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Business | Level: Mixed

Changes on 1 July: The minimum wage will increase, and there will be changes to pay day, super, and parental leave for the 2026–27 financial year.

A tax cut, new rules against high prices, and changes to text messages to stop scams will also happen.
Published 2026-07-01 BUSINESS B1

Up to 150 former WH Smith stores will close after court approves plan

The company plans to change its business structure, which includes closing stores and reducing debts to suppliers.
Published 1 July 2026 BUSINESS B1
Up to 150 former WH Smith stores will close after court approves plan

EU halves duty-free steel quota but UK and other partners given better rate

Thirteen countries with a free trade agreement with Brussels have their quota reduced by just one-third
Published 30 June 2026 BUSINESS B2
EU halves duty-free steel quota but UK and other partners given better rate

Halifax will disappear from the UK high street as Lloyds stops using the bank brand after 173 years

The company says it will stop opening new accounts under the Halifax name and move existing ones to Lloyds.
Published 1 July 2026 BUSINESS B1
Halifax will disappear from the UK high street as Lloyds stops using the bank brand after 173 years

UK house prices stall for the second month as agents warn of a summer slump

The average price of a typical home changed very little in June, says Nationwide, while housebuilder shares fell.
Published 1 July 2026 BUSINESS B1
UK house prices stall for the second month as agents warn of a summer slump

Call to suspend new EU border system during busy holidays

Airlines and airports say passengers face long queues and some flights are leaving with empty seats.
Published 1 July 2026 BUSINESS B1
Call to suspend new EU border system during busy holidays

Tell us: have you invested in gold through a specialist bullion company?

We want to hear from people who have bought gold coins, bars, or other precious metals from specialist dealers or online brokers.
Published 1 July 2026 BUSINESS B2
Tell us: have you invested in gold through a specialist bullion company?

Up to 150 former WH Smith stores to close as high court approves restructure

The restructuring plan involves writing off debts to suppliers and cutting rent for many landlords.
Published 1 July 2026 BUSINESS B2
Up to 150 former WH Smith stores to close as high court approves restructure

Call to suspend new EU border system during busy holiday times

Airlines and airports say travellers face long queues for new checks
Published 1 July 2026 BUSINESS B2
Call to suspend new EU border system during busy holiday times

Inflation risks have gone down, says US Federal Reserve chair

Oil prices drop as US president says he is getting along well with Iran; talks are reportedly happening in Doha.
Published 1 July 2026 BUSINESS B1
Inflation risks have gone down, says US Federal Reserve chair

Northern rail project risks repeating costly HS2 failures, MPs warn

The £45bn scheme to link cities across north of England with new or upgraded lines has no convincing or properly costed plan, committee says
Published 30 June 2026 BUSINESS B1
Northern rail project risks repeating costly HS2 failures, MPs warn

UK house prices stay the same for the second month in a row as agents warn of a summer slowdown

The average price of a typical home in June was £277,484, according to Nationwide. Shares in housebuilders also fell.
Published 1 July 2026 BUSINESS B2
UK house prices stay the same for the second month in a row as agents warn of a summer slowdown