Friends with benefits: how referral schemes can really pay off
Earn money and other rewards by linking friends and family up to companies you use, from banks to energy firms
Urban Outfitters, Dreams and Royal Parks cafes criticised for use of gig economy app
TUC urges ministers to bring forward changes to protect workers amid concerns over apps such as Temper
Friday briefing: How Britain’s high streets became a barometer of national decline
In today’s newsletter: As boarded‑up units spread from coastal towns to former industrial centres, a new Guardian investigation reveals how our high streets have become a litmus test for public frustration and political choices
Ocado says Canadian partner closing robotic warehouse in latest setback
Shares in Ocado fall almost 10% after revealing Sobeys will close Calgary site that uses UK group’s delivery technology
Doom loop of decline: how struggling high streets fuel far-right sympathies in UK
Retail accounts for 5% of the UK economy – but its visibility gives it an outsize influence on public perception
The Original Factory Shop calls in administrators, putting 1,200 jobs at risk
Homeware chain will continue to trade on high streets while administrators ‘assess options’ for business
Labour risks election wipeout unless it improves Britain’s high streets, study finds
Decay of town centres a top issue among voters especially Reform UK supporters and is fuelling resentment against Westminster
‘You’d be ashamed to bring someone here’: The struggling billionaire-owned high street that shows Reform’s road to No 10
Newton Aycliffe was meant to be a model town for a fairer postwar Britain. But unaffordable rents on a high street amounting to 0.12% of its property tycoon owner’s holdings have made it a symbol of decline – and a warning for Labour
How has your local high street changed since 2019? Check your postcode
The makeup of Great Britain’s high streets has changed dramatically. See what the data says about where you live
Hobbycraft issues full recall of asbestos-tainted children’s play sand
Craft retailer says there is ‘risk to health’ after some vials in Giant Box of Craft set contained fibrous tremolite asbestos
National insurance hike and energy bills behind food price rise, say UK retailers
Latest BRC figures show year-on-year rate of increase was 3.9% in January, up from 3.3% the month before
UK supermarkets push for Amazon soy safeguards after traders abandon ban
European retailers urge traders to adhere to commitments after Brazilian lawmakers wreck forest protection pact
Waterstones boss defends government’s business rates shake-up
James Daunt is relaxed about bills and the higher living wage, and says bookselling is having ‘a nice time’
‘We need Target to stand up’: activists in Minneapolis press retailer amid ICE arrests at its stores
Activists say the retailer has met with clergy but not spoken out against ICE or safeguarded employees and customers
Asbestos found in children’s play sand sold in UK
Hobbycraft removes product from sale after parent sent samples to a lab for testing but declines to issue a recall