3 d. ago Asian shares sell off as US curbs on Nvidia chip sales to China fuel trade fears; UK inflation slows to 2.6% – business live

Gold surges nearly 2% to new record high; UK food inflation slows and fuel prices fall while clothes prices riseFinancial markets are betting on an interest rate cut from the Bank of England meeting at its May meeting, estimating an 86% probability.They have fully priced in three quarter-point rate reductions this year.A sharp pickup in inflation from April is all but guaranteed. Ofgem’s 6.4% increase to its price cap, after a large fall last year, means we expect the energy component will add 0.7ppts to CPI inflation in April. A significant increase in water bills means the contribution from the core goods category is also set to rise. In addition, we expect businesses to pass on some of the increase in labour costs caused by the recent rises in employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and the National Living Wage onto consumers. Inflation is likely to peak in the autumn, before starting to cool as the contribution from the energy category fades.The MPC has lowered Bank R...

Economics

5 d. ago End of the fish and chip shop? Owners reveal how rising prices and Labour's National Insurance rise have wiped out their profits

Fish and chip shop owners have revealed they are no longer turning a profit from selling cod, amid rising costs and tightening fishing quotas - as some say they fear going out of business altogether.

Economics

1 week ago Swinney demands ‘big and bold response’ from UK Government to Trump’s tariffs

The Scottish First Minister called on the UK Government to change its fiscal rules and reverse the recent rise in employer national insurance charges.

Politics

1 week ago Workers facing a hit of up to £11,000 over the next five years due to Labour's 'job tax' as National Insurance rise comes into effect

Chancellor Rachel Reeves' hike to employer National Insurance contributions (NICs), which she announced in October, is now in effect and is set to keep down wages.

Economics

1 week ago National Insurance hike comes into effect with warning on jobs and price rises

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said workers and business will be affected

Events

1 week ago Rise in national insurance will hit jobs and investment, high street bosses warn

Employer rates increase from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent today

Events

1 week ago Rise in national insurance to hit jobs and investment, high street bosses warn

The rate of employer national insurance contributions increases from 13.8% to 15% on Sunday April 6.

Events

1 week ago Warning on jobs and price rises as national insurance hike comes into effect

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said workers and business will be affected.

Events

2 w. ago ANDREW NEIL: Tomorrow's £25bn national insurance rise is the most self

Employers will start paying the massive increase in National Insurance contributions Rachel Reeves announced in last October's Budget from tomorrow.

Economics

2 w. ago Cost of national insurance rise could fix 14m potholes, say Tories

It is the second Conservative attack this week on the national insurance rise due to come into effect on Sunday.

Politics

3 w. ago Terminally ill children will suffer because of national insurance rises, says MP

In the Commons, MPs rejected a bid to exempt hospices, care homes, GP practices, dentists and pharmacies from the tax hike.

Politics

3 w. ago Spring Statement news: Trump's mounting tariff war threat to UK economy amid National Insurance rise stand

Watch today’s top business stories in less than two minutes.

Events

3 w. ago Cheers Rachel! Average pint of pint surges past £5 or first time as pubs suffer ballooning staffing costs

Industry bosses have warned that a rise in the UK minimum wage and National Insurance contributions next month means they will be forced to put up prices.

Economics