Alan Jones

The median pay gap between FTSE 100 chief executives and their workers has widened to 130:1, its highest level in eight years. Median CEO pay reached £5.06 million, up 8.6% in a year, while FTSE 100 companies spent more than £850 million on executive remuneration. The High Pay Centre argues that excessive executive compensation comes at the expense of wider workforce pay and is calling for reforms to corporate pay-setting rules. The report comes amid broader concerns about the UK labour market, with research indicating that one in two adults worry about employment, one in eight employers made redundancies in the past year, and real wages have begun to stagnate.

LNER train drivers represented by Aslef are preparing to ballot for strike action after nine months of negotiations failed to produce an acceptable pay offer, despite agreement on a three‑year productivity deal. Union leaders blame third‑party interference for blocking progress, while LNER says talks are ongoing. The dispute follows a wider pay agreement reached in 2024 that increased drivers’ salaries. Separately, a planned Merseyrail strike was suspended after workers received an improved pay offer.

UK job adverts reached 1.7 million in June, rising 9% from May and 11% year on year, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation. Hiring increased particularly for delivery drivers, couriers, performers, presenters and pest control officers, while agriculture, retail and hospitality also saw growth. Anglesey, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and Cheshire recorded the largest regional increases. The data suggests more companies are acting on hiring plans, although youth unemployment remains a major concern, with more than one million 16- to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training and an estimated annual cost of £125 billion.

Job vacancies in the UK rose to 1.7 million in June, with strong demand for delivery drivers, couriers, entertainers and pest control officers, while regions such as Anglesey, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and Cheshire saw the largest growth. Seasonal hiring contributed to increases across agriculture, retail and hospitality. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation cited renewed business confidence but warned of seasonal effects. Alan Milburn highlighted the escalating youth unemployment crisis, attributing rising NEET numbers to systemic failure that limits entry‑level opportunities and risks creating a lost generation.

Royal Mail reported 2,019 dog attacks on its workers, an 8% annual decrease but still an average of 38 incidents per week. Sheffield recorded the highest number of attacks, while many incidents occurred at front doors, in gardens or through letterboxes. Bristol postwoman Katy Davies suffered puncture wounds, tendon damage, infection and lasting psychological distress after being attacked by a dog she had previously considered friendly. Royal Mail is urging owners to secure dogs before opening doors or accepting deliveries and to consider measures such as dog gates and external letterboxes.

Research shows that only a fifth of UK employers plan to offer flexible hours during the World Cup despite late-night England matches, including a 1 a.m. kickoff against Mexico. The Chartered Management Institute and CIPD urge employers to discuss expectations and consider flexible working options such as adjusted hours, leave arrangements, shift swaps, or remote work to support staff without harming business performance.

England's World Cup victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo produced record mobile-network traffic in the UK. EE recorded an all-time peak 42% above average Wednesday levels, while O2's traffic exceeded its previous record by 20.4%; BBC iPlayer traffic rose 380% compared with a typical weekday afternoon. The match also boosted high-street activity, with footfall increasing 7.4% week on week nationally and rising sharply in London, particularly around office-dense locations.

England’s 2–1 World Cup victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo produced record traffic on EE and O2 networks as supporters streamed the match during the evening commute. EE traffic peaked 42% above average, while O2 recorded its largest-ever spike, with BBC iPlayer traffic up 380% compared with a typical weekday afternoon. The match also boosted high-street footfall, particularly in London, as fans left work early to gather in pubs, bars and fan zones, suggesting major sporting events are increasingly supporting the hospitality and wider evening economies.

Great Britain continues to rank among the safest countries for workplace safety, according to a Health and Safety Executive comparison with 35 other nations. Provisional figures recorded 126 work-related deaths in 2025/26, down from 217 two decades ago and 495 in 1981, although construction, agriculture, forestry and fishing remain particularly dangerous sectors. Falls from height were the leading cause of fatal injuries, and older workers were disproportionately represented. Separate figures showed 2,146 mesothelioma deaths in 2024, a decline linked to reduced exposure to asbestos, though occupational safety experts warned that fatality rates have remained broadly unchanged in recent years and called for renewed prevention efforts.

