Washington and the IMF, ordinary Argentinians seem less impressed

Federal workers say they have little choice but to depart, with 100,000 leaving under deferred resignation program

After being promised last year they could ‘partner’ with party on policy, many executives are asking what happened

Retailers stock up on countdown gifts as Britain’s enthusiasm for (and spending on) spooky holiday grows

President places new duties on cabinets, vanities and sofas but national-security justification prompts puzzlement

Rate-setter Swati Dhingra denies high inflation is a ‘particularly British problem’ and says short-term factors are to blame

Britain will ‘actively engage’ with US over possible 100% duties, with truck and cabinet makers also in firing line

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news

Rachel Reeves may have to find up to £30bn in tax rises or spending cuts if forecaster revisits expectations