DPD temporary workers may have missed out on sick pay and pensions, internal documents show
Missing payments suggest employment laws may have been breached by recruitment agencies used by courier company
Crime & Courts
Iran sets tough terms for U.S. to reopen Strait of Hormuz despite progress in Oman
Iran has poured cold water on suggestions that a deal with the US is imminent, pointing to the confusion in US positions and Israeli interference as key factors in why a complete agreement is proving difficult to secure.
OpenAI to pause some work on AI model Astra due to security concerns
OpenAI will pause some work on an artificial intelligence model because of security concerns, the company stated on Friday, following a series of incidents in which AI agents have escaped containment.
Private pensions are a publicly subsidised gift to the wealthy | Phillip Inman
Private pensions are a privilege for the lucky few and a curse for everyone else. Sold as a saviour for what would otherwise be a ruinous old age, they have become pernicious financial vehicles that allow an older gener…
Bar fight: Hugo cocktail takes aim at Aperol in UK summer of spritz
It’s the summer of spritz as British sales figures show the Hugo elderflower cocktail snapping at the heels of the market-leader Aperol to be this year’s favourite drink.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino denies claims Uefa paid off alleged ‘lover’
Uefa has confirmed a “departure payment” was made to a female employee who is alleged to have been in a relationship with Gianni Infantino while he was the organisation’s general secretary, allegations Fifa has dismisse…
Can Harvey Nichols find its way back to being Absolutely Fabulous again?
Such was the buzz around Harvey Nichols in its 90s heyday that the department store was regularly name-checked in Absolutely Fabulous, with Edina and Patsy’s frequent retail therapy trips to the store reflecting its pos…
Google DeepMind enters a new era as co-founder Demis Hassabis shifts AI role
When Sir Demis Hassabis said AI had brought the world to a “pivotal moment in human history” last month, he knew another big change was imminent.
Train operators to crack down on ‘donutters’ and other digital ticket cheats
There is more than one way to commit fraud and, for some rail travellers, it has been as simple as a couple of taps on their phone as their train approaches its destination.
‘The market is dead’: why aren’t flats in England selling?
Figures show most leasehold flats in England do not find a buyer within six months, despite slashed prices
Sadiq Khan calls on Andy Burnham to commit to climate action as pressure grows over North Sea oil
Sadiq Khan: This burning summer is the proof: the voices of climate denial aren’t just delusional, they’re deadly
Union calls for robust review of OBR over fears it holds back economic growth
The TUC is urging the new chancellor, John Healey, to order a “root and branch” review of the Office for Budget Responsibility, claiming the forecaster’s approach holds back investment.
Lime bikes hurtling around the city: is this the revenge of a priced-out generation? | Andy Beckett
From running red lights to dumping bikes, some Lime users get a bad rap. But many who grumble about them don’t appreciate their own privilege
Surprise fall in US jobs last month as slow summer continues
The US economy is creating fewer jobs than expected with the employment market performing weaker during the summer than previously thought, official figures show.
FCA applying increased scrutiny to Annex 1 firms
We are concerned about a number of risks among unregulated lenders, safe custody providers, money brokers and financial leasing companies (Annex 1 firms).
Rail passengers face second day of disruption across north-west England
Problems after power failure at regional signalling centre likely to continue until noon on Friday
Global food prices at three-year high as heatwaves and wars push up crop costs
UN index says weather is affecting wheat yields while conflicts in Ukraine and Iran hit exports and drive up prices
What can Dublin teach us? Milburn goes on a quest to solve youth jobs crisis
The former UK minister discovers how apprenticeships and support networks helped slash Ireland’s Neet rate
UK house prices flat in July, says Lloyds, as buyers struggle with affordability
UK house prices were broadly stagnant in July as prospective buyers were squeezed by higher mortgage rates, uncertainty around the Middle East and stretched affordability, according to the lender Lloyds.
Boeing 737 Max operators told to check fuselages for cracks
The US aviation regulator has ordered inspections of the fuselages of Boeing 737 Max planes for possible cracks in a component.
Sir Christopher Ondaatje obituary
Businessman and philanthropist who helped fund a new wing for the National Portrait Gallery
ECB publishes consolidated banking data for end-March 2026
Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of credit institutions headquartered in the EU in March 2026
Burnham urged to tackle cost of living crisis by pressuring Trump to end Iran war
Trade unions have called on Andy Burnham to tackle the cost of living crisis at its source by pressuring Donald Trump to bring the conflict in the Middle East swiftly to an end.
July’s heatwaves kept UK shoppers away from high street
Visits down 3.8% after 6.2% fall in June, with many choosing to buy online instead, research for retail body finds