Thousands of current and former civil servants remain waiting for pension payments, retirement quotes and other decisions after Capita missed the government’s 30 June deadline to make significant progress on its £239 million Civil Service Pensions contract. The PCS union called the failure unacceptable and urged ministers to remove Capita and bring administration back in-house. The Cabinet Office acknowledged that service levels were unacceptable, said an urgent recovery plan was under way, and promised to use commercial measures to hold Capita accountable. The government previously terminated Capita’s Royal Mail statutory pension scheme contract after the company missed transition milestones, including required IT automation.

Thousands of civil servants remain without pension payments after Capita missed a government deadline tied to a major Civil Service pensions contract. The PCS union criticised the company’s failure to meet obligations and called for the contract to be brought back in‑house. The Cabinet Office described service levels as unacceptable and said a recovery plan is in place while it assesses next steps. The article also notes the recent termination of Capita’s Royal Mail pension scheme contract after it failed to meet transition milestones.

The Resolution Foundation says targeted subsidies are more cost-effective than employer tax cuts for tackling the UK’s youth employment crisis. It estimates that a £3,000 youth jobs grant would create additional jobs at about £36,700 each, while a jobs guarantee would cost roughly £38,000 per job—far less than abolishing employer National Insurance contributions. However, the existing schemes are too small to substantially reduce the number of young people not in employment, education or training, which has surpassed one million. Expanding the grants and extending eligibility for the jobs guarantee could help around 37,000 more young people into work. The warning comes amid estimates that youth unemployment costs Britain £125 billion annually and could create a lost generation without urgent action.

A King's College London study of more than 8,200 working fathers found that 17 percent of fathers currently working remotely would resign rather than return to the office full time. Fathers said they wanted at least two work-from-home days per week, roughly twice as many as employers typically allow. The research also found that remote-working fathers may receive less favorable promotion assessments, highlighting tensions between flexible work, career progression and changing family and gender roles.

Research by King’s College London involving more than 8,200 working fathers found that about 17 percent of fathers currently working remotely would resign rather than return to the office full time. Fathers wanted roughly twice as many work-from-home days as employers typically allowed, while remote workers were reportedly viewed less favorably for promotion. Professor Heejung Chung said flexible working enables fathers to participate more in family life and is contributing to changing ideas about masculinity and gender roles.

Royal Mail has launched a campaign inviting children aged four to 17 to send letters supporting the England and Scotland men's World Cup teams through dedicated Freepost addresses. Chief executive Alistair Cochrane said the initiative aims to strengthen community spirit and encourage young people to rediscover letter writing. The article also reports Scotland's win over Haiti and defeat by Morocco, alongside England's 4-2 victory over Croatia and upcoming match against Ghana.

Generation Z is experiencing a mini rebound in early-career pay, with people born in the late 1990s earning 12 percent more in real weekly pay at age 24 than those born in the late 1980s. Those born in the early 2000s are earning more at age 24 than cohorts born as far back as the 1950s. The Resolution Foundation warns that rising prices and weaker economic growth could threaten this improvement.

Research from the Resolution Foundation finds that Gen Z workers in the United Kingdom have experienced a mini rebound in pay compared with millennials. Those born in the late 1990s earned 12% more in real weekly pay at age 24 than people born in the late 1980s, while workers born in the early 2000s earned more at age 24 than any cohort born since the 1950s. The improvement follows weak wage growth and economic stagnation that affected millennials, whose careers began around the 2008 financial crisis. The rebound may be threatened by higher prices and weaker economic growth linked to conflict in the Middle East.

A Unison survey of more than 19,000 NHS staff found widespread concerns about leaking sewage, vermin infestations, inadequate toilets and other dangerous conditions across hospitals, clinics and ambulance stations. Nearly one-third of respondents said conditions had deteriorated over the past year, while one in seven considered their workplace unsafe. Unison health chief Helga Pile said the NHS estate was in a dreadful state and should not expose staff or patients to harm.

