Newsletter Aug 16, 2023

UK unemployment climbs as wages grow at record rate

UK unemployment increased in the three months to the end of June while wages grew at record annual pace, official data showed Tuesday, as the economy struggles with high inflation.

Global stocks down on weak Chinese data

Global stocks fell Tuesday after disappointing data from China deepened concerns over its economy, while strong US retail numbers and worries surrounding the American banking sector cast a pall on Wall Street.

UK Government commits £250 million to enhance NHS hospital capacity for urgent care

As part of the urgent care recovery plan, the UK allocates £250 million to NHS hospitals, creating 900 beds for faster treatment and cutting waiting lists.

UK's long-term sick pile pressure on economy

The number of people not working in t.he UK due to chronic illnesses has soared since the pandemic, putting pressure on the British economy, analysts said on Tuesday.

UK Electoral Commission faces backlash over delayed disclosure of massive voter data breach

UK Electoral Commission faces backlash over delayed disclosure of cyber breach exposing personal data of 40 million voters, prompting scrutiny of data protection measures.

Reports show 65% of UK SMEs are confident in the economic trajectory

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainties, UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are showing remarkable optimism.

Britain's Deputy Prime Minister envisions AI as the pinnacle of industrial revolutions

Deputy PM Oliver Dowden hails AI as a paramount industrial revolution, highlighting transformative potential and addressing global challenges.

Reports show 65% of UK SMEs are confident in the economic trajectory

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainties, UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are showing remarkable optimism.

Rural connectivity could make over £65 billion boost to UK economy

A study has revealed the potential for enhanced rural connectivity to inject £65.1 billion into the UK economy.

Russia tests digital ruble in bid to bypass sanctions

Russia began testing its new digital ruble with consumers on Tuesday, in the hope blockchain technology will help it evade sanctions and tighten control over its citizens.

US retail sales bounce with online spending boost

US consumer spending rose more than anticipated in July, according to government data released Tuesday, boosted by online spending in a show of resilience even as the economy cools.

'Nothing allowed for them': Afghan women demand education rights in UN appeal

Engineering student Somaya Faruqi had to flee Afghanistan to continue her studies after the Taliban government returned to power two years ago and banned more than 1.1 million girls and women from schools and universities.

Kim Jong Un sacks top general, asks his military to sharpen war plans

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un asked his generals to prepare for the possibility of war.

Microsoft Windows to be replaced by Maya OS amid rising cyber threats

Indian government agencies reportedly developed Ubuntu-based Maya OS for more than six months.

Screenshot of Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg's alleged chat surfaces online

The alleged text exchange between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg shows the Twitter boss asking his tech billionaire nemesis if they should fight in Palo Alto.

Three spies for Russia arrested in UK – what does this mean?

Three Bulgarian nationals, who have each lived in the UK for more than 10 years, have been accused of spying for the Russian security services.

Women's World Cup sets crowd records in New Zealand

The Women's World Cup gave the sport a huge boost in co-hosts New Zealand where new attendance records were set, the head of the country's football governing body said.