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UK Edition
22nd April 2026
 
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THE HOT STORY

Employers offered slightly higher pay deals in Q1

Research by human resources data publisher Brightmine has found that UK employers offered slightly higher pay deals in the first quarter of 2026 but early signs ​of softness emerged in April. Brightmine said the median pay deal was 3.5% in the ‌three ⁠months to March, up from 3.3% in the previous two quarters. Initial analysis indicated a median pay award of 3% for April, a key month for settlements.  "While increases remain broadly ​in ⁠line with expectations, there is little evidence of upward pressure building," observed Sheila Attwood, senior content manager of data ⁠and ​HR insights at Brightmine.
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WORKFORCE

UK unemployment rate drops unexpectedly

Unemployment in the UK fell to 4.9% in the three months to February, down from 5.2% in January, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is expected to lead to job cuts. Wage growth also slowed, with private sector pay growth dropping to 3.2%. Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the ONS, noted: "The number of workers on payroll remained broadly flat in recent periods, reflecting ongoing weak hiring." The EY Item Club forecasts unemployment could rise to 5.8% by mid-2027 due to the crisis.
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TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

McDonald's invests in staff amid challenges

McDonald's UK chief Lauren Schultz said the company will continue investing in restaurants and staff despite facing significant challenges. She noted that the fast food chain has kept its hiring levels stable, employing between 70 and 130 staff per restaurant, even as wage costs rise. Schultz acknowledged the difficulties in the current business environment, saying: "It's hard to do business right now." Additionally, McDonald's plans to offer five-day placements for 16 to 25-year-olds to help combat increasing youth unemployment.
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HIRING

Vacancies surge in financial services

Job vacancies in London's financial services sector increased by 15% in Q1, according to research by Morgan McKinley. This follows a 13% decline at the end of last year. Mark Astbury from Morgan McKinley said: "While this is partly a seasonal rebound, it demonstrates that hiring is moving in the right direction."
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ECONOMY

UK consumer confidence falls to lowest level since mid-2023

UK consumer confidence has dropped to its lowest level since mid-2023, according to surveys from S&P Global and Deloitte, as rising inflation, weaker wage growth and geopolitical tensions weigh on household sentiment. S&P Global’s index fell to 42.3, a 33-month low, while Deloitte reported a similar decline, with both surveys highlighting worsening perceptions of household finances and job security. The downturn has been linked in part to the economic impact of the Middle East conflict, which has driven energy prices higher and increased uncertainty.
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LEGAL

Financial services firms struggle to gauge social mobility

Research by the UK's Financial Reporting Council, law firm Lewis Silkin and Progress Together suggests that financial services firms are struggling to measure how social mobility barriers affect employees, making it harder to tackle inequality in the workplace. The study found that workers from lower socio-economic backgrounds face common obstacles worldwide, including lack of confidence, weaker informal networks and fewer opportunities. However, differences in legal systems and cultural attitudes mean firms cannot collect or compare data consistently across countries. As a result, businesses face challenges designing effective talent and progression policies. The report says many firms are now using hybrid approaches, combining limited data with changes to recruitment, promotion processes and leadership practices. Researchers say firms should focus less on data alone and more on creating fairer systems and inclusive cultures that help talented staff progress regardless of background.

Misconduct reports to FCA increase

Reports of misconduct to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rose by 10% to 4,224 in 2024. The annual total has doubled over the past five years. Nicola Sharp, a partner at law firm Rahman Ravelli, says the increase may reflect better reporting rather than worsening behaviour in financial services. She adds that increased scrutiny of non-financial misconduct, such as bullying and sexual harassment, plus new guidance coming into force later this year, may be driving more reports.
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INTERNATIONAL

Trump's Labor Secretary resigns amid probe into misconduct

Donald Trump’s Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer has resigned. She is the third member of Trump’s cabinet to leave their post in less than two months. In January, the New York Post reported that the Labor Department's inspector general was looking into complaints that Chavez-DeRemer was having an affair with a member of her security detail, drinking alcohol on the job, and using taxpayer-funded travel to visit with friends and family members. Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling is to take on the role of Acting Secretary of Labor.

Strike looms at Inpex's LNG plant in Australia

Workers at Japanese energy company Inpex's Ichthys ​liquefied natural gas facility in Australia have ‌voted against a new employment agreement, in a move that increases the risk of a strike that could exacerbate already tight energy ​supplies globally. "A majority of eligible employees have cast ​their vote and the proposed agreement has ⁠not been endorsed," an Inpex spokesperson said. The Offshore ​Alliance, a grouping of the Maritime Union of ​Australia and the Australian Workers Union, have previously said that the new contract does not meet benchmark industry ​standards for wages and conditions.

Indonesia launches one-day remote work in energy-saving push

Indonesia is rolling out a remote work policy for civil servants to conserve energy amid rising global prices linked to the Middle East conflict. Coordinating Economy Minister Airlangga Hartarto announced the initiative during a presidential visit to Seoul. The measure is part of the “eight-point work culture transformation policy” aimed at energy savings. Additional measures include limiting fuel sales, reducing the use of official vehicles by 50%, and cutting official travel budgets. Hartarto said: "This is essential for our energy conservation efforts."
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OTHER

UK to ban cigarette sales for future generations

Children born from January 1, 2009 will be permanently banned from purchasing cigarettes following the passing of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to create a smoke-free generation. The legislation, which was recently finalised by both the Commons and Lords, provides new regulatory powers for ministers over tobacco and vaping products, including restrictions on vaping in specific public places. Health Secretary Wes Streeting hailed the bill as a significant advance for public health.
 
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