A Unison survey of more than 19,000 NHS staff found widespread reports of rats, bedbugs, other infestations, leaking sewage, asbestos and unusable toilets across hospitals, clinics and ambulance stations. One in seven respondents considered their workplace unsafe, nearly one-third said conditions had deteriorated over the previous year, and staff linked the problems to underfunding and maintenance cuts. The findings come amid a broader NHS capacity crisis in which thousands of patients are reportedly being treated in corridors and other unsuitable spaces because emergency departments lack beds.

At least 1.4 million people were summoned to court over unpaid council tax in the 2024/25 financial year, according to freedom of information responses from 200 local authorities obtained by the GMB. The union said the true figure is likely higher because some councils did not respond. GMB national secretary Rachel Harrison described the council tax system as broken, criticized outdated banding and austerity-related funding pressures, and called for greater central government funding, reform so wealthier households pay more, and changes to business rates.

UK employers are being urged to establish clear policies for annual leave, sickness absence, attendance and flexible working ahead of the World Cup. Acas advises businesses to consider allowing staff to start later, finish earlier or make up missed hours while maintaining required staffing levels, and warns that unauthorised or patterned absences may lead to formal proceedings. Matches in Canada, Mexico and the United States will take place at times ranging from 5pm to 5am in the UK.

A survey of 1,000 UK businesses by Acas found that one in three employers may make staff redundant by early 2027, with larger companies more likely than smaller firms to plan job cuts. Acas director Kevin Rowan urged employers to explore alternatives and consult staff early, warning that failure to do so could result in costly legal proceedings. The findings come amid reports that up to 2,000 BBC jobs may be at risk under a 15% cost-cutting plan.

A survey of 1,000 businesses conducted by Acas found that about one in three employers may implement redundancies by early 2027, with larger companies more likely to plan job cuts. Acas urged employers to consider alternatives and comply with consultation and legal requirements to avoid costly disputes. The findings come as the BBC prepares to reduce BBC News costs by around 15%, with as many as 2,000 jobs reportedly at risk.

A TUC survey of 500 parents with children under seven found that one in three had left a job because employers did not offer sufficient flexible working. A similar share said requests for flexibility were rejected in full or in part, while three-quarters would be more likely to apply for jobs advertising flexible arrangements. Nearly one in five parents were unaware of their legal right to request flexible working. The TUC says flexibility remains stigmatised and is calling on the government to require employers to advertise potential flexibility in job roles.

A TUC survey of 500 parents with children under seven found that one in three had left a job because flexible working was unavailable, while a similar proportion had requests rejected. Three-quarters said flexible working would make them more likely to apply for a job, although nearly one in five did not know they had a legal right to request it. The TUC says flexible working remains stigmatized and urges the government to go beyond making it the default by requiring employers to advertise roles with possible flexibility.

Royal Mail workers voted to accept a new working-arrangements agreement and a 4.5% pay increase, with approval rates of 65% and 72% respectively, though turnout was about one-third. Business Secretary Peter Kyle welcomed the deal as a new chapter for the national postal service while calling for major operational improvements. Royal Mail missed its delivery targets for another year: 75.7% of first-class mail arrived the next working day and 90.2% of second-class mail within three working days, both below Ofcom’s standards. Ofcom said it was very concerned and was expected to investigate, while Royal Mail attributed some recent disruption to severe storms and staff illness.

Department for Education staff represented by the PCS union will be balloted for industrial action over plans to close six offices in England, which workers say could force longer commutes, relocations or job losses. PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote criticized the department for rejecting flexible-working alternatives. The dispute follows a social media video featuring Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and television personality Gemma Collins discussing how to support children with limited educational qualifications.

