Businesses

UK economy grew slightly in August ahead of key Budget

UK economy grew slightly in August ahead of key Budget

The UK economy grew slightly in August, official figures show, as focus intensifies on what measures the government might unveil in next month's Budget. An increase in manufacturing output helped the …

US blasts China as 'unreliable' as trade tensions mount

US blasts China as 'unreliable' as trade tensions mount

Top US officials have accused China of betraying a trade truce reached earlier this year, escalating tensions between the two economic giants. In an unusual, staged appearance, US Trade Representative …

What are the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage and how much are they worth?

What are the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage and how much are they worth?

Wages rose for three and a half million low-paid workers on 1 April, when the new rates for the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage took effect. The pay rates are set by the government ever …

When is the Budget and what might be in it?

When is the Budget and what might be in it?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has acknowledged she is considering tax rises and spending cuts ahead of her autumn Budget on 26 November. Before the 2024 general election, Labour promised not to increase in …

Why AI is being trained in rural India

Why AI is being trained in rural India

India has long been a centre for outsourced IT support, with cities like Bangalore or Chennai being traditional hubs for such work. But in recent years firms have been moving that work into much more …

Zimbabwe is tobacco country. But some think the future lies in blueberries

Zimbabwe is tobacco country. But some think the future lies in blueberries

Zimbabwe is Africa's biggest producer of tobacco but some farmers believe the country's long-term future could lie in a very different crop - blueberries. Thanks to a breakthrough in trade talks with …