A House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has given Ofcom six months to demonstrate that it can effectively regulate the modern postal market, warning that statutory changes may be needed. The ultimatum follows Royal Mail’s continuing failure to meet delivery targets: only 74.9% of first-class mail reportedly arrived the next day between April 2025 and January 2026, leaving an estimated 126 million letters late. MPs linked delays to missed hospital appointments, delayed benefit decisions and late-arriving fines, while raising concerns that parcel companies benefit from Royal Mail’s universal service without bearing sufficient infrastructure costs. Ofcom defended its record, citing more than £37 million in fines and an improvement plan requiring Royal Mail to invest £500 million. The Communication Workers Union welcomed the committee’s findings but called for deeper reforms to Ofcom and Royal Mail.

More than 3,300 people sell the Big Issue across the UK, collectively earning £3.3 million in the past year, with over 60 percent able to accept digital payments. Big Issue Recruit supported more than 500 job seekers in 2025, preparing two-thirds for employment, while the wider organization says it has supported over 108,000 vendors since 1991 and invested more than £100 million in purpose-driven businesses. Polling conducted for the 35th anniversary found widespread pessimism about economic opportunities for younger generations and uncertainty over which political party could reduce unemployment.

West Midlands Railway passengers face severe disruption from planned TSSA strike action affecting services across the West Midlands and surrounding counties. The union is seeking parity with other unions over rest-day pay, while the operator has advised customers to travel only if necessary, with very limited services, no trains after 7pm on Friday and no services before 7am on Saturday. Separately, London Underground strikes were called off after management agreed to further discussions over rosters, fatigue and safety, although the RMT warned that further action could follow if progress is insufficient.

The RMT union cancelled planned London Underground driver strikes scheduled for 19 and 21 May, as well as strikes planned for 16 and 18 June, after Transport for London shifted its position to allow further talks on new rosters, fatigue and safety. The RMT continues to oppose the proposed four-day working week and announced alternative strike dates of 2 and 4 June if negotiations fail. Aslef supports the TfL proposal, while TfL says the voluntary four-day week would improve drivers’ work-life balance and service reliability.

The RMT has cancelled planned London Underground strikes scheduled for 19 and 21 May and 16 and 18 June after Transport for London shifted its position and agreed to further discussions on rosters, fatigue and safety. The union warned that the dispute remains unresolved and announced possible 24-hour strikes on 2 and 4 June if no agreement is reached. The dispute centers on TfL’s proposed four-day working week, which the RMT opposes while Aslef supports as an improvement in working conditions.

The number of new UK job adverts fell to 711,733 in April, down 7.7% from March and 5.6% year on year. Demand declined sharply for aircraft pilots and travel agents, while vacancies for nannies, au pairs, sales executives and delivery drivers increased. The slowdown is attributed to the Easter holidays, higher employment costs and uncertainty linked to conflict in the Middle East. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation warned that political instability in the UK could further weaken hiring, although earlier research suggested that 71% of businesses expect to increase recruitment by 2026, particularly in engineering, hospitality and construction.

Demand has risen for nannies, au pairs, sales executives and delivery drivers in the UK, while vacancies for aircraft pilots, air traffic controllers, travel agents and train drivers have fallen sharply. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation reported 711,733 new job adverts in April, down 7.7% from March and 5.6% year on year, attributing the slowdown to seasonal holidays, higher employment costs and uncertainty linked to tensions in the Middle East. Recruitment experts see cautious potential for stronger hiring in 2026, particularly in engineering, hospitality and construction, but businesses remain constrained by rising costs. Remote work is also increasingly competitive, with searches for remote roles rising 85% while such positions are more than four times harder to secure than office or hybrid jobs.

RMT members working as London Underground drivers are set to stage 24-hour strikes from midday on Tuesday, May 19, and again on Thursday, May 21. Transport for London expects significant disruption, reduced services and early finishes, although buses, the DLR, Elizabeth line, London Overground and trams are expected to operate but be exceptionally busy. The dispute concerns proposed changes to the working week, with further strikes possible in June if no agreement is reached.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has dismissed Donald Trump’s attacks as evidence of an absurd obsession, saying the US president’s criticism reflects opposition to London’s progressive, liberal and multicultural identity. Khan characterized Trump as nativist, protectionist and unilateralist, and accused him of spreading disinformation because London elected a Muslim mayor of Pakistani origin. Trump has previously called Khan a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor” and linked his election to immigration.

London mayor Sadiq Khan has accused Donald Trump of having an “absurd obsession” with him and described London as the antithesis of Trump’s nativist, protectionist and unilateralist worldview. Khan said Trump’s attacks are linked to Londoners electing a Muslim mayor of Pakistani origin and warned that the president had brought extremist views into the mainstream. The comments reignite a dispute dating back to 2015, when Khan criticized Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban, followed by repeated personal attacks from Trump over Khan’s record and immigration in London.

Virgin Media O2 reported a record 17% surge in peak downstream broadband traffic as viewers across the UK watched Arsenal defeat Atlético Madrid in the Champions League semi-final. The increase was 4.2% above the previous record set during Liverpool’s match against Real Madrid. Arsenal advanced to its first Champions League final in 20 years, with Bukayo Saka scoring the decisive goal, while Declan Rice urged supporters to create a sea of red in Budapest and Mikel Arteta praised the team and fans for making history.

BT has launched a campaign warning UK customers that the nationwide transition from analogue to digital landlines is less than a year away. The company says delaying action after receiving provider messages could disrupt essential connections, while describing the switchover as a major upgrade to the country’s communications infrastructure.

UK vehicle production fell 8.2% year on year in March to 72,511 units, driven by weak exports, model changeovers, parts-supply problems and restructuring. Car output declined slightly, while commercial vehicle production dropped 68%. Exports also fell, although overseas buyers still accounted for 70% of production and the EU remained the largest market. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes welcomed measures to reduce electricity costs but urged rapid implementation and called on the UK and EU to avoid trade barriers, including stricter rules of origin for electrified vehicles.

West End performers and stage management staff covered by the collective agreement are set to take part in a consultative online ballot on Saturday strikes and an overtime ban. Equity says negotiations with the Society of London Theatre have stalled because producer proposals do not adequately address pay, holidays, rehearsal time, injury provisions and stage-management pay differentials. General secretary Paul W Fleming warned that a strong ballot result without significant movement from producers could lead to widespread disruption during the summer. A further vote would be required before industrial action could begin.

A months-long strike by more than 40 National Coal Mining Museum workers near Wakefield has ended after staff accepted an improved pay offer negotiated with Unison. The deal increases wages by 10.5%, raising mine guides’ hourly pay to £14.21. Unison criticised the length of the negotiations after rejecting an earlier offer that proposed £1 per hour for skilled trades and 5% for other employees.

Research by the Trades Union Congress found that Black, Asian and other ethnic minority workers in Great Britain are facing worsening racism, bullying and unfair treatment at work. More than 1,000 workers were surveyed, reporting experiences ranging from racist jokes, stereotypes and questions about their English to harassment, threats and violence. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak called for urgent action and said new employer duties under the Employment Rights Act could improve protections against harassment by patients and customers. Earlier research found that more than 120,000 minority ethnic workers had left jobs because of racism.

A 24-hour strike by London Underground drivers represented by the RMT caused severe delays and partial or full suspensions across several Tube lines. A second strike was scheduled for Thursday, with further action possible in May and June. The dispute concerns proposed changes to drivers' working arrangements, including a voluntary four-day week, shift lengths and annual leave; the RMT opposes the changes, while TfL says they would improve reliability and flexibility. London's hospitality sector warned that the disruption could damage trade.

A series of 24-hour strikes by London Underground drivers represented by the RMT caused widespread disruption across the Tube, with several lines suspended and severe delays elsewhere. The dispute concerns proposed changes to working patterns, including a voluntary four-day week, shift lengths and annual leave. RMT official Jared Wood said members unanimously opposed TfL’s proposals, while TfL executive Claire Mann argued that the changes would improve reliability and flexibility without reducing contractual hours. London’s hospitality sector warned that the disruption would damage pubs, restaurants, jobs and local economies, and further Tube and bus strikes were scheduled for later in the week and in May and June.

A Tube drivers’ strike by RMT members is expected to disrupt London Underground services throughout the week, with a separate Stagecoach bus strike also planned. The British Beer and Pub Association warns that the disruption could significantly damage London pubs and restaurants, which generate about £80 million in gross added value between Tuesday and Friday. RMT says the dispute involves shift lengths, annual leave and broader working conditions, while TfL argues that its voluntary four-day working-week proposal would improve reliability without cutting contractual hours or pay.

Two 24-hour RMT strikes are expected to disrupt London Underground services throughout the week, prompting pubs and restaurants to anticipate a sharp decline in trade. The British Beer and Pub Association estimates the disruption could result in an £80 million loss in gross added value between Tuesday and Friday. Transport for London says its proposed four-day working week and related shift changes are voluntary, would not reduce contractual hours, and aim to improve reliability and flexibility.

London Underground drivers represented by the RMT are set to strike for 24 hours from midday on Tuesday and Thursday over TfL proposals for a voluntary four-day working week. The RMT says TfL has failed to compromise, while TfL argues the changes would give drivers an extra day off, preserve contractual hours and improve reliability without additional cost. Services will be heavily disrupted across the Tube network, with no service on several lines and reduced service elsewhere. Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground and tram services are expected to operate normally but be very busy, while some Stagecoach bus routes face a separate strike on Friday.

London Underground drivers represented by the RMT are set to strike for 24 hours from midday on 21 April and again on 23 April over TfL proposals for a voluntary four-day working week. The union says TfL has refused to make concessions, while TfL argues the changes would provide an additional day off without reducing contractual hours and would improve reliability at no extra cost. Services are expected to run on some lines but with significant disruption, with further disruption from a separate Stagecoach bus strike on 24 April.

London Underground drivers represented by the RMT union are scheduled to strike for 24 hours on Tuesday 21 April and Thursday 23 April. The union says Transport for London is trying to impose a four-day working week, while TfL maintains that the proposed changes would be voluntary, preserve contractual hours, improve reliability and give operators an extra day off. Passengers are warned to check services because disruption may continue into the afternoons and evenings after each walkout.

A Trades Union Congress survey of 5,000 employees found that four in five had experienced workplace abuse or violence in the previous year, including physical assaults, threats and sexual harassment. Incidents occurred across sectors such as education, transport and health, but many cases went unreported because workers viewed abuse as part of the job or feared their concerns would be dismissed. The TUC and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health are calling for stronger employer controls and training, as well as renewed government investment in the Health and Safety Executive.

A Trades Union Congress survey of 5,000 employees found that four in five experienced abuse or violence at work during the previous year, including assaults, threats and sexual harassment. More than half reported incidents occurring weekly or more often, while many victims did not report them because they viewed the abuse as part of the job or feared they would not be taken seriously. The TUC is calling for greater investment in the Health and Safety Executive, while occupational safety experts urge employers to assess risks, implement preventive controls, train staff and improve reporting and support systems.

Royal Fleet Auxiliary seafarers represented by the RMT are set to stage a 24-hour strike over pay and working conditions. Members will maintain vessel safety, including moorings and gangways, during the walkout. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said the employer had failed to improve its offer and called on the Ministry of Defence and the employer to address pay, conditions and compliance with national minimum wage legislation. The dispute follows earlier strikes in 2024 and a subsequent improved pay deal that included salary increases, backpay, shorter assignments and better work-life arrangements.

A Unison survey of nearly 1,900 international health workers in the UK found that 43% are considering leaving, with many reporting that they feel unwelcome or unsafe amid anti-immigrant rhetoric. Unison and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges warn that proposed changes to migrant settlement rules and rising visa fees could deepen the NHS staffing crisis by driving away skilled doctors, nurses and other workers.

A Unison survey of nearly 1,900 international health professionals found that 43% are considering leaving the UK, while a quarter feel unwelcome and one-fifth feel unsafe. The union attributes the potential exodus to anti-immigrant rhetoric, rising visa fees and proposed changes that could extend the settlement period for migrant workers. Helga Pile warned that losing overseas staff would worsen the NHS staffing crisis. Jeanette Dickson of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges similarly said the government’s immigration approach is creating a perception that Britain is hostile and racist, discouraging doctors and nurses from working in the country.

Unison research suggests that at least 21,000 NHS roles across England could be eliminated by 2028 as health trusts are required to break even financially. Planned reductions could affect nurses, other clinical staff and support workers through vacancy freezes, restructuring and reduced use of agency staff. Helga Pile of Unison says cutting jobs while staff are already under pressure risks worsening morale and alarming the public.

At least 21,000 jobs across hospitals and other health facilities in England are reportedly expected to be cut by 2028 as NHS trusts try to balance their budgets. Unison says the reductions will affect nurses, other clinical staff and support workers through vacancy freezes, restructuring and reduced agency use. The union argues that years of underfunding and the government’s requirement for trusts to break even are worsening understaffing, staff stress and uncertainty about services.

Nearly half of NHS 111 staff left six ambulance services in England and Wales over the three years to April 2024, according to a Unison study, with turnover reaching 76% in Yorkshire. Heavy workloads, chronic understaffing and abusive callers were cited as key reasons. Unison called for NHS 111 services to be brought back in-house, alongside better pay and increased staffing. Separately, resident doctors in England are due to strike from 7 to 13 April after negotiations with the government failed, with the BMA rejecting a proposed 3.5% pay increase as insufficient to restore lost pay.

Nearly half of the NHS 111 workforce across six ambulance services in England and Wales left their jobs in the three years to April 2024, according to figures released by Unison. Staff cited overwhelming call volumes, chronic understaffing and abuse from callers, while the services recorded around 300,000 days lost to ill health. Turnover was highest in Yorkshire at 76 per cent, followed by South East Coast at 62 per cent and South Central at 44 per cent. Unison is calling for NHS 111 services to be brought back in-house, improved pay and increased staffing. Separately, resident doctors in England will strike for six days in April over jobs and pay, after the British Medical Association said negotiations had deteriorated and a proposed 3.5 per cent pay uplift would not deliver meaningful pay restoration.

The Pension Schemes Bill has passed its third reading in the House of Lords and will return to the House of Commons for MPs to consider amendments. The legislation seeks to improve defined contribution pension schemes through better information, consolidation of savings and improved member returns. A contentious reserve power could require schemes to invest in productive UK assets, prompting concerns about indirect government mandates and several defeats for the Government during the Bill’s passage.

Bishop of Sheffield Pete Wilcox has launched a call for evidence for a government-appointed inquiry into the 1984 Battle of Orgreave, when striking miners and police clashed outside a South Yorkshire coking plant. The inquiry can compel evidence from individuals including politicians and police officers, with submissions due by 22 May. Its panel includes prosecutor Wendy Williams, historian Angela Sutton-Vane, former trade union leader Mary Bousted and law lecturer Joanna Gilmore.

Amazon will close its Marston Gate fulfilment centre in Ridgmont, Bedfordshire, its first UK facility, after a collective consultation process. The closure will affect around 500 employees, who will be offered transfers to Amazon's new £500 million Northampton fulfilment centre or other company locations. The Northampton site is due to begin operations in May, employ about 2,000 people by year-end and use advanced technology including thousands of robots. Amazon's separate sortation centre in Milton Keynes is unaffected.

London Underground drivers represented by the RMT are scheduled to strike for two days in April, May and June over working hours. At the same time, Unite is balloting Transport for London bus station and network traffic controllers over proposed roster changes, with possible action coinciding with the Tube strikes. Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham says the changes would damage workers’ work-life balance and increase the risk of disciplinary action. Earlier Tube strikes planned for the following week were called off after progress in negotiations.

London faces potential widespread travel disruption if Unite members working as Transport for London bus station and network traffic controllers strike on the same dates as planned RMT Tube-driver walkouts. Unite is balloting members over proposed rota changes, which it says could harm work-life balance and unfairly expose staff to disciplinary action. TfL says it hopes to reach an agreement. Meanwhile, two planned London Underground strikes were suspended after progress in talks over working hours, with Mayor Sadiq Khan welcoming the development.

The UK Government has announced a Steel Strategy seeking to raise the share of steel used domestically that is produced in the UK from 30% to up to 50%. Import quotas will be cut by 60% from July, with a 50% tariff applying to steel imported above the new limits, while up to £2.5 billion in financing will be made available through the National Wealth Fund. Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said the measures are needed to protect national security, infrastructure and industrial capacity amid global overproduction. The strategy confirms a transition from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces, including at Port Talbot, although this shift has already resulted in job losses. Conservative politicians described the plan as expensive and protectionist, while unions, UK Steel and Welsh leaders broadly welcomed it but raised questions about Scunthorpe’s ownership, technology choices and implementation.

Two 24-hour London Underground strikes planned for the following week have been cancelled after the RMT union reported progress in talks with London Underground management over proposed changes to drivers’ working hours and a condensed four-day week. The wider dispute remains unresolved, with further negotiations planned and other strike dates in April, May and June still scheduled.

Two planned 24-hour strikes by London Underground drivers have been called off after progress in negotiations between the RMT and London Underground over a proposed condensed four-day working week. The dispute remains unresolved, with further talks scheduled and additional strike dates in April, May and June still planned. The union says industrial action pressured management to engage seriously, while London Underground says it will continue working with unions to address concerns and prevent disruption.

A Usdaw survey of nearly 9,000 retail workers found that abuse and threats remain above pre-pandemic levels, with four in five respondents reporting verbal abuse, more than half reporting threats and one in 10 reporting assault during the past year. The union attributed incidents mainly to customer frustration and shoplifting, citing self-service checkouts, stock shortages and low staffing as contributing factors. General secretary Joanne Thomas called for greater respect, safer staffing levels and stronger protection for retail workers.

Unite is cutting its financial affiliation to the Labour Party by £580,000, or 40%, citing Labour’s handling of the year-long Birmingham bin strike and what the union calls the party’s failed economic strategy. General secretary Sharon Graham said workers feel taken for granted, and Unite will consult members on whether to remain affiliated with Labour.

Unite is reducing its financial affiliation with the Labour Party by 40%, or £580,000, following anger over Labour’s handling of the year-long Birmingham bin strike. The union says the decision reflects wider dissatisfaction with Labour’s economic strategy, treatment of workers and policies affecting public-sector employees, industry, older people and disabled people. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said members were questioning whether Labour still represented workers. The union will consult members before next year’s rules conference, where its continued affiliation could be decided.

UK job vacancies fell 3 per cent in January to 694,000, the lowest level in five years and the first time advertised roles have dropped below 700,000 since January 2021. Vacancies are down 16 per cent year on year and 19 per cent over six months, while more than two jobseekers now compete for each available role. Adzuna’s Andrew Hunter said wage growth and resilience in sectors such as teaching have not offset broader labour-market weakness, with graduate vacancies reaching a record low.

UK advertised job vacancies fell 3% in January to 694,000, their lowest level in five years and below 700,000 for the first time since January 2021. Vacancies were down 16% year on year and 19% over six months, leaving more than two jobseekers competing for each role. Adzuna said the figures reflect worsening conditions amid the cost-of-living pressures, higher national insurance contributions and the growing use of artificial intelligence. Healthcare support, warehouse, driving, labouring, and kitchen roles were among the most searched positions. Despite the decline, wages continued to outpace inflation, while teaching, domestic and cleaning jobs recorded growth.

Royal Mail continues to miss Ofcom’s delivery targets, with 77.5% of first-class mail delivered the next working day and 91.6% of second-class mail delivered within three working days. The Communication Workers Union attributes the shortfall to a recruitment crisis caused by low wages, poor conditions and management problems, and warns that Royal Mail’s proposed Universal Service Obligation reforms could worsen performance. Royal Mail says results improved from the previous quarter but remain inadequate, while defending its pay and benefits against the wider delivery industry and arguing that modernization is needed to provide a more reliable and efficient service.